San Diego Municipal Code Div. 4 Landscape Regulations

(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

The purpose of these regulations is to minimize the erosion of slopes and disturbed lands through revegetation; to conserve energy by the provision of shade trees over streets, sidewalks, parking areas, and other paving; to conserve water through low-water-using planting and irrigation design; to reduce the risk of fire through site design and the management of flammable vegetation ; and to improve the appearance of the built environment by increasing the quality and quantity of landscaping visible from public rights-of-way, private streets, and adjacent properties, with the emphasis on landscaping as viewed from public rights-of-way. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

(a) This division applies to all proposed planting and irrigation work.

(b) Table 142-04A provides the applicable regulations required by this division
for the landscaping required in conjunction with the specific types of
development proposals. Any project that proposes more than one of the types
of development shown is subject to all of the regulations for each type of
development.

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Table 142-04A

Landscape Regulations Applicability

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Footnote to Table 142-04A

1 Refer to Section 131.0112 for a description of the types of uses that fit into each development category.

(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.) (Amended 9-19-2005 by O-19413 N.S.; effective 10-19-2005) (Amended 11-28-2005 by O-19444 N.S.; effective 2-9-2006.) (Amended 7-5-2006 by O-19505 N.S.; effective 8-5-2006.) (Amended 1-15-2008 by O-19698 N.S.; effective 2-14-2008.) (Amended 11-13-08 by O-19800 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.) (Amended 8-4-2011 by O-20081 N.S.; effective 10-6-2011.) (Amended 6-18-2013 by O-20261 N.S.; effective 7-19-2013.) (Amended 5-5-2015 by O-20483 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015.)

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(Amended 4-5-2016 by O-20634 N.S.; effective 5-5-2016.) (Amended 1-8-2020 by O-21164 N.S.; effective 2-9-2020.) (Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.) (Amended 3-7-2023 by O-21618 N.S.; effective 5-6-2023.)

All planting, irrigation, brush management, and landscape-related improvements required by this division must comply with the regulations in Section 142.0403 and with the Landscape Standards in the Land Development Manual.

(a) Plant Point Schedule
Table 142-04B assigns plant points based on plant type and size and applies
where plant points are required by this division.

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Table 142-04B Plant Point Schedule

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(b) Plant Material Requirements
(1) Planting of invasive plant species, as described in the Landscape
Standards of the Land Development Manual, is not permitted.
(2) All existing, invasive plant species, including vegetative parts and root
systems, shall be completely removed from the premises when the
combination of species type, location, and surrounding environmental
conditions provides a means for the species to invade other areas of
native plant material that are on or off of the premises.
(3) Plant material species shall be used that will continue to meet the
requirements of this division after installation.
(4) Tree locations shall be measured horizontally from the centerline of
the tree trunk at proposed grade.

(5) A minimum distance of 4 feet shall be provided between any canopy
tree and building.

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(6) A minimum root zone of 40 square feet in area shall be provided for
all trees. The minimum dimension for this area shall be 5 feet. This
minimum dimension and root zone area may be reduced with the use
of structural soil or where the combination of soil conditions, root
zone area, adjacent improvements, and selected tree species can be
demonstrated to provide conditions for healthy tree growth that will
not damage adjacent improvements.

(7) Plant material shall be maintained in a healthy, disease-free, growing
condition at all times.
(8) All pruning shall comply with the standards of the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) for free care operations and the
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) best management
practices for free pruning. Topping of trees is prohibited.

(9) Any plant material required by this division that dies within 3 years of
installation shall be replaced within 30 calendar days of plant death
with the same size and species of plant material shown on the
approved plan. Required shrubs that die 3 years or more after
installation shall be replaced with 15-gallon size, and required trees
that die 3 years or more after installation shall be replaced with
60-inch box size material. The City Manager may authorize
adjustment of the size and quantity of replacement material where
material replacement would occur in inaccessible areas or where the
existing plant being replaced is larger than a 15 gallon shrub or 60-
inch box tree.

(10) Trees required by this division shall be self-supporting, woody plants
with at least one well defined trunk and shall normally attain a mature
height and spread of at least 15 feet.
(11) Trees required by this division shall be maintained so that all branches
over pedestrian walkways are 6 feet above the walkway grade and so
that all branches over vehicular travel ways are 16 feet above the
grade of the travel way.
(12) Shrubs required by this division shall be woody or perennial plants
that are low branching or have multiple stems.

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(13) Tree root barriers or structural soil shall be installed where trees are
placed within 5 feet of public improvements including walks, curbs, or
street pavement or where new public improvements are placed
adjacent to existing trees. The City Manager may waive this
requirement where the combination of soil conditions, root zone area,
adjacent improvements, and selected tree species can be demonstrated
to provide conditions for healthy tree growth that will not damage
public improvements.

(14) Native plants shall be locally indigenous.

(15) Naturalized plant material shall be plantings that can survive without
irrigation after initial plant establishment.
(16) Plant materials shall be grouped into hydrozones that consist of plant
species having similar water demand and by their soil, sun, and shade
requirements.

(17) Plant material shall be selected to meet a Maximum Applied Water
Allowance (MAWA) as determined by the water budget formula and
specifications in Section 142.0413(d).

(c) Irrigation Requirements (1) All required plant material shall be irrigated with a permanent, below-grade irrigation system unless specified otherwise in this division. (2) All required irrigation systems shall be automatic, electrically controlled, and designed to provide water to all required plantings to maintain them in a healthy, disease-resistant condition. (3) Irrigation systems shall meet the following design requirements: (A) No irrigation runoff or overspray shall cross property lines or paved areas; (B) The velocity of water flowing in irrigation system piping or supply pipes shall not exceed 5 feet per second downstream of the water meter; (C) Irrigation systems shall be designed to minimize system maintenance requirement after installation. Above-ground irrigation system equipment that is exposed to potential damage shall be designed to be damage-resistant; and

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(D) Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing evapotranspiration or
soil moisture sensor data using non-volatile memory is
required for irrigation scheduling.

