The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, through adoption of the County General Plan on January 26, 1982, established policies relating to agricultural uses within the County. Intensive agricultural uses, even when conducted by the most responsible operator, can result in noise, odor, dust and other impacts which are tolerated and expected by similar operators. However, residents of adjacent property may not be as tolerant of these activities and may perceive them as a nuisance to the enjoyment of their home and property. It is important that adjacent property owners understand that those elements of agricultural production which may not be considered as desirable are acceptable in the furtherance of the General Plan goals for preservation and enhancement of agricultural production. Therefore, it is essential that notification be provided to residents of property located near properties designated for general agricultural use that these agricultural uses are encouraged, that accepted agricultural practices may continue, and that efforts to prohibit, ban, restrict or otherwise eliminate established agricultural uses will not be favorable received. Therefore, the notification and mediation procedures to accomplish this goal are hereafter set forth.
(SCC 0802 § 2, 1990)
"Agricultural land" shall mean all that property within the boundaries of Sacramento County currently designated Agricultural Cropland, Agricultural-Recreation Reserve, Agricultural-Urban Reserve, or General Agricultural on the Sacramento County General Plan. In addition, those properties zoned AG-160, AG-80, AG-40, AG-20, A-80, A-20, A-10, AR-10, A-5, AR-5, A-2, AR-2, UR, or IR will also be considered "agricultural land" for the purpose of this chapter because the Sacramento County Zoning Code allows general agricultural uses in these zones.
(SCC 0802 § 2, 1990)
Shall include, but not be limited to, the cultivation and tillage of the soil; dairying; the production, cultivation, growing, and harvesting of any agricultural commodity including timber, viticulture, apiculture, or horticulture; the raising of livestock, fur-bearing animals, fish, or poultry; and any practices performed by a farmer or on a farm as incidental to or in conjunction with such farming operation, including preparation for market, delivery to storage or to market, or to carriers for transportation to market.
(SCC 0802 § 2, 1990)
"Director" shall mean the Director of the Planning and Community Development Department.
(SCC 0802 § 2, 1990)
a. 
No agricultural activity, operation, or facility, or appurtenances thereof, conducted or maintained for commercial purposes, and in a manner consistent with proper and accepted customs and standards, as established and followed by similar agricultural operations in the same locality, shall be or become a nuisance, private or public, due to any changed condition in or about the locality, after the same has been in operations for more than three years if it was not a nuisance at the time it began.
b. 
Subsection (a) shall not apply if the agricultural activity, operation, or facility, or appurtenances thereof obstructs the free passage or use, in the customary manner, or any navigable lake, river, bay, stream, canal, or basin, or any public park, square, street, or highway.
c. 
This section shall not invalidate any provisions contained in the Health and Safety Code, Fish and Game Code, Food and Agricultural Code, or Division 7 (commencing with Section 13000) of the Water Code, if the agricultural activity, operation, or facility, or appurtenances thereof, constitute a nuisance, public or private, as specifically defined or described in any such provisions.
(SCC 0802 § 2, 1990)
This chapter of Title 14 shall apply to all properties within the boundaries of the unincorporated area of the County of Sacramento.
(SCC 0802 § 2, 1990)
a. 
Within one year of the date of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, the Director shall cause notice to be mailed to owners of all property designated for agricultural use in the General Plan as well as adjacent to such property, located within the unincorporated area of Sacramento County, advising the owners that the Board of Supervisors has adopted a "Right-to-Farm Ordinance." The Board of Supervisors may elect to mail copies of this notice every three to five years with the annual tax bill as funds are available for such distribution. The notice may be in the form of a brochure, flyer, or some similar condensed document which outlines the general provisions of the ordinance and includes, substantially, the following statement:
"The Board of Supervisors of Sacramento County, on July 10, 1990, adopted a Right-to-Farm Ordinance. The purpose of this ordinance is to insure that established agricultural operations which are operated in a manner consistent with proper and accepted customs and standards be allowed to continue. Residents of property which are adjacent to land which is zoned for agricultural use or which is designated on the Sacramento County General Plan for agricultural use may be subject to inconveniences or discomfort from the pursuit of agricultural operations including but not limited to cultivation, plowing, spraying, fertilizing, pruning, and harvesting which occasionally generates dust, smoke, noise and odor; from the noise, odors, and other features attributed to the keeping of farm animals; and from the conduct of farming activities during typical working hours, as well as late in the evening, early in the morning, or 24-hours a day during certain times and seasons of the year. The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors has designated areas within its boundaries for agricultural uses and has adopted policies supporting continued agricultural production. Residents within these areas and on adjacent property should be prepared to accept such inconvenience and recognize that these uses will occur. If, however, an agricultural operation is being conducted in a manner which does not appear to be consistent with accepted agricultural practices, any person may file a complaint with the office of the Agricultural Commissioner, located at 4137 Branch Center Road, Sacramento, California."
b. 
For the purpose of mailing such notice the Director may utilize addresses from postal service zip code lists which include all property designated for agricultural use on the General Plan and property adjacent to property so designated. Failure to receive such notice shall not relieve any property owner or resident from any of the terms of this chapter.
(SCC 0802 § 2, 1990)
From time-to-time, complaints may be raised by residents that agricultural activities are not being conducted in a reasonable manner, or that the operator of an agricultural operation is not using currently acceptable methods in the conduct of the farm. Therefore, a procedure is hereby established whereby any property owner or resident may file a complaint with the office of the Agricultural Commissioner. Complaints must be in writing and must specify the property on which the activity is occurring, the nature of the unacceptable activity, dates or times when the activity occurs, and any other pertinent information which may assist in the resolution of the dispute. The Board of Supervisors may, upon recommendation of the Agricultural Commissioner, establish a fee to offset the costs of processing the complaint.
