Garden Grove, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- MWELO Threshold
- New landscapes over 500 sq ft
- HOA Restrictions
- Cannot prohibit drought-tolerant plants
- Turf Removal Rebate
- ~$2/sq ft via SoCal Water$mart
- State Law
- Gov Code 65595, Civil Code 4735
- Community Development
- (714) 741-5312
Summary
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.
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. The purpose of water efficient landscape ordinances is to not only increase water efficiency but to improve environmental conditions in the built environment. Landscaping should be valued beyond the aesthetic because landscapes replace habitat lost to development and provide many other related benefits such as improvements to public health and quality of life, climate change mitigation, energy and materials conservation and increased property values. Local agencies are required to report on implementation annually by January 31 of each year to DWR's Water Use Efficiency Branch using the WUEdata Portal .
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lawn with native plants in Garden Grove?
Does Garden Grove require water-efficient landscaping?
Can my HOA force me to keep a grass lawn in Garden Grove?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garden Grove
California rules heatmap·Compare Garden Grove to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle native plants.