Ontario enforces the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). New residential landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet water-budget, plant, and irrigation rules favoring natives and low-water species.
The California Department of Water Resources Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, 23 CCR 490 et seq.) requires cities, including Ontario, to enforce landscape water-budget rules on new construction and major rehabilitation projects above a square footage threshold. Residential projects over 500 square feet subject to permit, and commercial projects over 2,500 square feet, must submit a Landscape Documentation Package including plant factor calculations, irrigation design with high-efficiency emitters, soil management, and hydrozoning. Climate-appropriate plants including California natives, Mediterranean species, and Inland Empire low-water palettes are encouraged to meet water budgets. AB 1572 (Water Code 10608.14) phases out potable water on non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, institutional, and HOA common areas, making native and drought-tolerant plantings the practical alternative at those sites. Ontario Municipal Utilities Company sometimes offers turf-replacement rebates when state programs are active. HOA CC&Rs that forbid low-water landscaping conflict with Civil Code 4735 and are unenforceable.
Landscape plans that fail MWELO review are rejected at permit. Existing non-conforming landscapes installed without required permits can be cited and required to retrofit to current standards as a condition of certificate of occupancy.
Ontario, CA
Outdoor music is regulated under OMC Title 5 Chapter 29 and the special-event permit process. Venues and events with amplified sound need a city permit; resi...
Ontario, CA
Aircraft noise from Ontario International Airport (ONT) is regulated by the FAA, not the city. ONT runs an FAA Part 150 noise compatibility program; federal ...
Ontario, CA
Ontario requires a building permit for masonry walls and any fence over 7 feet under the California Building Code. Retaining walls over 4 feet also require p...
Ontario, CA
Ontario fence requirements include zoning-based heights, setbacks, sight triangles, buffer walls on industrial edges, and CBC structural standards. Pool, ret...
Ontario, CA
Ontario limits residential fence heights under the Development Code. Typical maximums are 6 feet rear/side, 3 feet front, and 42 inches in sight-distance tri...
Ontario, CA
Ontario requires dogs to be leashed off-property under OMC Title 6. Maximum leash length is 6 feet, with owner control required in all public spaces except d...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle native plants.
See how Ontario's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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