Kings County, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Native/drought-tolerant share
- 75% of landscaped area
- Applies to
- new development, unincorporated area
- Framework
- Low-Impact Development principles
- Reviewed by
- Kings County Building Official
Summary
New development in unincorporated Kings County must incorporate Low-Impact Development principles, including predominant use of native and drought-tolerant plants across 75 percent of landscaped area wherever possible.
New development projects in all unincorporated areas of the county shall incorporate Low-Impact Development (LID) principles to minimize long-term stormwater runoff. Such principles include:
a. The use of permeable paving, such as pavers, porous concrete, or pathway comprised of decomposed granite that
Sustainable Art. 15 Development Page 15 - 2
Practices
DEVELOPMENT CODE is effective in stormwater infiltration to prevent excess runoff (See Section 1506.A).
b. The use of bioswales to redirect storm water into planter strips rather than capturing runoff in pipes and diverting it to a remote location.
c. The use of low water conserving drought tolerant and native landscaping as well as water efficient irrigation such as drip irrigation systems to water trees, shrub beds, and areas of ground cover to minimize evaporation losses and runoff.
d. The predominant use (75 percent of landscaped area) of native plants and drought tolerant landscaping wherever possible including Xeriscaping.
e. The use of gray water for landscaping, agriculture, recreation and open space areas is highly encouraged.
3. Landscaped areas should be pre-planned and installed as an integral part of the overall project and not simply located
Full Breakdown
Development Code Sec. 1504(E)(2), part of Article 15's Landscaping Regulations, requires new development projects countywide (unincorporated area) to incorporate Low-Impact Development principles to curb long-term stormwater runoff. One listed principle, Sec. 1504(E)(2)(d), calls for the predominant use, 75 percent of landscaped area, of native plants and drought-tolerant landscaping, including Xeriscaping, wherever possible. Historic sites, ecological-restoration and mined-land reclamation projects without permanent irrigation, and public botanical gardens are exempt under Sec. 1504(B).
Violations & Fines
Landscaping plans must go through county plan review before building or grading permits issue; plans that don't hit the 75% native/drought-tolerant threshold aren't approved as submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kings County require native plants in new landscaping?
Is anything exempt from the landscaping rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kings County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kings County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.