ARTICLE 3. Application of Chapter [5640. - 5644.]

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC 3.

in effect

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 5640. Section 5640.

It is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) or by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months, or by both that fine and imprisonment, for a person to do any of the following without possessing a valid, unrevoked license as provided in this chapter: (a) Engage in the practice of landscape architecture. (b) Use the title or term “landscape architect,” “landscape architecture,” “landscape architectural,” or any other titles, words, or abbreviations that would imply or indicate that they are a landscape architect, as defined in Section 5615. (c) Use the stamp of a licensed landscape architect, as provided in Section 5659. (d) Advertise or put out a sign, card, or other device that might indicate to the public that they are a licensed landscape architect or qualified to engage in the practice of landscape architecture.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 5641. Section 5641.

This chapter shall not be deemed to prohibit any person from preparing drawings for the conceptual design and placement of tangible objects and landscape features or plans, drawings, and specifications for the selection, placement, or use of plants for a single family dwelling. Construction documents, details, or specifications for the tangible objects or landscape features, and alteration of site requiring grading and drainage plans shall be prepared by a licensed professional as required by law.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 5641.1. Section 5641.1.

This chapter shall not be deemed to prohibit any person from preparing any plans, drawings, or specifications for any property owned by that person.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 5641.2. Section 5641.2.

Every person who holds a valid license issued by the State of California under the provisions of Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 6721) of the Food and Agricultural Code, authorizing engagement in the business of selling nursery stock in this state, may engage in the preparation of planting plans or drawings as an adjunct to merchandising nursery stock and related products, but may not use the title of landscape architect. That activity is exempt from licensure under the provisions of this chapter.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 5641.3. Section 5641.3.

An architect, professional engineer, or land surveyor licensed or registered under the statutes of this state, insofar as the licensed or registered professional practices the profession for which they are licensed or registered, is exempt from this chapter, except that an architect, professional engineer, or land surveyor shall not use the title “landscape architect” unless they hold a license as required under this chapter.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 5641.4. Section 5641.4.

A landscape contractor licensed under the statutes of this state, insofar as they work within the classification for which the license is issued, may design systems and facilities for work to be performed and supervised by that landscape contractor and is exempt from this chapter, except that a landscape contractor shall not use the title “landscape architect” unless they hold a license as required under this chapter.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 5641.5. Section 5641.5.

(a) Nothing contained in this chapter shall be deemed to prohibit a person from engaging in the practice of, or offering to practice as, a golf course architect. (b) As used in this section, “golf course architect” means a person who performs professional services such as consultation, investigation, reconnaissance, research, design, preparation of drawings and specifications and responsible supervision, where the dominant purpose of such service is the design of a golf course, in accordance with accepted professional standards of public health and safety.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 5641.6. Section 5641.6.

(a) Nothing contained in this chapter shall be deemed to prohibit a person from engaging in the practice of, or offering to practice as, an irrigation consultant. (b) As used in this section, “irrigation consultant” means a person who performs professional services such as consultation, investigation, reconnaissance, research, design, preparation of drawings and specifications and responsible supervision, where the dominant purpose of such service is the design of landscape irrigation, in accordance with accepted professional standards of public health and safety.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 5642. Section 5642.

This chapter shall not be deemed to prevent a landscape architect from forming a partnership, firm, or corporation with, or employing, persons who are not landscape architects if the signature, date, and license number of the landscape architect appears on all instruments of service. In no case shall the other members of the partnership, firm, or corporation be designated or described as landscape architects. The name of the licensed landscape architect shall appear wherever the firm name is used in the professional practice of the partnership, firm, or corporation, and the landscape architect shall reside in California when the partnership, firm, or corporation maintains a California office or mailing address. The name of the licensee shall appear on all partnership, firm, or corporation stationery, brochures, business cards and any instruments of service used or provided in the professional practice of the partnership, firm, or corporation. No partnership, firm, or corporation shall engage in the practice of landscape architecture unless the work is under the immediate and responsible direction of a licensee of the board. Failure of any person to comply with this section constitutes a ground for disciplinary action.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 5644. Section 5644.

Any person who holds a valid state license or other authority that authorizes the person to engage in a business or occupation, insofar as the person engages in a professional, occupational, or business activity within the scope of that license or other authority, shall not be required to be licensed under this chapter.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026