While a lush, sprawling lawn may seem like a luxury of childhoods past, never to be had again in the era of warming and a drought condition, don't go tearing it all up to create a sandbox for succulents just yet, until you become familiar with the landscaping rules in your community. While most California municipalities are preaching conservation, many of which have both incentives and penalty programs established, not all areas have jumped on the conservation train yet.
Two cities within the same county may have completely different ordinances governing how homeowners may landscape their homes. It is not uncommon to have a city that promotes water conservation directly adjacent to one that still requires all yards to consist of at least half lawn. Quite simply, many community officials are scrambling to keep up with conservation measures that some of their inhabitants have already set in place, thus creating an undefined set of guidelines that vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. Here are some examples that illustrate the varied the landscaping rules in Southern California:
Los Angeles: There are some landscaping rules but they are defined according to zoning codes. Single-family homeowners have free-rein while duplexes and complexes have different rules. Landscaping is governed in Historic Preservation Overlay Zones. Restrictions apply to the actual upkeep of landscaped greenery, however, limiting the hours during which laws may be watered.
Long Beach: It is suggested that residents dedicate no more than 50% of their front yards to concrete, however wood chips and gravel are permitted for up to 100% of the yard area. Rules are established by neighborhood associations, therefore, the city does not strictly enforce landscaping regulations. Although drought-friendly measures are highly recommended, they are not yet required but perhaps will be soon.
Glendale: Rules vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, most of which restrict 40% of setback areas to landscaping, not all in one corner, and that those areas are comprised primarily of plant material.
Burbank: Street-facing yards, both front and side, may only be 45% hardscape (concrete, brick, paving, etc.)
Riverside: The front yard must be maintained at a quality standard that matches the rest of the community, varying by neighborhood. Other than this standard, there is no landscaping regulation.