Stockton encourages — and for many new projects requires — climate-appropriate, low-water plant palettes under Development Code Chapter 16.56 (Landscaping Standards) and the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, Title 23 CCR §490). New landscapes for permits over the MWELO thresholds must include a Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet and prioritize drought-tolerant and California-native species.
SMC Chapter 16.56 (Landscaping Standards) provides for 'the conservation and protection of water resources through the efficient use of water, appropriate use of plant materials suitable for climate and location, and regular maintenance of landscaped areas.' New building permits requiring landscaping must comply with the current California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), codified at 23 CCR §§490-495, which applies to new construction landscape ≥500 sq ft (developer-installed) or ≥1,000 sq ft for homeowner-installed projects. MWELO requires hydrozoned plant selection, soil-moisture controllers or rain sensors, mulching, and a Maximum Applied Water Allowance calculation; native and climate-appropriate plants are explicitly encouraged. There is no Stockton ban on lawn — but turf is limited to functional areas under MWELO and Stockton's conservation policies.
MWELO compliance is verified at building-permit landscape inspection. Non-compliant landscape plans must be revised before final sign-off; Certificates of Completion under MWELO §492.9 are tracked by the local agency. Failure to maintain installed landscaping per the approved plan is enforceable under SMC §8.36.040 property-maintenance standards.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Stockton, CA
Vehicle noise on Stockton streets is regulated primarily by the California Vehicle Code (§§ 27150–27207), not by the Municipal Code. State law requires a fun...
Stockton, CA
Stockton's Development Code allows common residential fence materials (wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron, chain link) subject to design standards in Chapter...
Stockton, CA
Sidewalk vending in Stockton is regulated under SB 946 (Cal. Govt. Code §§51036-51039) and the City's 2025 ordinance update (SMC Titles 5, 8, 12). Vendors mu...
Stockton, CA
Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 12.56 (Use of Public Parks) does not contain a stand-alone drone prohibition, but parks are closed from one hour after sundow...
Stockton, CA
All yard waste — grass clippings, leaves, branches, weeds — must go in the 90-gallon green-lid organics cart along with food scraps and food-soiled paper. Lo...
Stockton, CA
Under SMC 8.04.210 it is unlawful to throw or deposit any recyclable material, green waste, rubbish, or waste matter on any Stockton street. The 2024 illegal...
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