This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
L.A. Residents Can Now Make Their Parkways More 'Green'
via City of L.A.
Until last week, you could only plant -- without a permit, that is -- grass or trees in a parkway, that strip of land between the sidewalk and the street. Thanks to a vote by the Board of Public Works last month, the cookie cutter look is no longer Los Angeles residents' only choice when they want to improve their home sans permit.The new rules found in L.A.'s Residential Parkway Landscape Guidelines (.pdf) now contain 20 drought tolerant turf species and substitutes that can be planted without obtaining a permit, according to the LA Times. Now a variety of grasses, flowers and edibles like creeping thyme and beach strawberries.
Parkways are public property, but must be maintained by homeowners. "A lot of people look at the parkways as an extension of their frontyard, and it really has a different purpose and therefore has to be held to a different standard," the city's landscape architect, Lance Oishii, told the Times.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
