Beaumont Municipal Code Ch. 17.C.04 Landscaping Standards

The purpose of this Chapter is to establish minimum landscape standards to enhance the appearance of projects, provide shade, reduce heat and glare, control soil erosion, conserve water, ensure the ongoing maintenance of landscape areas, and ensure that landscape installations do not create hazards for motorists or pedestrians. All landscaping must be planted and maintained according to Section 17.C.04.060 (Water Efficient Landscape Standards), and the landscape installation and maintenance guidelines in a manner to maximize the growth, health, and longevity of the plantings.

The standards of this Chapter apply to new and existing projects, as follows, unless identified in Subsection 17.C.04.020.D (Exceptions). Deviations from the development standards of this article may be allowed on a case-by-case basis by with a Major Plot Plan approval.

A. New Projects. New single-family residential, multiple-family residential, mixed-use, commercial, and manufacturing and industrial uses projects.

B. Expansions. Building expansions of 10 percent or more of the existing square footage. Also see Subsection 17.C.16.070.B (Nonconforming Landscaping).

C. Landscaping Changes. This Section applies in the case that an existing nonresidential, mixed-use, multiple-family residential and/or single-family project wants to make changes to existing landscape areas.

D. Exceptions. This Chapter shall not apply to the following:

1. Construction of accessory dwelling units (see Section 17.C.10.030 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units)); and

2. Construction of accessory structures.

E. Conflict with State Law. Where this Chapter conflicts with state law, state law controls. See especially California Government Code § 51182, which sets defensible space requirements for lots in Very High Fire Severity zones.

A. Application Requirements.

1. Filing and Review. A conceptual landscape plan demonstrating compliance with the standards of this Chapter shall be prepared, filed, and processed concurrently with any required planning permit or approval in compliance with Chapter 17.D.02 (Procedures) and this Section. If no planning permit or approval is required, a landscape plan shall be submitted as part of a Building Permit, Grading Permit, or other similar application. If applicable, the landscape plan may be combined with the Construction Document Package required by Beaumont Municipal Code Subsection 17.C.04.060.C (Landscape Documentation Standards).

2. Preparation by Landscape Professional. All landscape plans for commercial, manufacturing and industrial, institutional, and residential projects consisting of four or more units, shall be prepared by a California registered landscape architect or licensed landscape contractor. A written statement from the landscape professional must be included on the landscape plan indicating compliance with this Chapter.

B. Alternative Landscape Plan Requirements.

1. Purpose. An applicant may demonstrate that the intent of the landscape requirements of this Chapter can be achieved through an alternative landscape plan.

2. Filing and Review. An alternative landscape plan shall be filed and processed in the same manner as a conceptual landscape plan consistent with Subsection 17.C.04.030.A (Application Requirements); however, an alternative landscape plan must clearly detail the modifications being requested from the standards of this Chapter.

3. Criteria for Approval. The Review Authority may approve a landscape plan, with or without conditions of approval, only after finding that the landscape plan meets one or more of the following criteria (in the case no other applications is required, the Community Development Director shall review and have the authority to approve a landscape plan):

a. Innovative use of plant materials and design techniques in response to unique characteristics of the site or the proposed use;

b. Preservation or incorporation of existing native vegetation and documentation and proposed removal of existing invasive species;

c. Integration of landscaping and pedestrian facilities in a manner that improves access or incorporates pedestrian-friendly design; this may include reduced ground-level planting along the street or within the front setback area if canopy shade trees along sidewalks are provided; and/or

d. Use of additional shade trees to create a greater canopy effect.

A. Landscape Standards for Single-Family Residential Uses.

1. Limitation on Impervious Surfaces in Setback Areas.

a. For single-family residential properties, no more than 50 percent of the front setback and street side setback area shall be covered by an impervious surface (e.g., used as a driveway). See Figure 17.C.04.040-1 (Front Yard Coverage) below.

b. Deviations from the standard in Subsection 17.C.04.040.A.1.a above may be allowed through a Minor Plot Plan or for small lot projects where these standards preclude the maximum lot coverage from being achieved. Also see Subsection 17.C.02.060.C (Small Lot Development).

2. Areas Required to be Landscaped. The remaining unpaved or pervious portion of the front and street side setback areas not covered in Subsection 17.C.04.040.A.1.a shall be landscaped, irrigated, and maintained. See Figure 17.C.04.040-1 (Front Yard Coverage) below.

a. At least one-third of the landscaped area must be provided by trees, shrubs, and other plant material. All other landscaped areas must have wood chips, decorative rock, decomposed granite, or other landscaping as approved by the Community Development Director.

b. All landscaping shall be maintained per the Beaumont Municipal Code and as necessary as often to prevent a nuisance. Junk, debris, or other similar materials shall not be stored in the landscaped areas.

FIGURE 17.C.04.040-1: FRONT YARD COVERAGE [Figure: FIGURE 17.C.04.040-1: FRONT YARD COVERAGE]

3. Shade Trees Required. A minimum of two 24-inch box shade trees are required within the front setback of all single-family residences.