(d) Planting Area Requirements

(1) Planting areas required by this division shall consist of the following:
(A) Low-growing woody or herbaceous groundcover, turf, shrubs,
or trees;

(B) Unattached unit pavers, or loose organic or inorganic
materials;

(C) Hardscape as limited by Sections 142.0405(b)(1) or
142.0405(c)(1).
(2) Planting areas may be counted toward the planting area required by
this division if they are greater than 30 square feet in size with no
dimension less than 3 feet.

(3) Built-in or permanently affixed planters and pots on structural
podiums may be counted toward the planting area and points required
by this division. Planters and pots for trees shall have a minimum
inside dimension of 48 inches. Planters and pots for all other plant
material shall have a minimum inside dimension of 24 inches.

(4) All required planting areas shall be maintained free of weeds, debris,
and litter.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 9-19-2005 by O-19413 N.S.; effective 10-19-2005.)
(Amended 11-13-08 by O-19800 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.)
(Amended 10-28-2009 by O-19903 N.S; effective 11-27-2009.)
(Amended 8-9-2019 by O-21114 N.S.; effective 9-8-2019.)
(Amended 1-8-2020 by O-21164 N.S.; effective 2-9-2020.)
(Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.)
(Amended 3-7-2023 by O-21618 N.S.; effective 5-6-2023.)

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EDITORS NOTE: The Land Development Manual includes:

Coastal Bluffs and Beaches Guidelines Biology Guidelines Historical Resources Guidelines Submittal Requirements for Deviations within the Coastal Overlay Zone

See RR-292248 for the Coastal Bluffs and Beaches Guidelines of the Land Development Code; RR-292249 for the Biology Guidelines of the Land Development Code; RR-292250 for the Historical Resources Guidelines of the Land Development Code; RR-292251 for the Submittal Requirements for Deviations within the Coastal Overlay Zone of the Land Development Code.

Point Requirements When new structures or additions to structures are subject to this section in accordance with Table 142-04A, the planting area required and the plants necessary to achieve the number of plant points required in Table 142-04C shall be provided. The required planting area is determined by multiplying the total square footage of the street yard or remaining yard/common open space area on the premises, by the percentage shown in Table 142-04C, unless stated otherwise in the table. The required planting points are determined by multiplying the total square footage of the street yard or remaining yard/common open space area on the premises, by the points shown in the table. The required planting area and plant points for the street yard shall be located within the street yard. The required planting area and plant points for the remaining yard/common open space shall be located within the remaining yard/common open space.

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Table 142-04C

Street Yard and Remaining Yard/Common Open Space Planting Requirements

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Footnotes to Table 142-04C 1 See Section 142.0405(a) 2 See Section 142.0405(b) 3 See Section 142.0405(c) 4 See Section 142.0405(d) 5 See Section 142.0405(b)(1) 6 Refer to Section 131.0112 for a description of the types of uses that fit into each development category.

(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.) (Amended 7-5-2006 by O-19505 N.S.; effective 8-5-2006.) (Amended 6-15-2007 by O-19624 N.S.; effective 7-15-2007.) (Amended 11-13-08 by O-19800 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.) (Amended 5-5-2015 by O-20483 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015.) (Amended 4-5-2016 by O-20634 N.S.; effective 5-5-2016.) (Retitled from “Street Yard and Remaining Yard Planting Area and Point Requirements” to “Street Yard and Remaining Yard/Common Open Space Planting Area and Point Requirements” and amended 1-8-2020 by O-21164 N.S.; effective 2-9-2020.) (Amended 3-7-2023 by O-21618 N.S.; effective 5-6-2023.)

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(a) Additional yard requirements for all development:

(1) Unless specified otherwise in Table 142-04C, at least one-half of the
required planting points shall be achieved with trees.

(2) If plants and planting area are provided within a street yard or
remaining yard to meet other requirements of this division, including
vehicular use area and revegetation requirements, they may be used to
satisfy the planting area and plant points required by Table 142-04C.

(3) A point score in excess of that required for a yard area may be used to
reduce the planting area required for that yard area at a rate of one
square foot of area reduction for each excess point provided. The
maximum planting area reduction allowed by this section is 25 percent
of that total yard area required.

(b) Additional residential yard requirements:

(1) Street Yard.

Up to 10 percent of the required street yard planting area located
outside the vehicular use area for multiple dwelling unit residential
development may consist of enhanced hardscape.

(2) Remaining Yard/Common Open Space

(A) Residential development with four dwelling units or less shall
be subject to a minimum of 60 points per residential structure.
Planting shall be distributed within a 10-foot offset from the
structural envelope or within the remaining yard.

(B) Residential development with five dwelling units or more shall
be subject to one or more of the following:

(i) A minimum of 30 percent of the total area within a 10-
foot offset from the structural envelope of each
residential structure shall be planting area and shall be
planted at a rate of 0.05 points per square foot of area
within each offset.

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(ii) Where common open space areas are provided in the form of plazas, paseos, or courtyard, 20 percent of each common open space area shall be planting area and shall be planted at a rate of 0.05 points per square foot of the total of each area.

(c) Additional commercial yard and large retail establishment requirements:

(1) All of the required street yard planting area located outside the
vehicular use area for commercial zones or commercial development
except for auto service stations, may consist of enhanced hardscape.
This does not include the minimum planting area required for trees
and the planting area necessary to provide for healthy plant growth.
(2) For auto service stations, the required street yard planting area is 15
percent of the street yard area, and the required plant points are 0.03
points for each square foot of the street yard.
(3) Where setbacks are required for commercial development abutting
residentially zoned properties, a 5-foot wide area along the entire
abutting property line shall be planted with trees for a minimum of
0.05 points per square foot of area in addition to the points required in
the remaining yard.
(4) Façade Planting Area for large retail establishments. Within the street
yard, a façade planting area, as shown in Diagram 142-04A shall be
provided between the vehicular use area and the street wall. This
façade planting area shall be planted with a minimum of 20 points
(trees only) at a linear rate of 30 feet of building street wall wherever
trellises, arcades, awnings or extended covered entries do not occur
which shall be a minimum of 30 percent of the length of the building
street wall.

