Article 14 — Amendment to the local coastal program

8184-1 - Purpose.

The purpose of this Article is to establish procedures for amending the County Coastal Zoning Ordinance, which is part of the LCP. These procedures shall apply to all proposals to change any property from one (1) zone to another (i.e. to amend the zoning map) or to amend the text of this Chapter. The Coastal Zoning Ordinance may be amended by the Board of Supervisors whenever the public health, safety, or general welfare, good zoning practice, and consistency with the Coastal Act, the County General Plan, or the Coastal Area Plan justify such action.

For amendment(s) to this chapter in conjunction with a hazardous waste facility, the Coastal Zoning Ordinance may be amended by the Board of Supervisors whenever such amendments are consistent with the portions of the County Hazardous Waste Management Plan (CHWMP) that identify specific sites or siting criteria for hazardous waste facilities.

Amendments to the Coastal Zoning Ordinance are not effective until and unless certified by the California Coastal Commission.

(Am. Ord. 3946—7/10/90; Ord. No. 4451, § 9, 12-11-2012)

8184-2 - Amendments.

Changes to the boundaries of any zone or LCP Land Use Plan designations, changes to the zoning or land use classifications of any property, and textual changes to this Chapter or to the policies or text of the LCP Land Use Plan shall be considered amendments to the LCP.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 8, 12-11-2012)

8184-2.1 - Initiation of amendments.

Proposals to amend the Coastal Zoning Ordinance may be initiated in the following manner:

(a)

By the adoption of a Resolution of Intention by the Board of Supervisors requesting the Planning Commission to set the matter for hearing and recommendation within a reasonable time.

(b)

By the adoption of a Resolution of Intention by the Planning Commission setting the matter for hearing.

(c)

By Planning Director action.

(d)

By the filing with the Planning Division a complete application accompanied by the appropriate filing fee for:

(1)

A proposed change to the Coastal Zoning Ordinance by the owner of the property, by a person with a power of attorney from the owner, or by the attorney at law of the owner; or

(2)

A proposed amendment to the text of the Coastal Zoning Ordinance by an interested person.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 8, 12-11-2012)

8184-2.2 - Application forms.

No application for an amendment shall be accepted for filing or processing without a completed application form. The Planning Director may prescribe the form and scope of such application forms.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 8, 12-11-2012)

8184-2.3 - Filing fee.

No application for an amendment shall be accepted for filing or processing unless the required fee, as specified by Board Resolution, is paid.

(a)

Penalty Fees. Where a use (or construction to that end) is commenced without the required amendment first being obtained, the fee for said amendment, as specified by Resolution of the Board of Supervisors, shall be doubled. In no event shall the double fee exceed the filing fee plus one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). Payment of such double fee shall not relieve persons from fully complying with the requirements of this Code, nor from any other penalties prescribed herein.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 8, 12-11-2012)

8184-2.4 - Study of additional area.

The Planning Director, upon review of an application or Resolution of Intention for an amendment, may elect to include a larger area or additional land in the study of the amendment request.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 8, 12-11-2012)

8184-2.5 - Frequency of amendments.

The LCP shall not be amended more frequently than three (3) times during any calendar year. The amendments may occur at any time as determined by the County, and each amendment may include several different changes.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 8, 12-11-2012)

8184-2.6 - Screening of privately-initiated applications for zoning ordinance amendments.

(a)

All privately-initiated applications for amendments to the Coastal Zoning Ordinance (Section 8184-2.1(d)) shall first be first screened by the Board of Supervisors prior to any further processing by the Planning Division staff. The purpose of this Board of Supervisors initial screening process is to determine if the privately-initiated application is consistent with the purpose of ordinance amendments in Section 8184-1 and appropriate for further processing by the Planning Division staff, or if for any reason such further processing is not warranted.

(b)

The Planning Division shall prepare a brief report and recommendation for the Board to use in its screening decision-making process.

(c)

If the Board does authorize Planning Division staff to further process the privately-initiated amendment to the Coastal Zoning Ordinance, the Board action shall not confer or imply ultimate approval of any such Coastal Zoning Ordinance amendment request. If the Board does not authorize Planning Division staff to further process the privately-initiated amendment, that decision shall be final.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 8, 12-11-2012)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 4451, § 8, adopted December 11, 2012, amended § 8184-2.6 to read as set out herein. Previously § 8184-

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.4 - Protected Tree Transplantation.

Transplanted protected trees are subject to the following:

a.

A qualified tree service company shall perform tree transplantation for all protected trees;

b.

The applicant must demonstrate that trees transplanted will be properly cared for per industry standards;

c.

The tree survives for a period of 10 years; and

d.

