Los Angeles County, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorp. Santa Monica Mountains Coastal Zone only
- Plant requirement
- Locally-indigenous, drought-tolerant species outside fuel zones
- Invasive species
- Strictly prohibited everywhere
- Landscape plans
- Must be prepared by licensed landscape architect
- Lawn allowed
- Only within 50 feet of residence
Summary
In the unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains Coastal Zone, Los Angeles County requires new landscaping and revegetation to use locally-indigenous, drought-tolerant plants outside fuel-modification zones, and bans invasive species, not a countywide rule.
Plantings within Fuel Modification Zones A and B shall consist of primarily locally-indigenous, drought-tolerant plant species and shall blend with the existing natural vegetation and natural habitats on the site. ... Plantings that may be required in Fuel Modification Zone C or outside fuel modification areas shall consist entirely of locally-indigenous, drought-tolerant plant species, and shall blend with the existing natural vegetation and natural habitats on the site. Invasive plant species are strictly prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code Section 22.44.1240 governs landscaping in the unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains Coastal Zone. New development landscape plans must be prepared by a licensed landscape architect and minimize removal of locally-indigenous vegetation. Plantings required in Fuel Modification Zone C or outside fuel-modification areas must be entirely locally-indigenous, drought-tolerant species; Zones A and B allow non-native ornamental plants and irrigated lawn only within limited areas near the residence. Invasive plant species are strictly prohibited everywhere. This provision applies only within the Coastal Zone portion of the unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains, not to the City of Malibu, Calabasas, or the rest of unincorporated LA County.
Violations & Fines
Landscaping that departs from the approved Coastal Development Permit plan can trigger permit denial, revocation, or a stop-work order; general Code violations under Section 1.24.020 carry fines up to 1000 dollars and jail up to six months per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a lawn in the Santa Monica Mountains Coastal Zone?
Does this native-plant rule apply to the City of Los Angeles?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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