Lincoln residents have a state-law right to install drought-tolerant and California native landscapes; HOAs and the city cannot prohibit them under Civil Code 4735, and any new landscape over 500 sq ft must meet the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
California Civil Code 4735 voids any HOA CC&R provision that prohibits or unreasonably restricts low water-using plants, drought-tolerant landscaping, or artificial turf. Lincoln has many master-planned HOA neighborhoods (Sun City Lincoln Hills, Lincoln Crossing, Twelve Bridges) where this preemption is especially relevant. The city does not have a separate native-plants ordinance, but Title 18 (Zoning) landscape standards work in concert with the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (23 CCR 490 et seq.). MWELO requires new residential landscapes of 500+ sq ft (with permit) or 2,500+ sq ft (without permit) to limit turf area, use a maximum applied water allowance, install efficient irrigation with smart controllers, and prepare a Landscape Documentation Package signed by a qualified landscape professional. Lincoln also encourages drought-tolerant species through Placer County Water Agency rebates and the city's Water Efficiency program.
Civil Code 4735 violations by HOAs are enforced through civil action by the homeowner; HOAs that ignore the rule may owe attorney's fees. Failure to comply with MWELO on permitted projects is enforced by Community Development as a planning/building violation; the city may withhold final inspection until the landscape plan is corrected.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lincoln, CA
A building/zoning permit is generally required in Lincoln for fences over 6 feet or masonry/retaining walls; pool barrier fences must meet the California Bui...
Lincoln, CA
California has no statewide juvenile curfew, but cities and counties may impose one. Lincoln's curfew provisions sit in Title 9 (Public Peace, Morals and Wel...
Lincoln, CA
Lincoln's authority over sidewalk vendors is constrained by California's Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946, codified at Gov. Code §§51036–51039). The City ma...
Lincoln, CA
Lincoln allows residents to bar door-to-door solicitation by posting a clear 'No Solicitors' or 'No Trespassing' sign at the property entrance. Permitted ped...
Lincoln, CA
Door-to-door peddlers and solicitors in Lincoln must obtain a Peddler Permit from the Lincoln Police Department under Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 5.36. Th...
Lincoln, CA
Lincoln has not enacted an ordinance specifically banning drones in McBean Park, Foskett Regional Park, or other city parks. The Parks & Recreation Departmen...
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