(SCC 0802 § 2, 1990)
The Agricultural Commissioner will be the responsible party for determining whether the agricultural activity is being conducted in a reasonably acceptable manner, based on all information available to him or her. The Agricultural Commissioner may require that specified corrective action take place and that the corrective action occur within a certain period of time. The Agricultural Commissioner may determine that the operation is being conducted in a reasonable manner and remedial action is not necessary. If the decision of the Agricultural Commissioner does not result in a solution agreeable to all parties, the matter will be referred to the Agricultural Advisory Committee for a recommendation as to an appropriate resolution. If, after a final decision is rendered by the Agricultural Commissioner based on a recommendation offered by the Agricultural Advisory Committee, one of the parties to the complaint is dissatisfied with the decision, that decision may be appealed to a Hearing Officer, as provided in Section 14.05.420. The Board of Supervisors may, upon recommendation of the Agricultural Commissioner, establish a fee to offset the costs of processing an appeal.
(SCC 0802 § 2, 1990)
The Agricultural Advisory Committee shall make recommendations to the Agricultural Commissioner as to appropriate resolution of complaints filed concerning the operation of agricultural uses in Sacramento County. The Agricultural Advisory Committee will consider referrals from the Agricultural Commissioner in those instances where an acceptable resolution cannot be reached.
(SCC 0802 § 2, 1990; SCC 1492 § 4, 2011)
In the case of a dispute as to the appropriate resolution of a complaint, any party may request a hearing before a Hearing Officer by filing an appeal in the Office of the Agricultural Commissioner. The hearing shall be conducted by an individual who is designated by the County Executive. The individual may be an employee of the County who is not assigned to the Agricultural Commissioner's Office, or an individual who is not an employee but is retained pursuant to a contract to provide such services. The County Executive is hereby authorized by contract in the name of the County for the services of such a Hearing Officer at rates for such services which do not exceed $75 per hour of service rendered.
(SCC 0802 § 2, 1990)
The Hearing Officer shall conduct a hearing for the purpose of receiving information from the individual appealing the decision, the Agricultural Commissioner, the property owner/operator, the complainant, and any other interested party. The hearing shall be tape recorded and all documents presented as evidence shall be maintained as part of the record of the hearing. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Hearing Officer shall issue a written decision, including findings of fact and conclusions of law respecting the disposition of the complaint. The decision of the Hearing Officer shall be final.
(SCC 0802 § 2, 1990)
The Agricultural Commissioner shall prepare an annual report, outlining the number and nature of complaints received, and the resolution of those complaints. This report shall be provided to each member of the Board of Supervisors no later than February 1st of each year. The purpose of the report will be to identify for the Board the volume, subject, and resolution of complaints from residents near agricultural operations. This information may assist the Board in determining the appropriateness of certain types of land uses within agricultural areas, and in identifying appropriate buffering techniques between those uses which may resolve disputes before they occur.
(SCC 0802 § 2, 1990; SCC 0808 § 1, 1990)
The purpose of these requirements is to define the standards and procedures for the design, installation, and management of landscapes in order to utilize available plant, water, land, and human resources to the greatest benefit of the people of Sacramento County. Skillful planting and irrigation design, appropriate use of plants, and intelligent landscape management can assure landscape development that avoids excessive water demands and that is less vulnerable to periods of severe drought.
(SCC 0812 § 1, 1990)
These requirements shall be applicable to new and rehabilitated landscaping for industrial, commercial, and institutional developments; to parks and other public recreational areas; to multifamily residential, common areas and model homes; and County road medians and corridors; all as defined in the Sacramento County Zoning Code; provided, however, that these requirements shall not be applicable to the residential portions of developments which are subject to a development agreement entered into pursuant to Government Code Sections 65864 et seq., if such development agreement was in effect as of January 1, 1989.
(SCC 0812 § 1, 1990; SCC 0856 § 1, 1991)
To assure that the purpose of this chapter is carried out, improvement plans and building permits will not be approved until a submittal conforming to the specific provisions of the chapter shall have been approved by the County of Sacramento, Department of Public Works.
(SCC 0812 § 1, 1990)
The Board of Supervisors of Sacramento County ("Board") or its designee may authorize conditional exceptions to any of the design and improvement standards in this chapter, unless the standard specifically states that an exception cannot be granted. Such exceptions may be granted if the Board finds in writing that the proposed design or improvement is in substantial compliance with the purpose and intent of the standard to be excepted.
(SCC 0812 § 1, 1990)
Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of terms used in this chapter shall be as defined in this section.
1. 
Amendment. Any material added to the soil to alter the pH or improve the physical properties of the soil.
2. 
Application Rate. The rate of irrigation (inches/hour or gallons per minute) at which water is applied by an irrigation system.
3. 
Automatic Control Valve. A valve in an irrigation system which is activated by an automatic electric controller via an electric control wire.
4. 
Automatic Irrigation System. An irrigation system that can be controlled without manual manipulation and which operates on a pre-set program.
5. 
Contour. A line drawn on a plan which connects all points of equal elevation above or below a known or assumed reference point.
6. 
Controller. An automatic timing device with enclosure, which signals automatic valves to open and close on a present program.
7. 
Coverage. A general term, used with respect to the spacing of sprinkler heads, which defines the manner in which water is applied.
8. 
Cycle. In irrigation, the complete operation of a controller station.
9. 
Drip Irrigation. Low volume irrigation.
10. 
Grading. Earthwork performed to alter the natural contours of an area to be planted.
11. 
Infiltration Rate. The rate (inches per hour) in which water moves through soil under natural conditions.
12. 
Irrigation System. A complete connection of system components, including the water source, the water distribution network, and the necessary irrigation equipment.
13. 
Median. A planted area which separates two roadways or divides a portion of a road into 2 or more lanes.
14. 
Mulch. Materials such as bark or sawdust placed on the soil surface to retain moisture, retard weed growth, or prevent erosion.
