Walnut Creek, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Xeriscape and drought-tolerant landscaping are actively promoted in Walnut Creek. For new construction or major landscape renovation affecting 500 sq ft or more, California's MWELO (California Code of Regulations Title 23) applies. Requirements include: water budget calculations not exceeding a Maximum Applied Water Allowance, turf limited to 25% of landscaped area (with further restrictions in non-residential), drip irrigation required for non-turf plantings, hydrozones grouping plants by water need, dedicated landscape water meters for large projects, and smart (weather- or soil-moisture-based) controllers. Plans and certificates of completion must be submitted to the Walnut Creek Community Development Department. For existing residential lawns, no permit is required to convert to drought-tolerant landscaping, and EBMUD's WaterSmart rebate program pays roughly $1–$3 per square foot of converted lawn (subject to program availability and caps). California Civil Code Section 4735 and Section 53087.7 prohibit HOAs from enforcing rules that require turf or penalize drought-tolerant yards. Tree preservation rules still apply — a xeriscape conversion cannot remove protected trees without a permit. Synthetic turf is allowed under state law; cities cannot ban it outright under recent legislation (AB 1572 regarding non-functional turf restrictions).