4.16 Landscape Requirements of the Zoning Code, including all design

standards of Section 4.16.116 Design Standards, and applied them for the efficient use of water in the landscape design plan"; and

n. Bear the signature of a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape
contractor, or any other person authorized to design a landscape.

3. Irrigation Design Plan submitted in an applicant's Landscape Documentation Package
shall include:

a. Location and size of separate water meters for landscape;

b. Location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system, including
controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing
devices, rain switches, quick couplers, pressure regulators, and backflow
prevention devices;

c. Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply;

d. Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design
operating pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station;

e. Recycled water irrigation systems (if applicable);

f. Demonstration of compliance with all design standards specified in the article;

g. The following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of Chapter 4.16
Landscape Requirements of the Zoning Code, including all design standards and
applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the irrigation design
plan"; and

h. The signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer,
licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design an
irrigation system.

4. Water Management Plan submitted in an applicant's Landscape Documentation
Package shall include:

a. An introduction and statement of existing site conditions, including annual
precipitation rates;

b. The anticipated water requirements in inches per year for each hydrozone;

c. Seasonal irrigation water schedules or procedures for programming proposed
controllers; and

d. A maintenance plan for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the irrigation
system.

e. The Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet which contains two sections:

i. A hydrozone information table for the landscape project,

ii. A water budget calculation for the landscape project. For the calculation of
the Maximum Applied Water Allowance and Estimated Total Water Use,
a project applicant shall use the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) value
41.8.

5. A Soil Management Report that addresses the soil attributes of the project site and
shall include Identification of areas of quality topsoil to be protected during
construction and/or critical soil limitations (such as compaction; water logged soils or
wetlands; thin, eroded or erosion prone soils) and a laboratory soil analysis of the
soil(s) into which plantings are to be made. Soil sampling shall be conducted in
accordance with laboratory protocol, including protocols regarding adequate
sampling depth for the intended plants. The soil analysis shall include:

a. Analysis of soil texture;

b. Analysis of infiltration rate determined by laboratory test or soil texture
infiltration rate table;

c. pH;

d. Total soluble salts;

e. Sodium;

f. Essential nutrients;

g. Percent organic matter; and

h. Recommendations for soil amendments or nutrient applications to ameliorate
the soil limitations identified by the analysis and the amount of compost as
required in Subsection D: Design Standards for Projects Requiring a Landscape
Documentation Package and/or Irrigation Design Plan of Section 4.16.116
Design Standards.

It is highly recommended that:

i. The lab report recommendations be based on an 'organic' approach to soil and
landscape management that specifies natural and non-synthetic fertilizers to
rectify any soil deficiencies;

j. If the soils are to be irrigated with recycled water the lab report
recommendations be tailored to recycled water;

k. The types of plantings intended such as turf, perennial bed, annual bed, swale
etc. be provided to the soil laboratory; and

l. Management actions be identified to remediate limiting soil characteristics such
as ripping the soil to alleviate soil compaction.

6. Grading Design Plan submitted in an applicant's Landscape Documentation Package shall include: a. Height of graded slopes; b. Drainage patterns; c. Pad elevations; d. Finish grade; and, e. Stormwater retention improvements, if applicable. This requirement may be fulfilled by providing the aforementioned information on the Landscape Design Plan. C. Irrigation is Required. A permanent and automatic irrigation system that complies with all design standards specified in this chapter shall be provided for all new and renovated landscaped areas exceeding 500 square feet except residential landscapes that are less than 5,000 square feet. The Zoning Enforcement Official may waive this requirement due to significant physical constraints. A statement regarding the provision of an irrigation system shall be made on the final landscape plans. An Irrigation Design Plan shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package (when required) or when made a condition of approval or required by the Zoning Enforcement Official. When required, the Irrigation Design Plan shall include the following information: 1. Location and size of separate water meters for landscape; 2. Location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system, including controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, pressure regulators, and backflow prevention devices; 3. Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply; 4. Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design operating pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station; 5. Recycled water irrigation systems (if applicable); 6. Demonstration of compliance with all design standards specified in the chapter; 7. The following statement: "I have complied with the criteria of Chapter 4.16 of the Zoning Code, including all design standards and applied them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan"; and 8. The signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, licensed landscape contractor, or any other person authorized to design an irrigation system.