15. 
Overspray. Water which is discharged from a pop-up or spray head which lands outside of the planting area.
16. 
P.S.I. Pounds per square inch gauge water pressure.
17. 
Permeability. The quality of a soil which allows water and air to pass through it.
18. 
Planting Area. The parcel area less building pad(s), driveway(s), patio(s), deck(s), walkway(s) and parking area(s). Planting areas include water bodies (i.e. fountains, ponds, lakes) and natural areas.
19. 
Planting Plan. A plan showing the features, contours, and dimensions of a plot of land, along with the location and dimensions of elements to be constructed.
20. 
Point of Connection. Point at which the irrigation system is connected to the public water system. This location is normally identified by the point at which a water meter is located or will be installed.
21. 
Precipitation Rate. The amount of water, in inches per hour, discharged by a group of sprinkler heads.
22. 
Percolation. The movement of water through soil.
23. 
Rain Shutoff. A feature of an automated irrigation system which interrupts the normal irrigation cycle when it detects a significant amount of rainfall.
24. 
Rehabilitated Landscape. Any planting area(s) in which landscape materials are replaced or modified. Examples include a change of plants or groundcover, installation of a new irrigation system, and grading modifications.
25. 
Runoff. Water which is not absorbed by the soil to which it is applied. Runoff usually occurs when water is applied at too great a rate or when water is applied to a steep slope.
26. 
Station. A position on an automatic irrigation controller which indicates the control point of automatic irrigation valves.
27. 
Tensiometer or Moisture Sensor. An instrument for measuring the moisture content of the soil and capable of interrupting the irrigation cycle when excessive or adequate moisture is detected.
28. 
Toe or Slope. A horizontal section located at the base of a slope.
(SCC 0812 § 1, 1990)
The following shall be submitted to the County of Sacramento, Public Works Department, for review and approval:
1. 
Planting Plan. The planting plan shall be drawn on project base sheets in a clear and legible fashion.
A. 
A scale of no smaller than 1" = 40 ft. shall be used.
B. 
Plan: The planting plans shall accurately and clearly identify:
Landscape materials, trees, shrubs, groundcover, turf, etc. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn and plants labeled by botanical name, common names, container size, spacing and quantities of each group of plants indicated.
Property lines.
Streets, driveways, walkways, and other paved areas.
Building and structures including elevation if applicable.
Natural features—rock outcropping, existing oak and/ornamental trees, shrubs, etc.—to remain.
Tree staking, soil preparation details, and any other applicable details.
2. 
Irrigation Plan. The irrigation plan shall be drawn on project base sheets in a clear and legible fashion.
A. 
The scale shall be equal to that used for the planting plan.
B. 
Plan: The irrigation plan shall accurately and clearly identify:
Flow rate and P.S.I. at the point of connection.
Coverage of all components of the irrigation system, including main and lateral lines.
Valves.
Controllers.
Heads.
Quick couplers.
Head precipitation rates.
Meter size.
Moisture sensor devices.
Rain switches.
Backflow prevention device.
3. 
Sloped Areas. Sloped areas shall be indicated by contour lines (this may be shown on grading plan)
4. 
Soil Tests. A soils report shall be prepared by a soil testing company and submitted with the plans. Soil samples shall be collected after grading operations are conducted and prior to the installation of landscape materials. Soil samples shall be sufficiently numerous to account for any soil variations that may be present in the planting areas. As a minimum, the following shall be included:
Soil Infiltration
Soil Texture test
Cation exchange capacity
Soil fertility including tests for nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, pH, organic matter and specific conductance (E.C)
Amendments shall be added to correct for problems as noted by the soils report. A copy of the soils report shall be attached to the irrigation schedule which will be delivered to the owner and controller operator.
5. 
Water Use. Estimated plant water use calculations for each planting area shall be submitted with the planting plan.
6. 
Irrigation Schedule. An annual irrigation program with a minimum four season water schedule shall be required for both the plant establishment period and established landscape. The water schedule shall include run time and frequency of irrigation for each station. The total average planted area precipitation shall not exceed 30"/year for established landscapes (See "Plant Selection", Section 14.10.080). A copy of the schedule shall be delivered along with as-builts and any other information normally forwarded to the owner and controller operator.
(SCC 0812 § 1, 1990)
1. 
Irrigation systems shall be designed so that the application rate does not exceed the infiltration rate of the soil, and will minimize overspray and runoff. The designer shall refer to Section 14.10.110,"Soil Infiltration Rates" and the results of the soil tests to meet these design criteria. In general, low volume sprinkler heads, drip emitters and pressure compensation bubblers shall be used throughout the system.
2. 
Irrigation stations shall be separated (e.g. drip vs. overhead spray systems). Additional control valves shall be installed to account for different site specific characteristics (i.e. full sun/full shade, level/sloping, shrubs/lawns, street trees, etc)
3. 
Maximum sprinkler spacing for both turf and non-turf areas shall be 50% of the diameter of the throw. (Example: 30' diameter nozzle should be no more that 15' apart). Spacing of sprinklers shall take into account onsite wind conditions.
4. 
All irrigation systems shall be operated by an automatic controller. At a minimum, each controller shall have a rain shutoff operation, a 14-day calendar, 2 independent programs, and three cycles/day capabilities.
5. 
The irrigation system shall be designed to allow a complete watering cycle within a 14 hour period.
6. 
All turf areas shall utilize either pop-up rotary impact heads or spray heads with a minimum riser height of 5 inches.
(SCC 0812 § 1, 1990)
1. 
Water Use Criteria. All landscapes shall comply with the following water use criteria:
A. 
The maximum amount of water that can be applied per year to any landscape shall average no greater than 30" of supplemental water.
B. 
The planted area shall balance the water demands of different plant species to create an overall landscape which requires a moderate amount of water. For design purposes, planting area shall be defined as low use, medium use, or high use areas. (Refer to Section 14.10.120 for a list of low, medium and high use plants.) Water use values (Table I) reflect the relative water use of each type of planting area. To check a landscape design for compliance multiply the water use value by its respective planting area.
Example: Assume a 2 acre landscape plan consists of 20% high use plants (turf), 50% medium use plants, and 30% low use plants.
20% (2 acres)
0.40 acres x 1.6 = 0.64
50% (2 acres)
1.0 acres x 1.0 = 1.00
30% (2 acres)
0.60 acres x 0.4 = 0.24
 
