Pasadena, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

070 (Landscape Standards) opens by defining its own reach: it governs "landscape areas and materials for commercial, industrial, hillside, and multi-family projects," and explicitly states "this Section shall not apply to the RS and RM-12 zoning districts," meaning most single-family homes in Pasadena are not bound by these standards. 2 sets the native-plant policy directly: "Drought tolerant species. " That sits alongside related plant-material rules requiring "an appropriate mix of plant sizes and materials," mature specimen trees "in areas of public view," and groundcover that is "of live plant material," with only "limited quantities of bark, colored rock, gravel, and similar materials" allowed in combination with living groundcover rather than as a substitute for it.

)," with "low-water usage turf or warm-season turf" recommended and any non-drought-tolerant flowering ornamentals counted against that 20% cap. Commercial and industrial projects carry their own landscaping obligation regardless of plant palette: "At least 50 percent of each front and/or corner side setback area shall be landscaped," backed by a preliminary landscape plan the Zoning Administrator must approve before a Building Permit issues, though the Design Commission can modify these requirements. Projects within the Hillside Design overlay district face an added layer, a landscape plan approved by both the Zoning Administrator and the Fire Chief, "designed to ensure slope stability, fire safety and design quality," including a tree removal and retention plan identifying every tree of four-inch caliper or larger on site.