San Clemente, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

050(D)(6), Coastal Bluff and Canyon Preservation, part of the Coastal Zone (-CZ) Overlay District chapter, governs landscaping in the setback areas the same section establishes: at least 25 feet from a coastal bluff edge and at least 30 percent of lot depth (minimum 15 feet) from a coastal canyon edge. Within those setbacks, landscaping must be primarily native plant species, removing natives and introducing nonnatives is discouraged, and using native species in and adjacent to canyons is encouraged. The code then sets tiered clearing rules: within 30 feet of a habitable structure or parking garage, dead and dying plants and nonnative or ornamental vegetation may be removed, vegetation next to or under combustible structures must be removed, and 30 feet of non-irrigated native vegetation must otherwise be kept between the building and native growth, with slope plants trimmed and thinned rather than cleared to protect root structures for slope stability.

Within 100 feet, only nominal trimming of native vegetation is allowed and plants may never be cut to the root stalk without the City Planner's in-concept approval and California Coastal Commission sign-off. All work must use Best Management Practices to keep soil, vegetation and other material out of the storm drain system under the municipal storm water permit issued by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. 050(F) separately bars grading, cutting or filling that materially alters a coastal bluff, canyon or cliff unless the City finds it necessary for public safety or a significant public benefit such as a beach-access staircase.