Article D1 — LANDSCAPING STANDARDS

SECTION:

9-5D1-1: Purpose, Applicability, And Review

9-5D1-2: Landscape Standards

9-5D1-3: Landscape Care And Maintenance

9-5D1-4: Tree Preservation

9-5D1-5: Preferred Plant List

9-5D1-1: PURPOSE, APPLICABILITY, AND REVIEW:

A. Purpose: This article establishes minimum landscape requirements to enhance the appearance of developments, reduce heat and glare, control soil erosion, conserve water, improve air quality, ensure ongoing maintenance, and ensure that landscape installations do not create hazards for motorists or pedestrians.

B. Applicability Of Standards: The regulations of this article apply to new and existing development, as follows. Deviations from the development standards of this article may be allowed on a case by case basis by the designated approving authority through site plan and architectural review.

1. New Projects: New commercial, industrial, mixed use, multi- family residential, and single-family residential subdivisions shall be reviewed by the designated approving authority to ensure landscaping is provided in compliance with the requirements of this article.

2. Existing Development: Where an existing nonresidential, mixed use, and/or multi-family residential project requests an amendment that increases the building square footage by ten percent (10%) or more, the designated approving authority shall evaluate the existing landscape to ensure compliance with applicable requirements of this article.

C. Submittal Requirements: When this article is applicable to new projects or existing development, preliminary and final landscape plans shall be submitted as follows and review of such plans shall be conducted as part of the site plan and architectural review process.

1. Preliminary Landscape Plan: A preliminary landscape plan shall be submitted as part of the site plan and architectural design review application. This plan must show conceptual locations for trees, shrubs, ground cover, and other landscape components, quantity, and size. Plans for the retention and/or removal of existing trees shall also be included.

2. Final Landscape Plan: A final landscape plan shall be submitted in conjunction with site improvement plans. The final landscape plans shall be in substantial compliance with the approved preliminary landscape plan. Final plans shall show the exact location of and irrigation for trees, shrubs, and ground cover and shall include, at a minimum, plant name, plant quantity, plant size, location of impervious surfaces, utilities and lighting, and irrigation system. Existing trees to be removed or retained shall also be included. The final plan should include a water budget that includes the estimated water use (in gallons), the irrigated area (in square feet), precipitation rate, and flow rate in gallons per minute. If landscaping is not exempt from the water efficient landscape requirements developed by the state, those items listed in article D2, "Landscape Water Reporting Requirements", of this chapter will also be required.

al plan should include a water budget that includes the estimated water use (in gallons), the irrigated area (in square feet), precipitation rate, and flow rate in gallons per minute. If landscaping is not exempt from the water efficient landscape requirements developed by the state, those items listed in article D2, "Landscape Water Reporting Requirements", of this chapter will also be required.

D. Review Process: When the requirements of this article are applicable, the following landscape plan review process shall be conducted in conjunction with site plan and architectural review for the proposed project, pursuant to the requirements of section 9-2B-12, "Minor Site Plan And Architectural Review", of this title.

1. Approving Authority: The designated approving authority shall be the same as the designated approving authority of the entitlement for new projects or existing development.

2. Approval Of Plans: The designated approving authority shall review the preliminary landscape plan. Upon approval of the preliminary landscape plan, a final landscape plan shall be submitted and must be approved with building permits or planning entitlements for new projects or applicable expansions to existing development as established above.

3. Approval Required: The landscaping shall not be installed until the applicant receives approval of the final landscape and irrigation plan by the approving authority and any applicable permits have been issued.

4. Changes To Final Plans: Changes to the approved final landscape plans that affect the character or quantity of the plant material or irrigation system design are required to be resubmitted for review and approval prior to installation. (Ord. 2013-05, 2-6-2014)

9-5D1-2: LANDSCAPE STANDARDS:

A. General Location For Landscape Improvements: Landscaping shall be provided in the following locations, unless the designated approving authority determines that the required landscape is not necessary to fulfill the purposes of this article. Nothing in this article is intended to discourage landscape areas outside and beyond the minimum requirements listed herein.

1. Setbacks/Buffers: All setback and buffer areas required by this title shall be landscaped in compliance with this article except where a required setback is occupied by a sidewalk or driveway, or is enclosed and screened from abutting public rights of way. (Ord. 2013-05, 2-6-2014)

2. Unused Areas: All areas of a project site not intended for a specific use or purpose in conjunction with a current application, including pad sites being held for future development, shall be landscaped with low growing ground cover, such as cotoneaster, and watered with a drip irrigation system. (Ord. 2014-04, 9-16-2014)

3. Parking Areas: Within parking lots, landscaping shall be used for shade and climate control, to enhance project design, and to screen the visual impact of vehicles and large expanses of pavement consistent with the requirements of this article.

