Background

On August 11, 2021, the City Council voted to form an ad hoc joint committee to develop technical guidelines for a native plant policy and programs. The City Council designated Council Members Lyndes and Hinze to act as City Council subcommittee members. Council Member Ehlers later replaced Council Member Hinze on the subcommittee. The subcommittee held three joint meetings with the Planning Commission, Environmental Commission, and Urban Forest Advisory Committee on March 31, 2022, May 31, 2022, and August 3, 2022, respectively.

On January 25, 2023, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2023-03 to initiate the preparation of a native plant ordinance establishing policies and programs based on the subcommittee recommendations outlined in the agenda report from that hearing. At this meeting, the financial aspects of the ordinance were not discussed.

On March 20, 2024, staff presented the City Council subcommittee’s refined scope of work for the native plant ordinance and estimated budget to the City Council for consideration. The City Council provided staff with policy direction, but no action was taken.

At the budget introduction on May 15, 2024, City Council directed staff to allocate $150,000 towards the development of a simplified native plant ordinance (revised project scope) with the use of a consultant. The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-65, on June 12, 2024, approving the fiscal year 2024-25 operating budget and capital improvement program appropriations, including the work project for the simplified native plant ordinance and hiring a consultant.

On July 11, 2024, staff prepared and released a request for proposal (RFP) to hire a natural resources and project management services consultant for the Native Plant Ordinance. The RFP closed on July 25, 2024, and staff received seven proposals. On September 12, 2024, staff identified two of the seven candidates for interviews. Based on the review of the proposals and the outcome of the interviews. Staff selected the most qualified candidate, SWCA Environmental Consultants.

On October 23, 2024, the City Council approved the professional services agreement with SWCA Environmental Consultants. See the October 23, 2024 City Council agenda report.

The Public Review Period for the draft Native Plant Ordinance was from October 21 through November 18, 2025.

The Native Plant Ordinance in Encinitas encourages sustainable landscaping practices by promoting the use of drought-tolerant and native plants that support local ecosystems. By aligning with this policy, residents and developers contribute to water conservation, habitat restoration, and environmental resilience. Explore how this ordinance integrates with broader policy planning initiatives to ensure a greener and more sustainable Encinitas for future generations.

 The demonstration garden is a separate work effort from the Native Plant Ordinance and is being managed by our Parks and Recreation Department. Please contact prca@encinitasca.gov for more information regarding the demonstration garden.

Key aspects of the Ordinance will include:

• One existing list that is maintained by other professional organizations.  No new plant palette will be created and no modifications to existing plant lists will be made. 
• Native plant usage requirements for all new development, including private, commercial, and city development projects.
• Regulations that will align with the City's existing water efficiency, stormwater, open space, naturally sensitive, and fire management requirements.
• Requirements and recommendations for the percentage and composition of native plants, planting installation techniques, types of soil/ ground cover, proximity to existing natural areas, and replacement.

 Goals

• Promote environmental sustainability and resilience.
• Improve habitat and local native biodiversity.
• Increase local pollinators.
• Improve natural spaces including habitat linkages.
• Promote community aesthetics and function.
• Foster long-term successful native landscapes.
• Promote reduced water usage.

Public Outreach

January 21, 2025 - Focused Stakeholder Meeting

The City of Encinitas and SWCA Environmental Consultants hosted a focused stakeholder meeting with the 'Native Plants for Encinitas' group and other key stakeholders that took place at City Hall in the Poinsettia Room on January 21, 2025 from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. The goal of this meeting was to review and discuss existing native plant list(s) and provide a recommendation of which existing list(s) are to be used in the native plant ordinance. 

Powerpoint Presentation

Meeting Recording (Audio Only)

Meeting Minutes

Existing Native Plant List Pros/Cons Table (Handout #1)

March 24, 2025 - Public Workshop #1

The City of Encinitas and SWCA Environmental Consultants hosted the first public workshop for the Native Plant Ordinance on March 24, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at City Hall in the Poinsettia Room.  The purpose of this public workshop was to discuss the goals of the NPO and receive feedback on the draft outline of the ordinance which included the compiled existing native plant lists.

Powerpoint Presentation

Meeting Minutes

Native Plant Ordinance Draft Outline

Existing Native Plant List Pros/Cons Table (Revised)

June 23, 2025 - Public Workshop #2

The City and SWCA Environmental Consultants hosted the second public workshop on June 23, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at City Hall in the Poinsettia Room. At this workshop we received feedback on the draft ordinance and discussed possible incentive programs for conversions of existing non-native landscapes. 

Powerpoint Presentation

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Recording

Draft Ordinance (Strikethrough/Underline Version)

Draft Ordinance (Clean Version)

Southern California Native Plant Definition Map

Public Hearings

November 4, 2025 - Joint Environmental Commission and Urban Forest Advisory Committee Public Hearing

On November 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM the Environmental Commission and Urban Forest Advisory Committee (UFAC) held a public hearing to review the draft native plant ordinance and provide staff with any comments or recommended modifications for staff's consideration. 

Meeting Materials:

Draft Native Plant Ordinance

Agenda Report

Presentation

Meeting Recording

February 19, 2026 - Planning Commission Public Hearing

On February 19, 2026, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council regarding approval and adoption of the Native Plant Ordinance. The Planning Commission approved unanimously (5-0).

Meeting Materials:

Planning Commission Agenda Packet

Meeting Recording

March 25, 2026 - City Council Public Hearing (Introduction)

On March 25, 2026, the City Council held a public hearing to consider the introduction of City Council Ordinance No. 2026-07 to adopt a Native Plant Ordinance and to provide staff direction on native plant incentive programs. The City Council unanimously approved the ordinance 5-0 with two recommended modifications and for staff to return to the City Council with a report on the ordinance in 12-15 months. The City Council also directed staff to conduct additional research and operational analysis of the potential incentive programs need to be conducted, and the results will be brought back to City Council for consideration and can be considered as an off-cycle budget item. 

Meeting Materials:

City Council Agenda Packet

Meeting Recording

April 15 2026 - City Council Public Hearing (Adoption)

On April 15, 2026, starting at 6:00 P.M., the City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of City Council Ordinance No. 2026-07 to adopt the Native Plant Ordinance with the two modifications (as proposed by the City Council at the March 25 hearing).

Meeting Materials:

City Council Agenda Packet

Updates

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