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Diagram 142-04A

Façade Planting Area for Large Retail Establishments

X + Y + Z = minimum of 30% of the length of the building street wall

(d) Additional industrial yard and large retail establishment requirements: (1) Facade Planting Area. A 10-foot wide facade planting area shall be provided abutting the street wall for at least 50 percent of the length of the street wall.

The facade planting area shall be planted with a combination of trees
and shrubs that achieves 0.5 points per square foot. Trees within this
area must have a typical growth rate that can achieve a height of at
least 20 feet within 8 years of being planted. Shrubs at maturity shall
achieve a minimum height of 4 feet. In lieu of meeting the facade
planting area and point requirements, the applicant may place a
minimum 6-foot-high solid wall between the setback line and the front
of the structure that shall extend along the full width of the property,
except at access points. The applicant shall provide tree plantings
equal to one half of the required facade area planting points between
the wall and the building street wall.

(2) Where loading docks are located along more than 25 percent of the
street wall length, all street yard plant points shall be increased to 0.1
per square foot of street yard area.

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(3) For industrial uses in industrial zones, a planting area of at least 5 feet
wide shall be provided within the remaining yard. This area shall be
measured perpendicularly to the property lines adjacent to the
remaining yard and shall abut the property line. The required planting
points shall be replaced within this 5-foot wide area.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000; amended 6-19-2000 by
O-18814 N.S.; amended 6-19-2000 by O-18814 N.S.)
(Amended 6-15-2007 by O-19624 N.S.; effective 7-15-2007.)
(Amended 11-13-08 by O-19800 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.)
(Amended 3-22-2018 by O-20917 N.S.; effective 4-21-2018.)
(Amended 8-9-2019 by O-21114 N.S.; effective 9-8-2019.)
(Amended 1-8-2020 by O-21164 N.S.; effective 2-9-2020.)
(Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.)
(Amended 3-7-2023 by O-21618 N.S.; effective 5-6-2023.)

(a) When new vehicular use areas are subject to this section in accordance with Table 142-04A, the planting area, the plants necessary to achieve the number of plant points, and the trees required in Table 142-04D shall be provided. The required planting area is determined by multiplying the square footage of the vehicular use area located within the street yard and outside the street yard by the percentage shown in Table 142-04D. The required plant points are determined by multiplying the square footage of the vehicular use area located within the street yard and outside the street yard by the points shown in the Table 142-04D. The required area, points, and trees shall be located within the vehicular use area unless listed otherwise in the table.

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Table 142-04D

Vehicle Use Area Requirements

Footnotes to Table 142-04D 1 See Section 142.0407(a) 2 See Section 142.0407(b) 3 See Section 142.0407(c) 4 See Section 142.0407(d)

(b) All planting areas and plants in or adjacent to a vehicular use area shall be
protected from vehicular damage by providing a raised curb or wheel stop of
at least 6 inches in height. Where the end of parking spaces abut a planting
area that is less than 5 feet in width, 6-inch-high wheel stops or curbs shall be
placed within the parking spaces, 2 feet from the edge of the planting area.
(c) A vehicular use area located within the street yard shall be separated from the
curb in the public right-of-way by a required planting area totaling at least 8
feet in width, measured perpendicularly to the public right-of-way. This
planting area shall meet the following requirements:
(1) The planting area shall extend along, and directly abut, the entire
length of the vehicular use area except at vehicle or pedestrian access
points.

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(2) The planting area shall be planted to screen the vehicular use area
with densely foliated, evergreen species that achieve a minimum
height of 30 inches within 2 years of installation over at least 80
percent of the length of the required planting area. The screening may
also be achieved through a combination of plant material with the use
of berms, solid fencing, or walls.

(3) The width of this planting area may be reduced to 3 feet if a solid wall
of at least 3 feet in height is provided for the entire length of the
vehicular use area for sites under 5 acres. Sites that are between 5 and
10 acres are required to provide the planting area buffer that is 8 feet.
For sites over 10 acres, a planting area buffer must be 12 feet in width
with a potential reduction to 8 feet with a 3 feet high wall. The
remaining planting area shall be located between the wall and curb
within the public right-of-way and planted with the equivalent of 1
shrub for every 10 feet of wall length. These shrubs shall achieve at
least 18 inches in height of maturity.

(4) A point score in excess of that required for a vehicular use area may
be used to reduce the planting area required for that vehicular use area
at a rate of one square foot of area reduction for each excess point
provided. The maximum planting area reduction allowed by this
section is 25 percent of the total vehicular use area required.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 6-15-2007 by O-19624 N.S.; effective 7-15-2007.)
(Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.)

(a) At least one-half of the required plant points are to be achieved with trees. If planting area and plants are provided within the boundaries of the vehicular use area to meet other requirements of this division including revegetation, street yard, and remaining yard requirements, they may be used to satisfy the planting area and planting points required by Table 142-04D.

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(b) For a vehicular use area that is less than 6,000 square feet in size, the required
plant points may be provided within 5 feet of the edge of the vehicular use
area. For a vehicular use area 6,000 square feet or greater in size, the
required planting area, points, and trees shall be located in the vehicular use
area. Planting area, points, and trees may be located within 5 feet of the edge
of the vehicular use areas designated for commercial vehicle parking spaces;
loading areas; loading area accessways used for the distribution of materials
and goods; and areas of a linear configuration made up primarily of drive
aisles.

(c) Trees used in a vehicular use area shall be canopy form, standard trunk,
evergreen species at a minimum 24-inch box size.

(d) Landscaped areas may be counted toward the required planting area if they
comply with the following:

(1) The planting area is bounded on two or more sides by parking spaces
or parking accessways, or is within 10 feet of the side of any parking
space, and

(2) The planting area is greater than 30 square feet in size and has no
dimension less than 3 feet.

(3) The planting area complies with Section 142.0560(h)(5) for off-street
parking spaces overhanging a raised curb or wheel stop.

(e) Shade structures or photovoltaic solar canopies used in lieu of the vehicular
use area tree distribution requirement shall meet the following criteria:

(1) Shade structures or photovoltaic solar canopies shall:

(A) Cover a minimum of 50 percent of each individual parking
stall, or

(B) Cover a minimum of 50 percent of each vehicular use area
with no shade structure more than 15 feet from any parking
stall.

