Hanford, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Projects needing landscape plans
- State rule interaction
- Stricter of local/MWELO applies
- Tree sizing
- 10% at 24-inch box+
- Groundcover
- Full coverage within 2 years
Summary
New Hanford, California development must design landscaping around drought-tolerant, climate-appropriate plant species under the city's Chapter 17.52 landscape standards, on top of state water-efficiency rules.
Plant Materials. Plant materials shall be selected and installed in accordance with the following requirements:
1. The size of 10% of the trees to be planted shall be 24 inch box or larger. The remaining trees shall be sized 15 gallons or larger.
2. The size of 70% of plants and shrubs shall be at five gallon or larger. The remaining plants and shrubs shall be sized one gallon or larger.
3. The size of groundcover at planting shall be one gallon or larger.
4. Groundcover shall be designed to have 100% coverage within two years.
5. Drought tolerant plant material and climate appropriate species shall be emphasized in the design. (Ord. 17-04, 2017; Ord. 24-11, 12/3/2024)
Full Breakdown
Hanford Municipal Code § 17.52.060(B)(5) directs that drought tolerant plant material and climate appropriate species be emphasized in the design of required landscape plans. It sits inside a broader Plant Materials standard setting tree, shrub, and groundcover sizing (10% of trees at 24-inch box or larger; groundcover reaching full coverage within two years). Chapter 17.52 applies to all projects required to submit a landscape concept and construction plan, and Section 17.52.010(D) states that where this chapter conflicts with the current State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, the more stringent provision applies.
Violations & Fines
A landscape plan that does not emphasize drought-tolerant, climate-appropriate species can be rejected at plan review, delaying building permit or certificate-of-occupancy issuance until it is revised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I landscape a new Hanford project with only native, drought-tolerant plants?
Does state water-efficiency law override Hanford's landscape chapter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hanford
California rules heatmap·Compare Hanford to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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