San Diego County, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Unincorporated San Diego County actively promotes native and drought-tolerant landscaping. The County's Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance (County Code Title 8, Division 6, Chapter 7) and the supporting Water Efficient Landscape Design Manual require permitted landscape projects to choose climate-appropriate plants, limit high-water turf, and meet a plant-based water budget; native species typically carry a low plant factor and help projects meet that budget. County guidance for homeowners highlights regional natives such as Cleveland sage, Ceanothus (California lilac), and bush anemone as fire-smart, water-wise choices that build healthy soils and retain moisture. For permitted projects, irrigated turf is capped at 25% of the total landscaped area for single- and multi-family residences, a minimum three-inch mulch layer is required on exposed soil, and transitional areas must use site-adaptive native and compatible non-native species while excluding invasive plants. Separately, existing native vegetation within wetlands, steep slopes, and sensitive habitat lands is protected under the County Resource Protection Ordinance, so removing native stands can require review. For an ordinary homeowner installing a native garden on a small private lot without a permit, native planting is fully allowed and encouraged; the regulatory requirements attach mainly to permitted construction and to clearing protected native habitat.