B. Landscape Standards for Multiple Family Residential Uses.

1. Four or Fewer Units. Multiple family residential properties with four units or fewer must meet the same standards as single-family uses in accordance with Subsection 17.C.04.040.A (Landscape Standards for Single-Family Residential Uses).

2. More Than Four Units. Multiple family residential properties with more than four units must meet the landscape standards for commercial properties in Subsection 17.C.04.040.D.1 (Commercial Use Landscaping Standards). Qualifying projects shall also meet the parking lot landscaping standards in Subsection 17.C.04.040.E (Parking Lot Landscaping Standards).

C. Landscape Standards for Mixed Uses. Mixed use properties are subject to the landscape standards for each type of use proposed at the property as described by this Section as determined by the Community Development Director.

D. Landscape Standards For Nonresidential Uses.

1. Commercial Use Landscaping Standards. The following areas shall be landscaped:

a. Property lines adjacent to residential zones: minimum five feet.

b. Front and street side setback areas: minimum 10 feet, unless a smaller setback is allowed consistent with Division B (Zone Regulations) or as follows:

(i) Areas used for vehicles (i.e., parking and driveways) are excluded from this requirement.

(ii) Where buildings are located at the back of the sidewalk on the property line or within two feet of a property line, no landscaped areas are required; however, the sidewalk must be extended to the front of the building and constructed with materials that match the surface of the existing sidewalk.

2. Manufacturing and Industrial Use Landscaping Standards. The following areas shall be landscaped:

a. Front and street side setback areas, except for the area occupied by necessary driveways and walkways, must be landscaped with trees and other plant materials.

b. Landscaping within required setbacks adjacent to the public right-of-way shall be provided and maintained so that at least one-third of the total landscaped area must be provided by trees, shrubs, and other plant material.

c. A landscaped buffer shall be provided along the boundary of property in the Manufacturing Zoned where it abuts a residential or commercial zone.

3. General Commercial and Manufacturing and Industrial Use Landscape Provisions.

a. All non-paved areas must be landscaped and maintained to control dust.

b. An automatic irrigation system must be provided for all landscaped areas.

c. Landscaping shall be provided and maintained within any setback area adjacent to the public right-of-way with a distinct demarcation between asphalt paving and landscaped area.

d. No other usage or storage is allowed within required landscaped area.

E. Parking Lot Landscaping Standards. The following standards apply to parking areas for multiple family projects with five or more units and nonresidential parking area with 10 or more spaces.

1. Minimum Landscaped Area in Parking Areas.

a. A minimum of 15 percent of the total off-street open parking area shall be landscaped with a mixture of trees, shrubs, ground cover, and other plant material.

b. A minimum of one-third of the required landscaping must be within the interior of the parking facility.

2. Parking Area Landscaping Along the Public Right-of-Way. Along the public right-of-way adjacent to any street front parking there must be a minimum landscape planting area 10 feet wide; however, portions of the right-of-way landscape strip may be reduced to five feet when in the opinion of the Community Development Director the following conditions are met:

a. The total amount of required landscaping, as calculated by applying the 10-foot width requirement, is met along the same street frontage, or the size, configuration, topography, or other condition on the site would make the 10-foot requirement impractical.

b. The reduction does not preclude the requirement for adequate shading or screening of the parking area; and

c. The reduction in required width does not impede compliance with any other landscape requirement.

3. Trees Within Parking Areas.

a. Tree planter dimensions. Tree planters shall be a minimum of nine feet by seven feet measured to the inside perimeter of the planter, and shall have no less than 48 square feet of permeable soil planting area. Also see Figure 17.C.04.040-2 (Parking Lot Requirements).

b. Residential parking. Every six contiguous parking spaces require one tree planter.

c. Nonresidential parking. Every eight contiguous parking spaces require one tree planter.

d. Tree size. The minimum size tree planted shall be no less than a 24-inch box tree with at least a one-inch diameter at breast height (DBH).

e. Shade requirements for surface parking areas. Shade trees must be installed to provide shade over 30 percent of a vehicle parking area within 15 years. Areas within the parking area that are excluded from the total vehicle parking area shade requirement include:

(i) The surface parking area covered by solar photovoltaic shade structures, or shade structures;

(ii) Truck loading in front of overhead doors;

(iii) Truck maneuvering and main access roads and driveways not used as back-up areas; and

(iv) Surfaced areas for vehicle sales and leasing, vehicle repair and maintenance, and vehicle storage.

f. Tree diversity. At least two types of tree species are required to provide diversity.

g. Existing trees. Where trees already exist, the parking lot shall be designed to make the best use of this existing growth and shade wherever it is reasonably possible.

4. Landscaping Adjacent to Paved Areas.

a. All landscaped areas located adjacent to driveways, loading areas, parking lots and sidewalks must be protected along the parking lot side with curbs or wheel stops, or alternative treatments subject to Review Authority approval.

b. Parking lot dividers, islands, planters, and planting areas shall be a minimum five feet wide and 10 feet long, except for tree planters, which are regulated in Subsection 17.C.04.040.E.3.a (Tree Planter Dimensions). Alternative tree planter designs, including but not limited to diamond shaped planters, may be approved by the Community Development Director and Public Works Director.

