Chapter 10.36

==> picture [111 x 12] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
LANDSCAPING
----- End of picture text -----

SECTION:

The specific purposes of the landscaping regulations are to:

• A. Improve the appearance and livability of the community;

• B. Enhance the aesthetic appearance of development and provide environmental benefits;

• C. Aid in energy conservation;

D. Protect water quality and prevent soil erosion by providing trees and vegetated areas that harvest, absorb, and filter rain and storm water;

E. Reduce air pollution and absorb greenhouse gas emissions through the biological filtering capacities of trees and vegetation, and reduce the negative quality-of-life effects of heat, noise, and glare;

F. Promote conservation of water resources through the installation of properly designed, installed, and maintained climate-appropriate plants and water-efficient irrigation systems;

G. Minimize or eliminate conflicts between potentially incompatible but otherwise allowed land uses on adjoining parcels through visual screening; and

H. Soften the appearance and reduce the heat island effect of parking lots and other development. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-102024)

The standards of this Chapter shall apply to:

• A. New development projects with landscaping;

B. Additions (other than to single-unit dwellings or two-unit dwellings) to an existing structure that expands the existing floor area by two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet or more. The floor area increases to the existing structure shall be cumulative from the date of adoption of this Title;

C. A new structure with a floor area of one thousand (1,000) square feet or more on a developed parcel, except for accessory or junior accessory dwelling units. The one thousand (1,000) square feet shall be cumulative from the date of adoption of this Title;

D. The demolition and reconstruction of a structure; and

E. A first-time installed landscaping or a re-landscaping project where the new or modified landscaped area is equal to or greater than one thousand (1,000) square feet. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

A. Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to adopt by reference the State Model Efficient Landscape Ordinance as required by State law.

B. Adoption of State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Except as hereafter provided, the city hereby adopts the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) of the State by reference as identified in Sections 49 through 495, Chapter 2.7, Division 2, of Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations, as amended. A copy of the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance of the State shall be maintained in the Planning Department and the Office of the City Clerk and shall be made available for public inspection while this ordinance is in force.

C. Local Agency Defined. The term "local agency" in the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance shall mean the City of Reedley. The term "local water purveyor" in the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance shall mean the City of Reedley. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

A. Allowed Materials. The following landscaping materials are allowed:

1. Combination of Materials. Landscaping may consist of a combination of turf, groundcovers, artificial trees and shrubs, shrubs, vines, trees, incidental features such as steppingstones, benches, fountains, sculptures, decorative stones, and other decorative features placed within a landscaped setting.

2. Hard Top, Gravel, and Rocks. Paved (e.g., concrete, stone, masonry) surfaces, gravel (including decomposed granite) surfaces, and rocks shall not exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of the area required to be landscaped.

3. Recirculating Water Features Required. Recirculating water shall be used for decorative water features.

4. Non-Plant Materials. Non-plant materials such cinder, bark, and similar materials shall not be used to meet the minimum planting area required by this section unless underneath shrubs and trees.

5. Synthetic Lawns. Synthetic lawns or ground covers shall be considered as turf and may cover up to ninety percent (90%) of the required landscape area.

6. Mulch. A minimum two-inch (2") layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting ground covers or other special planting situations where mulch is not recommended. Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes. Mulch shall be confined to areas underneath shrubs and trees and is not a substitute for ground cover plants.

B. Dimension of Landscaped Areas. Landscaped areas shall have a minimum horizontal dimension of two and one-half feet (2.5') to count towards required landscaping.

C. Corner Cutoff Area. Landscaping shall be installed and maintained in compliance with the corner cutoff area standards established in Section 10.30.060 (Corner Cutoff Areas). (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

A. Single-Unit, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Residential Dwellings. All required front and street-facing side setbacks, except for areas used for parking, recreation, and exit and entry shall be landscaped. If a solid fence is provided on a street side setback property line, the street side setback is not required to be landscaped.

B. Residential Uses with Four or More Dwelling Units and Mixed-Use. All required setbacks, except for areas used for parking, recreation, and exit and entry, shall be landscaped.

C. Non-Residential Uses. All required setbacks and setbacks that abut a street, except for areas used for exit and entry, shall be landscaped. If an industrial land use abuts an industrial district, side and rear setbacks are not required to be landscaped. However, should an industrial use abut a single-unit or multi-unit dwelling property, it shall be fully landscaped.

D. Landscaping along Parcel Perimeters. Landscape buffers shall be installed and maintained along side and rear parcel lines between differing zone districts, in accordance with the sections of this Article and the following standards:

1. The following uses shall maintain a landscape buffer minimum of five feet (5') in width:

• a. Multi-unit dwelling residential;

• b. Mixed-use;

2. The following uses shall maintain a landscape buffer minimum of five feet (5') in width:

• a. Non-residential;

• b. Commercial, office, business park;

• c. Industrial; and

• d. Public Facilities.

E. Unused and Non-Landscaped Areas. All areas of a project site not intended for a specific use, including areas planned for future phases of a phased development, shall be maintained clear and free of refuse, debris, or other accumulated matter.

F. Location of Trees. All trees shall be planted outside of meter boxes and outside of any public utility easement(s). Trees planted adjacent to public utility easement(s) shall have root barriers installed. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

A. All planting and other landscape elements required by this Article shall be permanently maintained in good growing condition. Such maintenance shall include, where appropriate, pruning, mowing, weeding, cleaning, fertilizing, and regular watering.

B. Trees shall be maintained by property owners to be free from physical damage or injury arising from lack of water, chemical damage, accidents, vandalism, insects, and disease.

C. Property owners and occupants of parcels fronting on any portion of a street shall maintain private trees and landscaping in such condition that the trees or landscaping will not interfere with the public safety and convenience in the use of streets or sidewalks. Such owners and occupants shall maintain such trees so that there is an eight-foot (8')-high pedestrian clearance from the top of the sidewalk or pathway, and a thirteen-foot (13')-high vehicular clearance from the top of the curb or the top of the pavement. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)