Fairfield encourages native and drought-tolerant plants and complies with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) for new and renovated landscapes that meet the state thresholds. There is no city ban on lawns for existing residential properties.
Fairfield does not prohibit traditional turf in existing residential yards, but the city actively promotes native and drought-tolerant species through its Water Conservation program. Recommended landscapes group plants in 'hydrozones' so similar water-use plants share an irrigation valve, reducing over- and under-watering. The city follows the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), adopted under Water Code Section 65595 and codified in 23 CCR Section 490 and following sections, which applies to new construction landscapes over 500 square feet that require a permit, plan check, or design review, and to rehabilitated landscapes over 2,500 square feet for permitted projects. MWELO sets a Maximum Applied Water Allowance, requires soil amendments, smart irrigation controllers, dedicated landscape meters at larger sites, and mulch coverage. AB 1572 (effective in stages 2027-2031) layers on top by banning potable irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional sites statewide. Cash-for-grass and turf-replacement rebates are periodically offered through the city's Water Division to encourage conversion to climate-appropriate landscapes.
MWELO non-compliance is handled through the project plan-check process - landscape plans that do not meet MWELO are not approved. Existing residential lawns face no penalty for being installed, but water-use must still respect the noon-to-6 p.m. ban and any drought-stage restrictions.
Fairfield, CA
Residential pools in Fairfield must be enclosed by a barrier between 60 and 72 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the poo...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield does not prescribe specific residential fence materials beyond prohibiting barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing in residential zones. C...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield follows California Civil Code §841, the Good Neighbor Fence Law: adjoining owners are presumed to share equally in the cost of building, maintainin...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield requires a building permit for fences and freestanding walls over 7 feet tall and for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the f...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield Municipal Code Section 25.30 caps front-yard fences at 42 inches within 15 feet of the front property line and 7 feet beyond that. Street side yard...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield Municipal Code does not set a hard numeric cap on dogs or cats per household. Animals must be licensed, vaccinated, and kept in conditions that do ...
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