FIGURE 17.C.04.040-2: PARKING LOT REQUIREMENTS [Figure: FIGURE 17.C.04.040-2: PARKING LOT REQUIREMENTS]

c. A six-inch high curb must be constructed around planter islands.

A. Tree Removal Permit. A person shall obtain a tree removal permit to remove any tree from any property in accordance with Section, unless otherwise exempted in accordance with Subsection 17.C.04.050.B (Exemptions).

B. Exemptions. The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section:

1. Removal of a tree that presents an immediate safety hazard to life or property, as determined by the City Manager, Community Development Director, Chief Building Official, Public Works Director, Police Chief, Fire Marshal, public utility company, or designees;

2. Routine tree maintenance, such as the trimming or thinning of branches;

3. Tree removal performed by the City, public utilities, or other public agencies in public utility easements or public rights-of-way;

4. Tree removal for fuels reduction purposes on publicly owned land, performed in conjunction with an approved fuel reduction program or activity;

5. Removal of trees felled by natural weather conditions or an act of God;

6. Removal of visibly dead trees;

7. Coniferous and deciduous trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of less than 12 inches;

8. Removal of trees located in the rear yard and

9. Removal of trees as described in Subsection 17.C.04.050.C.9.

C. Approval Findings. The Review Authority shall issue a tree removal permit if any of the following findings apply. The Community Development Director may request the applicant to provide a professional assessment by a registered professional forester or arborist to support the reasons for the proposed tree removal.

1. The tree is infected with an epidemic insect or disease where the recommended control is not applicable and an arborist has recommended removal to prevent transmission;

2. The tree is visibly dying;

3. The tree presents a hazard to health, safety or property that cannot be corrected by pruning, transplanting or other treatments;

4. The tree severely interferes with the growth and development of a more desirable tree;

5. The removal of the tree would substantially increase midday solar access to a solar collector;

6. The tree interferes or is causing extensive damage to utility services or facilities, roadways, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, pavement, water or sewer line, foundations or existing structures;

7. The removal of the tree would be necessary to maintain defensible space around a structure, or for fuels reduction purposes approved by the Fire Department;

8. The removal of the tree would allow for improved enjoyment or quality of a publicly accessible recreation or event site (e.g., improved event circulation or seating, enhanced golf course playability, etc.);

9. The removal of the tree would be necessary for the authorized construction of buildings or structures on the site, and a City-issued grading permit or building permit may serve as the approved tree removal permit in these cases; or

10. Any other reason, which, in the determination of the Community Development Director, would be necessary to maintain public health, safety or welfare, or to avoid damage to buildings or property.

D. Insufficient Reasons for Approval of a Tree Removal Permit. Creation of views, lawns, or similar private amenities shall not be sufficient cause to remove trees.

A. Purpose.

1. Establish provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention;

2. Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining, and managing water efficient landscapes in new and rehabilitated projects;

3. To reduce the water demands from landscapes without a decline in landscape quality or quantity;

4. To retain flexibility and encourage creativity through appropriate design;

5. To assure the attainment of water efficient landscape goals by requiring that landscapes serviced by potable water not exceed a maximum water demand of 50 percent or 0.50 of its reference evapotranspiration (ETo);

6. To assure the attainment of water efficient landscape goals by requiring that landscapes serviced entirely by recycled water not exceed a maximum water demand of 70 percent or 0.70 of its reference evapotranspiration (ETo);

7. To eliminate water waste from overspray and/or runoff;

8. To achieve water conservation by raising the public awareness of the need to conserve water through education and motivation to embrace an effective water demand management program;

9. To implement the standards of the California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act 2006 and the California Code of Regulations Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7;

10. To promote water conservation within new residential subdivision landscapes by prohibiting the use of natural turfgrass lawns within the front setbacks of new homes and promoting low water use plants and inert materials for a sustainable and marketable landscape design; and

11. To prohibit the new installation of natural turfgrass within medians and parkways within and along City maintained roads.

B. Applicability.

1. This Chapter applies to all of the following landscape projects:

a. New development projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet requiring a Building Permit or Plot Plan; sand

b. Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a Building Permit or Plot Plan;

2. This Chapter does not apply to:

a. Registered local, state or federal historical sites;

b. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;

c. Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or

d. Existing plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public.

3. Recognizing the special landscape needs of cemeteries, new and rehabilitated landscapes within a cemetery are subject only to the provisions set forth in Subsection 17.C.04.060.D (Landscape Irrigation and Maintenance).

4. If the local water purveyor has stricter standards than called for in this Title, the project applicant is responsible for contacting the water purveyor to determine what the standards are and for designing the plans to those standards. The City will work with the project applicant to implement the water purveyor standards.

