Moreno Valley encourages California native and drought-tolerant landscaping to comply with the state's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) and AB 1572. New and renovated landscapes over 500 square feet must meet MWELO water budgets. HOAs cannot prohibit low-water landscaping under Civil Code 4735.
California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), adopted locally by Moreno Valley, requires new residential landscapes over 500 square feet (or 2,500 square feet for projects without a permit) to meet maximum applied water allowance calculations favoring low-water plants. AB 1572 (2023) phases out the use of potable water for non-functional turf on commercial, industrial, and HOA common areas statewide by 2027-2031. California native plants — such as California poppy, cleveland sage, manzanita, deergrass, matilija poppy, and toyon — thrive in Moreno Valley's hot, dry climate and provide habitat for pollinators and birds. California Civil Code section 4735 prohibits homeowner associations from requiring turf or banning drought-tolerant landscaping, and during a declared drought emergency, HOAs cannot enforce any rule that requires watering. EMWD and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California offer turf-replacement rebates, typically $2-$3 per square foot of lawn removed, for homeowners converting to native and drought-tolerant designs. Mulch is required at 3 inches minimum depth in planting areas. Invasive plants such as fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) and giant reed (Arundo donax) are prohibited in new landscape installations. Proper plant spacing, hydrozoning, and efficient irrigation (drip preferred) are MWELO requirements for any permitted landscape.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Moreno Valley code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Moreno Valley, CA
Amplified music in Moreno Valley must stop at 10 PM weekdays and 11 PM weekends, measured plainly audible at the neighbor property line.
Moreno Valley, CA
Vehicles left on public streets for more than 72 hours without moving may be tagged and towed under California Vehicle Code section 22669. Inoperable, wrecke...
Moreno Valley, CA
Livestock such as horses, goats, sheep, and cattle are allowed only in Rural Residential and Agricultural zones in Moreno Valley, subject to minimum lot size...
Moreno Valley, CA
Moreno Valley has VHFHSZ along Box Springs Mountain and the Badlands. Chapter 7A and AB 38 disclosures apply to homes in these mapped fire zones.
Moreno Valley, CA
Moreno Valley does not regulate residential lawn ornaments, statuary, religious items, or seasonal yard decor by ordinance. The only city-level limits are si...
Moreno Valley, CA
Moreno Valley has no ordinance specifically governing residential inflatable holiday displays. Setup is subject only to general standards - electrical safety...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle native plants.
See how Moreno Valley's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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