Turlock, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

The City of Turlock actively encourages the use of water-conserving landscaping, emphasizing plants that are native to Turlock's environment and are largely drought-tolerant, but the City does not require homeowners to plant natives. For new development and rehabilitated landscapes, Turlock has chosen to utilize the State's ordinance, the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), to implement water-efficient landscape standards, rather than writing a more stringent local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO). California law requires every local agency to adopt and enforce MWELO or a local WELO at least as effective as the state model; Turlock relies on the state MWELO, administered through its Planning Division (209-668-5640). The City directs residents to the California Department of Water Resources (water.ca.gov) for water-efficient landscaping guidance. For the public parkway strip (the area between sidewalk and curb), the City's alternative landscaping policy lets owners plant natural grass including drought-tolerant 'no mow' varieties, shrubs not exceeding 36 inches in height, and low-lying groundcover, alongside the required City-determined street tree. So while natives and drought-tolerant species are promoted and well-suited to Turlock's hot, dry Central Valley climate, the choice generally remains voluntary for existing single-family yards, with MWELO efficiency standards applying when a qualifying new or rehabilitated landscape is installed.