Bethlehem, PA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Codified Ordinances § 1349.19.C.4
- Standard
- Native species "strongly encouraged and preferred," not mandatory
- Applies to
- New subdivisions and land developments
- Species approval
- City Forester or designated City staff
- Related rule
- Buffer yards under § 1318.23 use evergreen/deciduous mixes
- Minimum tree size
- Shade/street trees 2 to 2-1/2 in. trunk diameter
Summary
Bethlehem's subdivision and land development code encourages native plant species in required landscaping but does not mandate them. Section 1349.19 sets the City's landscaping standards for new development and expressly favors native trees, shrubs and plantings over ornamental or non-native stock.
C. Other Landscaping Provisions.
1. Existing healthy mature trees shall be preserved wherever practical and protected during construction. The areas under the canopy of trees to be preserved may be required to be surrounded by temporary fencing, to avoid damage to trees and compaction of soil during construction.
2. Plant materials shall be liberally located throughout the site. Massing of multiple plants is preferable to the installation of individual plants. A successful planting should involve a variety of types (trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials, deciduous, evergreen) and sizes of plant materials. A variety of plant species should provide interest throughout the year with color and texture of foliages, bark, flowers and fruit that are displayed at various seasons. A variety of species is also recommended to make landscaping more resistant to disease and harmful insects.
3. Approved street tree species are also the preferred specimens in parking lot applications, as provided in D. below.
4. Use of native plant species of trees and plantings are strongly encouraged and preferred.
Full Breakdown
Article 1349 of the Codified Ordinances, "Design Standards and Required Improvements," governs the landscaping that must accompany subdivisions and land developments in the City. C, "Other Landscaping Provisions," first requires that existing healthy mature trees be preserved wherever practical and protected with temporary fencing during construction, and that plant materials be liberally massed rather than installed as isolated specimens, drawing from a mix of trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials, deciduous and evergreen species chosen for year-round color, texture and disease resistance. D, for example shade and street trees at 2 to 2-1/2 inches trunk diameter and ornamental trees at 6 to 8 feet in height, while barring synthetic or artificial plant material as a substitute for live plantings.
23 of the Zoning Ordinance must be planted from evergreen trees and shrubs or a mix of deciduous and evergreen species, with examples such as Pfitzer juniper, dense yew, Japanese andromeda and inkberry holly listed as acceptable evergreen shrubs. 4 uses "encouraged and preferred" rather than "required," native species are a stated preference within the City's development review, not an independent permit condition, and the Bureau of Planning and Zoning applies it alongside the mandatory tree-preservation, massing and buffer-yard rules in the same section.
Violations & Fines
Section 1349.19 attaches to subdivision and land development plan approval rather than carrying its own standalone fine schedule: a developer whose landscaping plan omits required street trees, buffer plantings or minimum plant sizes risks rejection or conditional approval by the Bureau of Planning and Zoning under Article 1349, and non-impervious area landscaping tied to Section 1318.29 must be secured by deed restrictions running with the land. Failure to install approved landscaping as a condition of an approved plan can hold up occupancy or bond release, though the native-species preference itself in C.4 is advisory and not separately enforceable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bethlehem require native plants in new landscaping?
Who approves the tree species used in a Bethlehem landscaping plan?
Can artificial plants satisfy Bethlehem's landscaping requirements?
What plants satisfy Bethlehem's required buffer yards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bethlehem
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