Paramount, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

The code's treatment of native species is its definition of drought tolerant landscaping in Chapter 12.32 (Trees and Parkway Landscaping). The definition covers trees, shrubs, perennials, groundcovers, ornamental grasses and California-native plants that require low water use for maintenance and that are included in the Metropolitan Water District's California Friendly Garden Guide catalogue. A native plant therefore qualifies only if it is both low water use and listed in that catalogue.

Section 12.32.050 puts that definition to work on parkways in the R-1 (Single-Family), R-2 (Medium Density), R-M (Multiple-Family), C-3 (General Commercial), C-M (Commercial Manufacturing), M-1 (Light Manufacturing) and M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing) zones. All parkways shall be landscaped with live turf, drought tolerant plants, compost, mulch, and artificial turf, or any combination of those. Live plant materials must make up more than 65% of the residential parkway, exclusive of permitted driveways, and other than permitted non-living material all areas must be covered with live plant materials. Parkway landscaping shall consist of artificial turf or drought tolerant plants. In the C-3, C-M, M-1 and M-2 zones, parkways must also comply with the State's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and Chapter 17.96 of the Paramount Municipal Code.

Tree selection follows the same logic. Section 12.32.030(B) says trees that are indigenous to the area, and/or suitable for the local climate as determined by the City representative and/or landscape architect, should be used. The City representative is the Public Works Director or designee (§ 12.32.020). When a project triggers the water-efficient landscape chapter (§ 17.96.030), one set of planting and irrigation plans prepared by a California licensed landscape architect goes to the Planning Department with the building construction drawings at plan check, and landscaping plans specifying the size, type, quantity and location of all plant material go to the Director of Planning for approval.