Monterey County, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

44, Residential and Commercial Water Conservation Measures, was adopted in 1986 (Ord. 3190) to protect Monterey County's water allotment from the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District. Its landscaping rule reaches new construction within the California American Water Service Company service area, defined as the part of unincorporated Monterey County actually served by Cal-Am. 040(B), all new construction except new senior citizen or second dwelling units must incorporate low water use or native plant material together with low precipitation sprinkler heads, bubblers, drip irrigation systems and timing devices as part of the exterior landscape.

Before a building permit can be issued, the applicant must submit a landscape plan to the Director of Building Inspection for review against landscape guidelines adopted by the Board of Supervisors, and the Department of Building Inspection charges a review fee. 100. The Director of Building Services may also grant discretionary exemptions or impose alternative conditions where the requirement would cause undue hardship, create an emergency health or safety condition, or where the exemption would not increase water consumption. 50 imposes similar low water use landscaping duties across the Greater Salinas, Toro, Greater Monterey Peninsula and part of the North County and Coastal Zone planning areas; where the two overlap, the more specific chapter for the affected area controls.