Stockton SMC 16.56 requires 75 percent of plants in non-turf landscape areas to be well-suited to the Central Valley climate and require minimal water once established. This effectively encourages native and drought-tolerant species.
SMC Chapter 16.56 incorporates California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) standards. At least 75 percent of plants in non-turf areas must be climatically appropriate and low-water-use once established. Plants with similar water needs must be grouped together on separate irrigation zones for efficiency. A minimum of three inches of mulch is required on non-turf planting areas after installation, excluding plants that are mulch-intolerant. The MWELO applies to new construction and rehabilitated landscapes over 500 square feet for residential projects and 2,500 square feet for commercial projects. Stockton sits in WUCOLS Zone 4 (Central Valley) where native grasses, California poppies, manzanita, and other Central Valley natives thrive with minimal supplemental irrigation. The city does not restrict the use of native plants in any residential zone.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Stockton, CA
Stockton does not regulate year-round residential lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) by size, quantity, or content...
Stockton, CA
Stockton does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by size, height, or motor noise. They qualify as exempt holiday decorations under SMC Chap...
Stockton, CA
Stockton expressly exempts holiday decorations from sign permit requirements under SMC Chapter 16.76 (Sign Standards). The only formal requirement is that ho...
Stockton, CA
A built-in outdoor kitchen in Stockton typically requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits from the Building & Life Safety Department u...
Stockton, CA
Stockton has no ordinance specifically addressing residential backyard smokers, but SMC Chapter 16.32 (General Performance Standards) declares dense smoke, n...
Stockton, CA
Stockton adopts the California Fire Code at SMC Chapter 15.12. Under CFC §308.1.4 as adopted, open-flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible b...
See how Stockton's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.