Palm Springs, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Limits
- PSMC Ch. 8.70 requires low-WUCOLS plant selection for new landscapes
- Preferred Natives
- Preferred natives: palo verde, ironwood, mesquite, ocotillo, desert willow
- Statutory Authority
- HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant plants (Civil Code §4735)
- Invasive Fountain
- Invasive fountain grass discouraged due to fire risk
- Turf Conversion
- Turf-conversion rebates available from DWA and CVWD
Summary
Palm Springs actively encourages Sonoran Desert natives and climate-appropriate plants under PSMC Chapter 8.70, with approved plant lists emphasizing low-water species like palo verde, ironwood, mesquite, ocotillo, desert willow, and native grasses. California Civil Code §4735 prevents HOAs from prohibiting drought-tolerant landscaping.
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a provision of the governing documents or architectural or landscaping guidelines or policies shall be void and unenforceable if it does any of the following:
(1) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low water-using plants as a group or as a replacement of existing turf.
(2) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of artificial turf or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass.
(3) Has the effect of prohibiting or restricting compliance with either of the following:
(A) A water-efficient landscape ordinance adopted or in effect pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 65595 of the Government Code.
(B) Any regulation or restriction on the use of water adopted pursuant to Section 353 or 375 of the Water Code.
(b) This section shall not prohibit an association from applying landscaping rules established in the governing documents, to the extent the rules fully conform with subdivision (a).
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, except as provided in subdivision (d), an association shall not impose a fine or assessment against an owner of a separate interest for reducing or eliminating the watering of vegetation or lawns during any period for which either of the following have occurred:
(1) The Governor has declared a state of emergency due to drought pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 8558 of the Government Code.
(2) A local government has declared a local emergency due to drought pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 8558 of the Government Code.
Full Breakdown
The city's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (PSMC Chapter 8.70) requires new and substantially renovated landscapes to use plants with low water-use ratings from the WUCOLS (Water Use Classification of Landscape Species) database. Desert-native species dominate the preferred plant palette: palo verde (Parkinsonia florida), ironwood (Olneya tesota), mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), creosote (Larrea tridentata), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), and desert marigold. Hydrozoning requirements group plants by water needs so low-water zones don't get over-irrigated. California Civil Code §4735 (amended by AB 2104 and SB 814) prohibits HOAs from prohibiting or unreasonably restricting low-water-use plants; during declared droughts, HOAs cannot fine owners for reducing lawn irrigation. Invasive species like fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) are discouraged because they spread wildfire fuel. Rebate programs through DWA and CVWD pay per square foot for converting turf to desert landscaping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA force me to have a lawn?
What plants qualify for turf-rebate programs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Springs
California rules heatmap·Compare Palm Springs to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle native plants.