California Government Code §53087.7 and the AB 1572 non-functional turf ban (2024) encourage native and drought-tolerant landscaping in San Joaquin County, and Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning low-water plants. The San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District maintains a native plant list for the Central Valley and Delta, and local water agencies offer turf-replacement rebates. San Joaquin Valley oak woodland species are especially encouraged.
California's MWELO (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, CCR Title 23 §490 et seq.) and AB 1572 (2024) which phases out potable irrigation of non-functional turf on commercial, industrial, and HOA common-area properties drive native and xeriscape adoption across San Joaquin County. Civil Code §4735 makes HOA CC&R provisions that prohibit low-water landscaping, drought-tolerant plants, or artificial turf unenforceable. Government Code §53087.7 limits local governments from banning water-efficient landscaping. The San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District (SJCRCD), UC Master Gardeners of San Joaquin County, and the CA Native Plant Society's Sacramento Valley Chapter maintain native plant lists suited to the Central Valley's USDA Zone 9b climate — valley oak (Quercus lobata), blue oak, California buckwheat, California fuchsia, deer grass, and native sages. California Water Service (Stockton), Woodbridge Irrigation District, South San Joaquin Irrigation District, and Stockton East Water District run the Lawn to Garden / Cash for Grass rebate programs, offering $1 to $3 per square foot for turf conversion. Invasive species to remove include perennial pepperweed, Himalayan blackberry, and water hyacinth in Delta areas.
Typically no penalties for planting native/xeriscape. HOA enforcement actions against water-efficient landscaping: unenforceable under Civil Code §4735 — homeowner may recover attorney fees. Violating MWELO on new installations over 500 sq ft: plan revisions required by permit review. Commercial violation of AB 1572 turf ban: enforcement by local water agencies with fines by tier.
Lodi, CA
Vehicles parked on Lodi streets for more than 72 hours without moving are subject to towing under California Vehicle Code §22651(k). Inoperable vehicles (mis...
Lodi, CA
Lodi enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act and California Building Code Appendix V for residential pool enclosures, adopted through LMC Title 15 (...
Lodi, CA
Lodi regulates fences under LMC 17.14.100 (Fences and Walls) within the Development Code. Fences up to 7 feet on residential side and rear property lines are...
Lodi, CA
Lodi allows limited backyard fowl in residential zones under LMC Title 6 (Animals), Chapter 6.12. Roosters and crowing fowl are restricted, and large livesto...
Lodi, CA
Lodi adopts the California Residential Code through LMC Title 15 and requires hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms in all new dwellings and during permitt...
Lodi, CA
Lodi requires short-term rental operators to obtain a Home Occupation Permit under LMC 17.36.060 (about $100) and remit Transient Occupancy Tax to the city. ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Joaquin County.
See how Lodi's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.