Bellflower, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- General Commercial (C-G) zoned property
- Native species
- Explicitly encouraged, not mandatory
- Plan approval
- Planning Director approves plant selection
- Hydrozone design
- Also encouraged in same subsection
Summary
Bellflower's commercial-zone landscape standards direct plant selection to local climate and soil conditions and specifically encourage native species and hydrozone design, so property owners can landscape with native, low-water plants instead of a traditional lawn.
Landscape and irrigation plans shall be submitted to the Department of Planning and shall show the type, quantity, location, and size of all plants and irrigation equipment. Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the site and the type shall be approved by the Planning Director. Protection and preservation of native species and creation of hydrozones are encouraged.
E. Every plant shall be installed in the manner and location as provided herein.
1. Plants shall be installed a minimum of eight inches on center.
2. Groundcover shall not exceed 50% of the total landscape area.
3. Shrubs, annuals, semiannuals, and other plants shall be installed in groups or clusters.
4. Mulch shall be provided three inches deep in all landscape areas except for groundcover areas.
F. Irrigation Requirements. The following irrigation criteria is established for the preparation of irrigation plans for all properties located within the City of Bellflower:
1. All irrigation shall consist of an automatic drip irrigation system for all non-turf planter areas and conventional irrigation for turf and groundcover areas. Both types of irrigation systems shall include the following features:
a. Backflow prevention device;
b. Automatic controller;
c. Separate water meter;
d.
Full Breakdown
Applies to General Commercial (C-G) zoned property. Landscape and irrigation plans must go to the Planning Department, and plant selection must fit the site's climate, soil, and topography, subject to Planning Director approval. Within that same standard, the code affirmatively encourages protecting native species and building hydrozones, water-use zones grouping plants with similar needs, so a native, low-water landscape design satisfies the rule at least as well as a conventional lawn. The separate SF residential zone (§ 17.16.200) sets its own water-efficient, low-water-use landscaping standard but doesn't call out native species specifically.
Violations & Fines
No penalty for choosing native plants: it's an encouraged option, not a mandate. Any landscape plan, native or otherwise, must still be submitted to and approved by the Planning Department before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I landscape a Bellflower business with native, drought-tolerant plants instead of a lawn?
Does this apply to my house, not just a business?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellflower
California rules heatmap·Compare Bellflower to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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How other cities in Los Angeles County handle native plants.