San Joaquin County, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

California's MWELO (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, CCR Title 23 §490 et seq.) and AB 1572 (2024) which phases out potable irrigation of non-functional turf on commercial, industrial, and HOA common-area properties drive native and xeriscape adoption across San Joaquin County. Civil Code §4735 makes HOA CC&R provisions that prohibit low-water landscaping, drought-tolerant plants, or artificial turf unenforceable. Government Code §53087.7 limits local governments from banning water-efficient landscaping. The San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District (SJCRCD), UC Master Gardeners of San Joaquin County, and the CA Native Plant Society's Sacramento Valley Chapter maintain native plant lists suited to the Central Valley's USDA Zone 9b climate — valley oak (Quercus lobata), blue oak, California buckwheat, California fuchsia, deer grass, and native sages. California Water Service (Stockton), Woodbridge Irrigation District, South San Joaquin Irrigation District, and Stockton East Water District run the Lawn to Garden / Cash for Grass rebate programs, offering $1 to $3 per square foot for turf conversion. Invasive species to remove include perennial pepperweed, Himalayan blackberry, and water hyacinth in Delta areas.