Lakewood, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Summary
Lakewood may encourage or require native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Some areas restrict traditional grass lawns in favor of water-efficient alternatives.
icient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)</a>. The MWELO is also referenced by <span><a href="https://www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc/calgreen">Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5</a></span> 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.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The purpose of water efficient landscape ordinances is to not only increase water efficiency but to improve environmental conditions in the built environment.<span> </span>Landscaping should be valued beyond the aesthetic because landscapes replace habitat lost to development and provide many other related bene
Full Breakdown
Lakewood increasingly supports native plant landscaping and xeriscaping for water conservation and habitat restoration. Some jurisdictions offer rebates for lawn replacement with drought-tolerant plants. HOAs in many states can no longer prohibit xeriscaping or native plant gardens. Municipal water restrictions may effectively require low-water landscaping for new developments. Native plant lists are typically available from local cooperative extension offices. Invasive species removal may be required or incentivized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA force me to keep a grass lawn?
Are there rebates for replacing my lawn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
California rules heatmap·Compare Lakewood to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle native plants.