San Rafael, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Wetland Overlay District setbacks
- Setback width
- 50 ft (varies for creeks)
- Requirement
- Native, indigenous plant species
- Purpose
- Protect wildlife habitat
- Scope
- Not a citywide landscaping rule
Summary
Within the wetland setback of San Rafael's Wetland Overlay District, landscaping and vegetation must be native plant species indigenous to the area, chosen to protect habitat for present wildlife: a narrower rule than a citywide native-plant mandate.
Landscaping and Vegetation within Wetland Setback. Landscaping and vegetation installed within the wetland setback shall be native plant species that are indigenous to the area and selected to enhance and/or protect habitat for the present wildlife species.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
SRMC §14.13.040(D), part of the Wetland Overlay District (-WO) property development regulations, requires that any landscaping or vegetation installed within a wetland setback, generally 50 feet from the wetland edge, per §14.13.040(B), be native plant species indigenous to the area, selected to enhance or protect habitat for present wildlife. This applies only to properties combined with the -WO district, not citywide. San Rafael's separate general landscaping rule, §14.16.370, instead defers to the Marin Municipal Water District's water-efficient landscape ordinance for larger new or rehabilitated landscapes and does not itself mandate native species.
Violations & Fines
Installing non-native ornamental landscaping within a mapped wetland setback, or removing native wetland-setback vegetation without city review, violates SRMC §14.13.040(D) and can trigger a wetland management plan requirement under §14.13.090 or a restoration order under §14.13.100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Rafael require native plants in every yard?
What is San Rafael's general landscaping water rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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