Costa Mesa encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through compliance with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). Rebates for turf replacement are available through Mesa Water District and Metropolitan Water District programs.
Costa Mesa follows California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) per Government Code Section 65595, requiring water-efficient landscape design for new construction and major renovations exceeding 500 square feet of landscape area. MWELO requires a maximum applied water allowance (MAWA) calculation, efficient irrigation systems, and appropriate plant selection. The city encourages replacing traditional turf with California-native and drought-tolerant species adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Popular approved species include California sagebrush, buckwheat, manzanita, and various native grasses. The Mesa Water District offers turf removal rebates, and the Metropolitan Water District SoCal WaterSmart program provides additional incentives. Costa Mesa HOAs cannot unreasonably restrict drought-tolerant landscaping per California Civil Code Section 4735. The city's landscape requirements support stormwater management goals. Development Services at (714) 754-5245 reviews landscape plans for MWELO compliance.
New projects failing to comply with MWELO requirements may have landscape plans rejected. HOAs unreasonably restricting drought-tolerant plants violate California Civil Code Section 4735.
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa Municipal Code Title 13 establishes noise standards that vary by zoning district. Industrial and commercial noise crossing into residential zones ...
Costa Mesa, CA
Outdoor music at residences, parks, and events in Costa Mesa must comply with CMMC Title 13 noise standards. Amplified outdoor music requires compliance with...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa regulates amplified music under CMMC Chapter XIII noise control. Music and sound-producing devices must comply with exterior noise standards at th...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa defines abandoned vehicles as those left on public streets for more than 72 hours without being moved or those that are inoperable. The city proac...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa prohibits commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVW from parking on restricted streets between 2 AM and 6 AM, or for more than 3 hours on any pub...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa requires vehicles to park on improved surfaces under its development and property maintenance standards. Driveway design must meet zoning requirem...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
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See how Costa Mesa's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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