4. Streetscape (Parkway) Landscaping: As part of new subdivisions or nonindustrial projects, landscaping along public streets in the form of parkways and medians shall be provided consistent with the requirements of the general plan and this article.

B. Landscape Design: Landscaping shall be designed as an integral part of the overall site plan with the purpose of enhancing building design and public views and spaces, and providing buffers, transitions, and screening. At a minimum, the following landscape design requirements shall apply:

1. Planting design shall have focal points at project entries, plaza areas, and other areas of interest using distinct planting and/or landscape features. (Ord. 201305, 2-6-2014)

2. (Rep. by Ord. 2014-04, 9-16-2014)

3. Landscaping shall be designed with pedestrian paths throughout the landscape areas connecting designated on site pedestrian circulation.

4. Amenities such as seating areas shall be incorporated. Entry plazas, bicycle parking, and transit shelters are allowed within landscape areas.

• C. Plant Type: Landscape planting shall emphasize drought tolerant and native species (especially along natural, open space areas), shall complement the architectural design of structures on the site, and shall be suitable for the soil and climatic conditions specific to the site. (Ord. 2013-05, 2-6-2014)

1. Planting Layout and Plant Diversity: (Rep. by Ord. 2014-04, 9-16-2014)

2. Street And Parking Lot Trees: Street and parking lot trees shall be selected from the city's adopted master list of street trees and parking lot trees.

3. Tree Root Barriers: Trees planted within five feet (5') of a street, sidewalk, paved trail, curb, or walkway shall be separated from hardscapes by a root barrier to prevent physical damage to public improvements. (Ord. 2013-05, 2-6-2014)

4. Turf Limitations For Residential Uses: High water use turf grasses shall not be planted or utilized in conjunction with construction of new residential housing. Use or planting of drought tolerant turf grasses, such as hybrid Bermuda, is allowed. (Ord. 2014-04, 9-16-2014)

5. Turf Limitations For Commercial, Industrial, And Mixed Uses: The use of drought tolerant turf grass shall be required for all proposed turf areas.

• D. Planting Size, Spacing, And Planter Widths: In order 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. Trees: The minimum planting size for trees shall be fifteen (15) gallon, with twenty five percent (25%) of all trees on a project site planted at a minimum twenty four inch (24") box size. For commercial, office, community/civic, and industrial development, tree spacing within perimeter planters along streets and abutting residential property shall be planted no farther apart on center than the mature diameter of the proposed species. Minimum planter widths shall be five feet (5').

ve percent (25%) of all trees on a project site planted at a minimum twenty four inch (24") box size. For commercial, office, community/civic, and industrial development, tree spacing within perimeter planters along streets and abutting residential property shall be planted no farther apart on center than the mature diameter of the proposed species. Minimum planter widths shall be five feet (5').

2. Shrubs: Shrub planting shall be a minimum five (5) gallon size, with a fifteen (15) gallon minimum size required where an immediate landscape screen is conditioned by the designated approving authority (e.g., screening of headlights from drive- through aisles). The minimum planter width for planters with only shrubs (no trees) is four feet (4').

3. Ground Cover: Plants used for mass planting may be grown in flats of up to sixty four (64) plants or in individual one gallon containers. Rooted cuttings from flats shall be planted no farther apart than one foot (1') on center, and containerized woody, shrub ground cover plantings shall be planted no farther apart than three feet (3') on center in order to achieve full coverage within one year. Minimum planter width for ground cover is two feet (2'), with the exception of sod, which requires a minimum planter width of eight feet (8'). (Ord. 2013-05, 2-6-2014)

4. Vines: Vines are normally planted to provide landscaping screening of a wall or as part of a trellis to screen other site improvements that require screening. Where provided, vines shall be planted every fifteen feet (15') on center in a planter with a minimum width of two feet (2'). (Ord. 2014-04, 9-16-2014)

E. Special Landscape Requirements: In addition to the general requirements above, the following requirements apply to the special types of landscaping:

1. Streetscape Landscaping: Consistent with the city's general plan and improvement standards, landscaping shall be provided along all public streets within city right of way maintained by the adjacent owner. Depending upon the classification of the street, landscaping shall be required in a parkway between the front of sidewalk and the back of curb and within a planted median (where designated by the general plan). The form, width, and quantity of landscaping shall be consistent with the following standards:

a. Landscape Design: Landscaping within parkways and medians shall be consistent with the following: (Ord. 2013-05, 2-6-2014)

