Fresno encourages native and drought-tolerant plantings under its Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) adopted from state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. New landscaping over 500 square feet must meet water budget targets favoring native and low-water plants. HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping under Civil Code §§4735 and 4739.
Fresno implements the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) through FMC Chapter 6 and the Water Division. New and rehabilitated landscape projects of 500+ square feet (residential) or 2,500+ square feet (non-residential) must submit a Landscape Documentation Package demonstrating compliance with a maximum applied water allowance. Native plant materials suited to Central Valley include California fuchsia, valley oak, deergrass, California poppy, coyote brush, toyon, and manzanita species. Invasive ornamentals such as pampas grass, periwinkle, and tree of heaven are discouraged. AB 1572 (2023) prohibits irrigation of non-functional turf with potable water on commercial, institutional, industrial, and HOA common areas on a phased schedule through 2031. Civil Code §4735 protects homeowner rights to reduce turf; Civil Code §4739 (expanded by AB 1572) protects native and water-efficient plantings from HOA restriction. Fresno Water Division offers turf replacement rebates. San Joaquin Valley native plant nurseries include Intermountain Nursery and Central Coast Wilds.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Fresno code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not regulate decorative lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round yard decorations on private property. Property maintenance standards in FMC Chapt...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not specifically regulate residential inflatable holiday displays. There is no size cap, lighting curfew, or fan-noise limit specific to inflatab...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday light displays. Display dates, brightness, and decorative content are not regulated ...
Fresno, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Fresno require building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits under FMC Chapter 11 (Building Regulations), which adopts the Cal...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating backyard smokers or wood-fired ovens by time of day. Use is governed by the general nuisance provisions ...
Fresno, CA
Fresno enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) as adopted in FMC Chapter 10, Article 5 (Fire Prevention). Under CFC §308.1.4 (the California amended version ...
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