Costa Mesa, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- State Requirement
- MWELO for projects 500+ sq ft
- Turf Rebates
- Mesa Water District programs
- HOA Restrictions
- Limited by Civil Code §4735
- Climate Zone
- Mediterranean: native species ideal
- Plan Review
- Development Services (714) 754-5245
Summary
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.
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. To increase water efficiency and better use a valuable resource, rainwater and stormwater collection and graywater and recycled water can replace or augment potable water use in landscapes. New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) . The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. Usually, local agencies that adopt WELOs create a more stringent ordinance than MWELO. The purpose of water efficient landscape ordinances is to not only increase water efficiency but to improve environmental conditions in the built environment. Landscaping should be valued beyond the aesthetic because landscapes replace habitat lost to development and provide many other related benefit
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lawn with native plants in Costa Mesa?
Can my HOA block drought-tolerant landscaping in Costa Mesa?
What native plants work well in Costa Mesa?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Costa Mesa
California rules heatmap·Compare Costa Mesa to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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