(1) Street Trees: Street trees shall be provided a minimum of every thirty feet (30') on center on street adjacent to a side yard, and a minimum one per lot when adjacent to a front yard. Tree species shall be approved by the city as part of the improvement plan review process and shall be selected from a city approved tree list. Trees shall be planted ten feet (10') away from alleys, driveways, fire hydrants, water lines, and sewer lines and five feet (5') from gas, electrical, telephone, cable television, and adjoining property lines. They shall also be planted a minimum of twenty feet (20') from city streetlights. Ultimate planting locations shall be subject to city review and approval based upon field conditions. (Ord. 2014-04, 9-16-2014)

• (2) Ground Cover: Ground cover shall be provided within all parkways and medians as follows:

(A) Parkways: Ground cover in parkways shall consist of a variety of low growing, low maintenance plantings to withstand the local climate and potential pedestrian traffic. Turf is not allowed if width available is less than eight feet (8').

(B) Medians: Landscaping in medians shall consist of low growing plantings (e.g., shrubs, grasses). Turf is prohibited.

(3) Irrigation: Irrigation shall be provided for all street landscape areas. The design of the irrigation system shall meet the requirements of subsection 9-5D1-3A, "Irrigation", of this article.

b. Maintenance: Maintenance of street landscape areas shall be as follows, unless otherwise encumbered by a city public facilities district:

• (1) Median landscaping shall be the responsibility of the city or other delegated agency.

(2) Parkway landscaping shall be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. Parkways shall be maintained consistent with the requirements of section 9- 5D1-3, "Landscape Care And Maintenance", of this article.

2. Landscape Buffers Required Along Arterial And Collector Streets:

a. Multi-family, commercial, office, and industrial developments shall provide a landscape buffer between the parking lot and the public right of way (behind the sidewalk) in addition to any parkway required by subsection E1 of this section. The minimum depth of this buffer area shall be fifteen feet (15') along arterial and collector streets (excluding drive approaches) and along the property frontage to shield parking spaces or on site circulation. The design of the landscaping shall be compatible with the other on site landscaping and at a minimum include trees and ground cover.

b. Single-family residential subdivisions shall incorporate buffers between the sidewalk and perimeter wall. Landscaping shall be provided such that fifty percent (50%) of the wall shall be covered by landscape material within five (5) years. The landscaping shall include trees, shrubs, and ground cover that provide for a quality aesthetic condition.

3. Buffering Between Uses: A landscape buffer shall be provided between residential and nonresidential uses and between single- family uses and multi-family uses containing three (3) or more units. Buffer areas shall include a minimum ten foot (10') wide perimeter planter strip with shrubs and both deciduous and evergreen trees planted a maximum of thirty feet (30') on center. (Ord. 2013-05, 2-6-2014)

4. Project Entry Landscaping: (Rep. by Ord. 2014-04, 9-16-2014)

5. Landscaping Of Parking Lots: Parking lots, except those specifically exempted in subsection 9-5E-4B, "Not Considered Parking", of this chapter, shall be landscaped as follows:

a. Landscape Planter Minimum Dimensions: Where provided, the width of the planter area shall be five feet (5'). Where turf is provided, the minimum width shall be eight feet (8').

b. Pedestrian Path: A pedestrian path leading from the parking field to the main building(s) shall be provided for every two hundred (200) spaces. The pedestrian path shall be a minimum of six feet (6') wide and it shall be flanked on either side by a planter of at least five feet (5') in width.

c. Drive Aisles: Drive aisles shall be separated from parking spaces with a landscape planter at the end of each aisle. The planter shall be a minimum width of five feet (5').

d. Landscaping Within Parking Lots: Landscaping within parking lots shall meet the following requirements:

• (1) Landscape Materials: Landscaping shall be provided throughout the parking lot as a combination of ground cover, shrubs, and trees.

• (2) Protective Curbing: Planting areas shall be bordered by a concrete curb at least six inches (6") high and six inches (6") wide. The designated approving authority may approve an alternative barrier design to protect landscaped areas from damage by vehicles and/or to provide for the infiltration of water runoff from paved

surfaces.

