San Diego County encourages native and drought-tolerant plant use in landscaping. Section 86.709 requires water-efficient landscaping for new development. The County prohibits certain high-water-use invasive species. Native San Diego plants can reduce water use by 70–80% compared to turf.
The County's Landscape Ordinance (Section 86.709) requires new development to use water-efficient landscaping with climate-appropriate plants. The County prohibits certain plant species that require excessive water or threaten the local ecosystem, including paper mulberry and pampas grass. Native and drought-tolerant California-friendly plants are strongly encouraged. The County provides resources on appropriate plant species through the Landscape Optimization Service. Sustainable landscaping should include ground cover like mulch or river rock, and plants adapted to San Diego's Mediterranean climate. Fire-resistant native plants are recommended in wildfire zones, and invasive species should be removed from defensible space areas.
New development that does not comply with the Landscape Ordinance may have permits withheld. Prohibited plant species may be required to be removed.
Bonsall, CA
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San Diego County, CA
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San Diego County, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle native plants.
See how Bonsall's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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