Burbank, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- BMC 8-2-304(A)(14) (median turf) + CCR Title 23 Sec. 490-495 (MWELO)
- Median Turf
- Irrigating ornamental turf on public street medians prohibited
- New Landscapes
- Must meet California MWELO water-efficiency standards
- Existing Lawns
- Conversion encouraged via rebates, not mandated
Summary
Burbank's Sustainable Water Use Ordinance bans irrigating ornamental turf on public street medians and encourages drought-tolerant landscaping; new and rehabilitated landscapes must also comply with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
The purpose of water efficient landscape ordinances is to not only increase water efficiency but to improve environmental conditions in the built environment. New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Burbank promotes drought-tolerant and native landscaping through its water-conservation program and the Sustainable Water Use Ordinance (BMC 8-2-301 et seq.). Among the year-round Stage I measures, BMC 8-2-304(A)(14) provides 'Do not irrigate ornamental turf on public street medians.' For new construction and major landscape renovations, Burbank applies the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), codified in the California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7 (Sections 490-495), which sets water budgets, plant-factor limits favoring low-water and native plants, and irrigation-efficiency standards for covered landscape projects. Burbank does not mandate that existing private lawns be converted to native plants, but offers turf-replacement guidance and rebates through Burbank Water and Power and regional programs.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the Sustainable Water Use Ordinance (including median-turf irrigation) are enforced by administrative citation under BMC 1-1-108.1; MWELO compliance is verified at building/landscape permit review for covered projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Burbank require drought-tolerant landscaping?
Can the city water grass on street medians?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burbank
California rules heatmap·Compare Burbank to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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