§ 22.24

(a)

Preliminary landscape plan. A preliminary landscape plan shall be submitted as part of an application for a land use entitlement, for new development, and the significant expansion or redevelopment of an existing use as determined by the director.

(b)

Final landscape plan. Following approval of the land use entitlement, a final landscape plan shall be submitted as part of the application for a building permit. Final plans shall be approved by the director prior to the start of on-site construction or soil disturbance and prior to the issuance of a building permit. Projects requiring commission approval due to their size or use shall require plans be prepared by a licensed landscape architect or licensed contractor. Evidence shall also be provided that a licensed landscape contractor will be responsible for plant and irrigation installation.

(c)

Content. Preliminary landscape plans and final landscape plans shall contain information as specified in the instructions for preparing landscape plans, provided by the department.

(d)

Review and approval. After initial application, the director shall review each preliminary landscape plan and final landscape plan to verify its compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

(e)

Statement of surety. When required by the director, a statement of surety in the form of cash, performance bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit, in an amount equal to 120 percent of the total value of all plant materials, irrigation, installation, and maintenance shall be posted with the city for a two-year period. The director may require statements of surety for phased development projects, a legitimate delay in landscape installation due to seasonal requirements (including adverse weather conditions) and similar circumstances where it may not be advisable or desirable to install all of a project's landscaping before occupancy of the site. Statements of surety may also be required by the director in conjunction with the approval of a tree removal permit in compliance with section 22.38.050 (Tree removal permit and tree pruning permit).

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

Sec. 22.24.040. - Landscape area requirements.

Landscaping shall be provided in the locations and amounts specified in this chapter.

(1)

General requirements. Landscaping shall be provided as follows:

a.

Setbacks. All setback and open space areas required by this Development Code shall be landscaped, except where a required setback is occupied by a sidewalk or driveway or where a required setback is screened from public view and it is determined by the director that landscaping is not necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter.

b.

Unused areas. All areas of a project site not intended for a specific use shall be landscaped unless it is determined by the director that landscaping is not necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter. Vacant pad sites within a shopping center that are to be developed in the future shall be landscaped to control dust and improve the appearance of the site.

c.

Parking areas. Parking areas shall be landscaped as required by chapter 22.30 (Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards). Parking lot landscaping, including perimeter screening, shall not be included to meet the landscape requirements of this chapter.

d.

Pools and patios. The surface area of a permanent swimming pool or spa or uncovered patio may be included to meet open space requirements for multifamily uses.

(2)

Specific zone landscaping requirements. Each development shall provide and maintain landscaped areas in compliance with Table 3-6 for the applicable zoning district. Landscaped areas are in addition to the landscaping required by subsection (1), above, and in addition to any pedestrian-oriented open space (e.g., plazas, courtyards, etc.). Additional landscaping may be required through the development review process to provide visual relief or contrast, or to screen incompatible features.

All required landscaping, irrigation, and equipment shall be installed prior to final inspection unless a bond or other surety is provided in compliance with section 22.24.030(e) (Statement of surety).

(3)

New single-family residences. New single-family developments shall provide landscaping with an automatic irrigation system for the area of the site between the street curb and the front of the structure from side property line to side property line. The landscape design shall include trees, shrubs, and ground cover and shall emphasize water-conserving plant materials and irrigation to the greatest extent feasible. Turf areas

shall be limited to 50 percent of the total landscaped area. Common hillside slope areas shall be landscaped in compliance with chapter 22.22 (Hillside Management).

TABLE 3-6

MINIMUM LANDSCAPED AREA BY ZONING DISTRICT

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

Landscape areas and materials shall be designed, installed, and maintained as provided by this section.

(1)

General design standards. The following features shall be incorporated into the design of the proposed landscape and shown on required landscape plans:

a.

Landscaping shall be planned as an integral part of the overall project design and not simply located in excess space after parking areas and structures have been planned;

b.

Pedestrian access to sidewalks or structures should be considered in the design of all landscaped areas;

c.

Landscape planting shall be provided for all adjacent public rights-of-way, in compliance with title 21, chapter 21.30 (Subdivision Design and Improvement Standards);

d.