C. Landscape Documentation Standards. An applicant proposing any new or rehabilitated landscape for a project subject to the standards of Subsection 17.C.04.060.B (Applicability) of this Section shall prepare and submit a construction document package (CDs) to the Community Development Director including the following:

1. All project information;

2. A planting plan;

3. An irrigation design plan;

4. A soil management plan; and

5. A Grading Design Plan. The "Riverside County Guide to California Friendly Landscaping" (Landscaping Guide) as may be periodically amended by the Community Development Director is hereby incorporated by reference to assist in designing, constructing, and maintaining a water efficient landscape and efficient irrigation system. It is recommended that an applicant proposing any new or rehabilitated landscape that is designated for recycled water use consult with the appropriate local water purveyor early in the development review process to ensure that future recycled water facilities meet the projected demand and that the aforementioned plans when submitted comply with the applicable standards, approvals, and implementation standards of this Section, the local water purveyor, and any applicable maintenance entity. Water systems for common open space areas must use non-potable water if approved facilities are made available by the local water purveyor. Provisions for a non-potable water system must be provided within the irrigation design plan. Water systems designed to utilize non-potable water must be designed to meet all applicable standards of the appropriate regional water quality control board and the Riverside County Health Department.

a. Project information to be located on cover sheet is as follows:

(i) Date;

(ii) Name of applicant and contact information;

(iii) Name of project owner and contact information;

(iv) Project address including parcel and lot numbers;

(v) Total landscape area in square feet;

(vi) Project type (e.g., new or rehabilitated; residential, commercial, or manufacturing and industrial);

(vii) Water supply (e.g., potable, well, recycled; use of recycled water is encouraged);

(viii) Applicant's signature and date with statement, "I agree to comply with the requirements of Chapter 17.C.04 (Landscaping Standards) and submit a complete Landscape Documentation Package";

(ix) Landscape Architect's information, stamp, and signature; and

(x) Status of plans, e.g., "plan check set", "bid set", "construction set".

b. Planting plan requirements are as follows:

(i) New natural turfgrass lawns are effectively prohibited within the front setback for any new residential subdivisions. New natural turfgrass within medians and parkways within and along City maintained roads are effectively prohibited.

(ii) Plant types must be grouped together in regard to their water, soil, sun, and shade standards and in relationship to the buildings. Plants with different water needs must be irrigated separately. Plants with the following classifications must be grouped accordingly: high and moderate, moderate and low, low and very low. Deviation from these groupings must not be permitted.

(iii) Trees for shade must be provided for residential, commercial, and manufacturing and industrial buildings, parking lots, and open space areas. These trees can be deciduous or evergreen and are to be incorporated to provide natural cooling opportunities for the purpose of energy and water conservation.

(iv) Plants must be placed in a manner considerate of solar orientation to maximize summer shade and winter solar gain.

(v) Plant selection for projects in very high fire hazard areas must address fire safety and prevention. A defensible space or zone around a building or structure is required in accordance with California Government Code § 51182. Fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches must be avoided.

(vi) Invasive species of plants must be avoided especially near parks, buffers, greenbelts, water bodies, conservation areas/reserves, and other open space areas because of their potential to cause harm to environmentally sensitive areas.

(vii) All exposed surfaces of non-turf areas within the developed landscape area must be mulched with a minimum three-inch layer of material, except in areas with groundcover planted from flats where mulch depth shall be 1.5 inches.

(viii) Mulching products used on slopes must aid in slope stability.

(ix) Turf areas must be used in response to functional needs as defined and in compliance with the water budget.

(x) Decorative water features must use re-circulating water systems.

(xi) Where available, recycled water must be used as the source for irrigation and decorative water features.

(xii) Planting plans must identify and site the following:

(a) New and existing trees, shrubs, ground covers, and turf areas within the proposed landscaped area;

(b) A planting legend indicating all plant species by botanical name and common name, spacing, and quantities of each type of plant by container size;

(c) Designation of hydrozones;

(d) Area, in square feet, devoted to landscaping and a breakdown of the total area by landscape hydrozones;

(e) Property lines, streets, and street names;

(f) Building locations, driveways, sidewalks, retaining walls, and other hardscape features;

(g) Appropriate scale and north arrow;

(h) Any special landscape areas;

(i) Type of mulch and application depth;

(j) Type and surface area of water features;

(k) Type and installation details of any applicable stormwater best management practices; and

(l) Planting specifications and details, including the recommendations from the soils analysis, if applicable.

(xiii) Planting plans must be prepared and have accurate and complete water budget calculations using one MAWA for the entire project and one EAWU formula for each hydrozone:

(a) Maximum applied water allowance (MAWA): Planting plans shall be prepared using the following water budget formula for projects serviced by potable water sources and required not to exceed 50 percent or 0.50 ETo:

MAWA (in gallons) = (ETo)(0.62)[0.5 × LA+0.5 × SLA]

Formula for projects serviced entirely by recycled water sources and required not to exceed 70% or 0.70 ETo:

MAWA (in gallons) = (ETo)(0.62)[0.7 × LA+0.3 × SLA]

Where:

ETo is reference evapotranspiration, local to the project;

SLA is the amount of special landscape area in square feet;

LA is total landscape area (including the SLA) in square feet; and

For the purposes of determining the MAWA, average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.71. Irrigation systems must be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average irrigation efficiency of 0.71.

