9658.1. - Processing procedures.

Any permit issued under this article shall be conditioned to require landscaping. The procedure for processing and review of landscape plans shall be as follows:

A.

Presubmittal meeting. The presubmittal meeting is a recommended, rather than mandatory first step in securing landscape plan approval for the proposed project. The purpose of this meeting is to familiarize the applicant with the city's review process, identify the information and materials necessary to file landscape plans, and discuss various planting materials.

B.

Plan submittal. Upon payment of the required fee, the applicant may formally submit its landscape plan to the city for approval.

C.

Plan review. Upon receipt of the landscape plans, in conformity with section 9658.2, the planning department shall review the plans for completeness and forward the plans, if complete, to the city's landscape consultant for review. The consultant's review shall consist of an on-site inspection and determination as to the compatibility of selected plant materials, the adequacy of irrigation, and the consistency with standards. Upon completion of such review, the consultant shall submit the plans to the planning department with his/her findings and recommendations.

D.

Approval. Based upon the finding and recommendations of the city's landscape consultant, the planning director may approve or require modification of the project's landscape plans.

E.

Guarantee/surety. If the landscaping will not be installed prior to occupancy (nonsloped areas of residential projects only), the planning director may, at his/her discretion, allow the applicant to post with the planning department adequate surety, as determined by the planning director, to ensure the completion of the required landscaping. Such surety shall be submitted to the city prior to issuance of building occupancy.

F.

Installation and inspection. Landscape plantings and accompanying irrigation for commercial, industrial and sloped areas shall be installed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the department of building and safety. Landscaping and irrigation for residential projects (nonsloped area only) shall be installed within the time frame established by the conditions of the permit or approved landscape plans.

The applicant's landscape architect shall be required to certify in writing to the planning director that all work has been completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications. The city's landscape consultant shall conduct the final inspection after receipt of this certification.

G.

Exoneration of surety. If, upon final landscape inspection, it is determined that the landscaping and irrigation have been installed in accordance with the approved plans, the planning department shall return after a one-year maintenance period the surety deposited with the city to the applicant.

(Ord. No. 15-420, § 2, 11-10-2015)