Banning Municipal Code Art. III Landscape Design Guidelines

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 1510, § 3(2), adopted Sept. 11, 2017, renumbered Ch. 17.32, Art. IV as Ch. 17.32, Art. III.

The design guidelines which follow are a reference to assist the designer in understanding the City's objectives for high quality landscaping. These guidelines will be utilized during the design review process to encourage the highest level of design quality while at the same time providing the necessary flexibility to encourage creativity on the part of the project designers.

(Zoning Ord. dated 1/31/06, § 9108.09(1).)

Any addition, remodelling, relocation or construction requiring a building permit subject to review by the Community Development Department, shall adhere to these guidelines unless exempted.

(Zoning Ord. dated 1/31/06, § 9108.09(2).)

A. Landscaping and open spaces should be designed as a central part of the site design, and should integrate development with the surrounding elements of the natural environment. Landscaping should enhance building design, public views and spaces, provide buffers and transitions, preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, provide shade and cooling, and provide screening from other nearby uses.

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B. Landscape design should highlight the design theme through the use of arbors and trellises.

C. Landscaped areas should incorporate grasses and groundcovers; shrubs; and trees.

D. The following planting design concepts should be used whenever possible:

1. Trees to create canopies and shade, especially in parking areas;

2. Pots, vases, wall planters and raised planters;

3. Specimen trees used in informal groupings and rows at major focal points;

4. The use of flowering trees in informal groups to provide color;

5. The use of distinctive plants as focal points;

6. Berms, plantings and low walls to screen parking areas from public rights of way.

E. Landscaping should be installed at the base of buildings. Asphalt edges should be avoided.

F. Plantings should be planned to create a simple, non-uniform arrangement.

(Zoning Ord. dated 1/31/06, § 9108.09(3).)

A. Trees, shrubs and vines should have body and fullness that is typical of the species.

B. Herbaceous and flat plant groundcovers should be planted no more than 12 inches on center, and woody, shrub groundcover should be planted no more than 3 feet on center.

C. Plant materials should be spaced so they do not interfere with lighting, and so they do not restrict access to fire hydrants or fire alarm boxes. Proper spacing should ensure unobstructed access for vehicles and pedestrians. The following spacing standards should be used:

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1. 25 feet from the property corner at a street intersection to the center of the first tree or large shrub.

2. 15 feet between trees and large shrubs.

3. 15 feet between trees or large shrubs and fire hydrants.

4. 10 feet between trees or large shrubs and the edge of any driveway.

(Zoning Ord. dated 1/31/06, § 9108.09(4).)