Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A Div. 4C.6 Plants

Provisions for protected vegetation are outlined in Chapter IV. (Public Welfare), Sec. 46.02. (Requirements for Public Works Permits to Relocate or Remove Protected Trees and Shrubs) of this code and in Sec. 11.1.3.P. (Protected Vegetation Regulations) of this chapter 1A.

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Sec. 4C.6.1. (Protected Vegetation) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.6. (Plants)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A. Intent

the intent of the standards of this Section (Required Trees) is to maintain and increase the city's tree canopy, reduce consumption of electricity, improve air quality, promote infiltration of stormwater runoff, offset urban heat island effect, mitigate noise pollution, sequester carbon and support urban biodiversity.

B. Applicability

this Section (Required Trees) applies to new construction or a site modification, which involves the removal and replacement of trees, or requires trees per the scope of the project.

c. Standards

1. Trees Required Based on Floor Area

• a. One large species tree or two small species trees per Sec. 4C.6.4.C.3. (Plant Type) shall be planted for every 4,000 square feet of total floor area constructed on a lot.

• b. in meeting the requirements of this Paragraph (Trees Required Based on Floor Area) , one small species tree planted in a pedestrian amenity space or public amenity space is permitted in lieu of two small trees. One large tree planted in a pedestrian amenity space or public amenity space is permitted in lieu of two large trees.

2. Trees Required Based on Planting Area

• a. in addition to the requirements of the Paragraph above, one large species tree or two small species trees shall be planted for each 500 square feet of total required on-site planting area.

• b. if less than 500 square feet of on-site planting area is required, at least one large species tree or two small species trees per Sec. 4C.6.4.C.3. (Plant Type) shall be planted on every lot.

3. Allowable locations for Required Trees

• a. required trees shall be planted either on-site, in a common area accessible to multiple lots from a shared pedestrian accessway, or in the abutting parkway.

• b. trees planted in the parkway require approval from the Board of Public Works or its designee per Chapter VI. (Public Works and Property), Sec. 62.169 (Permit Required to Plant in Streets) of this code.

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Sec. 4C.6.2. (Required Trees) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.6. (Plants)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

4. Relationship to Other Zoning Code Standards

• a. trees provided to comply with other standards, including Sec. 4C.4.3. (Parking Area Design) , Div. 4C.8. (Screening) , Sec. 3C.4.2.E.2. (Ground Story Inactive Wall Treatment Options) , Sec. 3C.4.2.E.3. (Foundation Inactive Wall Treatment Options) , and Sec. 8.3.2.B.3. (Freeway Screening) , may be counted toward compliance with the required trees standards in this Section (Required Trees) . Additional trees beyond the minimum number required to comply with this Section (Required Trees) , may be required to comply with other standards.

• b. All required trees shall be planted in accordance with the plant design and installation standards outlined in Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) .

D. Measurements

1. When calculating the total number of required trees results in the requirement of a fraction of a tree, any fraction up to one-half may be disregarded and any fraction including and over one-half shall require one additional large species tree or two additional small species trees.

2. For measuring floor area see Sec. 14.2.7. (Floor Area) .

3. For large tree measurements see Sec. 4C.6.4.C.3.a.ii. (Tree Types) .

4. For small tree measurements see Sec. 4C.6.4.C.3.a.ii. (Tree Types) .

5. For measurement of caliper see Sec. 4C.6.4.D.10. (Caliper) .

6. For measurement of container size see Sec. 4C.6.4.D.9. (Container Size) .

e. Relief

1. Alternative compliance to tree planting standards may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.1. (Alternative Compliance) .

2. A Director's Determination may be granted to plant a required tree off-site on private property (with prior approval of the property owner) or along public streets (with the prior approval of the Board of Public Works or its designee) within one mile of the lot of the project, or pay an in-lieu fee in accordance with Chapter VI. (Public Works and Property), Sec. 62.177. (Establishment of Tree Replacement and Planting In-Lieu Fee) of this code instead of planting a required tree. in order to approve the Director's Determination, the Director shall make the supplemental finding that required trees cannot feasibly be planted on-site or in the abutting parkway.

3. A deviation from any tree requirement standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

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Sec. 4C.6.2. (Required Trees) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.6. (Plants)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

[reserved]

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Sec. 4C.6.3. (Streetscape) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.6. (Plants)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

A. Intent

the intent of the standards of this Section (Plant Design & Installation) is to provide the necessary elements to support a healthy urban ecological system.

