The City of Carlsbad developed a landscape manual to aid applicants, qualified professionals, and residents in understanding the city’s policies, programs, and requirements for landscaping. The manual also provides guidance for the implementation of Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 18.50 - Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO). 

Landscape plans are required for projects that receive a land-use permit approval specifically requiring preparation and approval of landscape plans. Landscape plans must be approved before a building permit is issued or a grading permit is approved.

Appointments are required for all submittal types 

Landscape plans are submitted for review and approval at the Planning Division counter located at the City of Carlsbad Faraday Center office by appointment only. At this time, online submittals are not available. To schedule the appointment, go to: www.carlsbadca.gov/cdappointments 

At the time of submittal, you must:

• Provide all applicable information and documents that are required. Incomplete submittals cannot be accepted.
• Pay for landscape plan check and inspection fees, which are due at time of submittal, along with associated fees.

Landscape fees

Use the Landscape Fee Schedule to determine the city processing fee, landscape plan check and inspection fees.

If you are using or designing for recycled water, the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) requires a separate application and fee. Complete the Recycled Water Project Review Recycled Water Project Review application and include the fee (check made out to the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality) when you submit your plans to the City of Carlsbad Planning Division.  

Landscape inspection procedure 

Inspection of the project shall be performed by the landscape architect of work, or the landscape architect of work’s designated agent. Following completion of the work, the landscape architect of the work will certify that the installation was completed by submitting the Certification of Completion Landscape Installation, P-25(D), form. Email the form to the city's landscape architecture consultant - Glen Brouwer: Glen@Trib-LA.Com.

After the P-25(D) form is submitted, you can make a request for a final landscape inspection by the city: email Glen@Trib-LA.Com or call 760-434-9300, EXT 1011. 

Application forms and templates