Manteca, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Required
- Drought-tolerant plant emphasis
- Prohibited
- Invasive plant species
- Triggers at
- New/expanded development, 25%+ remodel
- Tied to
- State Water Conservation Landscaping Act
Summary
Manteca requires drought-tolerant, non-invasive planting on new and expanding developments under its landscaping chapter, implementing the state's water-conservation landscaping law.
Plant Type. Landscape planting shall emphasize drought-tolerant species (especially along natural, open space areas), shall complement the architectural design of structures on the site, and shall be suitable for the soil and climatic conditions specific to the site.
1. Planting Layout and Plant Diversity. Plant selection shall vary in type and planting pattern. Informal planting patterns are preferred over uniform and entirely symmetrical planting patterns. Use of flowering trees and colorful plantings is encouraged in conjunction with evergreen species. Groupings of shrubs shall contain multiple plant types, interspersed with varying heights and blooming seasons for year-round interest.
2. Street and Parking Lot Trees. Street and parking lot trees shall be selected from the City's adopted master list of street trees and parking lot trees. A minimum of 30 percent of the street trees and parking lot trees, respectively, shall be an evergreen species.
3. Trees planted within 10 feet of any hardscape (e.g., street, sidewalk, paved trail, walkway) shall be a deep-rooted species or shall be separated from hardscapes by a root barrier to prevent physical damage to public improvements.
4. No invasive plant species shall be introduced into the landscape.
D. Plant Grouping. Plants with similar water and cultural requirements (such as sun and climate) shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones.
E.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4829770; v11 updated 2026-04-21).
Full Breakdown
Manteca's landscaping chapter (17.48), adopted to implement the state Water Conservation in Landscaping Act, requires new and expanded developments to plant drought-tolerant species under § 17.48.040(C), especially along natural and open-space areas, and bars introducing any invasive plant species. The chapter doesn't create a specific 'native plant' or no-mow meadow exemption: it's a design mandate tied to water-budget compliance, applying whenever a project triggers landscape review under § 17.48.020 (new construction, a 25%+ building or landscape expansion, or most landscaping needing a permit).
Violations & Fines
Landscape plans that don't emphasize drought-tolerant, non-invasive planting can be rejected at plan review, and a project can't get its Landscape Certificate of Completion, and therefore its certificate of occupancy, under § 17.48.030 until the design conforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Manteca require native or drought-tolerant landscaping?
Can I skip landscaping for a small remodel?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manteca
California rules heatmap·Compare Manteca to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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