Fresno, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Welo Applies 500+
- WELO applies to 500+ sq ft new landscape
- Native/drought-tolerant Encouraged
- Native/drought-tolerant encouraged
- Ab 1572 Phases
- AB 1572 phases out non-functional turf
- Civil Code §4735/â§4739
- Civil Code §4735/§4739 protect conservation
- Fresno Water Division
- Fresno Water Division rebates available
Summary
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.
New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. Usually, local agencies that adopt WELOs create a more stringent ordinance than MWELO.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace my Fresno lawn with natives?
Can my HOA make me keep grass in Fresno?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle native plants.