(3) Adjacent To Side Or Rear Property Lines: Parking areas for nonresidential uses shall provide a perimeter landscape strip at least eight feet (8') wide (inside dimension) where the parking area adjoins a side or rear property line. The requirement for a landscape strip may be satisfied by a setback or buffer area that is otherwise required. Trees shall be provided at the rate of one for each twenty five (25) linear feet of landscaped area.

e. Landscaping Within Interior Of Parking Area: Landscaping within the interior of each outdoor parking area as follows:

(1) Five percent (5%) of the gross surface area of the parking lot, exclusive of the required perimeter landscaping, shall be landscaped. (Ord. 2013-05, 2-62014)

• (2) Trees shall be planted throughout the parking area at a minimum ratio of one tree for each eight (8) double loaded parking spaces or one tree for each four (4) single loaded or side loaded parking spaces. (Ord. 2014-04, 9-16-2014)

FIGURE 9-5D1-2-E2

EXAMPLE PARKING LOT LANDSCAPING

==> picture [230 x 212] intentionally omitted <==

6. On Site Pedestrian Pathways: Pedestrian pathway landscaping shall include shade trees placed so as to cover sixty percent (60%) of the total pathway area with tree canopies within fifteen (15) years of securing building permit.

7. Canals: To the extent that landscaping or planting is required or provided along canals, such landscaping shall be native plants.

8. Public Spaces: Pedestrian space landscaping shall include a combination of shade trees and pedestrian shading devices (e.g., canopies, awnings, and umbrellas) placed so as to cover sixty percent (60%) of the total space with a shade canopy within fifteen (15) years of securing building permit.

9. Signs: Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure of freestanding signs equal to twice the area of one face of the sign. For example, fifty (50) square feet of sign area requires one hundred (100) square feet of landscaped area.

10. Existing Trees: Existing mature trees on the site in good health shall be preserved whenever possible. F. Removal And Replacement Of Landscaping And Trees From Approved Plans: All plant material removed from a project in which the city has approved the landscape plan shall be replaced with the following replacement sizes:

11. Shrubs shall be replaced with five (5) gallon size plants.

12. Ground cover shall be replaced with flats.

13. Trees shall be replaced with fifteen inch (15") box tree. (Ord. 2013-05, 2-6-2014)

9-5D1-3: LANDSCAPE CARE AND MAINTENANCE:

A. Irrigation:

1. All new single-family and multi-family development, excluding additions and infill development, shall comply with the following requirements:

• a. Sprinklers and sprays shall not be used in areas less than eight feet (8') wide. (Ord. 2013-05, 2-6-2014)

• b. (Rep. by Ord. 2014-04, 9-16-2014)

• c. Valves and circuits shall be separated based on water use.

• d. Drip or bubbler irrigation systems are required for trees. Bubblers shall be used that do not exceed one and one-half (11/2) gallons per minute per device.

• e. Sprinkler heads must have matched precipitation rates within each control valve circuit. (Ord. 2013-05, 2-6-2014)

• f. Check valves are required on all new sprinkler heads. (Ord. 2014-04, 9-16-2014) g. Sprinkler head spacing shall be designed for head to head coverage. The system should be designed for minimum runoff and overspray onto nonirrigated areas.

• h. All irrigated areas shall be equipped with a controller capable of dual or multiple programming. Controllers must have multiple cycle start capacity and a flexible calendar program.

• i. All irrigation systems shall be equipped with rain shutoff devices.

2. All other development not addressed above, including, but not limited to, new nonresidential development, mixed use development, infill development, and additions to existing development, shall comply with the following:

• a. A low pressure irrigation system (e.g., drip or bubbler system) shall be provided for all landscape areas other than turf.

• b. Automatic programmable controllers with check valves shall be installed in sloping areas with elevation differences of more than five feet (5') as defined from the toe to the top of slope.

• c. Landscape materials with the same watering needs shall be grouped together and irrigated through separate control valves.

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

e. The annual maintenance program with seasonal watering schedule shall be laminated and permanently posted in or near the control box on site.

B. Maintenance Of Required Planting Areas: Required planting areas shall be permanently maintained by watering, clearing debris and litter, weeding, pruning, insect control, and replacement of plant materials and irrigation equipment as needed to preserve the health and appearance of plant materials. All landscaping shall be maintained in such a manner as to not restrict designated pedestrian access. All trees, shrubs, and plants which, due to accident, damage, disease, or other cause, fail to show a healthy growth shall be replaced, in kind, pursuant to the approved landscape plans within thirty (30) days from the identified damage date. (Ord. 2013-05, 2-62014)

9-5D1-4: TREE PRESERVATION:

A. Purpose And Applicability: This section implements the general plan policy protecting and preserving heritage trees within the community. This section includes provisions that preserve existing heritage trees on private property through the development review process and subsequent activities such as work within the canopy or within the critical root zone of trees and provide a process for replacement in instances where preservation is not reasonably possible.