Landscaping shall be provided throughout parking areas in compliance with chapter 22.30 (Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards);

e.

Landscaping adjacent to driveways and parking shall be protected from vehicle damage through the provision of minimum six-inch high concrete curbs or other types of barriers as approved by the director;

f.

Landscaped planter areas shall have a minimum inside width of five feet where trees are provided and three feet where turf or shrubs are provided;

g.

Landscaped areas shall be irrigated in compliance with subsection (3) below;

h.

Hardscaped areas shall be kept to the minimum required to provide efficient pedestrian circulation through a required landscaped area; and

i.

Where walls or fences are provided as required screening, a minimum ten-foot wide landscaped area shall be located on the residential side. If the commercial side of the wall or fence is visible from a street or adjacent property, a five-foot wide landscaped area shall be provided adjacent to the wall or fence. If adjacent to a parking area, that area may be counted towards required interior parking lot landscaping.

(2)

Plant materials. Plant materials shall be selected and installed to comply with the following requirements:

a.

A mix of plant materials shall be provided in compliance with Table 3-7. Calculations documenting the required mix shall be shown on the landscape plan;

TABLE 3-7

REQUIRED MIX OF PLANT MATERIALS

• Not to be used for compliance with chapter 22.38 (Tree Preservation and Protection)

b.

Plant materials shall emphasize drought-tolerant and/or native species in compliance with subsection (4) (Water conservation), below;

c.

Trees and shrubs shall be planted so that at maturity they do not interfere with service lines and traffic safety sight areas;

d.

Trees planted near public sidewalks or curbs shall be of a species and installed in a manner which prevents physical damage to sidewalks, curbs, gutters and other public improvements;

e.

Ground cover shall be of live plant material. Gravel, colored rock, bark, and similar materials may be used in combination with a living ground cover. Nonplant materials may be approved for use in limited areas through the development review process (chapter 22.48); and

f.

If existing landscaping is to be retained, a note shall be provided on the plan stating that "any existing landscaping indicated on the approved landscape plan for retention that is damaged or removed during construction shall be repaired or replaced subject to the approval of the director."

g.

Incorporate drought-tolerant deciduous vines, trellises, and canopies to shade south and westward facing walls, to cool them in summer months.

h.

Locate trees and hedges planted close to buildings so as to channel beneficial cooling breezes through openings.

(3)

Irrigation. Landscaped areas shall be supported by a permanent, automatic irrigation system coordinated to meet the needs of various planting areas and in compliance with the following standards:

a.

Equipment.

Anti-drain valves. Integral, under the head, or in-line anti-drain valves shall be installed as needed to prevent low head drainage.

2.

Automatic control valves. Different hydrozones shall be irrigated by separate valves.

3.

Controllers. Automatic control systems shall be required for all irrigation systems and must be able to accommodate all aspects of the design. Automatic controllers shall be digital, have multiple programs, multiple cycles, and have sensor input capabilities.

4.

Rain/moisture sensor devices. Rain or moisture sensing override devices may be required where appropriate.

5.

Sprinkler heads. Sprinkler heads shall be selected for proper area coverage, application rate, operating pressure, and adjustment capability. Sprinklers shall have matched precipitation/application rates within each control valve circuit.

6.

Water meters. Separate landscape water meters or submeters may be required for projects where service includes both landscape and nonlandscape. Landscape submeters, if used, shall be purchased, installed and maintained by the owner.

7.

Drip irrigation. Drip irrigation systems may be approved if commercial or agricultural grade materials are used. Components shall be installed below the soil except for emitters.

b.

Runoff and overspray. Irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid runoff, low head drainage, overspray or other similar conditions where water flows or drifts onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways or structures.

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

Sec. 22.24.060. - Waiver or modification of requirements.

(a)

Director to approve. The director may approve waivers from or modifications to the requirements of this chapter limited to the following:

(1)

Minor modifications to approved landscaping or irrigation plans that comply with the spirit and intent of these regulations, including, but not limited to, revising or substituting plant varieties, container sizes, plant locations, irrigation specifications, hardscape components, berm heights, berm locations, slope features, and similar changes;

(2)

Modifications of planting, installation and/or soil preparation details; and

(3)

Occupancy of structures prior to installation of landscaping due to exceptional and unforeseen circumstances when a bond or other surety is provided in compliance with section 22.24.030(e) (Statement of surety).