1.88-2
Since the sum of the water use factors is less than the area (2 acres), the design is acceptable. If the sum of the water use factors exceeded 2, the design would not be acceptable, and the designer would be required to substitute some high use species with low or medium use species to reduce the sum of water use factors to 2 or less.
TABLE I
PLANTING TYPE
WATER USE VALUES
Low use
0.40
Medium use
1.0
High use
 
(includes turf and water bodies)
1.6
Water use calculations including plant key, and planting area shall be shown on the planting plan according to the format in the following example:
Assume a landscape design involves 2,600 sq. ft. of planting area. The planting plan consists of 600 sq. ft. of Cistus purpureus (CP), 600 sq. ft. of Nerium oleander (N)), 400 sq. ft. of Pittosporum tobira (PT), Juniperus Horizontals (JH), and Liquidamber styraciflue (LS), and 1000 sq. ft. of turf.
WATER USE CALCULATION
Water Use
Plant Key
Sq. Ft.
Water Use factor (Total Sq. Ft. x Use Value)
Low
CP
600
 
NO
600
1200 x 0.4 = 480
Medium
PT, JH and LS
400
400 x 1.0 = 400
High
Turf
1000
1000 x 1.6 = 1600
2600
2480
2. 
Turf Selections and Use.
A. 
Turf shall not be permitted in planted areas 10 feet or less in width, or in median strips.
B. 
Under no circumstances shall turf be installed on slopes greater than 20%. The toe of any sloping section shall be a minimum of 24 inches behind a curb or sidewalk.
C. 
Turf areas which exceed 2,500 square feet are required to use soil moisture sensors and rain shutoff devices as a part of the irrigation system. Device type and installation shall be per manufacturer's recommendations.
D. 
Turf shall not be installed within 10 feet of the dripline of native oak trees.
E. 
Turf shall be of a variety well suited to the local climate (i.e. tall fescue)
3. 
Non-Turf Selections.
A. 
Plants selected for use in non-turf areas should be well suited or adaptable to the climate of this region. Plants shall be grouped according to their water needs and irrigated separately. Species of different water needs may be grouped (i.e. low with medium and medium with high) but the highest water use value of the two shall be used to determine compliance with the Ordinance. Low and high use species may not be used in the same irrigation area. To use species other than those listed in Section 14.10.120, the designer may provide the County with information indicating the water requirement of the species. Information may include the listing of a plant in an acceptable reference (see Section 14.10.120) stating its water requirement characteristics, comparing it to a species in the plant list, field data, etc.
B. 
A minimum of three inches of an organic mulch shall be placed in shrub areas on the soil surface after planting. Non-porous materials shall not be placed under the mulch.
(SCC 0812 § 1, 1990)
Upon completion of the installation of the landscaping, the designer shall certify that the landscape complies with all County Water Conserving Landscape Requirements. certification shall be accomplished by completion of a Certificate of Compliance on a form approved by the Director of the County Public Works Department. Failure to submit a complete and accurate Certificate of Compliance will delay final approval of the project and/or discontinue water service.
(SCC 0812 § 1, 1990)
A. 
For each subdivision with three or more model homes, the developer shall submit a landscape plan and install landscaping for one model home which incorporates the County's Water Conserving Landscape Requirements. The intent of this requirement is to demonstrate to prospective home buyers the feasibility and aesthetic qualities of water conserving landscape design.
B. 
Signs identifying aspects of the landscape design and irrigation shall be placed around the model. These signs should be clearly marked on the landscape plan for the model. The following criteria shall be used in developing and placing the signs.
1. 
Front Yard Sign Identifying Model: A sign, large enough to be visible from the street and sidewalk (at least two feet by two feet) shall be located in front of the model home. The sign shall indicate that the model is landscaped with water conserving plant materials and irrigation systems.
2. 
Other Exterior Signs: A sign shall be placed within the landscaped area identifying the irrigation system used, the different sub-areas of the landscape, and any other features that contribute to the overall water conserving theme.
3. 
Interior Signs or Displays: A drawing, or combination of drawings, shall be displayed inside the model providing a schematic of the landscape. These drawings shall include a key identifying the plants in the yards. It is suggested that this schematic also be printed on a one page handout to be available at the model or the sales office. The drawings could be a simplified rendering of the landscape plan itself, using common names rather than the Latin names for the plants. The drawing(s) should be colorful and easy to read.
Literature describing water conserving landscapes shall be available to individuals touring the model.
(SCC 0812 § 1, 1990)
Infiltration Rate (IR)
Inches/Hour
 
Percent of Slope
Soil Texture, Type
0-4%
5-8%
8-12%
12-16%
Over 16%
Coarse Sand
1.25
1.00
.75
.50
.31
Medium Sand
1.06
.85
.64
.42
.27
Fine Sand
.94
.75
.56
.38
.24
Loamy Sand
.88
.70
.53
.35
.22
Sandy Loam
.75
.60
.45
.30
.19
Fine Sandy Loam
.63
.50
.38
.25
.16
V. Fine Sandy Loam
.59
.47
.35
.24
.15
Loam
.54
.43
.33
.22
.14
Silt Loam
.50
.40
.30
.20
.13
Silt
.44
.35
.26
.18
.11
Sandy Clay
.31
.25
.19
.12
.08
Clay Loam
.25
.20
.15
.10
.06
Silty Clay
.19
.15
.11
.08
.05
Clay
.13
.10
.08
.05
.03
Note: Rates based on full cover. These figures decrease with time and percent of cover. Derived from USDA information.
(SCC 0812 § 1, 1990)
The following is a list of plants that are commonly used in landscape designs with water requirement classifications of low (L), medium (M), or high (H)
The list should not be considered a complete list of plants that can be used in landscape projects. The list is provided to assist the landscape designer in choosing species of appropriate water demands to meet the requirements of this document, and to group species of similar water demands to facilitate efficient irrigation. To use species other than those listed, the designer may provide the County with information indicating the water requirement of the species. Information may include the listing of a plant in an acceptable reference stating its water requirement characteristics, comparing it to a species in the plant list, field data, etc. Acceptable references include the "Sunset Western Garden Book"; "Trees and Shrubs for Dry California Landscapes," Robert Perry; and "Water Wise Gardening," E.B.M.U.D.
GENUS
SPECIES
CULTIVAR OR VARIETY
WATER REQUIREMENTS
Abelia
grandiflora
 