The requirements of this section, and corresponding permit requirements as described in section 9-2B-5, “Tree Permit For Trees On Private Property”, of this title shall only apply to protected trees that are located on private property. It shall not apply to trees on public property or within the public right of way, which are covered in title 7, chapter 5, “Street Trees”, of the municipal code.

• B. Protected Trees: The following trees shall not be removed without city approval:

1. Heritage Tree: A Valley oak (Quercus lobata) tree with a diameter at breast height of twelve inches (12") or greater, or multitrunked trees with a combined diameter at breast height of twelve inches (12") or greater, are considered heritage trees.

2. Habitat For Special Status Species: Trees that a biological study identifies as habitat for special status species (e.g., Swainson’s hawk).

3. Mitigation Trees: Trees that were planted during the development process as required mitigation for the removal of protected or special status trees.

C. Work Requiring A Tree Permit For Trees On Private Property: No person shall conduct work within the critical root zone, cut down, remove, top, or relocate any protected tree unless a valid tree permit for protected trees on private property has been approved. Exemptions to this requirement are provided in subsection D of this section.

• D. Exemptions From Tree Permit Requirement: The following types of work are exempt from requiring a tree permit prior to initiation of the work:

1. Removal and pruning work by utility providers for all types of trees; and

2. In case of emergency caused by the tree being in a hazardous or dangerous condition requiring immediate action for the safety of human life or buildings or structures, such tree may be removed by the property owner.

• E. Tree Permit For Trees On Private Property Application Processing: Tree permits for trees on private property shall be processed as provided in chapter 2, “Procedures And Entitlements”, of this title.

• F. Mitigation Required For Removal Of Protected Trees On Private Property: As part of the approval of a tree permit, or other entitlement request related to the removal of a protected tree, mitigation is required.

1. Mitigation Standards: When tree removal is authorized as part of issuance of a valid tree permit, mitigation for the loss shall be provided as follows:

• a. New trees of an equivalent species shall be provided at a ratio of one new inch diameter at breast height (dbh) for each one inch (1") dbh lost (1:1 ratio).

• b. The applicant shall prepare a tree mitigation plan for review and approval by the planning director.

2. Mitigation Options: The city allows all of the following mitigation options, subject to review and approval by the planning director, as part of a tree mitigation plan:

a. On Site Or Off Site Replacement: The plan shall specify where the tree(s) shall be planted and how the tree(s) shall be monitored and maintained for a minimum of five (5) years. The city may require the establishment of a performance bond or other surety as a way to ensure that the replacement trees survive for the minimum establishment period of five (5) years.

b. On Site Or Off Site Relocation: The tree mitigation plan may include the relocation of trees, include specification regarding where the trees will be moved to, and how the tree will be monitored and maintained for a minimum of five (5) years. The city may require the establishment of a performance bond or other surety to ensure that the tree becomes well established.

c. Trees Planted Under Mitigation Plan: The city will allow the use of on site trees planted under a mitigation plan as a way to meet any other on site landscaping requirement, including parking lot shading, street landscaping, and street trees on residential lots.

3. Mitigation Equivalents: As an alternative to actual measurement, the following equivalent sizes shall be used to calculate mitigation ratios:

• a. A one gallon container or seedling sized containerized tree equals one inch (1") dbh.

• b. A fifteen (15) gallon container equals one and one-half inch (1[1] /2") dbh.

• c. A twenty four inch (24") box equals two inch (2") dbh.

• d. A thirty six inch (36") box equals three inch (3") dbh.

• e. A sixty inch (60") box equals three inch (3") dbh.

• f. A seventy two inch (72") box equals four inch (4") dbh. (Ord. 2013-05, 2-6-2014; amd. Ord. 2024-01, 6-18-2024)

9-5D1-5: PREFERRED PLANT LIST:

A. Street Trees: Table 9-5D1-5-A1, "Street Trees", of this section lists the city's approved master list of trees 1 for use in parkways, medians, and other street landscaping (between the sidewalk and a single-family home). The table lists the botanical and common name of each species, the type of tree (evergreen or deciduous), the size, and appropriate planting location (within the parkway and/or between the sidewalk and a single-family home). Other trees may be used with prior approval by the planning director.

TABLE 9-5D1-5-A1

STREET TREES

Note:

1. Drought tolerant.

(Ord. 2013-05, 2-6-2014)

Notes

1 1. See also subsection 7-5-4B of the municipal code.