Richmond, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- HOAs cannot ban
- HOAs cannot ban drought-tolerant landscapes (Civ Code 4735)
- MWELO applies to
- MWELO applies to new landscapes >500 sq ft (state-mandated)
- 3-inch minimum mulch;
- 3-inch minimum mulch; hydrozoning; drip irrigation preferred
- EBMUD offers lawn-conversion
- EBMUD offers lawn-conversion rebates
- Turf discouraged on
- Turf discouraged on slopes >25%
Summary
Xeriscaping is encouraged in Richmond. Under California Civil Code 4735 and Government Code 53087.7, HOAs and cities cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping or artificial turf as a water conservation measure. EBMUD offers rebates for lawn conversions. New landscapes over 500 sq ft must comply with MWELO.
(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.
(e) An owner of a separate interest upon which water-efficient landscaping measures have been installed in response to a declaration of a state of emergency described in subdivision (c) shall not be required to reverse or remove the water-efficient landscaping measures upon the conclusion of the state of emergency.
Full Breakdown
California strongly protects homeowners' right to install drought-tolerant (xeriscape) landscapes. Civil Code 4735 voids any HOA restriction that prohibits low-water-use plants or artificial turf during a declared drought or in compliance with state water-conservation rules. 7 (AB 1164, 2015) similarly limits local governments from banning drought-tolerant landscapes. The state's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), implemented in Richmond through city adoption, requires new landscapes over 500 square feet (2,500 sq ft for homeowner-provided residential) to meet water-budget calculations using Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA). Key MWELO elements include high-efficiency irrigation (drip preferred, no overhead spray on narrow strips), hydrozoning (grouping plants by water need), 3-inch minimum mulch depth over exposed soil, and a certified soil management plan.
Turf is limited to functional recreational areas and is generally discouraged on slopes over 25%. Plants should draw from the CA Native Plant Society and Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) low-water lists, featuring California natives like manzanita, ceanothus, sages, and Mediterranean-climate species. EBMUD's WaterSmart Landscape program offers rebates for converting water-thirsty lawns to drought-tolerant landscapes, with per-square-foot incentives (subject to annual funding). Artificial turf is permitted but some HOAs impose aesthetic standards on product quality. Richmond's Community Development Department reviews MWELO compliance as part of building permits for significant landscape installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA require a green lawn?
Is artificial turf legal in Richmond?
Does xeriscaping need a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richmond
California rules heatmap·Compare Richmond 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 Contra Costa County handle native plants.