(b)

Conditions for waivers. In granting a waiver, the director may impose conditions as deemed necessary to comply with the spirit and intent of these regulations.

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

CHAPTER 22.26. - WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE

Sec. 22.26.010. - Purpose.

These regulations are established in order to provide minimum standards and guidelines for the design and installation of landscaping and irrigation systems within specified development projects. The primary intent is to enhance the visual quality of the environment through suitable landscape design, planting and maintenance, and therefore to recognize and encourage water conservation principles and techniques in landscaping.

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

Sec. 22.26.020. - Applicability.

These regulations apply to new and rehabilitated landscaping in conjunction with a development project, for which landscaping is required, with the following exceptions:

(1)

Homeowner-provided landscaping at single-family and residential projects;

(2)

Cemeteries;

(3)

Historical sites registered with the city;

(4)

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

(5)

Public land or a publicly owned facility;

(6)

Projects with a landscaped area less than 2,500 square feet;

(7)

School play yards;

(8)

Child care facility play yards; and

(9)

Golf courses.

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

Sec. 22.26.030. - Landscape documentation.

(a)

Submittal required. A landscape documentation package in compliance with section 22.26.040 below shall be submitted. No building permit or land use permit shall be issued until the director reviews and approves the landscape documentation package.

(b)

Copy of package to be provided. A copy of the approved landscape documentation package shall be provided to the property owner or site manager along with the record drawings and other related information.

(c)

Elements to be included. Each landscape documentation package shall include the following elements:

(1)

Landscape design plan;

(2)

Irrigation design plan;

(3)

Certificate of substantial completion (to be submitted after installation of the project); and

(4)

Other information as deemed necessary by the director, including but not limited to, a grading design plan and/or soil analysis.

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

Sec. 22.26.040. - Elements of landscape documentation package.

(a)

Landscape design plan. A landscape design plan meeting the following requirements shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package:

(1)

Plant selection and grouping.

a.

Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones.

b.

Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geological, and topographical conditions of the site. Protection and preservation of native species and natural areas is required in compliance with chapter 22.38 (Tree Preservation) and chapter 22.22 (Hillside Management).

c.

A list of recommended planting materials shall be kept on file with the department and made available upon request. Alternative materials may be used when the overall landscape plan conforms with the intent of this chapter.

d.

Fire prevention needs shall be addressed in areas that are fire prone.

e.

Overall, the landscape design plan shall provide for a water efficient landscape concept.

f.

Where possible, the use of mulch is encouraged in landscape areas to improve the water-holding capacity of the soil by reducing evaporation and soil compaction.

(2)

Water features.

a.

Recirculating water shall be used for decorative water features.

b.

Pool and spa covers are encouraged.

(3)

Landscape design plan requirements. The landscape design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets at a scale that accurately and clearly identifies the following:

a.

Designation of hydrozones and a description of water usage within each hydrozone (i.e., low, moderate, and high irrigation water requirements);

b.

Landscape materials, trees, shrubs, groundcover, turf, and other vegetation. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn. Plants shall be labeled by botanical name, common name, container size, spacing, and quantities of each group of plants indicated;

c.

Property lines and street names;

d.

Streets, driveways, walkways, and other paved areas;

e.

Pools, ponds, water features, fences and retaining walls;

f.

Existing and proposed structures, including pad elevations if applicable.

g.

Natural features including, but not limited to, rock outcroppings and existing trees and shrubs that will remain;

h.

Tree staking, plant installation, soil preparation details, and any other applicable planting and installation details;

i.

A calculation of the total landscaped area and percentage of turf area; and

j.

Designation of recreational areas.

(b)

Irrigation design plan. An irrigation design plan in compliance with the following requirements shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package:

(1)

Water efficiency. The irrigation design plan shall provide for a water efficient irrigation system.