B. Applicability

this Section (Plant Design & Installation) applies to new construction, a site modification, or an exterior modification.

c. Standards

1. General

• a. No invasive species may be planted in the city. Any plant listed by the California Invasive Plant Inventory maintained by the california invasive Plant council (cal-iPc) as an invasive or watch plant (including the ratings of "limited", "moderate", "high" or "watch") is considered an invasive species.

• b. Plants shall not interfere with visibility at intersections and driveways per Chapter VI. (Public Works and Property), Sec. 62.200. (Street Intersections - Obstructions to Visibility) of this code.

• c. No plant identified by the los Angeles Fire Department as a prohibited flammable plant species is allowed in a very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

• d. No artificial plants, trees, or other plants may be installed as required planting.

• e. required planting located on a lot identified as being within a "targeted Planting Area" established by the Targeted Planting Map (Sec. 1.5.5.) shall meet the requirements outlined in the targeted planting list for the applicable planting area designation.

• f. Projects with planting areas may be subject to water efficiency standards according to Chapter IX. (Building Regulations), Sec. 99.04.304. (Outdoor Water Use) or Sec. 99.05.304. (Outdoor Water Use) of this code.

• g. Projects with planting areas may be subject to Chapter VI. (Public Works and Property), Sec. 64.72. (Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control Measures for Development Planning and Construction Activities) of this code.

2. Planting Areas

A planting area is defined as an area on a lot designated and designed for plants.

a. General

• i. Areas that includes structures, foundation walls, footings or flatwork shall not count toward any planting area requirement with the following exceptions:

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Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.6. (Plants)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

• a) Planters located within 10 feet of a building that are used to meet Chapter VI. (Public Works and Property), Sec. 64.72. (Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control Measures for Development Planning and Construction Activities) of this code may count toward required planting area.

• b) Planters located on or above a structure (examples include: roofs, terraces, bridges, balconies, and above or below ground parking structures) may count toward required planting area.

• ii. Where planters are allowed to count toward planting area per this Subparagraph. (General) , planters shall not be more than four feet in height, measured from finished grade.

• iii. Where planters are allowed to count toward planting area per this Subparagraph. (General) , planters located within five feet of the public right-of-way, and located entirely below the top of the ground story, shall not have drainage or weep holes facing the public right-of-way.

• iv. Planting areas shall include an automatic irrigation system in compliance with Chapter IX. (Building Regulations), Sec. 99.04.304. (Outdoor Water Use) of this code.

• v. Planting areas shall have no horizontal dimension less than three feet.

• vi. Planting areas shall have a minimum plant coverage of 75 percent measured pursuant to Sec. 4C.6.4.D.2. (Plant Coverage) below.

• vii. All plants used to meet the minimum plant coverage standard, measured pursuant to Sec. 4C.6.4.D.2. (Plant Coverage) below, shall meet the applicable plant type planting specification standards in Paragraph 3. (Plant Type) below. When rooftop planting area standards apply and conflict with the plant type planting specifications, rooftop planting area standards supersede.

• viii. Planting areas shall cumulatively include at least the minimum number of trees as specified in Sec. 4C.6.2.C.2. (Trees Required Based on Planting Area) .

b. Rooftop Planting Areas

Rooftop planting areas are areas where plants are provided on or over a built structure, including but not limited to, a roof, a bridge, a balcony or a parking structure. Rooftop planting areas shall comply with the following standards:

• i. Where rooftop planting area standards conflict with planting specifications within Paragraph 3. (Plant Type) below, rooftop planting area standards supersede.

• ii. Minimum soil depth or soil volume for required plants, is as follows:

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Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.6. (Plants)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

• iii. All large species trees shall be setback from the edge of the roof a minimum of 2/3 the mature height of the tree measured perpendicularly from the edge of the roof to the center of the tree trunk. the required setback may be reduced by an amount equivalent to the height of a guard rail or wall that is provided along the perimeter of the roof edge. the guard rail or wall height is measured vertically from the top of the root flare to the topmost point of the wall or guardrail.

• iv. All rooftop gardens and landscapes shall comply with Chapter V. (Public Safety and Protection), Sec. 57.317. (Rooftop Gardens and Landscaped Roofs) of this code.

