San Leandro, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning code chapter
- SLZC Chapter 4-16
- MWELO threshold (permitted)
- 500 sq ft new/modified landscape
- Climate zone
- Zone 14
- Protocol
- StopWaste.Org Bay-Friendly
- HOA protection
- Cal. Civ. Code 4735(a)
- State authority
- AB 1881 / CCR Title 23 490-495
Summary
San Leandro's Zoning Code Chapter 4-16 (Landscape Requirements) implements California's Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (AB 1881) and the StopWaste.Org Bay-Friendly protocols, requiring climate-appropriate, low-water plants on projects with 500+ sq ft of new landscaping.
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
Under San Leandro Zoning Code Chapter 4-16, landscape plans for new construction and major renovations must select water-conserving plant and turf species suitable for the climate and soil conditions and align with the current StopWaste.Org Bay-Friendly Landscape protocols. The code implements California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) under California Code of Regulations Title 23, Sections 490-495, which applies to projects with 500 sq ft or more of new or modified landscape area (or 2,500+ sq ft for non-permitted projects). Projects must demonstrate a Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) lower than baseline turf landscaping using climate Zone 14 evapotranspiration data. The City's Native Plants program (sanleandro.org/1508) lists California natives recommended for residential gardens: yarrow, manzanita, beach primrose, ceanothus, California fuchsia, penstemon, goldenrod, sagebrush, coffeeberry, California buckeye, western redbud, toyon, and Catalina cherry. Native plantings are voluntary for existing residential properties but mandatory components of MWELO-triggered projects.
Violations & Fines
Failure to submit a compliant MWELO landscape documentation package can block issuance of a building permit or certificate of occupancy. Post-construction, the City may require a Certificate of Completion and may require corrective replanting if installed landscapes do not match approved plans. Civil Code 4735 (state law) prohibits HOAs from banning low-water-using plants or fining homeowners who let lawns go brown during a declared drought emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA force me to keep a traditional lawn?
Do I need to file MWELO paperwork to put in native plants?
Where can I find a recommended plant list?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Leandro
California rules heatmap·Compare San Leandro to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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How other cities in Alameda County handle native plants.