Chapter 9-46 — LANDSCAPING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

[1] Prior legislation; Prior code § 9-27.060.

This chapter promotes and encourages high quality landscape improvements that recognize and respect the limited availability of water in the state of California. These provisions are intended to effect landscapes that can be maintained with low water use.

(Prior code § 9-27.010; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part); Ord. 2009-8 § 2 (part))

• A. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to:

  1. All new and rehabilitated landscape projects for public agencies and private developments, whether commercial, industrial or institutional, that would require a land use permit or building permit;

  2. Developer-installed, common area landscaping for single-family and multifamily residential development projects.

• B. Exemptions.

  1. Landscaping for a single-family residence with a total landscaped area of less than five thousand (5,000) square feet;

  2. Landscaping for multifamily residences with a total landscaped area of less than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet;

  3. Landscaping for nonresidential developments with a total landscape area of less than one thousand (1,000) square feet;

  4. Cemeteries;

  5. Registered historical sites;

  6. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;

  7. Landscape projects that existed prior to the effective date of this chapter, unless such landscaping is rehabilitated;

  8. Landscape projects with conditions which, in the determination of the Community Development Director, would reasonably or necessarily be exempt.

(Prior code § 9-27.020; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part); Ord. 2009-8 § 2 (part))

• A. Landscape design and construction shall emphasize water conservation through the appropriate use and groupings of plant materials that are adapted to particular sites and to particular climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. The use of turf should be limited to only those areas designated for active recreational use or where irrigated by reclaimed water.

• B. All landscape plan approvals are subject to and dependent upon the applicant complying with all applicable city ordinances, codes, regulations, adopted policies, and the payment of all applicable fees.

• C. Should any provision of this chapter conflict with any other provisions of the development code or any adopted specific plan, the more restrictive shall apply.

• D. All landscaped areas shall be maintained in an attractive and healthy condition, as evidenced by proper pruning, mowing of turf areas, weeding, removal of litter, fertilization, replacement of plants when necessary, and the regular application of appropriate quantities of water to all landscaped areas. Maintenance practices shall comply with the guidelines outlined in Section 9-46.080 .

(Prior code § 9-27.030; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part); Ord. 2009-8 § 2 (part))

The submittal, review, revision, and approval of the required landscape plan shall be in compliance with the following provisions:

• A. Conceptual and final landscape plan shall be required for all projects subject to this chapter except for singlefamily residences which shall only require a conceptual landscape plan.

• B. Landscape plan shall be prepared in accordance with the specifications available from the Planning Department.

• C. All final landscape plans shall be prepared by a landscape architect or other person licensed by the state to prepare such plans. Conceptual landscape plans may be prepared by the property owner or any other person capable of producing drawings that accurately reflect the land-scape concept.

• D. All required final landscape plans shall be submitted for review and approval to the Planning Department. Conceptual landscape plans shall be included in the review of any specific development application.

• E. Final landscape plans shall be submitted for review, and approved, by the Planning Department prior to the issuance of grading permits or building permits, whichever occurs first.

• F. Final landscape plans shall be in substantial compliance with the approved conceptual landscape plans.

• G. Any modification to an approved final landscape plan must be approved by the Community Development Director prior to installation.

• H. An applicant shall submit a certification prepared by the project landscape designer or architect and shall indicate that all plant materials have been installed in accordance with the approved final landscape plan. The Planning Department shall verify the certified installation prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

• (Prior code § 9-27.040; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part); Ord. 2009-8 § 2 (part))

The design and installation of all proposed landscape improvements subject to this chapter shall comply with the following standards:

• A. Landscape design shall include a selection of plant materials based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the site. The protection, preservation, and enhancement of native species and natural areas are encouraged.

• B. Landscape design shall encourage the use of drought tolerant plant materials, the use of reclaimed water, and minimal use of turf.

• C. Landscape design shall address fire protection requirements in areas that are fire prone.

• D. Landscape design shall provide for the grouping of plant materials having similar water demands so as to facilitate appropriate and efficient water applications.

• E. Landscape design shall illustrate a concern for aesthetic elements such as balance, scale, texture, form, and unity.

• F. Landscape design shall address the functional aspects of landscaping such as grading, drainage, minimal runoff, erosion prevention, wind barriers, provisions for shade, and reduction of glare.

• G. Landscape design shall demonstrate a concern for solar access including exposure and shading of window areas.

• H. Landscape design shall address the retention of existing mature landscaping that is in good, healthful condition, incorporating such landscaping into the landscape plan where feasible.

• I. Landscape design shall provide for the planting of all unpaved areas with an effective combination of trees, ground cover, turf, shrubbery, and/or approved dry landscape materials.

• J. Landscape design shall include provisions to protect plant materials from damage by the encroachment or overhang of motor vehicles.

• K. Landscape design shall facilitate the implementation of landscape maintenance practices which foster long-term water conservation. Said practices may include, but not be limited to, conducting water audits and establishing a water budget to limit the amount of water applied per landscaped acre.

• (Prior code § 9-27.050; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part); Ord. 2009-8 § 2 (part))

Whenever a chapter of this code or any other code or condition meant to regulate a development refers to specimen vegetation, the following shall apply as shown in Table 9-46.060.

(Prior code § 9-27.070. Formerly 9-46.070; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part); Ord. 2009-8 § 2 (part))

Landscape plans may incorporate materials other than plants to achieve aesthetic effects. The prepared landscape plan shall show these materials. Acceptable materials include cobbles, crushed rock, woodchips or bark, stepping stones, decorator edging, fountains and pools, and low-intensity lighting. Additional materials shall not be used in lieu of planting materials.

(Prior code § 9-27.080. Formerly 9-46.080; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part); Ord. 2009-8 § 2 (part))

The maintenance of all landscape improvements subject to this chapter shall comply with the following standards:

• A. Trees should be maintained in a healthy, growing condition in accordance with the following guidelines:

  1. Prune trees annually to select and develop permanent scaffold branches to reduce potential for toppling and wind damage while maintaining growth and natural appearance;

  2. Avoid the stripping of lower branches of young trees in order to promote proper caliper trunk growth until the tree is able to stand erect without staking or other support. Remove staking as soon as practical;

  3. Thin out or shape trees to prevent wind and storm damage. The primary pruning of deciduous trees should be done during the dormant season;

  4. All pruning cuts should be made to arterial branches or buds. Stub pruning and topping shall be avoided;

  5. No more than thirty (30) percent of foliage should be removed during tree pruning;

  6. Tree maintenance should follow the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Standards of Practice.

• B. Shrubs should be maintained in a healthy, growing condition in accordance with the following guidelines:

  1. All pruning cuts should be made to lateral branches or buds, or flush with trunks. Stub pruning should be avoided.

  2. Topping of shrubs should be done only after interior selective branch pruning has been completed.

• C. Dead plants and those in a state of decline should be replaced within ninety (90) days.

• D. Landscape planters and hardscape should be kept free of weeds, leaf build-up, garbage and other debris. (Prior code § 9-27.090. Formerly 9-46.090; Ord. 98-8 § 2 (part); Ord. 2009-8 § 2 (part))