Yucaipa, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Yucaipa Development Code § 88.0225(a)(7) is the native vegetation provision for the City of Yucaipa's multiple-unit residential projects. On-site native vegetation should be incorporated into site or landscape plans wherever feasible. Special effort should be made to preserve and incorporate existing trees into design schemes. Mature trees removed from a site shall be replaced two to one with minimum 24 inch box trees, unless prohibited by site dimensions. Where feasible, natural vegetation should be allowed to re-establish itself.

The wording is split between guidance and mandate. Native vegetation, tree preservation and natural re-establishment are written as 'should', while the two-to-one replacement of mature trees with 24 inch box trees is written as 'shall'. Landscape plans are reviewed by the City Planning Director and approved by the Planning Commission and/or City Council, in addition to the Citywide Design Guideline requirements.

The same subsection pairs native planting with water and maintenance expectations. Under (a)(4), all plant and tree material should be verifiably appropriate for use in the Yucaipa area, with consideration given to resistance to drought, water requirements, adaptability to wind, longevity, and ease of maintenance. Under (a)(5), invasive species such as cottonwood or ash should be installed away from hardscape improvements, provided with root barriers, or avoided. Under (a)(6), irrigation systems should avoid spray methods in favor of bubbler or drip systems, and lines shall be placed underground.

The chapter applies in Residential land use districts where the designation is preceded by RM, except RM-24 (§ 88.0201(b)). Separately, in the Scenic Resources Overlay District, § 85.030610(d) says the removal of native vegetation, especially timber, shall be minimized, and replacement vegetation shall be compatible with the local environment and, where practicable, capable of surviving with a minimum of maintenance and supplemental water.