Native and drought-tolerant plants are encouraged throughout Alameda County. State MWELO requires climate-appropriate plants for new landscapes, and EBMUD/ACWD offer rebates for lawn-to-native conversions.
Native plants adapted to the Mediterranean climate of Alameda County are strongly encouraged by the county, state, and local water utilities. The California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) applies to new and rehabilitated landscapes over 500 square feet and requires a certain percentage of climate-adapted or native plants, limits high-water-use turf, and mandates smart irrigation controllers, drip systems, and hydrozoning. EBMUD and ACWD both offer cash rebates for replacing thirsty lawn with qualifying low-water and native landscapes. Common appropriate natives for Alameda County include coast live oak, toyon, California lilac (Ceanothus), manzanita, sagebrush, yarrow, California poppy, buckwheat, and deer grass. In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, plant selection should balance drought tolerance with low flammability; CAL FIRE maintains a list of fire-wise plants. The Alameda County Resource Conservation District provides free technical assistance.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County noise ordinance (Chapter 6.60) sets detailed dB limits by zone and time. Residential nighttime (10 PM–7 AM): 45 dBA for 30+ min/hr, up to 65 d...
Alameda County, CA
Outdoor music in unincorporated Alameda County requires compliance with residential decibel limits and typically a temporary use or special event permit for ...
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County unincorporated areas allow leaf blowers during general construction/maintenance hours. California AB 1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered lea...
Alameda County, CA
Unincorporated Alameda County regulates RV parking through zoning ordinance. 72-hour street limit applies. Specific requirements vary by PD and zoning district.
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County unincorporated areas require driveways to be paved, maintain clear sight lines, and not block sidewalks or public right-of-way. Encroachment p...
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County Zoning Code §17.52.430 limits fences to 4 feet in required front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. A 2-foot limit applies within 30 fee...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle native plants.
See how Sunol's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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