(b) Estimated annual water use (EAWU): EAWU for a given hydrozone is calculated as follows:

EAWU (in gallons) = (ETo)(0.62)[((PF × HA)/IE) + SLA]

Where:

ETo is reference evapotranspiration;

PF is Plant Factor;

HA is hydrozone area in square feet;

IE is irrigation efficiency (minimum 0.71); and

SLA is the amount of special landscape area in square feet.

(c) Landscaping plans must provide EAWU (in the same units as the MAWA) for the sum of all valve circuits in the irrigation hydrozone. The sum of all EAWU hydrozone calculations must not exceed the MAWA for the project;

(d) The plant factor used must be from Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS). The plant factor for low water use plants range from 0 to 0.39, for moderate water use plants range from 0.4 to 0.6, and for high water use plants range from 0.61 to 1.0.

(e) The plant factor calculation is based on the proportions of the respective plant water uses and their plant factor, or the factor of the higher water using plant used.

(f) The surface area of a water feature must be included in the high-water use hydrozone area of the water budget calculation and temporarily irrigated areas in the low water use hydrozone.

(g) Landscape concept plans not for construction must be required to provide a complete and accurate MAWA calculation only.

(xiv) Planting plans and irrigation design plans (Subsection 17.C.04.060.C.5.c (Irrigation Design Plan Requirements)) must be drawn at the same size and scale.

(xv) The planting plan and irrigation design plans (Subsection 17.C.04.060.C.5.c (Irrigation Design Plan Standards)) including landscape concept plans must be prepared by a landscape architect licensed or registered by the State of California.

c. Irrigation design plan standards.

(i) New natural turfgrass lawns are effectively prohibited within the front setback for any new residential subdivisions. New natural turfgrass within medians and parkways within and along City maintained roads is effectively prohibited.

(ii) Irrigation systems must be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average irrigation efficiency of 0.71.

(iii) All irrigation systems must be designed to prevent runoff, over-spray, low head drainage, and other similar conditions where water flows off-site on to adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures. Irrigation systems shall be designed, constructed, managed, and maintained to achieve as high an overall efficiency as possible. The irrigation system must be designed to ensure that the dynamic pressure at each emission device is within the manufacturer's recommended pressure range for optimal performance.

(iv) Landscaped areas must be provided with a smart irrigation controller which automatically adjusts the frequency and/or duration of irrigation events in response to real time weather conditions unless the use of the property would otherwise prohibit use of a timer. The planting areas must be grouped in relation to moisture control zones based on similarity of water requirements (e.g., turf separate from shrub and groundcover, full sun exposure areas separate from shade areas, top of slope separate from toe of slope). Additional water conservation technology may be required, where necessary, at the discretion of the Community Development Director.

(v) Water systems for common open space areas must use non-potable water if approved facilities are made available by the water purveyor. Provisions for the conversion to a non-potable water system must be provided within the landscape plan. Water systems designed to utilize non-potable water must be designed to meet all applicable standards of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Riverside County Health Department.

(vi) Separate valves must be provided for separate water use planting areas, so that plants with similar water needs are irrigated by the same irrigation valve. Trees should be placed on separate irrigation valves from other plants (hydrozoned) with either bubblers or drip emitters. All installations shall rely on highly efficient state of the art irrigation systems to eliminate runoff and maximize irrigation efficiency as required by the Landscaping Guide.

(vii) Static water pressure, dynamic or operating pressure, and flow reading of the water supply must be measured. These pressure and flow measurements must be conducted at the design stage. If the measurements are not available at the design stage, the measurements must be conducted at the installation.

(viii) The capacity of the irrigation system must not exceed:

(a) The capacity required for peak water demand based on water budget calculations within the required water window;

(b) Meter capacity;

(c) Backflow preventer type and device capacity; or

(d) A velocity of five feet per second for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials and seven feet per second for copper and brass materials.

(ix) Sprinkler heads and other emission devices must have matched precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer.

(x) Within inert mulched planting areas, the use of point source drip irrigation is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone. In 3" organic mulched planting areas where slopes are less steep than 4:1, the use of Emitter Tubing irrigation or point source drip irrigation is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone. Low water use plants that require overhead spray may be exempted from this requirement but must be grouped, spaced and hydrozoned independently on overhead spray. In 3" organic mulched planting areas where slopes are steeper than 4:1, the use of low volume irrigation or point source drip irrigation is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone. Drip irrigation must be installed under the mulch. If grading conditions require increased stability not obtainable through low volume drip methods then overhead irrigation will be allowed with proper justification at the discretion of the Community Development Director.

(xi) Slopes greater than or equal to 4:1 must not be irrigated with an irrigation system with a precipitation rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. This restriction may be modified if the landscape designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part of the landscape documentation required to be submitted in compliance with this Chapter, and if there is a clear demonstration that no runoff or erosion will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.

