Riverbank Municipal Code Ch. 157 Water Efficient Landscape and Irrigation

The purpose and intent of this chapter is to establish landscaping regulations that are intended to:

(A) Enhance the aesthetic appearance of development in all areas of the city by providing development standards relating to quality, quantity and functional aspects of landscaping and landscape screening.

(B) Increase compatibility between residential and abutting commercial and industrial uses.

(C) Reduce the heat and glare generated by development.

(D) Establish a water conservation plan to reduce water consumption in the landscape environment using conservation principles important to the State of California and the City of Riverbank.

(E) Protect public health, safety, and welfare by minimizing the impact of all forms of physical and visual pollution, controlling soil erosion, screening incompatible land uses, preserving the integrity of neighborhoods, and enhancing pedestrian and vehicular traffic and safety.

(F) Comply with the California Department of Water Resources Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance as contained in Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7 of the California Code of Regulations and the California Green Building Standards of 2025 and/or these standards as amended from time to time.

(Ord. 2020-003, passed 2-11-20; Am. Ord. 2023-001, passed 1-24-23; Am. Ord. 2026-001, passed 1-27-26)

All new development in the city shall comply with the provisions of this chapter and the requirements of the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance referenced above, which is incorporated herein by this reference. All required landscaping shall be installed by the developer and approved by the Development Services Department prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for any building, unless other arrangements are agreed to by the Community Development Director.

(A) Exceptions. The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this section:

(1) Yards and landscape areas for single family homes when not installed by the builder or developer prior to or as a condition of home sales.

(2) Interior remodels, tenant improvements and demolitions.

(3) Changes of use to any existing building.

(4) Replacement or repair of existing plant material or irrigation systems in conjunction with routine maintenance of existing projects.

(5) Modifications or additions to existing structures which do not result in an increase of more than 10% of the floor area, or 1,000 square feet, whichever is greater.

(B) Statutory authority in case of conflicting provisions. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect, annul or abrogate any other laws or ordinances pertaining or applicable to the properties and areas affected by this chapter.

(Ord. 2014-005, passed 6-10-14)

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

WATER CONSERVATION. This definition shall mean a combination of landscape features and techniques that in the aggregate reduce the demand for and consumption of water, including but not limited to appropriate low water using plants, nonliving groundcover, a low percentage of turf coverage, permeable paving and water conserving irrigation techniques and systems, and other water saving techniques and measures approved by the Community Development Services Department.

(Ord. 2014-005, passed 6-10-14)

The Community Development Director shall establish a format for landscape plans and any other procedural guidelines for submittal as deemed necessary.

(A) Plans required. Plans for the development of required landscaping shall be submitted to the Development Services Department for review and approval prior to the issuance of any building permit or as may be required for a site plan permit. Said plans shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, landscape contractor, architect or certified irrigation designer.

(B) Plan review and approval. The Community Development Services Department shall review each project and proposed landscape plan for compliance with the landscape and water conservation requirements.

(C) Alternative means of compliance. The Community Development Director may allow alternative means of complying with the requirements in this section provided the alternative achieves results comparable to those achieved through strict application of the provisions of this section.

(Ord. 2014-005, passed 6-10-14)