Citrus Heights, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- MWELO Trigger
- Over 500 sq ft
- State Regulation
- CCR Title 23 Section 492
- Water Budget
- Required
- Rebates
- Cash for Grass
- Examples
- Salvia manzanita ceanothus
Summary
Citrus Heights encourages native and low-water landscaping, with MWELO governing new projects over 500 square feet of landscape area.
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
California native plants are encouraged throughout Citrus Heights landscapes to reduce irrigation demand. New development and major renovation projects with more than 500 square feet of landscape area must comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance under California Code of Regulations Title 23 Section 492. MWELO requires a water budget calculation, efficient irrigation design, and limits on high-water turf. Regional Water Authority and both local water districts offer free plant lists and Cash for Grass rebates encouraging turf replacement with California friendly plantings such as salvias, manzanitas, and ceanothus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a turf removal rebate?
Do I have to use natives?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Citrus Heights
California rules heatmap·Compare Citrus Heights to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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How other cities in Sacramento County handle native plants.