Diamond Bar Municipal Code Ch. 22.24 Landscaping Standards

The purpose of this chapter is to achieve the following:

(1) Enhance the aesthetic appearance of development throughout the city by providing standards related to the quality and functional aspects of landscaping;

(2) Increase compatibility between abutting land uses and public rights-of-way by providing landscape screening and buffers;

(3) Provide for the conservation of water resources through the efficient use of irrigation, appropriate plant materials, and regular maintenance of landscaped areas; and

(4) Protect public health, safety, and welfare by preserving and enhancing the positive visual experience of the built environment, providing appropriate transition between different land uses, preserving neighborhood character, and enhancing pedestrian and vehicular traffic and safety.

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

(a) All projects that require approval of either an administrative land use permit or a discretionary land use permit shall provide and maintain landscaping in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Standards for the provision of landscaping within the public right-of-way in conjunction with a development project are located in title 21, chapter 21.30 (Subdivision Design and Improvement Standards).

(b) Landscape plans, and plans for the ornamental use of water, including but not limited to lakes, ponds and fountains, shall be submitted to the department for review for compliance with the requirements of this chapter. Landscaping shall not be installed until the applicant receives approval of the final landscape plan. Changes to the approved landscape plans that affect the character or quantity of the plant material or irrigation system design are required to be resubmitted for approval prior to installation.

(Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98)

(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)

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.

1. 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)

(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)