H
 
x
"Edward Goucher"
H
Abutilon
hybridum
 
H
 
Megapotamicum
 
H
Acacia
adunca
 
H
 
cognota
 
M
 
cultriformis
 
M
 
cyclops
 
L
 
glaucoptera
 
M
 
lasiocarpa
 
M
 
longifolia
 
M
 
melanoxylon
 
L
 
ongerup
 
L
 
paxii
 
M
 
pendula
 
M
 
pravissima
 
M
 
redolens
 
L
Acanthus
Mollis
 
H
Acer
circinatum
 
H
 
negundo
 
H
 
oblongum
 
H
 
palmatum
 
H
 
"
dissectum
H
 
platanoides
 
M
 
rubrum
 
H
 
"
"Red Sunset"
H
 
saccharinum
 
M
 
saccharum
 
H
Achillea
millefolium
 
L
Acorus
gramineus
 
M
Actinidia
chinensis
 
H
Aeonium
arboreum
 
L
Aesculus
californica
 
L
 
carnea
 
L
Agapanthus
 
"Peter Pan"
L
 
africanus
 
L
 
orientalis
 
L
Agave
americana
 
L
 
attenuata
 
L
 
sisiliana
 
L
Agonis
flexuosa
 
L
Ajuga
reptans
 
H
Akebia
quinata
 
M
Albizia
julibrissin
 
L
Allmanda
cathartica
 
M
Alnus
cordata
 
M
 
oregona
 
H
 
rhombifolia
 
H
Alnus
glutinosa
 
H
Alocasia
odora
 
H
Aloe
arborescens
 
L
Aloe
vera
 
M
Alpinia
zerumbet
 
H
Alsophilia
australis
 
H
Alyogyne
huegelii
 
L
Ampelopsis
veitchi
 
M
Andromeda
polifolia
 
H
Aralia
elegantissima
 
H
 
sieboldii
 
H
Araucaria
bidwillii
 
M
 
heterophylla
 
M
Arbutus
menziesii
 
L
 
unedo
 
M
Archontophoenix
cunninghamiana
 
M
Arctostaphylos
 
"Emerald Carpet"
L
 
 
"Green Sphere"
L
 
 
"Howard McMinn"
L
 
bakeri
"Louis Edmunds"
L
 
densiflora
"Sentinel"
L
 
edmundsii
"Carmel Sur"
L
 
hookeri
"Monterey Carpet"
L
 
"
"Wayside"
L
 
manzanita
"Dr. Hurd"
L
 
uva-ursi
 
L
 
uva-ursi
"Pacific Mist"
L
 
"
"Point Reyes"
L
 
"
"Radiant"
L
 
"
"Woods Compact"
L
Arctotheca
calendula
 
M
Arecastrum
romanzoffianum
 
M
Arenaria
verna
 
H
Artemisia
arborescens
 
L
 
pycnocephala
"David's Choice"
L
 
stelleriana
"Silver Brocade"
L
Asparagus
densiflorus
"Sprengeri"
M
 
plumosus
 
M
Aspidistra
elatior
 
H
Asplenium
nidus
 
H
Atriplex
lentiformis
 
L
 
"
breweri
L
Aucuba
japonica
 
H
 
"
"Variegata"
H
Azalea
indica
 
H
Baccharis
pilularis
 
L
 
"
"Twin Peaks"
L
Bauhinia
blakeana
 
M
 
variegata
 
M
Berberis
julianae
 
L
 
mentorensis
 
L
 
thunbergii
 
L
Berginia
cordifolia
 
M
Betula
pendula
 
H
 
"
"Dalecarlica"
H
 
verrucosa
 
H
Bougainvillea
 
"Barbara Karst"
M
 
 
"San Diego Red"
M
Brunfelsia
calycina
 
H
 
pauciflora
 
H
Buxus
harlandii
 
M
 
microphylla
 
M
 
"
japonica
M
 
sempervirens
 
M
Calliandra
tweedii
 
L
Callistemon
citrinus
 
L
 
"
"Jeffersii"
L
 
lanceolatus
 
L
 
viminalis
 
L
Calocedrus
decurrens
 
M
Calycanthus
occidentalis
 
H
Camellia
hiemalis
 
H
 
japonica
 
H
 
sasanqua
 
H
Campanula
poscharskyana
 
H
Campsis
radicans
 
M
Carissa
grandiflora
 
M
Carpenteria
californica
 
L
 
"
"Elizabeth"
L
Carpobrotus
edulis
 
M
Cassia
artemisioides
 
L
 
leptophylla
 
L
Casaurina
glauca
 
L
 
stricta
 
L
Catalpa
speciosa
 
M
Ceanothus
 
"Blue Jeans"
L
 
 
"Concha"
L
 
 
"Dark Star"
L
 
 
"Frosty Blue"
L
 
 
"Joyce Coulter"
L
 
 
"Julia Phelps"
L
 
 
"Ray Hartman"
L
 
 
"Sierra Blue"
L
 
 
"Skylark"
L
 
 
"Tilden Park"
L
 
 
"Blue Buttons"
L
 
cordulatus
 
L
Gloriosus
 
 
L
 
"
"Anchor Bay"
L
 
"
exaltatus "Emily Brown"
L
 
"
var. porrectus
L
 
griseus
horizontalis
L
 
"
horizontalis "Yankee Point"
L
 
"
"Santa Ana"
L
 
hearstiorum
 
L
 
rigidus
"Snowball"
L
 
thyrsiflorus
repens
L
 
 
"Snow Flurry"
L
Cedrus
atlantica
 
L
 
"
"Glauca"
L
 
deodara
 
L
 
libani
 
L
Celtis
australis
 
L
 
sinensis
 
L
Centaurea
cineraria
 
L
Cephalanthus
occidentalis
var.californicus
H
Cerotonia
siliqua
 
L
Cercidum
floridum
 
L
Cercis
canadensis
 
L
 
occidentalis
 
L
Cercocarpus
betuloides
 
L
Cestrum
nocturnum
 
H
Chaenomeles
japonica
 
M
Chamaecyparis
obtusa
 
M
 
"
"Nana"
M
 
pisifera
 
M
Chamaerops
humilis
 
M
Cheiranthus
variegata
 
L
Choisya
ternata
 
H
Cinnamomum
camphora
 
