Modesto, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Drought-tolerant plant minimum
- 90% of nonturf plants
- Nondrought-tolerant allowance
- Up to 10%, separately irrigated
- Local chapter applies below
- 10,000 sq ft landscape area
- Reviewing department
- Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods
- Interim mulch depth
- Minimum 3 inches
- Plan preparer required
- Licensed landscape professional
Summary
Any landscape plan required under Modesto's Code must draw at least 90 percent of its nonturf plant list from species suited to the Central Valley climate and needing minimal water once established. The remaining 10 percent of nondrought-tolerant plants must be grouped on a separate irrigation valve so they can be watered without soaking the rest of the bed.
(b)Plant Materials. The selection of plant materials should include both evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and attractive erosion-preventing ground cover. It is required that at least ninety (90) percent of the plants selected in nonturf areas be well suited to the climate of the region and require minimal water once established in the landscape. Up to ten (10) percent of the plants may be of a nondrought-tolerant variety as long as they are grouped together and can be irrigated separately.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
Modesto Code of Ordinances Chapter 12-1, Landscaping and Irrigation Standards, applies whenever a landscape or landscape plan is required by the Code or as a condition of any city approval; landscape areas of 10,000 square feet or less follow this local chapter, while anything over 10,001 square feet must also meet the State of California Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Single-family homes with no landscaping condition attached to their approval are exempt entirely. 03(b), Plant Materials, a licensed landscape architect, landscape contractor, architect, or engineer must prepare the plant palette, mixing evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and erosion-controlling ground cover, and at least 90 percent of the nonturf plants selected must tolerate the region's climate on minimal water once established; up to 10 percent may be nondrought-tolerant only if grouped together on their own irrigation zone.
03(c) requires plants be spaced to fill the planter at maturity, with interim cover of rock, gravel, or wood mulch at least three inches thick while coverage develops. 03(d) mandates underground automated irrigation with multi-cycle controllers and a rain-sensing override, and requires unhealthy plants to be replaced and planters kept free of weeds and debris. 04, drawn to a scale no smaller than 1 inch to 20 feet, showing a plant legend with botanical and common names. 06 requires a Department inspection before the Chief Building Official will issue a certificate of occupancy.
Violations & Fines
Section 12-1.07 makes it a violation of the Code for a property owner to fail to maintain landscaping in accordance with the approved plan; alterations or deviations must be reviewed by the Parks Planning and Development Division, and any landscaped area lacking approved plans must be submitted for approval. A landscape and irrigation plan review fee, and a separate inspection fee under Section 12-1.06, are billed by square footage at a rate the Council sets by resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Modesto properties need a drought-tolerant landscape plan?
Can I plant a lawn that isn't drought-tolerant?
What size landscape triggers the state water ordinance instead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
California rules heatmap·Compare Modesto to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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