Baton Rouge's Unified Development Code (UDC) Chapter 18 governs landscaping for new development, emphasizing buffers, street yards, and tree canopy. The UDC encourages but does not mandate native plants for residential yards; commercial sites must meet planting-type and buffer-size standards that favor regionally appropriate species.
UDC Chapter 18 (Landscape and Trees) in the City-Parish Code establishes landscape requirements that apply to new nonresidential development, expansions, and subdivisions. Required buffer plantings must meet Table 18.D (Planting and Screening Requirements in Buffers), which specifies L1–L3 screening levels with height and opacity standards. While specific plant lists encourage native, drought-tolerant Louisiana species, there is no percentage mandate for native plants on private lots. Residential properties are not required to maintain lawns or use specific species. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries promotes native plant use voluntarily. No local ordinance currently restricts residents from planting certified native species, including tall or naturalistic plantings, on private property, provided weed-height nuisance thresholds are not violated.
No penalty exists for failing to use native plants. Non-compliant commercial landscape plans may delay development permits under Title 7 UDC review. Violations of buffer requirements can trigger stop-work orders.
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