Chapter 23.17 — LANDSCAPING

The purposes of the landscaping regulations are to:

• (A) Improve the appearance of the community by requiring permanently maintained landscaping;

• (B) Enhance the appearance of development and minimize or eliminate conflicts between potentially incompatible uses through landscaping;

• (C) Aid in energy conservation by providing shade from the sun and shelter from the wind;

• (D) Provide areas on site to absorb rainfall and assist in reducing storm water runoff;

• (E) Assist in erosion control;

• (F) Promote conservation and efficient use of water; and

• (G) Implement the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act.

• (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the following:

• (A) All new development.

• (B) Additions to single-unit dwelling residential developments that expand existing floor area by 50% or more.

• (C) Additions to multi-unit dwelling residential developments and non-residential development that expand existing floor area by 10% or more.

• (D) All new and rehabilitated landscaping projects that include new irrigated landscaping over 2,500 square feet.

• (E) Exceptions. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the following:

• (1) Farming, agriculture, and crop production including vegetable gardens, vineyards, and small orchards.

• (2) Public recreational areas (designated for active play, recreation or public assembly).

• (3) Registered local, state or federal historical sites.

• (4) Habitat restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system.

• (5) Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system.

• (6) Existing plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public.

• (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

In addition to areas required to be landscaped pursuant to other sections of this title, the following areas shall be landscaped, and, where located on-site, may count toward the total area of a site required to be landscaped. All landscaping shall comply with the requirements of § 23.17.050.

• (A) Street-facing yards. All street-facing yards shall be landscaped with live plants pursuant to § 23.17.050(A), except as follows:

• (1) Hardscape areas.

• (a) Residential.

1. Up to 25% of the yard area may be covered by non-decorative hardscape features (e.g., concrete, asphalt, gravel, driveways, sidewalks, etc.)

2. Up to 25% of the yard area may be covered by decorative permeable hardscape features (e.g., brick, stone, mulch, water feature, etc.).

(b) Non-residential. Up to 75% of the yard area may be covered by hardscape features (e.g., concrete, asphalt, gravel, driveways, sidewalks, etc).

FIGURE 23.17.030.A.1: AREAS TO BE LANDSCAPED, HARDSCAPE AREAS

(2) Through lots. Rear yards of through lots that are located behind a solid wall or fence five feet or higher in height approved through the modification process are not required to be landscaped.

(B) Sloped areas. All areas with 3:1 or greater slope.

(C) Parkways. Live plant materials shall be the primary materials used. No more than 25% of the parkway area shall be covered by non-decorative hardscape features (e.g., concrete, asphalt, gravel, sidewalks, etc.) No more than 25% may be covered by decorative permeable hardscape features (e.g., brick, mulch, etc.). The remaining 50% of the parkway area must be of live plant material which shall not exceed 36 inches in height and an automatic irrigation system shall be required for the parkway area(s). Loose decorative stone and sharp or thorned plant material are discouraged. Artificial turf is not allowed in parkways. All parkway tree species should be in accordance with the city's Street Tree Planting Plan.

(1) Landscaped parkways abutting streets must be maintained by the property owner in such a way as to keep all plant life alive, thriving and displaying its natural colors and shall be properly trimmed and cut.

(D) Building perimeters. The portions of a non-residential building that front a public street shall have one or more landscape planters installed along a minimum 20% of that building face. The minimum width of the planter shall be three feet. This standard does not apply where a building is located on the front or street side property line.

FIGURE 23.17.030.D: AREAS TO BE LANDSCAPED, BUILDING PERIMETERS

(E) Parking areas. Parking areas as required by Chapter 23.20.

(F) Unused areas. All areas of a project site not intended for a specific use, including areas planned for future phases of a phased development, shall be landscaped, hydroseeded, or left in a natural state. (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4831, passed 8-26-24)

A landscape plan showing compliance with the standards of this chapter shall be submitted with the permit application for all projects for which landscaping is required.

(A) Information required. Landscape plans shall be drawn to scale and shall include the following:

(1) Proposed plant locations, species, sizes, and plant factor. Plants with similar water needs shall be grouped together on the landscape plan. The plant factor, established in the California Department of Water Resources study, Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS), shall be identified for all landscaped areas on a site. All water features shall be identified as high water use, and temporarily irrigated areas shall be identified as low water use. (2) Locations of any existing trees over six inches in diameter or over two inches in diameter for oak trees, as measured at 48 inches above natural grade, and whether each such tree is proposed for retention or removal.

(3) Details and location of proposed fencing, entries, refuse collectors and free-standing or monument signs.

(4) Areas to be covered by non-decorative hardscape features (e.g., concrete, asphalt, gravel, driveways, sidewalks, etc.).

(5) Areas to be covered by decorative permeable hardscape features (e.g., brick, stone, mulch, gravel, water feature, etc.).

(6) Walkways, plazas and sitting areas, play areas, street furniture and other existing or proposed permanent outdoor equipment or decorative landscape features, if any.

