Thousand Oaks encourages native plant landscaping through its water-efficient landscape ordinance and development review process. New development must comply with MWELO, and the city's extensive open space preserves serve as models for native landscaping.
Thousand Oaks implements California MWELO for new construction and major landscape renovations exceeding 500 square feet. The city's Conejo Valley setting, surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and extensive open space, provides context for native plant choices. Native species well-suited to the area include coast live oak, valley oak, California walnut, toyon, laurel sumac, lemonade berry, buckwheat, and native sages. The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden serves as a community resource demonstrating appropriate native plantings. Existing landscapes are not required to convert to native species. The city's Community Development Department reviews landscape plans for new development to ensure water efficiency and appropriate plant selection for the local climate.
No penalties for not using native plants in existing landscapes. New development projects failing to comply with MWELO standards face planning approval delays and revised landscape plan requirements. Non-compliance with approved landscape plans may delay final inspection approval.
Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks does not have a citywide ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, religious displays, or seasonal yard decor. Restrictions o...
Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by ordinance. Setup is subject only to general code provisions — electrical safety un...
Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks's municipal code does not set citywide hours or brightness limits for residential holiday light displays. Displays must comply with TOMC Chapte...
Thousand Oaks, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Thousand Oaks require building, gas, electrical, and plumbing permits from Building Division under TOMC Title 8 (which adopts th...
Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks does not separately regulate backyard pellet, wood, or charcoal smokers but applies TOMC Chapter 5-21 noise limits, California Fire Code cleara...
Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks adopts the California Fire Code by reference in TOMC Title 8, which prohibits open-flame charcoal and propane grills on combustible balconies, ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle native plants.
See how Thousand Oaks's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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