3. Plant Type

a. Trees

i. General

• a) Palms and bamboo do not count as required trees, with the exception of existing palm trees located on a lot identified as being within a "targeted Planting Area" established by the Targeted Planting Map (Sec. 1.5.5.) . in these "targeted Planting Areas", existing palms may count as a required tree provided that the specific palm tree species meets the requirements outlined in the targeted planting list for the applicable "targeted Planting Area".

• b) existing trees count toward the minimum tree requirement based on tree type pursuant to Sub-subparagraph ii. (Tree Types) below (large species or small species), provided each tree is healthy and has a minimum one inch caliper, and meets all other applicable standards. An existing significant tree is permitted in lieu of two large species trees or four small species trees.

ii. Tree Types

• a) large species trees shall have a minimum height of 30 feet at maturity.

• b) Small species trees shall have a height at maturity between 15 and 30 feet.

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Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.6. (Plants)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

iii. Planting Specifications

[Figure]

All trees that are provided in order to comply with a standard in this Zoning code (chapter 1A) and their planting holes shall meet the following standards:

• a) located within a planting area meeting Paragraph 2. (Planting Areas) above.

• b) For trees located in surface parking lots and parkways, planting holes shall be a minimum width of two times the width of the root ball.

• c) For all other trees, planting holes shall be a minimum width of three times the width of the root ball.

• d) Planting holes shall be no deeper than the height of the root ball.

• e) Planting holes shall be backfilled with class A top soil or native variety.

• f) Backfill soil shall be compacted to no more than 70 percent.

• g) Soil beneath the root ball shall be compacted to at least 90 percent.

• h) No other plants may be planted within two feet of a tree, measured from the center of the tree trunk.

• i) All required trees, shall have a minimum 15 gallon container size and a minimum caliper of one inch at the time of planting or as specified by the American Standard for Nursery Stock.

• j) required trees planted in a parkway, per Sec. 4C.6.2.C.3. (Allowable Locations for Required Trees) , in which the sidewalk is eight feet in width or greater shall have a minimum 36-inch box.

b. Screening Plants

• i. General

  • a) required screening plants shall be perennial including, shrubs, vines, succulents, grasses and ferns.

  • b) required screening plants shall have a minimum height at maturity of three feet.

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Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.6. (Plants)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

ii. Planting Specifications

All screening plants and their planting holes provided to meet a screening requirement shall meet the following standards:

• a) located within a planting area meeting Paragraph 2. (Planting Areas) above.

• b) Planting holes shall have a minimum width of two times the width of the root ball.

• c) Planting holes shall be no deeper than the height of the root ball.

• d) Planting holes shall be backfilled with class A top soil or native variety.

[Figure]

• e) required screening plants shall have a minimum height of 18 inches at time of planting.

c. Groundcover & Turf Plants

turf plants such as sodded or seeded grass areas provided to meet a planting requirement shall meet the following standards:

• i. located within a planting area meeting Paragraph 2. (Planting Areas) above.

• ii. Minimum top soil depth of six inches.

• iii. top soil shall be class A top soil or native variety.

[Figure]

d. Hedges

i. General

• a) Hedges include all shrubs planted closer than half of their height at maturity from another shrub or tree and all trees planted closer than half of their canopy diameter at maturity from another tree.

• b) trees planted at least three feet apart having no branches a minimum of six feet from surrounding grade are not considered a hedge and are not regulated by maximum hedge standards.

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Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.6. (Plants)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

ii. Planting Specifications

Shrubs and their planting holes provided as part of a hedge shall meet the following standards:

• a) located within a planting area meeting Paragraph 2. (Planting Areas) above.

• b) Planting holes shall have a minimum width of two times the width of the root ball.

• c) Planting holes shall be no deeper than the height of the root ball.

• d) Planting holes shall be backfilled with class A top soil or native variety.

[Figure]

e. Living Walls

living walls provided to meet a requirement shall meet the following standards:

• i. Permanently attached to the exterior of a building or structure.

• ii. Automatic irrigation system permanently integrated into the assembly in compliance with Chapter IX. (Building Regulations), Sec 99.04.304. (Outdoor Water Use) of this code.

• iii. Growing medium shall be permanently integrated into the assembly while retaining the ability to remove, replace and maintain the plants and growing medium.

• iv. Minimum soil depth of four inches of class A top soil or native variety

• v. Minimum 75 percent plant coverage at maturity, measured vertically.