(xii) Long-narrow, or irregularly shaped landscaped areas including functional turf areas less than 10 feet in width in any direction must be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or low-volume irrigation technology.

(xiii) Overhead irrigation must not be allowed within two feet of any non-permeable surface including DG walking trails, or paths. There are no restrictions on the irrigation system type if the landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing or if no overspray and runoff occurs.

(xiv) For the purpose of design, overhead irrigation must be limited to the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (nine-hour water window), no more than six days a week.

(xv) All irrigation systems must be equipped with the following:

(a) A smart irrigation controller as defined in Subsection 17.C.04.060.C.5.c (Irrigation Design Plan Standards) of this Chapter;

(b) A rain sensing device to prevent irrigation during rainy weather;

(c) Anti-drain check valves installed at strategic points to minimize or prevent low-head drainage;

(d) A manual shut-off valve must be required as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply, to minimize water loss in case of an emergency or routine repair;

(e) A mainline pressure regulator when the static water pressure is 15 percent above the recommended operating pressure of the irrigation system;

(f) Pressure regulation within each valve circuit to establish optimal operating pressure per manufacturers' recommendations;

(g) Backflow prevention devices within a lockable cage or enclosure or other anchoring device to prevent theft; and

(h) Risers must not be used in high traffic areas.

(xvi) Dedicated landscape meters must be required for all projects greater than 2,500 square feet except single-family residences.

(xvii) Irrigation design plans must identity and site the following:

(a) Hydrozones.

(1) Each hydrozone must be designated by number, letter, or other designation;

(2) A hydrozone information table must be prepared for each hydrozone;

(3) Each hydrozone must be identified by a low, medium, or high priority designation in the event of a drought or water budgeting event as determined by the local water purveyor.

(b) The areas irrigated by each valve;

(c) Irrigation point of connection (POC) to the water system;

(d) Static water pressure at POC;

(e) Location and size of water meter(s), service laterals, and backflow preventers;

(f) Location, size, and type of all components of the irrigation system, including automatic controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads and nozzles, pressure regulator, drip and low volume irrigation equipment;

(g) Total flow rate (gallons per minute), and design operating pressure (psi) for each overhead spray and bubbler circuit, and total flow rate (gallons per hour) and psi for each drip and low volume irrigation circuit;

(h) Precipitation rate (inches per hour) for each irrigation circuit;

(i) Irrigation legend with the manufacturer name, model number, and general description for all specified equipment, separate symbols for all irrigation equipment with different spray patterns, spray radius, and precipitation rate;

(j) Irrigation system details and specifications for assembly and installation; and

(k) Recommended irrigation schedule for each month, including number of irrigation days per week, number of start times (cycles) per day, minutes of run time per cycle, and estimated amount of applied irrigation water, expressed in gallons per month and gallons per year, for the established landscape.

(xviii) For each valve, two irrigation schedules must be prepared, one for the initial establishment period of six months and one for the established landscape, which incorporate the specific water needs of the plants and functional turf throughout the calendar year.

(xix) The planting plans (Subsection 17.C.04.060.C.5.b) and irrigation design plans must be drawn at the same size and scale.

(xx) The planting plan (Subsection 17.C.04.060.C.5.b) and irrigation design plans including landscape concept plans must be prepared by a landscape architect licensed or registered by the State of California.

d. Soil management plan standards.

(i) After mass grading, the project applicant shall:

(a) Perform a preliminary site inspection;

(b) Determine the appropriate level of soil sampling and sampling method needed to obtain representative soil sample(s), typically one test per every 25,000 square feet of landscaped area;

(c) Conduct a soil probe test to determine if the soil in the landscape area has sufficient depth to support the intended plants; and

(d) Obtain appropriate soil sample(s).

(ii) The project applicant shall submit soil sample(s) to a laboratory for analysis and recommendation. The soil analysis may include:

(a) Soil texture;

(b) Infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate tables;

(c) pH;

(d) Total soluble salts;

(e) Sodium; and

(f) Soil analysis recommendations.

(iii) The project applicant shall prepare documentation describing the following:

(a) Soil type;

(b) Identification of limiting soil characteristics;

(c) Identification of planned soil management actions to remediate limiting soil characteristics; and

(d) Submit the soil analysis report and documentation verifying implementation of soil analysis report recommendations to the County in accordance with the standards of Subsection 17.C.4.060.E (Compliance/Plan Submittal Process).

e. Grading design plan standards. The landscape documentation submitted must include rough/precise grade elevations prepared for the project by a licensed civil engineer.

D. Landscape Irrigation and Maintenance. This Section must apply to all projects subject to the provisions of this Chapter as set forth in Subsection 17.C.04.060.B (Applicability).

1. Two irrigation schedules must be prepared, one for the initial establishment period of six months and one for the established landscape, which incorporate the specific water needs of the plants and turf throughout the calendar year. The irrigation schedule must take into account the particular characteristics of the soil; must be continuously available on site to those responsible for the landscape maintenance; and must contain specifics as to optimum run time and frequency of watering, and irrigation hours per day. The schedule currently in effect must be posted at the controller.