M
Cissus
antaractica
 
H
 
rhombifolia
 
H
Cistus
 
"Sunset"
L
 
 
"Warley's Rock Rose
L
 
crispus
 
L
 
hybridus
 
L
 
landanifer
 
L
 
purpureus
 
L
 
salvifolius
"Prostratus"
L
 
skanbergi
"Low Pink"
L
Citrus
limon
 
L
Clematis
armandii
 
H
Clivia
miniata
 
H
Clytostoma
callistegioides
 
M
Cocculus
laurifolius
 
H
Cocos
plumosa
 
M
Coleonema
pulchrum
 
M
Convovulus
cneorum
 
L
Coprosma
kirkii
 
L
Coprosma
repens
 
L
Cordyline
indivisa
 
H
Cornus
florida
 
H
 
stolonifera
 
H
Correa
alba
 
L
 
pulchella
 
L
Cortaderia
selloana
 
L
Corylus
avellana
 
M
 
cornuta
 
H
Cotinus
coggygria
 
L
Cotoneaster
 
"Lowfast"
L
 
apiculatus
 
L
 
dammeri
 
L
 
horizontalis
 
L
 
lacteus
 
L
 
microphyllus
 
L
 
"
thymifolius
L
 
parneyi
 
L
Crataegus
lavellei
 
M
 
oscantha
"Paul's Scarlet"
M
 
phaenapyrum
 
M
Cupaniopsis
anacardioides
 
M
Cupressocyparis
 
"Gold Cup"
M
 
leylandii
 
M
Cupressus
glabra
 
L
 
macrocarpa
 
L
 
sempervirens
 
L
Cycas
revoluta
 
M
Cyperus
alternifolius
 
H
 
papyrus
 
H
Cytisus
praecox
 
L
 
purpureus
atropurpureus
L
 
racemosus
 
L
 
scoparius
 
L
 
"
"Lilac Time"
L
Deutzia
gracilis
 
M
Dianthus
alpinus
 
M
Diascia
 
"Ruby Field"
M
 
fetcaniensis
 
M
 
rigescens
 
M
Dicksonia
antarctica
 
H
Dietes
bicolor
 
L
 
vegeta
 
L
Diosma
pulchrum
 
M
Diplacus
aurantiacus
 
M
Distictis
buccinatoria
 
H
Dodonaea
viscosa
"Purpurea"
L
Doxantha
unguis-cati
 
M
Duchesnea
indica
 
H
Echium
fastuosum
 
L
Elaeagnus
angustifolia
 
L
 
pungens
"Maculata"
L
Eriobotrya
deflexa
 
M
 
japonica
 
M
Eriogonum
arborescens
 
L
 
crocatum
 
L
 
fasciculatum
 
L
 
giganteum
 
L
 
umbellatum
polyanthum
L
Erythrina
carrfa
 
M
 
coralloides
 
M
Escallonia
 
"Fradesii"
M
 
 
"Red Elf"
M
 
rubra
 
M
 
x
"Newport Dwarf"
M
Eucalyptus
camaldulensis
 
L
 
cinerea
 
L
 
cladocalyx
 
L
 
globulus
"Compacta"
L
 
grandis
 
L
 
gunnii
 
L
 
leucoxylon
 
L
 
maculata
 
L
 
microtheca
 
L
 
nicholii
 
L
 
nitens
 
L
 
polyanthemos
 
L
 
rudis
 
L
 
sideroxylon
 
M
 
torquata
 
L
Euonymus
alata
"Compacta"
M
 
fortunei
 
M
 
japonica
 
M
 
patens
 
M
Euryops
pectinatus
 
L
 
"
"Virides"
L
Fatshedera
lizei
 
H
Fatsia
japonica
 
H
Feijoa
sellowiana
 
M
Felicia
ameloides
 
M
Festuca
ovina
"Glauca"
L
Ficus
pumila
 
H
Forsythia
intermedia
 
M
 
ovata
 
M
Fragaria
chiloensis
 
H
Fraxinus
americana
 
H
 
holotricha
 
M
Fraxinus
latifolia
 
H
 
oxycarpa
 
M
 
"
"Raywood"
M
 
pennsylvanica
 
M
 
uhdei
 
M
 
"
"Orange County"
M
 
velutina
 
M
Fremontodendron
 
"California Glory"
L
 
 
"Pacific Sunset"
L
Galvezia
speciosa
 
L
Gardenia
jasminoides
 
H
Garrya
elliptica
"James Roof"
M
Gaultheria
shallon
 
M
Ganzania
 
"Burgundy"
L
 
 
"Copper King"
L
 
 
"Fiesta Red"
L
 
 
"Gold Rush"
L
 
 
"Sunrise Yellow"
L
Geijera
parviflora
 
M
Gelsemium
sempervirens
 
M
Genista
lydia
 
L
 
pilosa
"Vancouver Gold
L
Ginkgo
biloba
 
M
Gleditsia
triacanthos
 
M
 
"
"Aurea"
M
 
"
"Moraine"
M
 
"
"Shademaster"
M
Grevillea
 
"Canberra"
M
 
 
"Noelii"
M
 
lanigera
 
L
 
robusta
 
M
Grewia
caffra
 
H
Hakea
suavelolens
 
L
Hebe
 
"Blue Elf"
M
 
 
"Co-Ed"
M
 
 
"Patty's Purple"
M
 
buxifolia
 
M
 
menziesii
 
M
Hedera
canariensis
 
H
 
helix
 
M
Helianthemum
nummularium
"Apricot"
L
 
"
"Stoplite"
L
 
"
"Wisley Pink"
L
Helxine
soleirollia
 
H
Hemerocallis
sp
 
M
Herniaria
glabra
 
H
Heteromeles
arbutifolia
 
L
 
"
"Yellow Berry"
L
Heuchera
maxima
 
M
Heuchera
sanguinea
 
M
Hibiscus
rosa-sinensis
 
H
Hydrangea
macrophylla
 
M
Hymenosporum
flavum
 
M
Hypericum
patulum
 
M
Iberis
Sempevirens
 
M
Ilex
aquifolium
 
H
 
cornuta
 
H
 
crenata
 
H
 
dimorphophylla
 
H
 
vomitoria
"Nana"
H
 
x
altaclarensis
H
Iris
douglasiana
 
H
Jacaranda
acutifolia
 
M
Jasminum
mesnyi
 
L
 