(2) For a vehicular use area located on the rooftop of parking structures or on structural podiums, shade structures with a maximum of 50 percent transparency or photovoltaic solar canopies may be provided.

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(3) For vehicular use areas at-grade, photovoltaic solar canopies may be
provided.

(4) Retrofits to existing at-grade vehicular use areas with photovoltaic
solar canopies shall avoid, translocate, or replace existing trees to the
satisfaction of the Development Services Department Director.

(5) Placement of foundations and columns for shade structures or
photovoltaic solar canopies may not reduce the minimum required
depth of a parking stall.

(f) Noncontiguous parking areas on a premises shall be calculated separately.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 3-22-2018 by O-20917 N.S.; effective 4-21-2018.)
(Amended 8-9-2019 by O-21114 N.S.; effective 9-8-2019.)
(Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.)
(Amended 3-7-2023 by O-21618 N.S.; effective 5-6-2023.)

When new temporary vehicular use areas are subject to this Section in accordance with Table 142-04A, the planting requirements of this Section shall apply.

(a) Vehicular use areas that have a specified time limit for discontinuance that is
less than 5 years after the date of construction permit issuance are considered
temporary vehicular use areas.

(b) Temporary vehicular use areas shall provide a 3-foot-wide planting area
between the public right-of-way and the vehicular use area. This area shall be
planted with evergreen shrubs that achieve a minimum height of 30 inches
within 2 years of installation over at least 50 percent of the required planting
area. The remaining area shall be covered with mulch. Vehicle access into this
planting area shall be prevented by a 6-inch-high curb or wheel stops placed
within the parking spaces, 2 feet from the edge of the planting area. The
planting area may be paved at designated vehicle access points.

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(c) Vehicular use areas that do not have a specified time limit for discontinuance
or that are proposed to exist more than 5 years after the date of construction
permit issuance are subject to the requirements for a permanent vehicular use
area contained in Sections 142.0406 and 142.0407.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 1-8-2020 by O-21164 N.S.; effective 2-9-2020.)
(Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.)

(a) Street Tree Requirements

When new structures, additions to structures, condominium conversions, or
new vehicular use areas are subject to this section in accordance with Table
142-04A, street trees within the parkway shall be provided in accordance with
the following regulations.

(1) Street Tree Quantity.

(A) The number of required street trees shall be calculated at the
rate of one standard trunk, 24-inch box canopy form tree for
every 30 linear feet of street frontage, excluding curb cuts and
required clearances for designated bus stops.

(B) The installed tree spacing may be varied to accommodate site
conditions or design considerations; however, the number of
trees required for each street frontage on a lot bounded by
more than one street shall be planted along the corresponding
street frontage.

(C) Where palm trees are proposed to satisfy this requirement in
accordance with Section 142.0409(a)(3), they shall be planted
at a rate of one 10-foot brown trunk height palm for each 20
feet of street frontage.

(D) For projects in the IL and IH zones that have loading docks
along more than 25 percent of the building street wall, the
street tree requirement shall be increased to the rate of one 24-
inch box tree for every 20 feet of street frontage or one 10-foot
brown trunk height palm for each 10 feet of street frontage.

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(2) Street Tree Locations
(A) Street trees shall be planted between the curb and abutting
property line.

(B) Where site conditions do not allow the installation of the street
trees required by this section in the parkway, trees may be
located on the private property within 10 feet of the property
line along that street frontage.

(C) Street trees shall be located 7 feet from the face of curb on streets classified in the applicable land use plan as major streets, primary arterials, or expressways that have a posted speed of 50 miles per hour or greater. For all other street classifications, street trees shall be located no closer than 30 inches to the face of curb or within median islands, no closer than 4 feet to the face of curb.

(D) Trees shall be selected and located so they do not cause
damage or conflict with overhead utility lines at maturity.

(E) Street trees shall be separated from improvements by the
minimum distance shown in Table 142-04E.

Table 142-04E
Minimum Tree Separation Distance

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Footnote for Table 142-04E 1 5 feet on residential local streets with a design speed of 25 miles per hour or slower.

(3) Street Tree Species Selection. Trees shall be selected in accordance
with the Landscape Standards of the Land Development Manual and
the City’s Street Tree Selection Guide. Palm trees may only be used to
satisfy the street tree requirement as an accent, focal, or secondary tree
where identified as an acceptable street tree species in an adopted land
use plan, or as part of an historic landscape.

(b) Additional Public Right-of-Way Regulations
(1) Areas within the public right-of-way that are not paved for required
pedestrian walks or for vehicle access shall be planted or covered with
mulch, unattached unit pavers, or other permeable material acceptable
to the City.

(2) Plant material, other than trees, located within visibility areas or the
adjacent public right-of-way shall not exceed 36 inches in height,
measured from the lowest grade abutting the plant material to the top
of the plant material.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 7-5-2006 by O-19505 N.S.; effective 8-5-2006.)
(Amended 11-13-08 by O-19800 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.)
(Amended 3-22-2018 by O-20917 N.S.; effective 4-21-2018.)
(Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.)

EDITORS NOTE: The Land Development Manual includes: Coastal Bluffs and Beaches Guidelines Biology Guidelines Historical Resources Guidelines Submittal Requirements for Deviations within the Coastal Overlay Zone

See RR-292248 for the Coastal Bluffs and Beaches Guidelines of the Land
Development Code; RR-292249 for the Biology Guidelines of the Land
Development Code; RR-292250 for the Historical Resources Guidelines of
the Land Development Code; RR-292251 for the Submittal Requirements for
Deviations within the Coastal Overlay Zone of the Land Development Code.

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(a) When additions to structures or additional structures on developed properties are subject to this section in accordance with Table 142-04A, they shall meet the requirements of this section. The required street yard, remaining yard, and vehicular use area planting areas and plant points for previously conforming properties are established in accordance with the following formula..

(1) Determine the percentage of increase in gross floor area for the
development by dividing the proposed additional gross floor area by
the existing gross floor area.