2. A regular maintenance schedule and certificate of completion must be submitted to the Community Development Director, property owner, and water purveyor. A regular maintenance schedule must include, but not be limited to, routine inspection, adjustments, and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; weeding in all landscape areas and removing any obstruction to irrigation devices. Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the original equipment manufacturers installed components or equivalent/improved quality components.

3. All model homes that are landscaped must use signs and written information to demonstrate the principles of water efficient landscapes described in this Chapter.

4. Information must be provided to owners of new, single-family residential homes regarding the design, installation, management, and maintenance of water efficient landscapes.

E. Compliance/Plan Submittal Process. Prior to issuance of a Building Permit for the project, the project applicant shall:

1. Submit all landscape documents for review and approval by the Community Development Director. The planting plan, irrigation design plan, and soils management plan must be reviewed by a licensed or registered landscape architect to ensure that all components of the plans adhere to the requirements of this Chapter. The licensed or registered landscape architect shall sign the plans verifying that the plans comply with this Chapter. Any plans submitted without the signature of a licensed or registered landscape architect must not be accepted for review.

2. Prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or final inspection for the project, a regular maintenance schedule and a certificate of completion shall be submitted to the Community Development Director certifying that the landscaping has been completed in accordance with the approved planting, irrigation design, soil management, and grading design plans for the project. The certificate of completion must be signed by a licensed or registered landscape architect and must indicate:

a. Date;

b. Project information: project name; project applicant name, telephone and mailing address; project address and location; and property owner name and mailing address;

c. Prior to backfilling, evidence that the party responsible for irrigation installation conducted a preliminary field inspection of the irrigation system (evidence of field inspection must be attached);

d. The landscaping has been installed in conformance with the approved planting and irrigation design plans;

e. Irrigation audit report performed by a certified irrigation auditor after project installation (audit report shall be attached);

f. The smart irrigation controller has been programmed appropriately according to the parameters of each valve circuit;

g. The irrigation system has been adjusted to maximize irrigation efficiency and eliminate overspray and runoff;

h. A copy of the approved landscape documentation (Subsection 17.C.04.060.C (Landscape Documentation Standards)), the irrigation schedule (Subsection 17.C.04.060.D (Landscape Irrigation and Maintenance)) and the maintenance schedule (Subsection 17.C.04.060.D (Landscape Irrigation Maintenance)) has been given to the property owner and local water purveyor; and

i. Verification that the maintenance schedule has been provided to the Community Development Director.

3. At a minimum, all landscape irrigation audits must comply with the "Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) Training Manual" (3rd Edition, or most current) and must be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. Any landscape irrigation auditor performing audits shall maintain a current certification as a CLIA from the Irrigation Association (IA).

4. The Community Development Director or his/her designee shall have the right to enter upon the project site at any time before, during, and after installation of the landscaping, to conduct inspections for the purpose of enforcing this Chapter.

5. The Community Development Director shall have the discretion to interpret and determine suitable compliance based upon the intent of the Chapter.

F. Landscape Water Use Efficiency Enforcement. The City will rely on water purveyors to enforce landscape water use efficiency standards. The City shall coordinate with local water purveyors and identify programs that enhance and encourage landscape water use efficiency such as:

1. Tiered water rate structure, or

2. Allocation-based conservation water pricing structure, or

3. A rate structure at least as effective as the above options, or

4. Irrigation audits and/or irrigation surveys, or

5. Penalties for water waste.

A. Landscape Components.

1. Required landscaped areas must be planted with a combination of ground covers, shrubs, vines, and/or trees. All proposed landscaping plant types must be consistent with the County of Riverside Guide to California Friendly Landscaping's California Friendly Plan List for Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) Region 4.

2. Landscaped areas may also include incidental features including stepping stones, benches, fountains, sculptures, decorative stones, or other ornamental features, placed within a landscaped setting.

3. Garden areas and other areas dedicated to edible plants are considered landscaped areas and count toward required landscaping.

B. Artificial Turf/Grass. Artificial turf/grass shall be allowed in all landscape areas subject to the following standards:

1. Artificial turf/grass must be aesthetically similar to natural turf.

2. Artificial turf/grass must be maintained to the standards and aesthetics consistent to the time at which it was approved and installed.

3. Artificial turf/grass must have a permeable base and drainage system approved by the City Engineer underneath the synthetic turf.

4. Artificial turf/grass must have an artificial turf fiber blend that reduces heat absorption, has appropriate ultraviolet protection, and has a flammability rating that meets the City of Beaumont Municipal Code Chapter 15.20 (Fire Code).

C. Size and Spacing. To achieve an immediate effect of a landscape installation and to allow sustained growth of planting materials, minimum plant material sizes, plant spacing, and minimum planter widths (inside measurements) are as follows:

1. Ground Covers. Ground cover plants other than grass must have a minimum container size of four inches. Areas planted in ground cover plants other than grass seed or sod must be planted at a rate of one ground cover plant per 12 inches on center or less.

