Sacramento County encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through MWELO and regional water-wise programs. New development over 500 sq ft must meet Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance water budget rules.
The California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, 23 CCR 490 et seq.) applies to new and rehabilitated landscapes over 500 sq ft for permitted residential or 2,500 sq ft for non-permitted installs. Water budgets must comply with the Maximum Applied Water Allowance using an evapotranspiration adjustment factor of 0.55 for residential. Sacramento County Landscape Ordinance (Chapter 19.12 and MWELO incorporation) enforces hydrozoning, high-efficiency irrigation, and recommends California native plant palettes suited to the Sacramento Valley (valley oak, deergrass, toyon, redbud, California poppy). Sacramento Regional Water Authority provides River Friendly Landscape rebates up to several dollars per sq ft of lawn conversion.
Plan check denial for noncompliant new landscapes. No retroactive requirements for existing lawns, but conversion incentives are offered.
Sacramento County, CA
Unincorporated Sacramento County Zoning Code restricts RV, boat, and trailer storage in residential zones. Generally allowed in side or rear yards with scree...
Sacramento County, CA
Unincorporated Sacramento County does not generally prohibit overnight street parking in residential areas. The CVC 22651(k) 72-hour rule applies. Some comme...
Sacramento County, CA
California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes equal cost-sharing for boundary fences. 30-day written notice is required before building or rep...
Sacramento County, CA
Fences 7 feet and under in unincorporated Sacramento County do not require a building permit, but a zoning clearance is required for front-yard fences over 3...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County allows backyard chickens in most residential zones: up to 6 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft, no roosters in RD zones. Coops must be set bac...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County Code 9.60 prohibits feeding wild mammals including deer, raccoons, coyotes, and wild turkeys. Bird feeders are allowed if they do not attra...
See how Sacramento County's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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