D. Certificate of Completion. Upon approval of the Landscape Documentation Package, the applicant shall receive a Certificate of Completion, which shall include the following:

1. Project Information Sheet;

2. Certification that project has been installed in conformance with the approved
Landscape Documentation Plan;

3. Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller(s);

4. An audit report (if required); and

5. A landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule.

E. Changes to Approved Plans. No significant or substantive changes to approved landscaping
or irrigation plans or any plans in the Landscape Documentation Package shall be made
without prior written approval by the Zoning Enforcement Official. The Zoning
Enforcement Official may require the approval of the project's decision-making body if the
requested changes would have a major effect on the character of the project, would effect a
landscape requirement that was discussed in the public hearing, or were part of a condition
of approval.

F. Irrigation Audits. The City of San Leandro shall administer programs that may include, but
are not be limited to, irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits, and irrigation surveys
for compliance with the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. All landscape irrigation
audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. For new construction
and rehabilitated landscape projects installed after January 1, 2010 the project applicant
shall submit an irrigation audit report with the Certificate of Completion to the City of San
Leandro that may include, but is not limited to: inspection, system tune-up, system test with
distribution uniformity, reporting overspray or run off that causes overland flow, and
preparation of an irrigation schedule.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2010-001 § 1; Ord. 2012-005 § 3; Ord. 2020-002 § 4; Ord. 2024-011,
7/15/2024)

A. Identification of Trees on Development Applications.

1. Plans submitted for "Site Plan Approval" shall identify all existing trees with a trunk
diameter equal or greater than six inches in diameter as measured 4.5 feet above
existing grade. The plans shall indicate the trees' species and drip-lines. The plans
shall indicate which trees are proposed for removal, and a "limit of grading" line,
where applicable.

2. To supplement the above requirements, an applicant may be required to provide a tree
report, to be prepared by a certified arborist, that provides additional information to
aid the decision-maker in the evaluation of the site plan. The report should indicate
such information as the tree's health, appearance, suitability for preservation, and/or
potential for failure.

B. Preservation or Replacement of Trees.

1. Ability to Require Preservation or Replacement. The "Site Plan Approval" decision-
maker may require that significant trees be preserved, and/or that replacement trees
be provided within the final landscape plan for the project. A tree may be found to be
significant due to its size, age, prominence in the neighborhood's landscape, and/or
habitat value.

2. Applicant Must Identify Protection Measures. Final grading and landscape plans for
the project (as submitted at the building/grading permit stage) shall specify tree
protection measures for those trees that were either identified on the applicant's plan
to be preserved, or were required to be preserved as a condition of Site Plan, Use
Permit or Planned Development approval. In addition, the Zoning Enforcement
Official or project decision-maker may require the applicant to provide additional
security, such as a bond or certificate of deposit, to cover possible replacement if the
subject trees are damaged or destroyed.

3. Grading Prohibited Within Drip-lines. No grading shall occur within the drip-line of
a tree designated and/or required to be preserved unless approval of such grading was
given at the time the project was approved or unless the Zoning Enforcement Official
has subsequently reviewed and approved plans for such additional grading.

4. Preserved and Replacement Trees to Be Permanently Maintained. Trees designated
and/or required for preservation or required as replacement trees shall be permanently
maintained as required by Subsection D: Landscaping Shall be Permanently
Maintained of Section 4.16.124 Completion, Maintenance and Subsequent Changes.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2010-001 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)

A. General Design Standards. All landscapes shall adhere to the following design standards:

1. Landscape materials shall demonstrate a recognizable pattern or theme for the overall
development by choice and location of materials and shall be located such that at
maturity:

a. They do not interfere with site distance standards for vehicular, bicycle, or
pedestrian traffic, as determined by the City Engineer;

b. They do not conflict with overhead utility lines, overhead lights, or walkway
lights; and

c. They do not block pedestrian or bicycle ways or emergency access or exits.

2. Plant selection and irrigation design shall incorporate appropriate water conservation
measures, as required by applicable State or local regulations and adhere to the most
recent version of the "Bay Friendly Landscape Guidelines" developed by
StopWaste.Org for use in the professional design, construction and maintenance of
landscapes. City staff shall maintain the most recent version of the "Bay-Friendly
Landscape Guidelines" at all times.

