San Diego, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Native Landscape Program
- County program approved December 2022
- Nifty 50 Guide
- SDCWA's recommended water-wise native plants
- MWELO
- Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance applies
- Rebates
- Extra $1/sq ft for native plants in turf replacement
- Benefits
- Biodiversity, drought tolerance, reduced water use
Summary
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.
About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. Large water savings can be gained by efficient landscape design, installation, management, and maintenance. This is accomplished by choosing climate adapted plants, improving soil conditions, using, and maintaining high efficiency irrigation equipment and managing the irrigation schedule to fit the plants water needs as they are influenced by local climate. To increase water efficiency and better use a valuable resource, rainwater and stormwater collection and graywater and recycled water can replace or augment potable water use in landscapes. New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) .
Full Breakdown
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Diego require native plants in new landscaping?
Where can I find recommended native plants for San Diego?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle native plants.