Alameda County, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- MWELO threshold
- 500 sqft new landscape
- Rebates
- EBMUD, ACWD lawn conversion
- Suggested natives
- Live oak, toyon, Ceanothus
- Fire-wise list
- CAL FIRE maintains
- Technical help
- ACRCD free
Summary
Native and drought-tolerant plants are encouraged throughout Alameda County. State MWELO requires climate-appropriate plants for new landscapes, and EBMUD/ACWD offer rebates for lawn-to-native conversions.
New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. Usually, local agencies that adopt WELOs create a more stringent ordinance than MWELO. Local agencies are required to report on implementation annually by January 31 of each year to DWR's Water Use Efficiency Branch.
Full Breakdown
Native plants adapted to the Mediterranean climate of Alameda County are strongly encouraged by the county, state, and local water utilities. The California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) applies to new and rehabilitated landscapes over 500 square feet and requires a certain percentage of climate-adapted or native plants, limits high-water-use turf, and mandates smart irrigation controllers, drip systems, and hydrozoning. EBMUD and ACWD both offer cash rebates for replacing thirsty lawn with qualifying low-water and native landscapes. Common appropriate natives for Alameda County include coast live oak, toyon, California lilac (Ceanothus), manzanita, sagebrush, yarrow, California poppy, buckwheat, and deer grass. In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, plant selection should balance drought tolerance with low flammability; CAL FIRE maintains a list of fire-wise plants. The Alameda County Resource Conservation District provides free technical assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to plant natives?
Are natives fire-safe?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda County
California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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