San Diego County encourages native and drought-tolerant plant use in landscaping. Section 86.709 requires water-efficient landscaping for new development. The County prohibits certain high-water-use invasive species. Native San Diego plants can reduce water use by 70–80% compared to turf.
The County's Landscape Ordinance (Section 86.709) requires new development to use water-efficient landscaping with climate-appropriate plants. The County prohibits certain plant species that require excessive water or threaten the local ecosystem, including paper mulberry and pampas grass. Native and drought-tolerant California-friendly plants are strongly encouraged. The County provides resources on appropriate plant species through the Landscape Optimization Service. Sustainable landscaping should include ground cover like mulch or river rock, and plants adapted to San Diego's Mediterranean climate. Fire-resistant native plants are recommended in wildfire zones, and invasive species should be removed from defensible space areas.
New development that does not comply with the Landscape Ordinance may have permits withheld. Prohibited plant species may be required to be removed.
San Diego County, CA
San Diego County Code Chapter 6 (Animal Control) and the noise ordinance address barking dogs. Persistently barking dogs that disturb neighbors violate Secti...
San Diego County, CA
San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances Section 36.404 sets noise limits by property zone and time of day. Residential zones: 50 dBA daytime (7 AM–10 ...
San Diego County, CA
Vehicles on public streets in unincorporated San Diego County cannot be parked for more than 72 consecutive hours. A vehicle must be moved at least 0.5 miles...
San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County does not have a blanket overnight parking ban. The 72-hour parking rule applies. Some specific communities or HOAs may impose...
San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County enforces the 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 (adopted under County Code Title 9, Division 1) for smoke alarms. ...
San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County allows home occupations as accessory residential uses under Section 6156 of the County Zoning Ordinance and PDS-304 standards...
See how San Diego County's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.