Fullerton, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Fullerton implements California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, California Code of Regulations Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7) for all new construction and landscape renovations exceeding 500 square feet of irrigated area. The MWELO establishes a Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) based on climate zone data, which effectively requires designers to specify predominantly low-water-use and drought-tolerant plant species to stay within the water budget. At least 75% of the plant area in non-turf zones must consist of low-water or very-low-water-use species as classified by the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) database maintained by UC Davis. Existing homeowners are not required to replace their landscaping, but Fullerton actively encourages conversion from traditional turf to native and drought-tolerant landscapes through several programs. The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) offers turf removal rebates, typically $2 to $3 per square foot of turf replaced with qualifying drought-tolerant landscaping. The Orange County Water District may offer additional incentives. Qualifying replacement plants generally must appear on approved low-water-use plant lists. Native California species such as California buckwheat, Cleveland sage, deer grass, and coast live oak are well-suited to Fullerton's Mediterranean climate. Fullerton's community has embraced native landscaping in many public spaces, including restoration areas along Fullerton Creek and native plantings in city parks.