3. The minimum portion of a site that is to be a landscaped area shall be as prescribed
under the applicable R, C or I Zoning District's development regulations.

B. Street Trees.

1. Street Trees Required. Street trees with spacing not to exceed 30 feet and of minimum
24 inch box size shall be provided along any public street frontage. Such trees shall
be a deciduous species that will provide canopy shade cover at maturity or alternate
species type as approved with the conceptual or final landscape plan. Credit may be
given for existing city street trees, where applicable. New trees may be placed in the
City right-of-way in conjunction with new sidewalk improvements and subject to the
approval of the Zoning Enforcement Official and City Engineer.

C. Design Standards for Parking Lots.

1. Requirements for Perimeter Planting.

a. Perimeter Landscaping Required for All Parking Lots. In addition to the
requirements for minimum landscaped front and corner side yards prescribed for
in the applicable R, C, and I Zoning Districts, and notwithstanding the zero foot
setback requirement for side or rear yards in the C and I Districts, a landscaped
area of not less than five feet wide, measured from inside of curb, shall be
provided adjacent to any property line.

b. Required Screening of Parking Lot from Street. Along street frontages,
screening to a height of 30 inches shall be provided by use of continuous shrub
plantings, berms, and/or architectural walls.

2. Requirements for Interior Landscaped Areas.

a. Minimum Width of Interior Landscaped Areas. Interior landscaped areas, or tree
wells, shall be a minimum of four feet in width, measured from inside of curb to
inside of curb, or as required by Subsection C.4, below.

b. Separation of Parking Rows from Driveways. The end of each row of parking
stalls shall be separated from driveways by a landscaped area, sidewalk, or other
means approved by the Zoning Enforcement Official.

3. Requirements for Parking Lot Trees.

a. Minimum Number of Trees. A minimum of one tree for every six parking spaces
shall be distributed throughout the parking lot.

b. Trees to Provide Shade at Maturity. Trees with a canopy or spreading branch
structure shall be specified, and trees shall generally have consistent spacing to
substantially shade the parking area at maturity.

4. Increased Landscaped Area In-lieu of Wheel Stops. Where parking stalls face into
landscaped areas, the depth of the parking stall shall be decreased by two feet, and the
landscaped area shall be increased two feet, with wheel stops or with the curb
functioning as the wheel stop and allowing autos to overhang the increased
landscaped area. Where autos will overhang into opposite sides of a landscaped area,
such landscaped areas shall have a minimum width of six feet, as measured from
inside of curb to inside of curb.

5. Required Landscaped Areas for Parking Structure. A parking structure in a C, P, or I

Zoning District having at-grade parking adjoining a street shall have a ten foot
landscaped area adjoining the street property line. Planter boxes shall be provided on
the upper levels of parking structures where these structures are visible from public
streets, pedestrian pathways, or adjacent buildings.

D. Design Standards for Projects Requiring a Landscape Documentation Package and/or IrrigationDesign Plan. All new or rehabilitated commercial, industrial or developer- installed residential landscapes that exceed 2,500 square feet or residential landscapes that exceed 5,000 square feet shall adhere to the following design standards. These standards shall not apply to city-recognized historic landscapes.

1. Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the
climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site.

2. Plants shall be grouped in hydozones according to water need.

3. At least 75 percent of the total number of plants in non-turf areas shall require
occasional, little or no summer water once established. All species should be adapted
to the climate in which they will be planted, as documented by a published plant
reference. If plants are given a range of water needs from "occasional to moderate"
for example, the landscape designer must determine if the plant will require either
occasional or moderate watering based on site, soil, and climate conditions and
categorize the plant appropriately. Sources used to determine climate adaptation and
watering requirements may include:

a. Bornstein, Carol, David Fross and Bart O'Brien, California Native Plants for the
Gar-den. Qualifying irrigation designation: "occasional," "infrequent," or
"drought tolerant."

b. East Bay Municipal Utility District's Publication Plants and Landscapes for
SummerDry Climates. Qualifying irrigation designation: "occasional,"
"infrequent," or "no summer water."

c. Sunset Publishing Corporation Sunset Western Garden Book. Qualifying
irrigation designation: "little or no water."

d. University of California Cooperative Extension's Guide to Estimating Irrigation
Wa-ter Needs of Landscape Plantings in CA. Qualifying irrigation designation:
"Low" or "Very Low."

