Sacramento, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Landscaping
- MWELO applies to new landscapes
- Requirements
- Water budget calculations required
- River-Friendly guidelines
- River-Friendly guidelines encourage natives
- Cash for
- Cash for Grass rebates available
- Landscaping
- Model plant list on RWA site
Summary
Sacramento encourages California native plants through the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) and SMUD turf-replacement rebates.
New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) . The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. Usually, local agencies that adopt WELOs create a more stringent ordinance than MWELO. The purpose of water efficient landscape ordinances is to not only increase water efficiency but to improve environmental conditions in the built environment. Landscaping should be valued beyond the aesthetic because landscapes replace habitat lost to development and
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Sacramento adopted MWELO (California Code of Regulations Title 23 Division 2 Chapter 2.7) requiring water-efficient landscape design for new residential projects over 500 square feet and commercial over 2,500 square feet. Landscape plans must show Maximum Applied Water Allowance calculations favoring native and low-water species. The city encourages CA native plantings through River-Friendly Landscape Guidelines. SMUD and the Regional Water Authority run Cash for Grass rebates paying 1 to 3 dollars per square foot of turf converted to natives or drought-tolerant mixes.
Violations & Fines
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Sacramento code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are HOAs required to allow native plants?
Do I need a landscape architect for MWELO?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle native plants.