Santa Clara County Municipal Code Part 7 Planting of Slopes

The loss of trees, ground cover, and topsoil shall be minimized on any grading project. In addition to mechanical methods of erosion control, graded areas shall be protected to the extent practical from damage by erosion by planting grass or ground cover plants and/or trees. Such plantings shall provide for rapid, short-term coverage. A plan by a landscape architect may be required by the Planning Office. Where permanent landscaping or construction will not provide a timely ground cover, interim plantings may be required by the Grading Official.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

In addition to planting with grass and/or ground cover, slopes in excess of 15 feet in vertical height shall be planted with shrubs in two and one-fourth-inch pots, or larger, spaced at intervals not to exceed ten feet on centers, or trees having a one gallon minimum size at 20-foot intervals, or a combination of shrubs and trees at equivalent spacing appropriate to the species. The plants selected and the planting methods to be used shall be suitable for the soil and climate conditions of the site. A landscaping plan and planting and maintenance instructions prepared by a landscape architect may be required.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

The planting shall be completed as soon as practical, and not more than 90 days after completion of the grading, or of a portion thereof on phased projects.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

If the project is abandoned after vegetation removal has taken place, the area shall be planted as provided herein. If the work is suspended for an extended period, the Grading Official shall require erosion and sediment control measures be installed.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

The planting required by this section shall be installed as soon as practical after rough grading. Prior to final approval of grading and before the release of the total grading bond, the planting shall be well established.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)

The Grading Official may adopt supplementary engineering standard details as may be appropriate for the carrying out of the provisions of this chapter. Such standards will be published and filed in the Grading Official's office and the Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

(Ord. No. NS-1203.120, § 1, 4-9-13)