4. Total irrigated areas specified as turf shall be limited to a maximum of 25 percent;
sports or multiple uses fields or recreational areas are exempted. Turf is not allowed
on slopes greater than 25 percent where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an
impermeable hardscape and where 25 percent means one foot of vertical elevation
change for every four feet of horizontal length.

5. Those species identified by California Invasive Plan Council (CAL-IPC) as invasive
in the San Francisco Bay Area shall not be specified.

6. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which include
community apartment projects, condominiums, Planned Developments, and stock
cooperatives, shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of
prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a group.

7. Recirculating water shall be used for water features and, where available, recycled
water shall be used as a source for decorative water features.

8. Recycled water shall be used for all irrigation (if available).

9. The irrigation system shall be designed to ensure that the dynamic pressure at each
emission device is within the manufacturer's recommended pressure range for optimal
performance.

10. Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter
irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions shall be required on all
irrigation systems, as appropriate for local climatic conditions. Irrigation should be
avoided during windy or freezing weather or during rain.

11. Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve) shall be
required, as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply, to
minimize water loss in case of an emergency (such as a main line break) or routine
repair.

12. Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the water supply from
contamination by the irrigation system.

13. The irrigation system shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage,
overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto non-targeted
areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or
structures. Weather-based irrigation controllers, soil moisture-based controllers or
other self-adjusting irrigation controllers shall be required for all irrigation systems.

14. In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation is required to maximize
water infiltration into the root zone.

15. Sprinkler spacing shall be designed to achieve a uniform precipitation rate with no overspray onto hardscapes. 16. Swing joints or other riser-protection components are required on all risers subject to damage that are adjacent to high traffic areas. 17. Check valves or anti-drain valves are required for all irrigation systems. 18. Narrow or irregularly shaped areas, including turf, less than eight feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or low volume irrigation system. Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any non-permeable surface. Allowable irrigation within the setback from non-permeable surfaces may include drip, drip line, or other low flow non-spray technology. 19. For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules shall be developed, managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers. Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. unless weather conditions prevent it. If allowable hours of irrigation differ from the local water purveyor, the stricter of the two shall apply. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance. 20. Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes. It is highly recommended that bio based products are used and petroleum based products are avoided. 21. Compost shall be specified as the soil amendment according to the outcome of the soil analysis, to bring the soil organic matter content to a minimum of three and one- half percent by dry weight or one inch of compost. Adding compost is waived if the plant palette primarily includes plants that are adapted to soils with little or no organic matter as documented by a published plant reference. If imported or site soil meets the organic content of three and one-half percent, the compost requirement is waived. 22. All plans shall specify that 50 percent of landscape construction and demolition waste by weight must be diverted from the landfill. E. Recommended Design Standards. It is recommended that all landscape projects: 1. Protect and preserve existing native vegetation and use local natural plant communities as models;

16. Select water-conserving plant and turf species that are suitable for the climate and soil conditions in San Leandro; 3. Select plants based on disease and pest resistance; 4. Use the Sunset Western Climate Zone System to select plants, which takes into account temperature, humidity, elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying degrees of continental and marine influence on local climate; 5. Avoid turf on slopes greater than ten percent where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and avoid turf in street medians, traffic islands or bulbouts of any size unless irrigated with subsurface or low volume irrigation; 6. Grade so that all irrigation and normal rainfall remains within property lines and does not drain on to non-permeable hardscapes; 7. Avoid disruption of natural drainage patterns and undisturbed soil; 8. Avoid soil compaction in landscape areas; 9. Place trees on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers, and turf; 10. Use automatic irrigation controllers that allow for multiple start times; 11. Set irrigation controls to water before 10:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m.; 12. Space sprinkler heads to achieve a uniform precipitation rate with no overspray onto hardscapes; 13. Use dedicated landscape water meters on landscape areas smaller than 5,000 square feet to facilitate water management; 14. Install high-flow sensors (flow meters) that detect and report high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction; 15. Install manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve) as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply, to minimize water loss in case of an emergency (such as a main line break) or routine repair; 16. Use low volume irrigation to maximize water infiltration into the root zone in mulched planting areas; 17. Incorporate rain harvesting or catchment technologies such as cisterns for storage and use of rainwater to satisfy a percentage of the landscape irrigation requirements; and 18. Incorporate stormwater best management practices to minimize runoff and to increase on-site retention and infiltration. Examples include: a. Rain gardens, infiltration beds, swales and basins that allow water to collect and soak into the ground,

b. Constructed wetlands and retention ponds that retain water, handle excess flow and filter pollutants, and

c. Pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., permeable pavers or blocks, pervious or
porous concrete, etc.) that minimize runoff.

