Lake County Zoning Code § 41.9 Landscaping standards (CA)

(a) General: All undeveloped land areas shall be maintained in permanent vegetative cover, or alternatively be landscaped with a combination of materials to control runoff. All yards shall be landscaped such that there shall be no accumulation of silt, mud, or standing water causing unsightly or hazardous conditions, either within the yard or on adjacent properties, public roads, or sidewalks.
(b) Standards of uses permitted in the “R3”, “PDR”, “PDC”, “CH”, “CR”, “C1”, “C2”, “C3”, “M1”, “M2”, and “MP” districts: The following recommended landscaping standards shall be required unless an alternative landscaping plan is approved or waived by the Review Authority which meets the intent of this Article.
1. Minimum required landscaping per parcel: All development shall include an area or areas of the parcel for landscaping to serve as a visual screen and/or provide an increased aesthetic environment; except where street frontages are occupied by existing development.
2. The front of the lot shall be landscaped with a minimum of a ten (10) foot wide planted area but not so as to obstruct traffic or reduce sight distance at any driveway or intersection, unless because of the location or design of existing development, or appropriate site planning would make adherence to this standard result in development inconsistent with the purposes of Subsection (b) 1 above, in which case, an alternative landscape plan may be approved by the Review Authority. The landscaping may be interrupted by building entrances or exits and driveways. (Ord. No. 1749, 7/7/1988)
3. When abutting any residential district side yard:
  - i. The side of the lot shall be landscaped with a minimum of a five (5) foot wide planted area but not so as to obstruct traffic or reduce sight distance at any driveway or intersection; or
  - ii. A six (6) foot high wooden fence or masonry wall shall be constructed at the side lot line(s), but shall not exceed four (4) feet in height within any required front yard.
4. When abutting any residential district rear yard:
  - i. The rear of the lot shall be landscaped with a minimum of a five (5) foot wide planted area when abutting any residential use or district; or

41-3

ii. A six (6) foot high wooden fence or masonry wall shall be constructed at the rear lot line.

Where a parking lot contains ten (10) or more spaces and is visible from a street, not less than five (5) percent of the parking lot, excluding the area of the landscaped strip required by Subsection (b) 2 shall be landscaped. Such landscaping shall be distributed through the parking lot and shall not be concentrated in any one area. Landscaping shall be computed on the basis of the total amount of parking and driveways provided (except spaces provided for enclosed vehicle storage areas).
For landscaping required for parking lots in Subsection (b) 5 above, protective measures including but not limited to concrete curbing, railroad ties, or decorative rock shall border all landscaped area.
Existing or indigenous plant materials that meet the requirements of this section may be counted as contributing to the total landscaping required when located within the proposed use area.
Minimum plant size: Unless otherwise specifically indicated elsewhere all plant materials shall meet the following minimum standards as indicated in Table 9.1:

Table 9.1 Minimum plant size:

	Table 9.1 Minimum plant size:
Plant material type	Plantinginareasabutting residentialproperty or street	Allother plantings
Canopytree Singlestem Multiplestem Understorytree Evergreentree Shrubs Deciduous Evergreen	1½ inchcaliper 10 feet(height) 1½ inchcaliper 5 feet(height) 5 galloncontainer 5 galloncontainer	1½ inchcaliper 6 feet(height) 4 feet(height) 3 feet(height) 1 galloncontainer 1 galloncontainer

(Note: plant sizes for indigenous species may be reduced upon approval of the Planning Director).

Irrigation required: All landscaping shall be provided with a drip irrigation system or in-ground sprinkler system. If all plant materials are indigenous or drought resident, a temporary or portable irrigation system may be provided. (Ord. No. 1749, 7/7/1988)
Plan required: A landscape plan, either as an overlay of the proposed site plan or a separate drawing, shall be submitted to the Planning Department for review and approval by the Development Review Committee. The following information shall be included in the plan:

41-4

i. The location of all landscaped areas with the proposed shrubs, trees, and other plant materials clearly labeled with information on size, type, and spacing.
ii. The location of existing trees and shrubs, including any riparian vegetation, large oak trees, etc., and indicating those existing trees, shrubs, or other indigenous species that are to be included as part of the landscape plan.
iii. A description and layout of the proposed irrigation system.
iv. Any additional information or materials required by the Planning Director or Development Review Committee.

Final inspection: No use shall commence nor occupancy permit be issued (building finaled) until:

i. The landscape plan has been implemented and approved as required herein; or
ii. The applicant has entered into an agreement and posted bonding as required in Subsection (b)12 below for that portion or portion(s) of the landscaping plan determined incomplete. (Ord. No. 1749, 7/7/1988)

Bonding required (Ord. No. 1749, 7/7/1988) :

i. Where the department determines that the applicant has failed to implement an approved landscape plan according to the provisions of Subsection (b)10 above, the applicant shall be required to enter into an improvement/maintenance agreement with the County Planning Department and provide financial assurance for completion of the required landscaping within one (1) year. The financial assurance may take the form of a certificate of deposit, letter of credit, bond, or other financial assurance acceptable to the Planning Director.
ii. Such financial assurance shall be set at one hundred fifty (150) percent of the costs necessary to cover all landscape improvements as indicated on the approved landscape plan; and
iii. Such agreement shall provide for maintenance of planting utilizing acceptable horticultural practices, and for replanting of new material where a required planting has not survived the first year after planting. (Ord. No. 1749, 7/7/1988)

41-5