• vi. For living walls adjacent to the public right-of-way, plants shall be maintained so as not to obstruct the public right-of-way.

f. All Other Plants

All plants, other than living walls, hedges, groundcover and turf plants, screening plants and trees provided to meet a planting requirement shall meet the following standards:

• i. located within a planting area meeting Paragraph 2. (Planting Areas) above.

• ii. Planting holes shall have a minimum width of two times the width of the root ball.

• iii. Planting holes shall be no deeper than the height of the root ball.

• iv. Planting holes shall be backfilled with class A top soil or native variety.

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Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.6. (Plants)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

4. Maintenance

• a. All required plants shall be maintained in good and healthy condition.

• b. All required plants shall be allowed to reach and be maintained at no less than the anticipated spread at maturity or canopy diameter and the anticipated height at maturity.

• c. landscape and screening areas shall be kept free of weeds and trash.

• d. “topping,” defined as removal of more than 1/3 of the leaves and branches of a tree as measured from the lowest branch on the trunk of the tree to the top of the tree, is prohibited, except as required by a city department, utility, or other government agency.

D. Measurement

1. Planting Area Width

Planting area width is measured as the narrowest horizontal dimension from one edge of an area complying with Sec. 4C.6.4.C.2. (Planting Areas) above to the opposite edge.

2. Plant Coverage

Plant coverage is measured as the cumulative area of a planting area covered by plants divided by the total planting area.

• a. trees count as plant coverage only for the portion of a planting area within two feet of a tree, measured as a circle, centered on the trunk of the tree, with a radius of two feet.

• b. All other plants count as plant coverage for 70 percent of the plant's anticipated canopy diameter or spread at maturity pursuant to Paragraph 3. (Canopy Diameter, Spread, & Height at Maturity) below.

3. Canopy Diameter, Spread, & Height at Maturity

canopy diameter at maturity, spread at maturity and height at maturity shall be specified in " Landscape Plants for California Gardens ", or other locally calibrated and professionally recognized source.

4. Soil Depth

Soil depth is measured as the shortest vertical dimension of growing medium provided, for all portions of a planting area.

5. Soil Volume

Soil volume is measured as the total volume of growing medium provided. Drainage layers and other elements located within a container or planter that are not growing medium are not included in the calculation of soil volume.

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Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.6. (Plants)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

6. Root ball Depth

Depth of the root ball is measured from the root flare to the bottom of the root mass or bottom of the container.

7. Root ball Width

Width of the root ball is measured as the shortest horizontal dimension of the root mass or container from one end to the opposite end.

8. Height at Planting

• a. Height at planting is measured from the root flare.

• b. For evergreens, height at planting is measured vertically to the midpoint of the leader between the uppermost whorl (branch) and the top of the leader.

• c. For deciduous shrubs, height at planting is measured vertically to the top of the shortest of all canes.

• d. For all other plants, height at planting is measured vertically to the highest point of the plant.

9. Container Size

• a. container size is measured in accordance with the American Standard for Nursery Stock.

• b. When a minimum container size is indicated by a standard, all equivalent or greater container sizes are also requested in accordance with American Standard for Nursery Stock container class volume ranges.

10. Caliper

• a. For fruit trees, small fruits, understock and seedling trees and shrubs, caliper measurement shall be taken at the root collar or at the other points expressly described in the applicable sections of the American Standard for Nursery Stock.

• b. caliper for trees with multiple stems is measured as one-half the sum of the calipers of the three largest trunks.

• c. For all other plants, caliper measurement shall be taken six inches above the root collar.

11. Height at Maturity

• a. Height at maturity is measured from the root flare.

• b. For evergreens, height at maturity is measured vertically to the midpoint of the leader between the uppermost whorl (branch) and the top of the leader.

• c. For deciduous shrubs, height at maturity is measured vertically to the top of the shortest of all canes.

• d. For all other plants, height at maturity is measured vertically to the highest point of the plant.

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Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.6. (Plants)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

e. Exceptions

Plant design and installation standards do not apply to plants which are not required by this Zoning code (chapter 1A).

F. Relief

1. Alternative compliance to plant design and installation standards may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.1. (Alternative Compliance) .

2. A deviation from any plant design and installation dimensional standard of 10 percent or less may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .

3. A deviation from any plant design and installation standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

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Sec. 4C.6.4. (Plant Design & Installation) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.7. (Fences & Walls)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A