(7) Proposed method and location of irrigation.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

• (A) Materials.

(1) General.

(a) Required landscaped areas shall be planted with a combination of ground covers, shrubs, vines, and trees. A minimum of one different plant type per 1,000 square feet of lot area shall be provided, up to a maximum of ten different plant types.

(2) Required water efficient plants. One of the following options of types of plants shall be chosen to ensure that the landscape project meets water efficiency requirements.

(a) Option A: all low water plants. Exclusive of garden areas dedicated to edible plants, all plants and trees shall be low or very low water use (average California Department of Water Resources study, Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) plant factor of 0.3). Option A is available for all residential and non-residential areas.

(b) Option B: primarily low water plants. Exclusive of garden areas dedicated to edible plants, at least 75% of the landscape area shall contain low or very low water use plants (average WUCOLS plant factor of 0.3). Option B is only available for residential areas.

(c) Option C: water use calculation. The estimated total water use (ETWU) of the landscaping shall not exceed the maximum applied water allowance (MAWA), calculated pursuant to the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). Option C is available for all residential and non-residential areas.

1. Department of Water Resources Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance compliance required. Where Option C: water use calculation is selected, all requirements of the Department of Water Resources Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance shall apply.

(3) Size and spacing. Plant materials shall be grouped in hydrozones in accordance with their respective water, cultural (soil, climate, sun and light), and maintenance needs. Plants shall be of the following size and spacing at the time of installation:

(a) Ground covers. Ground cover plants other than grasses shall be at least the four-inch pot size. Areas planted in ground cover plants other than grass seed or sod must be planted at a rate of one per 12 inches on center.

FIGURE 23.17.050.A.3.A: GROUND COVER PLANTING

(b) Shrubs. Shrubs shall be a minimum size of one gallon. When planted to serve as a hedge or screen, shrubs shall be planted with two to four feet of spacing, depending on the plant species.

FIGURE 23.17.050.A.3.B: SHRUB PLANTING

(c) Trees. Required trees must be planted in the ground. All parkway tree species shall be in accordance with the city's Street Tree Planting Plan.

1. Residential development. A minimum of one 24-inch box tree per 50 feet of street frontage shall be provided within the yard fronting the street. A minimum of at least one 24-inch box tree shall be required.

2. Mixed-use and non-residential development.

a. A minimum of one 36-inch box tree per 50 feet of street frontage shall be provided within the yard fronting the street.

b. A minimum of one tree of at least 15-gallon size shall be planted per 20 linear feet or as appropriate to create a tree canopy over the required setback along interior property lines abutting Residential Zones. FIGURE 23.17.050.A.3.C.II.2: TREES; MIXED-AND NON-RESIDENTIAL USES ADJACENT TO

RESIDENTIAL ZONES

(4) Artificial turf.

• (a) Material. Artificial turf must meet minimum material standards, including the following:

1. The turf shall have a minimum eight-year no-fade warranty as issued by the manufacturer.

2. The turf shall be cut-pile infill, minimum pile height one and two-thirds inches and a maximum of one and three-quarter inches, with parallel long slit blades.

3. The synthetic turf blades (not including the thatch layer) shall be required to contain at least two natural green colors.

4. The turf must contain a beige or tan thatch layer.

5. Be affixed to a permeable triple-layer backing and allow water to percolate through the synthetic grass at a drain rate of at least 30 inches per hour, to an adequate drainage system installed underneath the artificial turf to prevent run-off, pooling and flooding.

6. The synthetic turf shall comply with all federal and state standards related to lead and heavy metal content.

7. The fill material shall be of silica sand or zeolite material that is brushed in to keep the blades upright and achieve a natural grass look. Any replacement fill shall be the same. The use of rubber crumb infill is prohibited.

8. Must be constructed to maximize dimensional stability, resist damage during normal use and minimize UV degradation with a tear grab strength of at least 200 pounds. It must be resistant to staining, weather, insects, rot, mildew, and fungus and shall be non-allergenic and non-toxic and able to pass the pill burn test for flammability.

9. The use of indoor/outdoor carpeting, and artificial shrubs, flowers, tress, and vines instead of natural plantings is prohibited.

(b) Installation. Artificial turf must be installed pursuant to manufacturers requirements by a licensed professional with experience in the installation of artificial turf. In addition:

1. Installation must include removal of all existing plant material and three inches of a compacted aggregate base that provides adequate drainage and ensure stability.

2. The area must be sloped and graded to prevent excessive pooling, runoff, or flooding onto adjacent property. Artificial turf areas must be sufficiently drained to live planting areas to provide complete infiltration of runoff.

3. Artificial turf must be permanently anchored over the entire coverage area with nails and glue, and all seams must be nailed, or sewn and glued so as to conceal the edges, with the grain pointing a single direction.

4. All existing irrigation infrastructure in the covered area, including piping and sprinkler heads that are no longer used must be capped or removed and shall not be visible.