(2)

Runoff and overspray. Soil types and infiltration rates shall be considered when designing irrigation systems. Irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions. Appropriate irrigation equipment and schedules shall be used to closely match application rates to infiltration. Special attention shall be given to avoid runoff on slopes and overspray in narrow planting areas and median strips.

(3)

Equipment.

a.

Water meters. Separate landscape water meters are required for all projects except single-family homes and projects with a landscaped area less than 5,000 square feet.

b.

Controllers. Automatic controllers are required for all irrigation systems and shall be able to accommodate all aspects of the design.

c.

Valves. Plants that require different amounts of water shall be irrigated by separate valves. If one valve is used for a given area, only plants with similar water use shall be used in that area. Anti-drain (check) valves shall be installed at strategic points to minimize or prevent low-head drainage.

d.

Sprinkler heads. Heads and emitters shall have consistent application rates within each control valve circuit. Sprinkler heads shall be selected for proper area coverage, application rate, operating pressure, adjustment capability, and ease of maintenance.

e.

Rain-sensing override devices. Rain-sensing override devices are required on all irrigation systems.

f.

Soil moisture-sensing devices. Soil moisture-sensing devices shall be considered where appropriate.

(4)

Irrigation design plan specifications. The irrigation design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. It shall be separate from, but use the same format as, the landscape design plan. The scale shall be the same as that used for the landscape design plan.

Irrigation systems shall be designed to be consistent with hydrozones. The irrigation design plan shall accurately and clearly identify the following:

a.

Location and size of separate landscape water meters;

b.

Location, type, and size of all components of the irrigation system including, but not limited to, automatic controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture-sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, and backflow prevention devices;

c.

Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply;

d.

Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design operating pressure (psi) for each station; and

e.

Estimated annual water use expressed in inches per square foot of landscape area per year.

(5)

Certificate of substantial completion. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the project proponent shall submit a certificate of substantial completion utilizing forms provided by the department. The certificate of substantial completion shall include results of a static water test and a water coverage test to determine the adequacy of the installed [system].

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

Sec. 22.26.050. - Water efficient landscape criteria.

Landscape and irrigation plans shall be reviewed for compliance with the water efficient landscape criteria outlined below. These comprise a point system with points awarded for both landscape and irrigation techniques. A minimum of 100 points shall be achieved in each technique category in order for the director to approve the landscape and irrigation plans.

TABLE 3-8

WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE CRITERIA

Use of reclaimed or recycled water.

60

• This amount is based upon a formula established by the state department of water resources which states the maximum applied water budget for landscapes in the San Gabriel Valley region should be 80 percent of the annual evapotranspiration (53 inches per year). Therefore: 0.80 x 53 inches = 42 inches.

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

Sec. 22.26.060. - Existing landscapes.

(a)

Water waste prohibited. Water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation leading to excessive runoff, low head drainage, overspray, and other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, walks, roadways or structures is prohibited.

(b)

Maintenance required. Landscape areas shall be maintained in a healthful and sound condition. Irrigation systems and their components shall be maintained in a fully functional manner consistent with the originally approved design and the provisions of these regulations.

(c)

Maintenance schedule. Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, checking, adjusting, and repairing irrigation equipment; resetting the automatic controller; aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; and weeding in all landscaped areas.

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

Sec. 22.26.070. - Public education.

(a)

Developers of residential units shall provide information to prospective buyers of new homes regarding water efficient landscaping techniques.

(b)

Developers of nonresidential units shall provide information to prospective buyers or tenants regarding water efficient landscaping techniques.

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

CHAPTER 22.28. - NOISE CONTROL

Sec. 22.28.010. - Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish standards in order to protect the health, safety, welfare, and living/working environments of those living and working in the city.

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

Sec. 22.28.020. - Declaration of policy.

Excessive noise levels are detrimental to the health and safety of individuals. Noise is considered a public nuisance and the city discourages unnecessary, excessive or annoying noises from all sources. Creating, maintaining, causing or allowing to be created, caused or maintained any noise or vibration in a manner prohibited by the provisions of this chapter is a public nuisance and shall be punishable as a misdemeanor.

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)