Corona, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Limits
- Civil Code 4735 protects right to drought-tolerant landscaping
- Protections
- Civil Code 714.1 protects synthetic turf and low-water yards
- Limits
- MWELO applies to landscapes over 500 sq ft (new/rehab)
- Lot Coverage
- 75% of plant area must be drought-tolerant under MWELO
- Water
- Turf rebates ~$2-$3/sq ft through SoCal WaterSmart
Summary
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.
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.
Full Breakdown
California law strongly favors low-water and native landscaping. 1 (added by AB 1572-related reforms) prohibits restrictions on synthetic turf or low-water landscaping in private yards. ) 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA force me to keep a green lawn?
Do I need a permit for a native garden?
Are there free plants?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corona
California rules heatmap·Compare Corona to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle native plants.