Riverside County, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Riverside County actively promotes native and California-friendly (drought-tolerant) landscaping rather than restricting it. The County's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Ordinance 859 (and updates through 859.3), applies to new and rehabilitated residential landscapes of 2,500 square feet or more and to commercial and industrial landscapes, requiring plans designed under a water-budget formula with a goal of cutting landscape-related water use by roughly 30 percent per site. The County's Guide to California Friendly Landscaping recommends climate-appropriate native and low-water plants, efficient irrigation, and mulch. For homeowners in associations, California Civil Code 4735 makes void and unenforceable any HOA governing-document provision that prohibits low-water-using plants or native landscaping, and HOAs cannot fine homeowners for reducing irrigation during a declared drought emergency, though they may still set reasonable aesthetic standards. While planting native species is encouraged, established native trees on larger, higher-elevation parcels are protected: Ordinance 559 requires a permit to remove living native trees on parcels over one-half acre above 5,000 feet, and the Oak Tree Management Guidelines protect oaks during development. There is no county rule forcing residents to plant only natives, and no rule banning native gardens; the framework rewards water-wise, native-friendly choices.