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HomeCivil CodeDiv. 4Pt. 5.3Ch. 5Art. 1§ 6712 Water-Efficient Landscaping Protections

§ 6712 Water-Efficient Landscaping Protections

Civil Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 6712 Water-Efficient Landscaping Protections

Key Takeaways

  • •You can't be stopped from using plants that need little water in your yard.
  • •No one can make rules that stop you from following local water-saving laws for your garden.
  • •Your neighborhood can still have garden rules, but they must follow the water-saving laws.

Example

You want to replace your grass lawn with drought-resistant plants to save water.

If your neighborhood rules say you can't do this, those rules are not allowed. You can still plant your water-saving garden.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 6712 Water-Efficient Landscaping Protections

(a)  Notwithstanding any other law, a provision of the governing documents shall be void and unenforceable if it does any of the following: (1) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low water-using plants as a group. (2) Has the effect of prohibiting or restricting compliance with either of the following: (A) A water-efficient landscape ordinance adopted or in effect pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 65595 of the Government Code. (B) Any regulation or restriction on the use of water adopted pursuant to Section 353 or 375 of the Water Code. (b) This section shall not prohibit an association from applying landscaping rules established in the governing documents, to the extent the rules fully conform with the requirements of subdivision (a). (Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 605, Sec. 21. (SB 752) Effective January 1, 2014.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

governing documentslow water-using plantswater-efficient landscape ordinancelandscaping rules

Related Statutes

  • § 4700 Association Member Use Limits
  • § 4715 Pet Ownership In Hoas
  • § 4736 Drought Pressure Washing Ban
  • § 6700 Association Regulation Limits
  • § 6704 Homeowner Noncommercial Sign Rights

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 6712.
View Official Source