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.
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. Government Code 53087.7 (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.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Richmond, CA
Amplified sound in Richmond requires consideration of time, place, and audibility. Outdoor amplified music audible beyond the property line during quiet hour...
Richmond, CA
Construction and demolition activity in Richmond is generally permitted Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Constructio...
Richmond, CA
Richmond's nighttime quiet hours run from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 8:00 AM on Sundays and holidays. During these hours, ampli...
Richmond, CA
Richmond enforces the California Vehicle Code 72-hour continuous parking limit, permit-only zones in dense neighborhoods, and street sweeping restrictions po...
Richmond, CA
Swimming pool barriers in Richmond must comply with California Building Code and Health & Safety Code Β§Β§115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act). Pools built...
Richmond, CA
Retaining walls up to 4 feet in exposed height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) do not require a building permit in Richmond ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Contra Costa County.
See how other cities in Contra Costa County handle native plants.
See how Richmond's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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