Betterly Garden Design

Betterly Garden Design specializes in native-first planting, water-conscious design, and low-maintenance landscaping. The business focuses on restoring the environment through intentional local planting and drip irrigation with drought-tolerant selections. Every design celebrates the full life cycle of plants in informal, easy-to-maintain settings.

Open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Call (949) 842-7924 to discuss your project.

In California, landscaping work requires a state contractor license. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) classifies landscapers under the C-27 category. Many landscape projects will need a building permit from your local building department. San Francisco's building department sets requirements based on the California Building Standards Code, which requires permits for construction, enlargement, alteration, or improvement of structures. Before hiring, check with the San Francisco building department to determine whether your specific project requires a permit.

Once you know your permit requirements, verify that any contractor you hire holds a current state license. You can look up a landscaper's license number free of charge on the CSLB website by entering their business name or license number. This search will show their license status and any complaint history. A California contractor license number contains up to 8 digits and no letters. You'll find the number on the contractor's plastic pocket license.

When you contact a landscaper, ask whether they have a license and what their license number is. Request references, get details about insurance coverage, and ensure the contract spells out the scope of work, timeline, and cost. Understanding permit needs upfront and confirming the contractor's credentials will help protect your investment.