Pico Rivera, CA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Section 18.18.020 of the zoning code applies its landscaping requirements to "all development," working alongside the older Water Efficient Landscape chapter, 13.90, adopted in 2010, which already encouraged preserving native species and natural areas in project design under Section 13.90.040. The newer, 2025 zoning standard in Section 18.18.040 goes further and makes species selection mandatory rather than aspirational: landscaping must consist of Mediterranean or California native, non-invasive, and/or low-water use plants, and artificial plants and synthetic turf are prohibited outright, not just discouraged. In the S-F, R-E, R-I and PUD residential zones, at least half of the required front setback must additionally be landscaped with natural planting elements.

Landscaping must also be actively maintained, including watering, pruning, weeding, mowing and replacement of dead material, so a native plant palette cannot simply be installed and abandoned. Community and Economic Development Department planning staff review compliance during plan check and design review for qualifying projects, and Chapter 13.90's water-efficient landscape worksheet and documentation package requirements still apply to projects with 500 square feet or more of new landscape area or 2,500 square feet or more of rehabilitated landscape, layering plant-selection review on top of the water-budget calculations under the maximum applied water allowance.