Norwalk, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 12.32.250
- Standard landscaping duty
- Abutting owner, using approved plant list
- Street tree control
- Public Services Department, per Master Plan
- Groundcover height cap
- 12 inches (standard); 24 in. (alternative)
- Pedestrian walkway trigger
- 48-in. walkway if parkway is 50+ ft
- Alternative hardscape cap
- Max 50% of parkway area
Summary
Norwalk requires property owners to fully landscape the parkway strip between the sidewalk and curb abutting their property, using grass or drought-tolerant groundcover from the Director of Public Services' approved plant list. Street tree species, placement and installation are handled by the Public Services Department itself under Municipal Code Section 12.32.250.
§ 12.32.250. Parkway landscape standards. Landscaping within a public parkway shall be provided subject to the following standards: A. Standard Parkway Landscaping. 1. Owners of private property shall be responsible for fully landscaping the parkway abutting such private property. The parkway shall be fully landscaped with grass or drought tolerant groundcover plants pursuant to the approved list of acceptable parkway plant materials provided by the Director of Public Services. 2. Street tree selection, placement and installation shall be done by the Public Services Department. 3. The groundcover shall not exceed 12 inches in height. h. Where a parkway is 50 feet or more in length, excluding driveways, a 48 inch wide walkway shall be provided for pedestrian passage between the street and sidewalk.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4609620; v5 updated 2025-12-16).
Full Breakdown
250. Standard parkway landscaping puts the maintenance burden on the abutting private property owner, who must fully landscape the parkway with grass or drought-tolerant groundcover drawn from the Director of Public Services' approved list; groundcover height is capped at 12 inches, and no separate approval is needed if the owner sticks to that list. 060. Owners who want alternative parkway landscaping, such as mulch, decomposed granite, decorative paving, or artificial turf, need the Director's approval, a landscape plan showing materials and quantities, and (for artificial turf) a signed release protecting the City and utilities from turf damage; alternative materials must be drought-tolerant, non-invasive, capped at 24 inches, free of rigid spines, and cannot cover more than 50% of the parkway with hardscape.
Where a parkway runs 50 feet or more, a 48-inch walkway must be kept open for pedestrians between the street and sidewalk. 190, since the City is not responsible for parkway irrigation.
Violations & Fines
Parkway landscaping that overgrows, obstructs the sidewalk or street, or is left unmaintained is a public nuisance under Section 12.32.200, abatable by the City at the owner's cost under Section 12.32.210, with unpaid abatement costs plus 6% annual interest placed as a lien on the property and collected via the tax roll, subject to a 10% delinquency penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who chooses the street trees planted in Norwalk parkways?
Can I install artificial turf in my Norwalk parkway strip?
Do I have to water the parkway in front of my house?
What happens if my Norwalk parkway landscaping is overgrown?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norwalk
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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle parkway planting.