Santa Monica encourages drought-tolerant and native plantings. The city's landscaping standards under SMMC Ch. 9.26 promote water-efficient landscapes. CA Gov Code §65595 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping.
Santa Monica 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.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle native plants.
See how Santa Monica's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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