2. Shrubs.

a. All proposed shrubs except accent, color, or ground cover planting shall be a minimum five gallons in size. However, a 15-gallon minimum size shall be required for screening purposes.

b. The minimum planter width for shrubs is three feet.

D. Trees.

1. Street Trees.

a. Applicability. This Subsection applies to street trees located within the public right-of-way. Also see Beaumont Municipal Code Chapter 12.20 (Trees), which regulates street trees and trees on private property that project onto streets.

b. Permitted plantings. Only trees approved by the Community Development Director or Public Works Director may be planted along a public street, alley, parking strip, public right-of-way, or parkway.

c. Responsibility for maintenance. Owners of a property fronting a public street or alley shall be responsible for the adequate watering of all street trees abutting that property and shall bear the cost of replacement of any street tree that dies.

d. Alteration or removal. A person shall not plant, trim, or remove any tree or shrub on any public street or right-of-way without approval of a permit by the Department. Public utility companies and agencies shall be permitted to trim trees to ensure the safe operation of their businesses.

e. Prohibitions. The following acts in planting strips or parkway areas are prohibited:

(i) Construction of a tree well with diameter less than four feet or otherwise filling the ground area around a tree so as to shut off light, air, or water from the roots.

(ii) Piling of any building material, equipment, or other substance around any tree so as to cause injury.

(iii) Pouring of any deleterious matter on or around any tree or on the ground or on any lawn in such a manner as to damage the tree.

(iv) Cutting, breaking, defacing, or damaging a tree in any manner whatsoever.

(v) Placing or allowing to remain in any parkway area any vegetation (other than an approved tree) or structure exceeding 1.5 feet in height.

(vi) Posting or affixing to any City tree any bill, poster, picture, placard, announcement, notice, advertisement, or sign.

2. Required Trees. A minimum of one tree shall be located along every 40 feet of street frontage in the following zones:

a. Downtown Mixed Use Zone;

b. Beaumont Mixed Use Zone;

c. Sixth Street Mixed Use Zone;

d. Sixth Street Mixed Use - Residential Zone;

e. Downtown Residential Multiple family Zone;

f. Residential, Traditional Neighborhood Zone;

g. Residential, Multiple Family Zone;

h. Urban Village Zone; and

i. Transit Oriented District Overlay Zone.

3. Tree Size and Spacing.

a. The minimum planting size for trees shall be 15-gallon with a one-inch diameter at breast height (DBH), and a minimum 24-inch box size.

b. Any tree that cannot be planted in the ground shall be planted in a planter box at least twice the width and depth of the root ball plus one additional foot in container diameter for every four feet of mature tree height. The minimum planter area for trees shall be five feet by five feet.

c. Any tree planted along a lot line or adjacent to a structure must be no closer to the lot line or structure than one-half the diameter of the species' drip line at maturity, measured from the center of the tree.

E. Slopes.

1. Cut and fill slopes equal to or greater than three feet in vertical height must be planted with ground cover and must be provided with an in-ground irrigation system to protect the slope from erosion and instability.

2. Cut and fill slopes exceeding 10 feet in vertical height must be planted with approved trees and shrubs in addition to ground cover to protect the slope from erosion and instability.

F. Maintenance.

1. All required landscaping and structural landscape features such as water features, must be maintained in a healthy condition consistent with the approved landscape plans and not create a nuisance consistent with Beaumont Municipal Code Chapter 8.32 (Nuisances). Maintenance includes watering, fertilizing, weeding, cleaning, pruning, trimming, spraying, and cultivating.

2. All landscaped areas in a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way that is abutting a property must be maintained by the adjoining property owner, unless it is maintained through another mechanism such as a homeowner's association or business improvement district.

3. Landscaping must not obstruct a public street, intersection, sidewalk, or right-or-way either physically or visually as determined by the Public Works Director.

4. Occupants of a property abutting a public street or alley shall keep private trees from overhanging into the public right-of-way. Trees must be trimmed to maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet above the sidewalk, 14 feet above a curb, 17.5 feet at center in residential areas, and 17.5 feet above the curb at bus stops.

5. All dead, dying, or significantly injured tree(s) shall be replaced. Unless otherwise approved, a replacement tree(s) must be the same size and species as the removed tree. The minimum size for a replacement tree(s) is no less than a 24-inch boxed tree with at least a one-inch diameter at breast height (DBH).

G. Irrigation.

1. General. Landscaping shall be designed to prevent irrigation water from flowing over paved surfaces. Techniques include:

a. Offsetting any turf areas from driveways and sidewalks a minimum of 2 feet to prevent overspray from sprinklers;

b. Using a subterranean irrigation system (versus spray irrigation) or drip irrigation system; and

c. Other water conservation techniques.

2. Parking Lots. Parking lots shall have automatic irrigation systems. Trees shall be irrigated with drip emitters, bubbler heads, or subterranean low-volume drip system and shall be irrigated separately from shrubs and ground covers.