Fresno County, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- CA Gov §65595 protection
- MWELO
- Natives favored
- Central Valley
- Valley oak, poppy, deergrass
- SOD
- Import quarantine
Summary
California native plant landscaping is encouraged and protected under CA Gov Code §65595. Fresno County supports MWELO-compliant native landscaping. Central Valley natives include valley oak, California poppy, deergrass, toyon.
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a provision of the governing documents or architectural or landscaping guidelines or policies shall be void and unenforceable if it does any of the following:
(1) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low water-using plants as a group or as a replacement of existing turf.
(2) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of artificial turf or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass.
(3) Has the effect of prohibiting or restricting compliance with either of the following:
(A) A water-efficient landscape ordinance adopted or in effect pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 65595 of the Government Code.
(B) Any regulation or restriction on the use of water adopted pursuant to Section 353 or 375 of the Water Code.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, except as provided in subdivision (d), an association shall not impose a fine or assessment against an owner of a separate interest for reducing or eliminating the watering of vegetation or lawns during any period for which either of the following have occurred:
(1) The Governor has declared a state of emergency due to drought pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 8558 of the Government Code.
(2) A local government has declared a local emergency due to drought pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 8558 of the Government Code.
Full Breakdown
CA Gov Code §65595 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant and native plant landscaping. MWELO (CCR Title 23) favors low-water native plants via water budget calculations. Fresno County has no regulations against native plant landscapes; in fact, natives often satisfy MWELO requirements automatically. Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District and regional groundwater sustainability agencies promote native landscaping for recharge. Sudden Oak Death regulations prohibit importing certain host plants from infested counties.
Violations & Fines
No penalties for native plant landscaping. SOD quarantine violations: CA Ag Commissioner enforcement, plant confiscation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are native plant landscapes eligible for rebates?
What Central Valley natives work for Fresno yards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno County
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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