Garden Grove encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping consistent with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The city enforces MWELO requirements for new landscaping projects over 500 square feet. HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping under California Government Code Section 65595. Turf removal rebates are available through regional water agencies.
Garden Grove enforces the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) for new and rehabilitated landscapes exceeding 500 square feet. MWELO requires a maximum applied water allowance, water-efficient irrigation, and encourages use of climate-appropriate plants. The city's Community Development Department reviews landscape plans for MWELO compliance during the building permit process. California Government Code Section 65595 and Civil Code Section 4735 prohibit HOAs from requiring water-wasteful landscaping or penalizing homeowners who replace turf with drought-tolerant plants. The Municipal Water District of Orange County offers turf removal rebates through the SoCal Water$mart program, typically $2 per square foot for replacing grass with drought-tolerant landscaping. Recommended native plants for Garden Grove include California sagebrush, toyon, manzanita, and various native bunch grasses suited to the Mediterranean climate.
MWELO compliance is required for new landscaping over 500 square feet. Non-compliance may delay building permits. HOAs that penalize drought-tolerant landscaping violate state law. Contact Community Development at (714) 741-5312.
Garden Grove, CA
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Garden Grove, CA
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Garden Grove, CA
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Garden Grove, CA
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Garden Grove, CA
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