Hemet, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Existing single-family residential lots
- Required area
- Visible front/side yard setbacks
- Drought-tolerant plants
- Explicitly listed as acceptable
- Parkway landscaping
- Owner's responsibility
- Code section
- § 90-317(c)(3)
Summary
Hemet requires visible front and side yards on existing single-family lots to be landscaped, but its code names drought-tolerant plants and groundcover as acceptable materials rather than mandating turf grass.
(c)Landscaping on existing single-family residential properties is subject to the following minimum standards:(1)All areas in the front or side yard setback visible from the public right-of-way and not covered by structures, driveways, or hardscape shall be landscaped.(2)Parkways, located between the curb and the sidewalk, are the responsibility of the property owner and shall be landscaped and maintained.(3)Appropriate landscape includes drought tolerant plants, groundcover, bushes, and trees or a combination of living and non-living groundcover such as decorative rock, bark, artificial turf, or decomposed granite. (Ord. No. 1919, § 1(Exh. 1), 9-27-16)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 69 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under Hemet's site development standards, all front or side yard setback areas visible from the public right-of-way that are not covered by structures, driveways, or hardscape must be landscaped, and parkway strips between the curb and sidewalk are the homeowner's responsibility to plant and maintain. The code specifically lists drought-tolerant plants, groundcover, bushes, and trees, or a combination of living and non-living groundcover, as meeting this standard, so a native or water-wise plant palette satisfies the requirement without needing a variance.
Violations & Fines
The code sets no separate penalty here; compliance is checked by the community development department during building permit review and by code enforcement on existing properties with bare or unmaintained yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I xeriscape my front yard in Hemet?
Does Hemet require a grass lawn in front yards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hemet
California rules heatmap·Compare Hemet to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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How other cities in Riverside County handle native plants.