Civil Code 4735 and 714.1 protect Corona homeowners installing native and drought-tolerant landscaping. New landscapes over 500 sq ft must comply with the state MWELO under CCR Title 23.
California law strongly favors low-water and native landscaping. Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from enforcing rules requiring live turf or banning drought-tolerant plants, and Civil Code §714.1 (added by AB 1572-related reforms) prohibits restrictions on synthetic turf or low-water landscaping in private yards. Corona implements the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, CCR Title 23 §490 et seq.) for any new or rehabilitated landscape over 500 sq ft (residential) or 2,500 sq ft for permitted projects: at least 75% of non-turf plant area must be drought-tolerant or native, plant water use is calculated via WUCOLS, and dedicated landscape water meters or sub-meters are required for projects over 5,000 sq ft. The city's Water-Wise Landscape Program promotes plants from the MWD California Friendly palette such as California fuchsia, manzanita, ceanothus, sage, deer grass, and toyon. Corona DWP and MWD offer turf-replacement rebates ($2-$3 per square foot) through SoCal WaterSmart for converting live grass to climate-appropriate landscape. Front-yard turf is subject to MWELO; back-yard turf is permitted but subject to AB 1572 if the property is commercial or HOA common area.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Corona code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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