Perris, CA Water Use Rules: Turf Replacement Rebates (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Perris Municipal Code § 19.70.030(c)(1)
- Protected right
- Replacing turf with low water use plants
- Water budget cap
- 70% of reference evapotranspiration (ETo)
- Applies to
- CC&Rs on permits covering 2,500+ sq ft landscaping
- State law basis
- Cal. Water Conservation in Landscaping Act, 2006
- Enforcement
- Warnings, notices, citations, fees (§19.70.050(c))
Summary
Perris's water-efficient landscape ordinance requires any CC&Rs tied to a permit to affirmatively allow low water use landscaping, and Municipal Code § 19.70.030(c)(1) bars those CC&Rs from prohibiting the replacement of turf with less water intensive plant species. The rule protects homeowners in common-interest developments who want to convert lawn to drought-tolerant planting.
The CC&Rs shall prohibit water-intensive landscaping and require low water use landscaping pursuant to the provisions of this chapter in connection with common area/open space landscaping. The CC&Rs shall not prohibit use of low-water use plants, nor prohibit the replacement of turf with less water intensive plant species.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
7 of the California Code of Regulations, per subsection (a)(8). 030(c)(1). The chapter's stated water-efficiency goal, in subsection (a)(5), is that landscapes not exceed a maximum water demand of 70 percent of the site's reference evapotranspiration rate, which is why turf that drives water use above that budget becomes a target for replacement. 030(b)(1). 030(e).
Violations & Fines
There is no separate fine written into § 19.70.030(c) for an HOA that violates the CC&R requirement, but § 19.70.050(c) lets the city or, within Eastern Municipal Water District territory, EMWD issue warnings, correction notices, citations and fees for any violation of Chapter 19.70, and existing EMWD-served properties are also subject to EMWD's own tiered-rate water budget and Water Use Efficiency Ordinance 72.24 enforcement. A homeowner association whose CC&Rs still prohibit turf replacement can be required to amend them as a condition of any permit, plan check, or design review approval subject to this chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Perris HOA stop me from tearing out my lawn?
Does the turf replacement protection apply to every HOA in Perris?
What water budget does Perris use to justify replacing turf?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Perris
California rules heatmap·Compare Perris to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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