Woodland, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Woodland's landscaping chapter, Section 17.64.040, applies to landscaped areas required under the zoning code for residential, mixed-use, and nonresidential development, and a landscape plan showing compliance must be submitted with the permit application under subsection G. Subsection H.2 offers three ways to meet the water-efficiency requirement: Option A requires every plant outside an edible garden to carry a Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) plant factor of 0.3 or lower; Option B, available only on residential-only sites, requires at least 85% of the landscape area to hold that same low-water factor; and Option C sizes the project's estimated total water use to the maximum applied water allowance under the state's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

Layered on top of whichever option is chosen, subsection H.4 directs that drought-tolerant and California native species be used to the maximum extent possible over nonnative and non-drought-tolerant choices, and subsection H.4.a sets the operative number: at least 75% of all non-turf plant material in a required landscape area must be a native species or drawn from the Community Development Department's approved low-water-use, climate-adapted plant list. Plants must also be grouped into hydrozones sharing similar water, soil, and sun needs under subsection H.3. For commercial projects, institutional projects, and residential projects of more than four units, subsection G.2 requires the landscape plan be prepared by a California-registered landscape architect, who must certify compliance with the chapter in writing on every submitted plan set.

Community Development Department staff check the 75% figure and the chosen water-budget option at plan review before any building or grading permit tied to the landscaping can be issued.