polyanthum
 
M
Juglans
nigra
 
L
Juniperus
chinensis
 
L
 
conferta
 
H
 
excelsa
 
M
 
horizontalis
 
M
 
procumbens
 
M
 
sabina
 
L
 
scopulorum
 
L
 
shimpaku
 
M
 
squamata
 
L
 
virginiana
 
L
Kniphofia
uvaria
 
L
Koelreuteria
bipinnata
 
M
 
paniculata
 
M
Laburnum
wateri
 
H
Lagerstroemia
faureri
 
L
 
indica
 
L
Lantana
camara
 
M
 
sellowiana
 
M
Laurus
nobilis
 
L
Lavandula
angustifolia
 
L
 
"
"Hidcote"
L
 
"
"Munstead"
L
Leptospermum
scopiarum
 
L
Leucophyllum
frutescens
 
L
 
"
"Compactum"
L
Liguistrum
japonicum
 
H
 
"
"Texanum"
H
 
lucidum
 
H
 
vulgare
 
H
Limonium
perezii
 
M
Lippia
canescens
 
L
Liquidambar
styraciflua
 
M
 
"
"Burgundy"
M
 
"
"Festival"
M
Liquidambar
styraciflua
"Palo Alto"
M
Liriodendrum
tulipifera
 
H
Liriope
gigantea
 
M
 
muscari
 
H
 
spicata
 
M
Lithodora
diffusa
 
M
Lonicera
heckrottii
 
M
 
japonica
"Halliana"
M
 
tatarica
 
M
Lupinus
albifrons
 
L
Macfadyena
unaquis-cati
 
M
Magnolia
grandiflora
 
M
 
"
"Majestic Beauty"
M
 
soulangiana
 
H
 
stellata
 
H
Mahonia
aquifolium
 
L
 
lomariifolia
 
L
 
nevinii
 
L
 
pinnata
 
L
 
repens
 
L
Malus
floribunda
 
H
 
ioenis
 
H
 
purpurea
 
H
 
zumi
 
H
Maytenus
boaria
 
M
Malaleuca
linariifolia
 
L
 
nesophila
 
L
 
quinquenervia
 
L
Metasequoia
glyptostroboides
 
H
Metrosideros
excelsus
 
L
Moraea
bicolor
 
L
 
iridioides
 
L
Morous
alba
 
M
Myoporum
 
"Pacificum"
L
 
debile
 
L
 
laetum
 
L
Myoporum
parvifolium
 
L
Myrica
californica
 
M
Myrsine
africana
 
M
Myrtus
communis
 
L
Nandina
domestica
 
M
Nephrolepis
cordifolia
 
H
Nerium
oleander
 
L
 
"
"Mrs. Roeding"
L
 
"
"Petite Pink"
L
 
"
"Petite Slamon"
L
 
"
"Sister Agnes
L
Nyssa
sylvatica
 
H
Oenothera
berlandieri
"Siskiyou"
L
 
stubbei
 
L
Olea
europaea
 
L
Ophiopogon
japonicus
 
H
Osmanthus
fragrans
 
M
 
ilicifolius
 
M
Pachysandra
terminalis
 
M
Parkinsonia
aculeata
 
L
Parthenocissus
quinquefolia
 
M
 
tricuspidata
 
M
Passiflora
pfordtii
 
M
Pennisetum
aculeata
 
L
Penstemon
gloxinioides
 
L
Phaedranthus
buccinatorius
 
M
Philadelphus
virginalis
 
M
Philodendron
selloum
 
H
Phoenix
canariensis
 
L
 
reclinata
 
M
 
roebelenii
 
M
Phormium
tenax
 
M
 
"
"Bronze"
M
 
"
"Variegatum"
M
Photinia
fraseri
 
M
 
serrulata
 
M
Phyla
nodiflora
 
M
Phyllostachys
aurea
 
M
Picea
abies
 
H
 
glauca
 
H
 
pungens
 
H
Pieris
forrestii
 
H
 
japonica
 
M
Pinus
canariensis
 
M
 
contorta
 
M
 
densiflora
 
H
 
eldarica
 
L
 
haldepensis
 
L
 
jeffreyi
 
L
 
mugo
 
M
 
nigra
 
H
 
patula
 
M
 
pinea
 
L
 
ponderosa
 
L
 
radiata
 
M
 
roxburghii
 
M
 
sabiniana
 
L
 
strobus
 
M
 
sylvestris
 
M
 
thunbergii
 
L
 
torreyana
 
L
Pistacia
chinensis
 
L
 
vera
 
L
Pittosporum
crassifolium
 
M
 
eugenioides
 
M
Pittosporum
tenuifolium
 
M
 
tobira
 
M
 
"
"Variegata"
M
 
"
"Wheeler's Dwarf"
M
 
undulatum
 
M
Platanus
acerifolius
 
M
 
"
"Bloodgood"
M
 
"
"Yarwood"
M
 
cashmeriana
 
M
 
occidentalis
 
M
 
orientalis
 
M
 
racemosa
 
M
Plumbago
auriculata
 
M
 
capensis
 
M
Podacarpus
gracilior
 
H
 
macrophyllus
 
M
 
"
"Maki"
M
Polygala
dalmaisiana
 
M
Polystichum
munitum
 
H
Populus
balsamifera
 
M
 
bolleana
 
M
 
canadensis
 
H
 
fremontii
 
H
 
nigra
 
H
 
"
"Italica"
M
 
tremuloides
 
H
 
trichocarpa
 
H
Potentilla
fruticosa
 
H
 
veitchii
 
H
 
verna
 
H
Prunus
blieriana
 
M
 
caroliniana
 
M
 
cerasifera
 
M
 
cistena
 
M
 
glandulosa
 
M
 
laurocerasus
 
H
 
lyonii
 
L
 
serrulata
 
H
 
subhirtella
 
H
 
yedoensis
 
H
Psidium
cattelianum
 
M
Punica
granatum
 
L
Pyracantha
coccinea
 
L
 
fortuneana
 
L
 
koidzumii
 
L
Pyrus
calleryana
 
H
 
"
"Aristocrat"
M
 
"
"Bradford"
M
Kawakami
 
 
M
Quercus
agrifolia
 
L
Quercus
coccinea
 
M
 
douglasii
 
L
 
ilex
 
L
 
