Chula Vista, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Ordinance
- CVMC Chapter 20.12. Landscape Water Conservation
- NatureScape
- City program promoting native/drought-tolerant plants
- WELO Threshold
- New landscapes >500 sq ft (residential)
- Rebates
- Available through Sweetwater Authority and Otay WD
- Contact
- Conservation Section, (619) 409-3893
Summary
Chula Vista encourages native and drought-tolerant plantings through its Landscape Water Conservation ordinance (CVMC Chapter 20.12) and NatureScape program. New developments must comply with the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requiring low-water-use plant selections.
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) .
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
CVMC Chapter 20.12 implements the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act requirements for new and renovated landscapes. The ordinance encourages the use of native and drought-tolerant plants adapted to the local climate. The city's NatureScape program provides resources, plant lists, and guidance for converting landscapes to water-efficient designs featuring California native plants. The program promotes plants that thrive in Chula Vista's Mediterranean climate with minimal supplemental irrigation. New development and significant landscape renovation projects (over 500 square feet for residential, over 2,500 square feet for non-residential) must submit landscape documentation packages showing compliance with maximum applied water allowance limits. Plant selections should be appropriate for the local climate and soil conditions. The Sweetwater Authority and Otay Water District also provide rebate programs for turf removal and conversion to water-wise landscapes.
Violations & Fines
New development projects that fail to submit required landscape documentation or install non-compliant landscapes may have building permits withheld. Existing landscapes are encouraged but not required to convert to native plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chula Vista require native plants in landscaping?
What is the NatureScape program?
Are there rebates for replacing my lawn with native plants?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chula Vista
California rules heatmap·Compare Chula Vista to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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