Ventura County encourages native plant landscaping in unincorporated areas through its water-efficient landscape ordinance, consistent with the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). New development and major renovations must use water-efficient plants.
Ventura County implements the California MWELO for new construction and significant landscape renovations exceeding 500 square feet in unincorporated areas. The ordinance encourages use of California native plants adapted to the region's Mediterranean climate, including coast live oak, California sycamore, toyon, manzanita, and native sages. Native plants require less irrigation once established and support local wildlife habitat. The county's diverse ecosystems from coastal to mountain environments support a wide range of native species. Plant palettes for new development projects are reviewed through the planning process. Existing landscapes are not required to convert to native plants, but the county offers resources through the UC Cooperative Extension and local conservation organizations.
There are no penalties for not using native plants in existing landscapes. New development projects that fail to comply with MWELO water efficiency standards face planning approval delays and may need to revise landscape plans. Non-compliance with approved landscape plans may result in withholding of certificate of occupancy.
Simi Valley, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle native plants.
See how Simi Valley's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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