Caldwell, ID Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Caldwell City Code § 10-02-09-10 establishes Waterwise Landscaping Standards to conserve, protect, and promote water consciousness for specific landscape areas in the City of Caldwell and help reduce the amount of area that requires heavy water usage. The standard applies only where another section of the code specifically cross-references it, or where the Planning and Zoning Director extends it case by case at an applicant's request. Where it applies, street or land-use buffer areas must use three types of groundcover: two kinds of decorative rock paired with native plant material, or a mix of rock, native grasses, and native flowers that need minimal to no irrigation.

Boulders or rock slabs outside any right-of-way must be placed at a ratio of one per 35 linear feet of street buffer, and every parking lot planter island needs at least one boulder plus a minimum of two types of decorative rock; native grasses that need no watering are encouraged in the surrounding perimeter beds. Applicants who want to use another waterwise groundcover, such as decorative walls, architectural screens, or dry creek beds, may substitute it if they show the alternative equals or exceeds these requirements.

Tree requirements stay in force unless the applicant obtains approval through the Alternative Methods of Compliance process under § 10-03-16, and once installed, the resulting landscaping still falls under the general maintenance duties of § 10-02-09-11, keeping it weed- and dust-free.