Camarillo, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- MWELO Applies
- New construction >500 sq ft landscape
- Turf Rebates
- Through Camrosa Water District
- HOA Protections
- CC 4735 limits drought fines
- Smart Controllers
- Required for new construction
- Camrosa Water
- (805) 482-4677
Summary
Camarillo encourages drought-tolerant and native plant landscaping through the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) requirements for new construction and the Camrosa Water District's turf replacement rebate programs. The city does not mandate native plant landscaping for existing homes but incentivizes water-wise conversion.
About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. Large water savings can be gained by efficient landscape design, installation, management, and maintenance. This is accomplished by choosing climate adapted plants, improving soil conditions, using, and maintaining high efficiency irrigation equipment and managing the irrigation schedule to fit the plants water needs as they are influenced by local climate. To increase water efficiency and better use a valuable resource, rainwater and stormwater collection and graywater and recycled water can replace or augment potable water use in landscapes. New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) .
Full Breakdown
Under the California MWELO (Government Code Section 65591-65599), new construction and major landscape renovations in Camarillo exceeding 500 square feet must comply with water-efficient landscape standards. This includes maximum applied water allowance calculations, efficient irrigation systems with smart controllers, and plant selection emphasizing drought-tolerant species. The Camrosa Water District offers turf replacement rebate programs that pay per square foot of lawn converted to drought-tolerant landscaping, typically requiring approved plant lists featuring native and climate-appropriate species. Metropolitan Water District rebate programs may also apply. California native plants well-suited to Camarillo's climate include California sages, buckwheat, manzanita, ceanothus, and native grasses. Many Camarillo HOAs have embraced drought-tolerant landscaping and updated their architectural guidelines to allow front-yard conversions, though some older CC&Rs may still require traditional grass lawns. AB 1223 (California Civil Code 4735) limits HOA ability to fine homeowners for drought-compliant landscaping during declared drought emergencies.
Violations & Fines
No penalties for having traditional landscaping. MWELO violations on new construction enforced through the building permit process. HOAs that fine for drought-compliant landscaping during declared droughts may violate California Civil Code 4735. Contact Camrosa Water at (805) 482-4677 for rebates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lawn with drought-tolerant plants in Camarillo?
Can my HOA require me to keep a grass lawn?
What native plants work well in Camarillo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Camarillo
California rules heatmap·Compare Camarillo to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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