F. Exceptions to Design Standards. An Administrative Exception per Chapter 5.06 may be
approved to allow exceptions to the requirements of this section if such requirements are
found not to be practical due to pre-existing site constraints.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2010-001 § 1; Ord. 2012-005 § 3; Ord. 2020-002 § 4; Ord. 2022-001
§ 3)

A. Minimum Required Landscape Areas Shall be Planted. The sole use of crushed rock or gravel for large landscaped areas is prohibited (except for walks and drainage swales).

B. Minimum Plant Sizes and Species Type. Plant materials shall be sized and spaced to
achieve immediate effect. Select species and space plants to allow them to grow to their
natural size and shape. Plants located in a row or adjacent to buildings, sidewalks, or roads
will be spaced between their minimum and maximum mature plant spread, according to a
published reference plant book. Plant materials shall not be normally less than a 15 gallon
container for trees, five gallon container for shrubs, and a one gallon container for accent
plantings. The Zoning Enforcement Official may approve smaller or require larger initial
planting size to achieve specific effects.

C. Mulching is Required. All soil on site shall be top dressed with medium decorative bark
chip mulch to a depth of three inches, or an approved alternative. Ongoing maintenance
includes regular reapplication of mulch to a minimum of three inches. It is highly
recommended that compost and mulch is recycled from local organic materials such as
plant or wood waste and compost is purchased from processors who participate in the US
Composting Council's Standard Testing Assurance Program.

D. Performance Standards for Plant Material.

1. Groundcover plantings shall substantially fill the intended landscape area within two
years of planting.

2. Shrub plantings, where used to screen parking lots, shall reach a minimum height of

30 inches within two years of planting.

E. Staking Requirements. All trees shall be double staked.

F. Hydro-Seeding. Plans indicating location and type of hydro-seeding shall be submitted
with the final landscape plan when such planting is to be utilized for permanent landscape
treatment or for natural area restoration. Hydro-seeding plans shall contain installation
specifications including, but not limited to:

1. Seed Mix and Application Rate. A native seed mix containing a minimum of ten
percent shrub and perennial seeds shall be utilized in areas where permanent
landscape restoration is required. Species selected shall include plant materials native
to the area.

2. Fertilizer, mulch materials, soil preparation, and watering specifications.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2010-001 § 1; Ord. 2012-005 § 3; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)

A. Completion of Landscape Installation. Prior to the issuance of either a Certificate of Occupancy or Approval of the Final Inspection, all required landscaping and irrigation shall be installed per the approved plans, with respect to size, number, and species of plants, and provision of adequate irrigation coverage. In cases of substantial documented hardship and subject to the approval of the Zoning Enforcement Official, a Certificate of Occupancy may be issued prior to the complete installation of the landscaping subject to the applicant/ owner's posting of a certificate of deposit, performance bond, or other acceptable security.

B. Ability to Assure Establishment of Landscaping. For projects with significant new
landscaping, or where the installation of such landscaping was a project specific condition
intended to mitigate a project's impact, the Zoning Enforcement Official may require either
or both of the following to assure plant establishment:

1. Posting of a performance bond or certificate of deposit, to cover a two year period.
Such bonds shall typically cover the cost of replacing all applicable plant material,
but may exclude material and labor costs relating to irrigation; or

2. Providing evidence of a minimum two year maintenance contract with a licensed
landscape contractor.

C. Irrigation Scheduling. For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules shall be
developed, managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to
maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the following criteria:

1. Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers.

2. Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. unless
weather conditions prevent it. If allowable hours of irrigation differ from the local
water purveyor, the stricter of the two shall apply. Operation of the irrigation system
outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.

