New Elk Grove landscaping over 500 square feet must comply with the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), prioritizing low-water-use and native plants. AB 1572 bans the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf on commercial, industrial, and HOA properties starting in 2027-2031.
California's MWELO (Title 23 CCR §§490-495) is implemented by Elk Grove for new construction and major landscape rehab projects over 500 square feet. Designs must include a plant factor analysis, drip or high-efficiency irrigation, hydrozoning, and mulch. Native California plants and climate-appropriate species such as valley oaks, toyon, California fuchsia, deer grass, and ceanothus help projects meet the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. AB 1572 (2023) prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf at commercial, institutional, industrial, and HOA common-area sites, phased in between January 2027 and January 2031. Single-family homeowners are not covered by AB 1572, but are encouraged to convert lawns via Cal Water and Regional Water Authority cash-for-grass rebates. Elk Grove's design guidelines further encourage native and drought-tolerant palettes in street-tree and park-strip planting.
MWELO noncompliance: permit denial or withholding of final inspection until landscape plan is corrected. AB 1572 violators (commercial/HOA) face fines assessed by the State Water Board.
Elk Grove, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle native plants.
See how Elk Grove's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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