kelloggii
 
M
 
lobata
 
L
 
palustris
 
M
 
robur
 
M
 
rubra
 
M
 
shumardii
 
M
 
suber
 
L
 
virginiana
 
M
 
wislizenii
 
L
Raphiolepis
indica
 
L
 
"
"Jack Evans"
L
 
"
"Pink Dancer"
L
 
"
"Pink Lady"
L
 
"
"Pinkie"
L
 
"
"Rosea"
L
 
"
"Snow White"
L
 
umbellata
 
L
 
x
"Majestic Beauty"
L
Rhamnus
alaternus
 
L
 
california
"Eve Case"
L
 
californica
 
L
 
crocea
illicifolia
L
Rhus
integrifolia
 
L
 
lancea
 
L
 
ovata
 
M
 
typhina
 
L
Ribes
aureum
var. gracillimum
M
 
sanguineum
 
M
 
"
glutinosum "Claremont"
M
 
 
"white Icicle"
M
 
 
viburnifolium
M
Robinea
ambigua
 
L
Robinia
pseudoacacia
 
L
 
x
"Idaho Pink"
L
 
"
"Purple Robe"
L
Romneya
coulteri
 
M
Rosa
banksiae
 
M
 
californica
 
H
Rosmarinus
officinalis
 
L
 
"
"Lockwood de Forest"
L
 
"
"Prostratus"
L
 
"
"Tuscan Blue"
L
Sagina
subulata
 
H
Salix
 
"Allen Chickerikng"
H
 
abla
 
H
 
babylonica
 
H
 
hindsiana
 
H
 
lasiandra
 
H
Salix
matsudana
 
H
Salvia
clevelandii
 
L
 
greggii
 
L
 
"
"Coral
L
 
"
"Pink"
L
 
"
"Purple"
L
 
"
"Red"
L
 
"
"White"
L
 
leucantha
 
L
Leucophylla
 
 
L
 
"
"Pt. Sal"
L
 
mellifera
 
L
Sambucus
caerulea
 
H
 
mexicana
 
H
Santolina
chamaecyparissus
 
L
 
virens
 
L
Sapium
sebiferum
 
M
Sarcococca
ruscifolia
 
M
Saxifraga
arendsii
 
H
 
rosacea
 
H
 
stolonifera
 
H
Scabiosa
anthemifolia
 
M
Scaevola
Humilus
 
M
Scaevola
 
"Mauve Clusters"
M
Schinus
molle
 
L
 
terebinthifolius
 
L
Seaforthia
elegans
 
M
Sequoia
sempervirens
 
L
 
"
"Aptos Blue"
M
 
"
"Los Altos"
M
 
"
"Santa Cruz"
M
 
"
"Soquel"
M
Sequoiadendron
gigenteum
 
L
Sisyrinchium
bellum
 
H
 
"
"Nana"
H
 
californicum
 
H
 
macounii
"Album"
H
Solanum
jasminoides
 
M
 
rantonetti
 
M
Sollya
heterophylla
 
M
Sophora
japonica
 
M
Sorbus
aucuparia
 
H
Spirea
bumalda
 
M
 
cantoniensis
 
M
 
nipponica
 
M
 
prunifolia
 
M
 
thunbergii
 
M
 
vanhouttei
 
M
Strelitzia
nicolai
 
M
 
reginae
 
M
Syringa
persica
 
H
 
vulgaris
 
H
Syzygium
paniculatum
 
M
Taxus
baccata
 
M
 
media
 
M
Tecomaria
capensis
 
M
Ternstroemia
gymnathera
 
H
Thelvetia
peruviana
 
M
Thuja
occidentalis
 
H
 
orientalis
 
H
Thymus
albus
 
L
 
citriodorus
 
L
 
druceli
 
L
 
rosea
 
L
 
serphyllum
 
L
Tibouchina
urvilleana
 
M
Tilia
cordata
 
H
Tipuana
tipu
 
L
Trachelospermum
asiaticum
 
M
 
jasminoides
 
M
Trachycarpus
fortunei
 
M
Trichostema
lanatum
 
L
Tsuga
canadensis
 
H
Tulbaghia
violacea
"Variegata"
L
Ulmus
americana
 
H
 
parvifolia
 
M
 
"
"Drake"
M
Umbellularia
californica
 
M
Verbena
tenuifolium
 
L
Veronica
 
 
H
Viburnum
burkwoodi
 
M
 
davidii
 
H
 
opulus
 
M
 
plicatum
 
M
 
suspensum
 
M
 
tinus
 
L
Vinca
major
 
L
 
minor
 
L
 
rosea
 
L
Vitis
californica
 
H
Washingtonia
filifera
 
H
 
robusta
 
M
Weigela
florida
 
M
Westringia
rosamariniformis
 
H
Wisteria
floribunda
 
L
 
sinensis
 
M
Woodwardia
fimbriata
 
M
Xylosma
congestum
 
H
Yucca
aloifolia
 
L
 
bervifolia
 
L
 
filimentosa
 
L
Yucca
gloriosa
 
L
 
pendula
 
L
 
recurvifolia
 
L
 
whipplei
 
L
Zantedeschia
aethiopica
 
H
Zauschneria
 
"Everett's Choice"
L
 
californica
 
L
Zeldova
serrata
 
M
The following books are suggested as a Bibliography reference list for the selection of plants in addition to a plant list:
1. 
PLANTS FOR CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPES: A CATALOG OF DROUGHT-TOLERANT PLANTS, California Department of Water Resources.
2. 
TREES AND SHRUBS FOR DRY CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPES, Robert Perry.
3. 
A SUCCESS LIST OF WATER-CONSERVING PLANTS, Saratoga Horticultural Foundation.
4. 
SELECT CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTS, Saratoga Horticultural Foundation.
5. 
WATER WISE GARDENING/EAST BAY MUD BOOK
(SCC 0812 § 1, 1990)