3. For implementation of the irrigation schedule, particular attention must be paid to
irrigation run times, emission device, flow rate, and current reference
evapotranspiration, so that applied water meets the Estimated Total Water Use. Total annual applied water shall be less than or equal to Maximum Applied Water
Allowance (MAWA). Actual irrigation schedules shall be regulated by automatic
irrigation controllers using current reference evapotranspiration data (e.g., CIMIS) or
soil moisture sensor data.

4. Parameters used to set the automatic controller shall be developed and submitted for
each of the following:

a. The plant establishment period;

b. The established landscape; and

c. Temporarily irrigated areas.

5. Each irrigation schedule shall consider for each station all of the following that apply:

a. Irrigation interval (days between irrigation);

b. Irrigation run times (hours or minutes per irrigation event to avoid runoff);

c. Number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event to avoid runoff;

d. Amount of applied water scheduled to be applied on a monthly basis;

e. Application rate setting;

f. Root depth setting;

g. Plant type setting;

h. Soil type and mulch depth;

i. Slope factor setting;

j. Shade factor setting; and

k. Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting.

D. Landscaping Shall be Permanently Maintained. Required landscaped areas shall be
permanently maintained to preserve plant heath, water use efficiency and consistency with
the design at time of completion and City's final inspection. As used in this section,
"maintained" includes: watering, weeding, pruning, insect and disease control, and
replacement of plant materials and irrigation equipment as needed to preserve the health
and appearance of plant materials.

1. Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule. Landscapes shall be maintained to
ensure water use efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted with
the Certificate of Completion.

a. A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, routine
inspection; adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components;
aerating and dethatching turf areas; replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning;
weeding in all landscape areas, and removing and obstruction to emission
devices. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window
is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.

b. Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or their equivalents.

c. Use of the "Bay-Friendly Landscape Model Maintenance Specifications" and
the "Bay-Friendly Landscape Guidelines" as official reference documents in the
landscape maintenance contract and/or with on-site landscape staff is highly
recommended. It is highly recommended that at least one landscaping staff
member or contractor to be trained in the use of Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) or is a "Bay-Friendly Qualified Landscape Professional."

2. Failure to Maintain Landscaping is a Violation of this Code. The failure to maintain a
landscape installation that is governed by this chapter may be cited as a violation of
this Code, pursuant to Section 5.24.112 Violations as Misdemeanors or Infractions.
Examples of failed maintenance include, but are not limited to:

a. Allowing a significant amount of trees, shrubs, ground covers, and/or turf areas
to die, or become so diseased, and/or stressed as to make the property appear
unsightly.

b. Improperly pruning trees, so that their natural form is negated. Examples include
the severe topping or pollarding of trees that were planted or retained to provide
a shade canopy, or "pruning up," or excessively "thinning" trees that were
required for screening.

c. Allowing weeds to grow and infiltrate to such an extent that the intended ground
cover plantings are obscured, and/or the landscaped area appears unsightly.

3. Changes to Previously Approved Plans Require City Approval. The removal and/or
replacement of trees that were a part of an earlier approval by a Site Plan Review, Use
Permit, and/or Planned Development may require an amendment to that earlier
approval as determined by the Zoning Enforcement Official. Removal of such trees
without prior City approval of an amendment is prohibited and may be subject to
enforcement pursuant to Section 5.24.112 Violations as Misdemeanors or Infractions.
Minor changes do not require approval of an amendment and are subject to the
approval of the Zoning Enforcement Official.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2010-001 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)

A. Water Waste Prevention. To prevent water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation, applied water shall not leave the target landscape (runoff) due to overspray, or any other similar conditions that causes water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walks, roadways, parking lots, or structures.

B. Irrigation Audit Required for Existing Landscapes that Exceed One Acre. All existing
landscapes that were installed before January 1, 2010 and are over one acre in size shall
conduct irrigation water use analyses, irrigation surveys, or irrigation audits to evaluate
water use. All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape
irrigation auditor.
(Ord. 2010-001 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)

Water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation is prohibited. Water waste resulting from runoff leaving new or existing landscapes due to low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walks, roadways, parking lots, or structures shall be subject to penalties as established in the City of San Leandro Municipal Code. Overspray and runoff may be allowed if: (1) the landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff occurs; or (2) the adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping. (Ord. 2010-001 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)