Buena Park, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum native/drought-tolerant share
- 75% of non-turf landscaped area
- Applies to
- RM (multi-family residential) zones
- Tied to
- City's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
- Reviewed at
- Landscape plan zoning compliance review
Summary
In Buena Park, California, multi-family (RM zone) development sites must plant at least 75% of non-turf landscaped area with native or drought-tolerant species under the city's landscaping development standards.
Drought-Tolerant Species. A minimum of 75 percent of non-turf landscaped areas shall be planted with native or drought-tolerant planting materials, as widely recognized within the horticultural industry or as recommended by a California-licensed Landscape Architect, to bring interest and beauty to the landscape, support biodiversity, and reduce the need for pesticides and excessive irrigation. Landscape selection shall be in compliance with the City's Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance.
H. Turf and Synthetic Turf. Turf areas shall be limited to activity or recreation areas and shall have a 10-foot minimum diameter. Synthetic turf may be used as a substitute for natural turf for the purposes of water conservation, or in high activity or foot-traffic areas.
I. Non-Plant Material. Crushed rock, mulch, pebbles, stones, and similar non-plant materials shall be allowed up to 20% of the total required landscaping.
J. Mulch. Landscaped areas shall be top-dressed with a bark chip mulch or an approved alternative to avoid exposed bare soil. (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)
Full Breakdown
Buena Park Municipal Code § 19.432.010(G), in the Multi-Family Residential (RM) Zones development standards, requires that a minimum of 75 percent of non-turf landscaped area on RM-zone development sites be planted with native or drought-tolerant materials recognized within the horticultural industry or recommended by a California-licensed landscape architect. The section ties selection directly to the city's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Landscape and irrigation plans implementing this standard go through zoning compliance review under § 19.432.020 before permits issue. This is an RM-zone (multi-family) standard inside Buena Park, Orange County city limits: it does not apply to single-family (RS) zones, unincorporated Orange County, or neighboring Anaheim.
Violations & Fines
A landscape plan showing less than 75% native or drought-tolerant coverage in non-turf areas fails zoning compliance review under § 19.432.020, and the project cannot obtain its building/landscape permit until the plan is revised to meet the standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this 75% rule apply to single-family homes in Buena Park?
What plants qualify as compliant under this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buena Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Buena Park to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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