PHASE I

Phase I Actions

Action 1 - Native Landscape Design Manual (in progress)

A Native Landscape Design Manual and accompanying County Facility Native Landscape Design Guidelines document will be created as an appendix to the Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance and associated Water Efficient Landscape Design Manual, and will:

1. Outline native plant landscaping objectives for San Diego County,
2. Establish native plant landscaping definitions, design and installation best practices, and recommended installation parameters,
3. Incorporate Tribal Ecological Knowledge on indigenous uses of native plants,
4. Demonstrate how native plant palettes can help meet the Landscaping Ordinance outdoor water use reduction requirements,
5. Identify priority areas for the application of native plant landscaping to support Program objectives and regional conservation goals.

The County of San Diego has begun development of the Native Landscape Design Manual and associated resources. The expected completion date is May 2025.

Action 2 – Policy G-15 “Design Standards for County Facilities” (complete)

Board Policy G-15, "Design Standards for County Facilities and Property," would be amended by the end of 2023 to:

1. Require native plant landscaping at new County facilities and in major County facility landscape retrofits when feasible
2. Demonstrate commitment to Program objectives and drive demand for locally sourced nursery stock

In 2023, Planning & Development Services staff worked with the Department of General Services to make updates to County policy G-15 “Design Standards for County Facilities”, adding language to the policy that requires the Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance and associated documents to be followed when designing or retrofitting landscapes at County facilities. View the updated policy, here.

Action 3 – Program Website (complete)

A program website has been developed and will continue to be updated with program news and materials. The Native Landscape Program website will serve as a regional, online educational and training resource and:

1. Provide links to program documents and resources,
2. Include language-accessible content,
3. Offer dedicated native plant landscaping education and promotion materials for residents, regional partners, and other agencies to use in their jurisdictions,
4. Provide an opportunity for the public to report and track wildlife drawn to their own native gardens as part of a community.

Action 4 – Educational Materials and Resources (in progress)

Educational materials and resources will be developed for residents and professionals. These instructor-led and web-based educational materials will be developed and delivered collaboratively with regional partners to:

1. Provide language accessible training materials for residents and landscaping professionals in the County’s threshold languages,
2. Educate on the design, installation, maintenance, and propagation of native plants.

You can find educational materials and resources on the Native Landscaping Program website.

Action 7 – Demonstration Gardens at County Facilities (in progress)