(2) Where the percentage of gross floor area increase is:

(A) 100 percent or greater, the development is subject to the full
requirements for new development.

(B) 75 to 99 percent, the development is subject to the full
requirements for street trees, the street yard, and the vehicular
use area in the street yard and remaining yard for new
development.

(C) 50 to 74 percent, the development is subject to the full
requirements for street trees, the street yard, and the vehicular
use area in the street yard for new development.

(D) 1 to 49 percent, the development is subject to the full
requirements for street trees and the street yard for new
development.

(3) For properties that contain plant materials that will be retained, the
planting area and number of points for the existing material will be
credited towards the above requirements.
(b) When additions or modifications to existing permanent or temporary parking
and vehicular use areas are subject to this section in accordance with Table
142-04A they shall meet the requirements of this section. The required
vehicular use area planting area and plant points for previously conforming
properties is established in accordance with the following formula.

(1) Determine the percentage of increase in parking spaces for the
development by dividing the proposed increase in number of parking
spaces by the existing number of parking spaces.

Ch. Art. Div. 14 2 4 24

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(2) Where the percentage of parking space increase is:

(A) 100 percent or greater, the development is subject to the full requirements for new development.

(B) 75 to 99 percent, the development is subject to the full
requirements for street trees, the street yard, and the vehicular
use area in the street yard and remaining yard for new
development.

(C) 50 to 74 percent, the development is subject to the full
requirements for street trees, the street yard, and the vehicular
use area in the street yard for new development.

(D) 1 to 49 percent, the development is subject to the full
requirements for street trees and the vehicular use area
requirements for the additional vehicular use area only.

(3) For properties that contain plant materials that will be retained,
calculate the planting area and number of points for the existing
material and use this as a credit towards the above requirements.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.)

(a) Permanent Revegetation. All graded, disturbed, or eroded areas that will not be permanently paved or covered by structures shall be permanently revegetated and irrigated as shown in Table 142-04F and in accordance with the standards in the Land Development Manual.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

Table 142-04F

Permanent Revegetation and Irrigation Requirements

(b) Temporary Revegetation. Graded, disturbed, or eroded areas that will not be
permanently paved, covered by structure, or planted for a period over 90
calendar days shall be temporarily revegetated with a non-irrigated hydroseed
mix, ground cover, or equivalent material. Temporary irrigation systems may
be used to establish the vegetation.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(c) All required revegetation and erosion control shall be completed within 90 calendar days of the completion of grading or disturbance. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.) (Amended 8-9-2019 by O-21114 N.S.; effective 9-8-2019.) (Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.)

EDITORS NOTE: The Land Development Manual includes: Coastal Bluffs and Beaches Guidelines Biology Guidelines Historical Resources Guidelines Submittal Requirements for Deviations within the Coastal Overlay Zone

See RR-292248 for the Coastal Bluffs and Beaches Guidelines of the Land Development Code; RR-292249 for the Biology Guidelines of the Land Development Code; RR-292250 for the Historical Resources Guidelines of the Land Development Code; RR-292251 for the Submittal Requirements for Deviations within the Coastal Overlay Zone of the Land Development Code.

Brush management is required in all base zones on publicly or privately owned premises that are within 100 feet of a structure and contain native or naturalized vegetation.

(a) Brush management activity is permitted within environmentally sensitive
lands (except for wetlands) that are located within 100 feet of an existing
structure in accordance with Section 143.0110(c)(7). Brush management in
wetlands may be requested with a development permit in accordance with
Section 143.0110 where the Fire Chief deems brush management necessary in
accordance with Section 142.0412(i). Where brush management in wetlands
is deemed necessary by the Fire Chief, that brush management shall not
qualify for an exemption under the Environmentally Sensitive Lands
Regulations, Section 143.0110(c)(7).

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(b) Brush Management Zones. Where brush management is required, a
comprehensive program shall be implemented that reduces fire hazards
around structures by providing an effective fire break between all structures
and contiguous areas of native or naturalized vegetation. This fire break shall
consist of two distinct brush management areas called “Zone One” and “Zone
Two” as shown in Diagram 142-04E.

Diagram 142-04E

Brush Management Zones

Proposed or
existing
structure Top or bottom Zone One Zone Two Native or
of slope naturaliz ed
Slope vegetation

(1) Brush management Zone One is the area adjacent to the structure, shall be least flammable, and shall typically consist of pavement and permanently irrigated ornamental planting. Brush management Zone One shall not be allowed on slopes with gradient greater than 4:1 (4 horizontal feet to 1 vertical foot) unless the property received tentative map approval before November 15, 1989. However, within the Coastal Overlay Zone coastal development shall be subject to the encroachment limitations set forth in Section 143.0142(a)(4) of the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Regulations.

(2) Brush management Zone Two is the area between Zone One and any
area of native or naturalized vegetation and typically consists of
thinned, native or naturalized non-irrigated vegetation.

(c) The width of Zone One and Zone Two shall not exceed 100 feet and shall
meet the width requirements in Table 142-04H unless modified based on
existing conditions pursuant to Section 142.0412(i) and the following:

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(1) The establishment of brush management Zones One and Two for new
development shall be addressed in a site-specific plan to include all
creative site and/or structural design features to minimize impacts to
undisturbed native vegetation. Both Zone One and Zone Two shall be
provided on the subject property unless a recorded easement is granted
by an adjacent property owner to the owner of the subject property to
establish and maintain the required brush management zone(s) on the
adjacent property in perpetuity.

(2) Where Zone Two is located within City-owned property, a Right-of-
Entry shall be executed in accordance with Section 63.0103 prior to
any brush management activity. Zone Two is not permitted in City-
owned open space for new development proposals. For properties in
the Coastal Overlay Zone, additional requirements for new
subdivisions are found in Section 142.0412 (n).

(3) Zone Two is not permitted in areas designated for habitat mitigation
per Section III of the Biology Guidelines in the Land Development
Manual.

Table 142-04H
Brush Management Zone Width Requirements

Criteria

(d) Brush management activities are prohibited within coastal sage scrub, maritime succulent scrub, and coastal sage-chaparral habitats from March 1 through August 15, except where documented to the satisfaction of the City Manager that the thinning would be consistent with conditions of species coverage described in the City of San Diego’s MSCP Subarea Plan.

