Anaheim encourages native and water-efficient plants through its Landscape Water Efficiency Ordinance (AMC 10.19). New landscaping projects must meet water budget calculations using drought-tolerant species where feasible.
AMC Chapter 10.19 promotes water-efficient landscaping by requiring new and refurbished landscape projects to meet Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) calculations. The ETAF (evapotranspiration adjustment factor) is 0.55 for residential and 0.45 for non-residential areas, encouraging drought-tolerant and native plant selections. AMC 18.46.030 requires trees as part of landscaping plans. The city's Landscape Guidelines for Implementation provide plant selection guidance prioritizing low-water-use species. California native plants are encouraged as they require less irrigation and provide habitat. The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) applies to projects with over 500 sq ft of new landscaping. Special Landscape Areas may use an ETAF of 1.0 for edible gardens and functional turf. Invasive species should be avoided per California Invasive Plant Council guidelines.
Exceeding water budget: landscape plan revision required. Non-compliant planting: correction notice. Failure to install required trees: permit hold.
Anaheim, CA
Anaheim has no city ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. California Civil Code §4710 limits...
Anaheim, CA
Anaheim has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to right...
Anaheim, CA
Anaheim has no city ordinance setting installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Lights are permitted year-r...
Anaheim, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Anaheim require permits through the Planning & Building Department: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line permit for n...
Anaheim, CA
Anaheim has no city-specific ordinance regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single-family homes. Operation is gover...
Anaheim, CA
Anaheim adopts the 2022 California Fire Code (CFC) under AMC Title 16. CFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices (charcoal, wood) and propane tanks l...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle native plants.
See how Anaheim's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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