Livermore, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Water budget
- Plant water use must stay under maximum applied allowance
- Top method
- Protecting native species and natural vegetation
- Preference
- Local native plants named specifically
- ETAF cap
- 0.55 residential / 0.45 nonresidential
- Sign-off
- Licensed architect or landscape architect certifies plan
Summary
Livermore's landscape design plan rules require every water-efficient project to keep total plant water use under the maximum applied water allowance, and LMC § 13.25.080(A)(1)(a) names protecting native species and choosing local native plants as the lead compliance method the City accepts.
The estimated total water use of selected plants in the landscape area shall not exceed the maximum applied water allowance. Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following: Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation. Selection of water-conserving plant and turf species, especially local native plants. Selection of plants based on local climate suitability, disease and pest resistance. Selection of trees based on applicable tree ordinances or tree shading guidelines and size and maturity as appropriate for the planting area. Selection of plants from local and regional landscape program plant lists. Selection of plants consistent with wildfire management plan.
Full Breakdown
The estimated total water use of selected plants may not exceed the maximum applied water allowance, and the code lists protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation first among the accepted methods, followed by selecting water-conserving plant and turf species "especially local native plants," choosing plants suited to local climate, disease and pest resistance, selecting trees consistent with applicable tree ordinances or shading guidelines, drawing from local and regional landscape program plant lists, and selecting plants consistent with the City's wildfire management plan.
050(A)(4) makes a mandatory element of the landscape documentation package submitted with any required planning permit. 0 for high water use species. Choosing native and low water use plants is therefore the most direct way to hit that budget without complex hydrozone math. 25 before the package is accepted.
Violations & Fines
A landscape design plan that cannot show its plant selections keep estimated water use under the maximum applied water allowance, including one that skips native or water-conserving species without another qualifying method, fails Chapter 13.25 review. LMC § 13.25.220 lets the City suspend any development permit already issued for the property until compliance is demonstrated to the Public Works Director's satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Livermore require me to plant only native species?
What numeric water budget must my native-heavy landscape plan meet?
Who signs off that my landscape design plan meets the native-plant standard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Livermore
California rules heatmap·Compare Livermore to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle native plants.