Article 15 — Landscaping

In all areas subject to landscaping as required by this chapter, the landscaping shall be developed in accordance with the provisions of this article, Article 15.5 of this chapter relating to water efficient landscape, and Article 20 of this chapter relating to design review. (Ord. 159, § 77.04; Ord. 07-711, § 6; Ord. 09-752, § 6)

In addition to any other landscaping required by this chapter, landscaping shall be required for all lots except those in R-1 and A-1 Zones to cover not less than 5% of the gross lot area. (Ord. 318, § 2; Ord. 07-711, § 6)

• (a) Dimensions. The minimum horizontal dimensions of any required landscaped area or any form of fixed planter box shall be three feet.

• (b) Size and Landscape Coverage Requirements. Acceptable landscaping shall consist of a combination of trees, shrubs, and live groundcover, which groundcover shall not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area within any planter. Special consideration shall be given to such trees, shrubs and live groundcover's eventual size, spread and susceptibility to disease and pests, durability and adaptability to existing soil and climatic conditions.

• (Ord. 159, § 77.04; Ord. 318, § 2; Ord. 07-711, § 6)

Where plants are indicated for screening, such screening shall consist of the use of evergreen shrubs closely spaced and maintained at substantially the required height of any required fence, wall, or hedge.

(Ord. 159, § 77.04; Ord. 318, § 2; Ord. 07-711, § 6)

Each landscaped area shall be regularly and permanently maintained so that all trees, plants and shrubs remain in a neat, clean, healthful, and thriving condition. The following additional maintenance shall be regularly performed:

• (a) Aeration and dethatching of turf areas;

• (b) Regular replenishment of mulch;

• (c) Regular pruning and fertilizing of trees, plants and shrubs and weeding of all landscaped areas so as to maintain such areas in an appropriately trimmed and weed-free condition;

• (d) Prompt replacement of any and all diseased, dying or dead trees, plants and shrubs;

• (e) Mowing of lawns;

• (f) Removal of litter; and

(g) Regular watering of all plantings.

(Ord. 159, § 77.04; Ord. 318, § 2; Ord. 07-711, § 6)

All required landscaping shall be irrigated by an automatic irrigation system which shall be set forth in the landscape and irrigation plan and shall be approved by the Planning Director prior to installation. All required irrigation systems shall be permanently maintained to operate in optimum, fully functioning and leak-free condition. Such maintenance shall include, but is not limited to:

• (a) Prompt adjustment, repair and/or replacement of valves, sprinkler heads and automatic controllers as necessary;

• (b) Repair and replacement of broken water lines as necessary;

• (c) Maintenance of static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply sufficient to provide adequate and regular irrigation.

• (Ord. 159, § 77.04; Ord. 318, § 2; Ord. 07-711, § 6)

Any portion of a lot or parcel of land that is not developed or improved with a structure, as a driveway, or as a parking space shall include landscaping, as defined in this chapter, only if all of the following apply:

• (a) The lot or parcel of land is located in a C-S-P, C-G, CPD, SP, or M-R zone;

• (b) The lot or parcel of land is improved with a building for which a building permit is required; and

• (c) The undeveloped portion of the lot or parcel of land is visible from the public right-of-way. (Ord. 07-711, § 6)

Grape arbors, other arbors and trellises are permitted landscape features in residential zones of the City. No discretionary review or approval by the City is required for a grape arbor, other arbor or a trellis located in a residential zone of the City, if it conforms to the following standards:

• (a) The grape arbor, other arbor or trellis shall be placed in the side or rear yard area of the lot. Grape arbors, other arbors or trellises shall not be placed in the front yard.

• (b) The grape arbor, other arbor or trellis shall not exceed nine feet in height.

• (c) No single grape arbor, other arbor or trellis shall exceed 119 square feet in area, including overhangs.

• (d) Grape arbors, other arbors and trellises shall be kept in a neat and orderly manner at all times. Grape vines and other vines on an arbor shall be trimmed during deciduous periods and periodically during the growing season so as to keep the vine from encroaching onto neighboring properties and off of trees, shrubs and other landscape features.

• (Ord. 724, § 8)

All landscape accessories, as such term is defined in Section 9-2.413 , that are proposed to exceed six feet in height and proposed to be located outside of the front or side yard setback shall be subject to administrative review by the Planning Director or designee. The Planning Director or designee shall not approve the placement or maintenance of the landscape accessory unless he or she finds the landscape accessory meets the criteria set forth in Section 9-2.2705(m) , 9-2.2805(h) , 9-2.2904(l) , 9-2.2953(l) , or 9-2.2964(k) , whichever is applicable, and will be compatible and consistent with the architectural design of the main residential structure. The Planning Director or designee may impose reasonable conditions on the approval of any landscape accessory. Any decision of the Planning Director or designee may be appealed to the Planning Commission within five days after receipt of written notice of the Planning Director's or designee decision. Upon receiving a notice of appeal, the Planning Commission may affirm the decision of the Planning Director or designee, refer the matter back to the Planning Director or designee with directions or set the matter before itself. Any decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council pursuant to the requirements of Section 9-2.1901 . (Ord. 12-781, § 8)