5. Artificial turf must be separated from live planting areas by a barrier such as a mow strip or bender board to prevent mixing of natural plant materials and artificial turf.

6. All efforts shall be made to protect existing trees and tree roots from damage during installation.

7. Artificial turf may not be installed within a five-foot diameter of the trunk of any tree.

8. Artificial turf is prohibited in all parkways.

(c) Maintenance. Artificial turf must be maintained in an attractive and clean, unfaded condition free of weeds, stains, debris, tears, holes, depressions, ruts, odors and looseness at edges and seams. Damaged or worn areas in the artificial turf surface must be repaired or removed and replaced in a manner that results in consistent appearance with the existing artificial turf. The artificial turf surface must be replaced once it is unable to be maintained as required. Vehicle parking on artificial turf is prohibited.

(5) Natural turf. Natural turf is subject to the following limitations, unless further restricted pursuant to state law or other regulations.

• (a) No more than 25% of the landscaped area may be natural turf.

• (b) The installation of natural turf on slopes greater than 25% is prohibited.

• (c) Natural turf is prohibited in locations that are less than ten feet wide.

(6) Mulch. A minimum three-inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas. Mulch shall not be required in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications where mulch would be detrimental to the health of the planted materials.

(7) Compost. Compost at a rate of at least four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet to a depth of six inches into landscape area (unless contra-indicated by a soil test) shall be incorporated, unless stricter requirements apply pursuant to state law or other regulations.

(B) Water features. Recirculating water shall be used for all decorative water features.

(C) Dimension of landscaped areas. No landscaped area smaller than three feet in any horizontal dimension shall count toward required landscaping.

(D) Prescribed heights. The prescribed heights of landscaping shall indicate the height to be attained within three years after planting.

(E) Driveway and intersection visibility. All landscaping shall comply with § 23.12.190.

(F) Maintenance. All planting and other landscape elements shall be maintained in good growing condition. Such maintenance shall include, where appropriate, pruning, mowing, weeding, cleaning, fertilizing, and regular watering. Inert matter, such as gravel, decorative stone, or other acceptable materials not consisting of live vegetation shall be kept neat, well-ordered, and clear of the public right-of-way. Wherever necessary, plantings shall be replaced with other plant materials to ensure continued compliance with applicable landscaping requirements. (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

All landscaped areas shall be provided with an automatic irrigation system capable of complete coverage of the landscaped areas.

(A) General requirements.

(1) All irrigation equipment must meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI), American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers/ International Code Council (ASABE/ICC)802-2014. "Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard".

(2) The following areas shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or other means that produces no runoff or overspray.

• (a) Slopes exceeding 25%.

• (b) Areas less than ten feet wide in any direction.

(3) The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto non-targeted areas such as adjacent property or hardscapes.

(a) Irrigation systems shall be designed for zero run-off onto paved surfaces unless that surface drains to another landscape area.

(b) Spray irrigation must be placed two-feet away from impervious surfaces unless that surface drains to another landscape area.

(c) Proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including features such as repeated cycles, shall be used to closely match application rates to infiltration rates therefore minimizing runoff.

(d) Slopes greater than 25% shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with an application rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour, and check valves shall be utilized.

(B) Sprinkler heads. Where used, sprinkler heads shall be selected for proper area coverage, application rate, operating pressure, adjustment capability, and ease of maintenance.

(1) Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall have matched precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer's recommendations.

• (C) Water meters. A dedicated meter for irrigation is required for non-residential projects with landscape areas of 1,000 square feet or more.

(D) Backflow prevention devices. Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the water supply from contamination by the irrigation system.

(E) Pressure regulating equipment. Pressure regulating valves or assemblies shall be installed to ensure that the dynamic pressure at each emission device is within the manufacturer's recommended pressure range for optimal performance.

(F) Flow sensors. Flow sensors are required to detect high flow conditions created by system damage on all nonresidential projects 1,000 square feet and greater and residential projects 5,000 square feet and greater.

(G) Controllers. Automatic control systems shall be required for all irrigation systems and must be able to accommodate all aspects of the design.

(1) Automatic irrigation controllers shall utilize either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data, or rain sensing override devices.

(2) Irrigation controllers shall be of a type which does not lose programming data in the event the primary power source is interrupted.

(H) Check valves. Where required on steep slopes, check valves shall be installed to prevent low-head drainage.

(I) Shut-off valves. Locate shut-off valves as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply, and place where needed to minimize water loss in case of an emergency (such as a main line break) or routine repair. (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

(A) Consistency with approved plans. All landscaping shall be installed consistent with approved plans and specifications, in a manner designed to promote and maintain healthy plant growth.

(B) Timing of installation. Required landscaping shall be installed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the project.

(C) Certification of completion. Where required water efficient plant Option C: water use calculation, was installed, the applicant shall submit a certificate of completion pursuant to the Department of Water Resources Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)