San Benito County, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- native/drought-tolerant to max extent
- Scales with
- project's climatic zone
- Triggered by
- landscaping plan requirement
- Non-native still allowed
- as accent, not primary, planting
Summary
New development in unincorporated San Benito County must maximize the use of drought-tolerant and California native plant species in its required landscaping plan under § 25.07.011(F)(3)(d), rather than defaulting to thirsty ornamental or non-native planting.
(d) Drought tolerant species and California native species are to be used to the maximum extent possible over non-drought tolerant and nonnative species. 1. The quantity and extent of drought-tolerant species shall be dependent on the climatic zone of the project; 2. Landscaping may include natural features such as rock and stone, non-drought tolerant plants, and structural features such as fountains, reflecting pools, art work, screens, walls, and fences.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
Any project that must submit a landscaping plan, development review, conditional use permits, surface mining permits, and subdivisions among them, is directed under § 25.07.011(F)(3)(d) to use drought-tolerant and California native species 'to the maximum extent possible' over non-drought-tolerant and nonnative plants. How much drought-tolerant planting is required scales with the project's climatic zone. The rule still allows some non-native or non-drought-tolerant material, plus hardscape features like rock, fountains, and reflecting pools, as design elements alongside the native/drought-tolerant planting. It governs unincorporated county land only, not Hollister or San Juan Bautista.
Violations & Fines
A landscaping plan that fails to maximize drought-tolerant or native species can be rejected or sent back for revision by the Planning Director before development review approval is granted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must new landscaping in San Benito County use native plants?
Does this landscaping rule apply inside Hollister?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.