(e) Where Zone One width is required adjacent to the MHPA or within the Coastal Overlay Zone, any of the following modifications to development regulations of the Land Development Code or standards in the Land Development Manual are permitted to accommodate the increase in width:

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(1) The required front yard setback of the base zone may be reduced by 5
feet,

(2) A sidewalk may be eliminated from one side of the public
right-of-way and the minimum required public right-of-way width may
be reduced by 5 feet, or

(3) The overall minimum pavement and public right-of-way width may be
reduced in accordance with the Street Design Standards of the Land
Development Manual.

(f) The Zone Two width may be decreased by 1 ½ feet for each 1 foot of increase
in Zone One width, however, within the Coastal Overlay Zone, a maximum
reduction of 30 feet of Zone Two width is permitted.

(g) Zone One Requirements

(1) The required Zone One width shall be provided between native or
naturalized vegetation and any structure and shall be measured from
the exterior of the structure to the vegetation.

(2) Zone One shall contain no habitable structures, structures that are
directly attached to habitable structures, or other combustible
construction that provides a means for transmitting fire to the habitable
structures. Structures such as fences, walls, palapas, play structures,
and non-habitable gazebos that are located within brush management
Zone One shall be of noncombustible, one hour fire-rated, or Type IV
heavy timber construction as defined in the California Building Code.

(3) Plants within Zone One shall be primarily low-growing and less than 4
feet in height with the exception of trees. Plants shall be low-fuel and
fire-resistive.

(4) Trees within Zone One shall be located away from structures to a
minimum distance of 10 feet as measured from the structures to the
drip line of the tree at maturity in accordance with the Landscape
Standards of the Land Development Manual.

(5) Permanent irrigation is required for all planting areas within Zone One
except as follows:

(A) When planting areas contain only species that do not grow
taller than 24 inches in height, or

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(B) When planting areas contain only native or naturalized species
that are not summer-dormant and have a maximum height at
plant maturity of less than 24 inches.

(6) Zone One irrigation overspray and runoff shall not be allowed into
adjacent areas of native or naturalized vegetation.

(7) Zone One shall be maintained on a regular basis by pruning and
thinning plants, controlling weeds, and maintaining irrigation systems.

(h) Zone Two Requirements

(1) The required Zone Two width shall be provided between Zone One
and the undisturbed, native or naturalized vegetation, and shall be
measured from the edge of Zone One that is farthest from the habitable
structure, to the edge of undisturbed vegetation.

(2) No structures shall be constructed in Zone Two.

(3) Within Zone Two, 50 percent of the plants over 24 inches in height
shall be cut and cleared to a height of 6 inches.

(4) Within Zone Two, all plants remaining after 50 percent are reduced in
height, shall be pruned to reduce fuel loading in accordance with the
Landscape Standards in the Land Development Manual. Non-native
plants shall be pruned before native plants are pruned.

(5) The following standards shall be used where Zone Two is in an area previously graded as part of legal development activity and is proposed to be planted with new plant material instead of clearing existing native or naturalized vegetation:

(A) All new plant material for Zone Two shall be native, low-fuel,
and fire-resistive. No non-native plant material may be planted
in Zone Two either inside the MHPA or in the Coastal Overlay
Zone, adjacent to areas containing sensitive biological
resources.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(B) New plants shall be low-growing with a maximum height at
maturity of 24 inches. Single specimens of fire resistive native
trees and tree form shrubs may exceed this limitation if they
are located to reduce the chance of transmitting fire from
native or naturalized vegetation to habitable structures and if
the vertical distance between the lowest branches of the trees
and the top of adjacent plants are three times the height of the
adjacent plants to reduce the spread of fire through ladder
fueling.

(C) All new Zone Two plantings shall irrigated temporarily until
established to the satisfaction of the City Manager. Only low-
flow, low-gallonage spray heads may be used in Zone Two.
Overspray and runoff from the irrigation shall not drift or flow
into adjacent areas of native or naturalized vegetation.
Temporary irrigation systems shall be removed upon approved
establishment of the plantings. Permanent irrigation is not
allowed in Zone Two.

(D) Where Zone Two is being revegetated as a requirement of
Section 142.0411(a), revegetation shall comply with the
spacing standards in the Land Development Manual. Fifty
percent of the planting area shall be planted with material that
does not grow taller than 24 inches. The remaining planting
area may be planted with taller material, but this material shall
be maintained in accordance with the requirements for existing
plant material in Zone Two.

(6) Zone Two shall be maintained on a regular basis by pruning and
thinning plants, removing invasive species, and controlling weeds.

(7) Except as provided in Section 142.0412(i), where the required Zone
One width shown in Table 142-04H cannot be provided on premises
with existing structures, the required Zone Two width shall be
increased by one foot for each foot of required Zone One width that
cannot be provided.

(i) An applicant may request approval of alternative compliance for brush
management if all of the following conditions exist:

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(1) The proposed alternative compliance provides sufficient defensible
space between all structures on the premises and contiguous areas of
native or naturalized vegetation as demonstrated to the satisfaction of
the Fire Chief based on documentation that addresses the topography
of the site, existing and potential fuel load, and other characteristics
related to fire protection and the context of the proposed development.

(2) The proposed alternative compliance minimizes impacts to
undisturbed native or naturalized vegetation where possible while still
meeting the purpose and intent of Section 142.0412 to reduce fire
hazards around structures and provide an effective fire break.

(3) The proposed alternative compliance is not detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare of persons residing or working in the area.

(j) If the Fire Chief approves alternative compliance in accordance with this
section, the modifications shall be recorded with the approved permit
conditions if approved as part of a development permit, or noted in the permit
file if approved as part of a construction permit.

(k) For existing structures, the Fire Chief may require brush management in
compliance with this section for any area, independent of size, location, or
condition if it is determined that an imminent fire hazard exists.
(l) Brush management for existing structures shall be performed by the owner of
the property that contains the native and naturalized vegetation. This
requirement is independent of whether the structure being protected by brush
management is owned by the property owner subject to these requirements or
is on neighboring property.

