San Diego encourages native plant landscaping through the County's Native Landscape Program approved in December 2022 and the San Diego County Water Authority's Nifty 50 guide of water-wise native plants. The City's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) promotes drought-tolerant landscaping. Native plants support local biodiversity and are adapted to the region's Mediterranean climate.
San Diego increasingly supports native plant landscaping and xeriscaping for water conservation and habitat restoration. Some jurisdictions offer rebates for lawn replacement with drought-tolerant plants. HOAs in many states can no longer prohibit xeriscaping or native plant gardens. Municipal water restrictions may effectively require low-water landscaping for new developments. Native plant lists are typically available from local cooperative extension offices. Invasive species removal may be required or incentivized.
Varies by jurisdiction. HOA fines for non-compliance may be unenforceable if state law protects xeriscaping rights.
San Diego, CA
San Diego allows backyard recreational fires under San Diego Fire Code Section 511.0307 (adopting 2022 California Fire Code Section 307) when the fire is no ...
San Diego, CA
San Diego enforces 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 and California Health and Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 13114 through the San Diego Build...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. California Civil Code § 4710 limi...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to SDM...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Amplified outdoor audi...
San Diego, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Diego require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle native plants.
See how San Diego's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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