Angels Camp Municipal Code Ch. 17.63 LANDSCAPING23

The purpose and intent of this chapter is to provide for the beautification of the city. (Ord. 286 § 1(part), 1987)

The provisions of this chapter are applicable to undeveloped lots where a site plan or conditional use permit is required for any district, except the community commercial (CC) zone. The provisions of this chapter apply to any permit issued for any new structure or use, or enlargement of any existing structure or use. Landscape plans which meet the guidelines of Section 17.63.080 shall be reviewed by the planning commission during its processing of the site plan review or use permit. When any application subject to this chapter would also involve the removal of any oak or heritage tree(s), as defined in Section 17.64.020, the applicant shall also comply with Chapter 17.64 of this code. (Ord. 286 § 1(part), 1987; Ord. 323 § 41, 1992; Ord. 462 § 1, 2014)

Whenever any parking lot, trash collection, outdoor storage, merchandising service area or driveway abuts an R1 or R2 district, a planting screen of sufficient height to obstruct the view thereof from the adjoining district shall be required, except where the view is blocked by grade or other natural or manmade features. Where, because of intense shade, or soil conditions planting screen cannot be expected to thrive, a wooden fence or slatted chain-link fence with plantings or masonry wall may be substituted. (Ord. 286 § 1(part), 1987)

For each one hundred square feet of developed area, there shall be at least six square feet of landscaped area. The "developed area" includes building(s), parking area(s) and walkway(s); the "landscaped area" includes the requirement of Section 17.63.050. (Ord. 286 § 1(part), 1987)

Where the provision of off-street parking for more than six vehicles is required, there shall be landscaped open space within the perimeter of the parking area or areas, in the minimum amount of nine square feet for each parking space, which shall be so located that no parking space is more than one hundred feet from a portion of the landscaped open space required by this section. The required landscaped open space need not be contiguous but there shall be at least one tree in each separate area and one shade tree for every six parking spaces. (Ord. 286 § 1(part), 1987)

23. Prior ordinance history: Ord. 270.

All landscaping required by this chapter shall be installed prior to occupancy or partially installed at the discretion of the building inspector. (Ord. 286 § 1(part), 1987)

When the site plan or conditional use permit is presented to the commission for review and consideration, the applicant shall submit a landscaping maintenance plan that will ensure that the landscaping will be maintained in a safe, healthy and viable manner for five years. (Ord. 286 § 1(part), 1987)

Landscaping shall conform with the city landscaping guidelines which are set forth as follows:

A. Size and Type of Planting.

1. Plants should be of a type which are proven successful in Angels’ climate and soils.

2. Ground cover or other surfacing shall be provided in all areas not covered by shrubs
at time of planting in order to control dust and erosion. Plant cover shall be installed
in all areas so that the ground surface will be completely covered in five years.

3. Plant type should be adaptable to the size and location of the space it is to occupy.

4. Plastic landscape materials shall not be used.

5. Wood chips or other materials used as a substitute for ground cover materials shall
not be used. These materials may be used in conjunction with ground cover while
ground cover is maturing and until it takes over.

6. Preserve existing healthy trees where in the best interest of the development.

7. Plant size shall be such that the likelihood of survival is high. Plants of sufficient age
shall be planted as determined by the planning commission.

8. Trees planted under power and telephone shall be a species which will not conflict
with the overhead lines.

B. Location.

1. Landscaping shall not be located where it will block visibility and create sight
distance problems.

2. Landscaping should be used to "break up" and soften the appearance of areas of
paving, building walls, and fences where possible.

3. Landscaping should be used as a buffer, between land uses where possible.

4. Landscaping should provide summer shade on walls, windows, roofs, walks, etc., to
help reduce temperatures.

5. "Extra" areas not used for drives and parking or buildings shall be landscaped.

C. Maintenance.

1. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided for all landscaping unless waived by
the planning commission.

2. Maintenance necessary for various types of plants will be considered in determining
the appropriateness of landscaping.

3. Plants which drop seed pods or fruit should not be located where such droppings
would cause maintenance or safety problems.

D. Fencing, Hedges and Other Buffer Landscaping.

1. Fencing, hedges or other landscaping shall be used as a buffer between land uses.

2. Landscaping shall be used to screen off-street parking areas when possible.

3. Fencing, hedges or other landscaping shall be compatible with materials and design of other structures. E. Drought Tolerant Landscaping and Water Conservation. When selecting landscaping materials, emphasis shall be on using drought tolerant native plant materials. Irrigation systems shall minimize overspray and runoff. Use of reclaimed or recycled water is encouraged. For large commercial projects, over ten thousand square feet of commercial use, a detailed irrigation design plan, irrigation schedule and maintenance schedule may be required. (Ord. 286 § 1(part), 1987; Ord. 319 § 1, 1992)