(m) Where specifically authorized by the Fire Chief, goats may be used for brush
management in accordance with the following:
(1) In order to prevent escapes, harassment from predators or humans, or
over browsing, goats shall be managed and monitored 24-hours a day
by a contractor with at least two years experience in raising, handling,
and controlling of goats. The goat contractor shall maintain a
minimum of $1 million of liability insurance subject to approval by
the Office of the City Attorney.
(2) At least 10 business days prior to using goats for brush management,
the property owner shall apply to the Fire Rescue Department for a
permit to use goats for brush management. The applicant shall:

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(A) Obtain and submit written permission from the owner of any property through which the goats must gain access to the area to be browsed. (B) Provide written notice to the Fire Chief and all owners and residents of property located immediately adjacent to the area to be browsed. This notice shall identify Sections 44.0307 and 142.0412(m) as the authority for temporary use of goats. (C) Provide photographs of the existing condition of the site, and a plan describing the methods to be employed and measures to retain existing vegetation in compliance with Section 142.0412(h).

(3) The area to be browsed shall be measured, staked, and appropriately
fenced with temporary electrically charged fencing to delineate brush
management in the Zone Two areas. Signs must be posted at 25-foot
intervals along the fence warning of the possibility of mild electric
shock.
(4) The timing of brush management activities shall comply with Section
142.0412(d).
(5) While goats are browsing:
(A) No more than 75 goats are permitted on a single acre of the
premises.
(B) Goats shall be moved along periodically so that no more than
50 percent of the vegetation is thinned or reduced.
(C) The goats shall remain within a secure enclosure at all times.
(D) Goats shall be moved into a separate holding pen at night,
which shall be located the maximum distance reasonably
practicable from residences.
(E) Droppings in the holding pen, and to the extent reasonably
possible within the brush management area, shall be removed
and properly disposed of daily in accordance with Section
44.0307.
(F) The goats shall be used for brush management only and shall
be immediately removed when the brush thinning has been
accomplished.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(6) No later than 5 business days from the date of removal of the goats, the applicant shall notify the Fire Chief in writing of the removal of the goats.

(7) The Fire Rescue Department shall not approve any permit under
Section 142.0412(m) that will utilize a contractor determined by the
City Manager to have negligently performed brush management
services within the three prior calendar years. All facts supporting
such a determination shall be provided to the applicant in writing, and
shall constitute a final determination on the City’s behalf.

(n) Within the Coastal Overlay Zone, brush management for new subdivisions
shall not be permitted to encroach into an environmentally sensitive habitat
area [ESHA], except that encroachment may be permitted where necessary to
achieve a maximum development area of 25 percent including Zones One and
Two. For purposes of this Section, ESHA shall include southern fordunes,
Torrey pines forest, coastal bluff scrub, maritime succulent scrub, maritime
chaparral, native grasslands, oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub and coastal
sage scrub/communities, and any vegetative communities that support
threatened or endangered species.

(o) Violations and Remedies
(1) The provisions of this division shall be enforced pursuant to Chapter
12, Article 1, Division 2 (Enforcement Authorities for the Land
Development Code), and Chapter 12, Article 1, Division 3 (Violations
of the Land Development Code and General Remedies).

(2) In accordance with Section 121.0312, the City Manager may order
reasonable restoration of the premises and any adjacent affected site to
its lawful condition or may require reasonable mitigation at the sole
cost of the responsible person.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; amended 10-18-1999 by O-18691 N.S.; effective
1-1-2000.)
(Amended 9-19-2005 by O-19413 N.S.; effective10-19-2005.)
(Amended 6-15-2007 by O-19624 N.S.; effective 7-15-2007.)
(Amended 1-15-2008 by O-19698 N.S.; effective 2-14-2008.)
(Amended 7-28-2009 by O-19885 N.S; effective 8-27-2009.)
(Amended 8-4-2011 by O-20081 N.S.; effective 10-6-2011.)
(Amended 7-31-2012 by O-20187 N.S.; effective 8-30-2012.)
(Amended 6-18-2013 by O-20261 N.S.; effective 7-19-2013.)

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

[Editors Note Section 142.0412. Resolution R-303274 was adopted by City Council to temporarily allow goat monitoring in the coastal overlay zone for a 5 year trial period during which annual monitoring reports would be distributed to the Coastal Commission. If at the end of 5 years, monitoring reports indicate that the use of goats has adversely impacted ESHA, the use of goats in the coastal zone would be discontinued.]

(Amended 3-22-2018 by O-20917 N.S.; effective 4-21-2018.) (Amended 1-11-2019 by O-21033 N.S.; effective 2-10-2019.) (Amended 8-9-2019 by O-21114 N.S.; effective 9-8-2019.) (Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.) (Amended 3-7-2023 by O-21618 N.S.; effective 5-6-2023.)

(a) Landscape Area. For the purposes of Section 142.0413, landscape area means the entire premises, less the area of building footprints, non-irrigated portions of parking lots, driveways, hardscapes, designated storage areas, and areas designated for habitat preservation or brush management Zone Two.

(b) Lawn Requirements.

(1) Lawn areas shall not exceed 10 percent of the landscape area on a
premises, excluding required common areas, active recreation areas,
and areas located within the public right-of-way between the curb and
public sidewalk. This restriction does not apply to single dwelling
units.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(2) Lawn areas bounded by impervious surfaces on two or more sides
must have minimum dimensions of 10 feet in all directions unless
subsurface or low volume irrigation is used.

(3) Lawn areas located on slopes, where the toe of the slope is adjacent to
hardscape, shall not exceed a gradient of 25 percent (4:1).

(c) Reclaimed Water. Development in areas where reclaimed water is available
and suitable for irrigation shall provide for a dual water distribution system
for all landscaped areas. Only reclaimed water shall be used for irrigation
purposes where it is available.

(d) Model Water Efficient Landscape Regulations (MWELO).

