Redding, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Redding's approach to native landscaping is voluntary and incentive-driven rather than mandatory on private residential property. RMC Chapter 18.47 (Landscape Standards) governs landscape design at site-plan approval for new development and substantial rehabilitations, encouraging low-water, climate-adapted plant palettes and limiting irrigated turf consistent with the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, 23 CCR §490 et seq.). The Redding City Council voted on October 23, 2024 to update the City's local WELO to align with the 2025 state MWELO, including increasing the local ETo reference from 48.8 to 52.9 inches/year — a change that effectively tightens water-budget calculations and favors native and drought-tolerant species. Statewide, AB 1572 (2023) prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf on properties owned by local agencies and public water systems starting January 1, 2027, with phased dates for CII (January 1, 2028) and HOA common areas (January 1, 2029). The California Native Plant Society Shasta Chapter and the Shasta County Resource Conservation District offer plant lists keyed to Redding's hot-summer Mediterranean climate. The California Right to Farm Act (Civil Code §3482.5) provides nuisance protection for established agricultural operations, indirectly supporting larger native-meadow and pollinator-habitat installations. Redding hosts the Turtle Bay Exploration Park's McConnell Arboretum, which features native and drought-tolerant demonstration gardens.