Development with a landscape area of 500 square feet or greater and
rehabilitated landscape projects, as defined in California Code of Regulations
section 491, with a landscape area of 2,500 square feet or greater shall be
subject to the following pursuant to title 23, section 490.1 of the California
Code of Regulations:

(1) Water Budget

(A) Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) water budget
shall be calculated using the following formula:

MAWA Water Budget = (ETo)(0.62)[(ETAF)(LA) +
(1-ETAF)(SLA)]

For residential landscape = (ETo)(0.62)[(0.55)(LA) +
(0.45)(SLA)]

For non-residential landscape =
(ETo)(0.62)[(0.45)(LA) + (0.55)(SLA)]

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

Legend for MAWA Water Budget Calculation Formula

Footnote for Table 142-04J

1 Refer to Appendix E of the Landscape Standards of the Land Development
Manual for ETo Map and ETo Table by Community Planning Area.

(B) Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU), as calculated in Section
2.6 of the Landscape Standards of the Land Development
Manual, shall not exceed the MAWA water budget.

(C) The irrigation system is required to be operated within the
approved MAWA Water Budget.

(2) Water Meters

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(A) Residential

(i) Dedicated water meters or private submeters shall not
be required for residential landscapes of less than 5,000
square feet.

(ii) Dedicated water meters or private submeters shall be
required for irrigated landscapes of 5,000 square feet or
greater.

(B) Non-Residential

(i) Dedicated water meters or private submeters shall be
required for irrigated landscapes of greater than 1,000
square feet and less than 5,000 square feet.

(ii) Dedicated water meters shall be required for irrigated
landscapes greater than 5,000 square feet.

(3) Soil Preparation, Mulch and Analysis

(A) An applicant subject to the MWELO per Section 142.0413(d)
shall submit a Soil Management Report to the Development
Services Department.

(B) Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to the recommendations of a Soil Management Report.

(C) Compost at a minimum of 4 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet
of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of 6 inches
into the soil.

(i) Soils with greater than 6 percent organic matter in the
top 6 inches of soil are exempt from this requirement.

(D) All required planting areas and all exposed soil areas without
vegetation shall be covered with mulch to a minimum depth of
3 inches, excluding slopes.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(E) Organic mulch materials made from recycled or post-consumer
materials shall be required over inorganic materials or virgin
forest products unless the recycled post-consumer organic
products are not locally available within a 500 mile radius.
Organic mulches are not required where prohibited by fuel
modification plan guidelines or ordinances.

(4) Irrigation Audit

(A) An applicant subject to the MWELO pursuant to Section
142.0413(d) shall conduct and submit to the City an irrigation
audit consistent with Section 2.7 of the Landscape Standards of
the Land Development Manual.

(B) All irrigation audits shall be conducted by a professional
authorized by the State to perform this work.

(C) The irrigation audit shall certify that all plant material,
irrigation systems, and landscape features have been installed
and operate as reviewed by the City to be consistent with any
applicable design guidelines; and shall be submitted to the City
prior to Certificate of Occupancy or final inspection.

(5) Prescriptive Compliance

Pursuant to title 23, section 490.1 of the California Code of Regulations, an applicant with an aggregate landscape area of 2,500 square feet or less may alternatively comply with the WELO Regulation calculations, if the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Development Services Director that the landscape area for the development will comply with all of the following:

(A) Incorporates compost at a rate of at least 4 cubic yards per
1,000 square feet to a total depth of 6 inches (unless
contraindicated by results of Soil Management Report (as
defined in in this section d(3)(A)).

(B) Includes climate adapted plants that meet the following:

(i) All plant species are identified on the Water Use
Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) list as
requiring little or no summer water and have an average
plant factor of 0.3; and

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(ii) The minimum plant area for the climate adapted plants
is at least 75 percent of the total plant area for
residential development or 100 percent for non-
residential development. Plant areas used for edibles or
areas where recycled water is used for irrigation may be
excluded from the calculation of total plant area.

(C) Incorporates a minimum 3-inch layer of mulch on all exposed
soil surfaces of planting areas, except in turf areas, creeping or
rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications where
mulch is contraindicated.

(D) Minimizes the use of turf as follows:

(i) Turf is not permitted for non-residential development or
in parkways less than 10 feet wide, unless the parkway
is adjacent to a parking strip and used to enter and exit
vehicles and is irrigated by subsurface irrigation (or
equivalent system that creates no overspray or runoff).

(ii) Turf for residential development landscape areas shall
not exceed 25 percent of the landscape area and shall
not be planted on sloped areas that exceed a slope of 1-
foot vertical elevation change for every 4 feet
horizontal length.

(E) Provides an irrigation system that meets all of the following
requirements:

(i) Includes an automatic irrigation controller that utilizes
a rain sensor and evapotranspiration or soil moisture
sensor data, and that does not lose programming data if
in the event a primary power source is interrupted;

(ii) Includes a pressure regulator to ensure the dynamic
pressure of the system is within the manufacturer’s
recommended pressure range;

(iii) Includes manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve,
ball valve, or butterfly valve) installed as close as
possible to the point of connection to the water supply;

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)

(iv) Includes irrigation sprinkler and emission devices that
meet the State of California Landscape Irrigation
Sprinkler and Emitter Standards;

(v) Includes subsurface irrigation (or equivalent system
that produces no overspray or runoff) in any landscape
areas less than 10 feet in width in any direction; and

(vi) Includes a private submeter for any non-residential development landscape areas that are 1,000 square feet or more in size.

(F) Incorporates the following statement on the approved
landscape plan set:

This landscape plan meets the requirements of the Model
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) in
accordance with state law and Land Development Code
Section 142.0413. Adherence to the MWELO is required,
including compliance with the schedule of landscape and
irrigation maintenance.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 10-28-2009 by O-19903 N.S; effective 11-27-2009.)
(Amended 6-18-2013 by O-20261 N.S.; effective 7-19-2013.)
(Amended 4-5-2016 by O-20634 N.S.; effective 5-5-2016.)
(Amended 1-8-2020 by O-21164 N.S.; effective 2-9-2020.)
(Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.)
(Amended 3-7-2023 by O-21618 N.S.; effective 5-6-2023.)

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (3-2026)

Article 2: General Development Regulations