If the transplanted native tree dies or suffers declining health or vigor, the Tree Protection, Planting, and Monitoring Plan pursuant to Section 8178-7.7.4(d) shall be amended to include replacement trees.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.5 - Tree Alteration.

The following standards are designed to help manage the overall health of a tree, including but not limited to reducing risk of failure, providing an even distribution of branches, and correcting/improving the tree's structural stability. Alteration/pruning of a tree shall be conducted in accordance with the following standards:

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.5.1 - Purpose

Pruning live branches creates a wound, even when the cut is properly made. Therefore, pruning objectives should be established prior to beginning any pruning operation.

a.

Three reasons trees should be pruned.

Pruning for Health—Pruning for health involves removing diseased or insect-infested wood, thinning the crown to increase airflow, and removing crossing and rubbing branches. Pruning can best be used to encourage trees to develop a strong structure and reduce the likelihood of damage during severe weather. Removing broken or damaged limbs encourages wound closure.

Pruning for safety involves removing branches that could fail and cause injury or property damage, trimming branches that interfere with lines of sight on streets or driveways, and removing branches that grow into utility lines. Safety pruning can be largely avoided by carefully choosing species that will not grow beyond the space available to them and have strength and form characteristics that are suited to the site.

Pruning for aesthetics involves enhancing the natural form and character of trees or stimulating flower and fruit production. Pruning for form can be especially important on open-grown trees that do very little self-pruning. In some cases, tree pruning can be conducted to enhance views beyond the tree itself. This is a reasonable option when the tree's structure and health can be preserved, allowing it to continue to provide benefits that would be lost if the tree were removed altogether.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.5.2 - Size of Pruning Cuts.

Tree branches shall be removed in such a manner so as to not cause damage to other parts of the tree or to other plants or property. Use the following guide for size of branches to be removed:

a.

Under two inches in diameter - safe to prune.

b.

Between two and four inches in diameter - think twice.

c.

Greater than four inches in diameter - have a good reason. A qualified tree consultant shall be consulted to provide justification in writing that removing a protected tree's branches that are larger than four inches will not harm the health of the tree.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.5.3 - Pruning Cuts.

Tree branches shall be removed in such a manner so as not to cause damage to other parts of the tree or to other plants or property. Just above the point along a branch where leaf or lateral shoot growth originates is also the correct place to make a pruning cut. The following standards shall be implemented when pruning trees.

a.

Each cut should be made carefully, at the correct location, leaving a smooth surface with no jagged edges or torn bark.

b.

A pruning cut that removes a branch at its point of origin shall be made close to the trunk or parent limb, without cutting into the branch bark ridge or collar, or leaving a stub.

c.

When removing a dead branch, the final cut shall be made just outside the collar of living tissue.

d.

Large or heavy limbs should be removed using three cuts. The first cut undercuts the limb one or two feet out from the parent branch or trunk. A properly made undercut will eliminate the chance of the branch "peeling" or tearing bark as it is removed. The second cut is the top cut which is usually made slightly further out on the limb than the undercut. This allows the limb to drop smoothly when the weight is released. The third cut is to remove the stub, while preserving the branch collar and branch bark ridge.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.5.4 - Pruning for Clearance from Overhead Lines.

The purpose of utility pruning is to prevent the loss of service, comply with mandated clearance laws, prevent damage to equipment, avoid access impairment, and uphold the intended usage of the facility/utility space. Only a qualified line clearance arborist under contract with the utility company shall conduct alteration or removal of trees for the purpose of line clearance work.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.5.5 - Tree Crown Alteration.

Pruning of the tree crown removes hazardous, declining, and/or dead branches. Proper crown thinning can reduce the risk of storm damage allowing wind to pass through canopies that have a balanced foliage.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.5.6 - General Standards.

a.

No more than 20 percent of a tree's canopy shall be removed within an annual growing season.

b.

Branches should be selectively removed, leaving more dominant ones intact that show good development in desired directions.

c.

Pruning shall maintain the tree's natural shape, and tree topping is prohibited.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.5.7 - Reserved. A.5.8 - Tree Crown Raising.

Crown raising is the removal of the lower branches of a tree in order to provide clearance on trees that obstruct vision and/or may interfere with pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The following standards shall be implemented when feasible:

a.

Lower limbs on young trees should remain as long as possible to create and maintain trunk taper and develop a strong trunk.

b.

Shorten low branches regularly and suppress their growth to force more growth in upper branches. The shortened branches can be removed later to raise the crown as needed.

c.

Removal of large diameter limbs low on the tree can create large wounds that may not heal and promote decay on the main trunk.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.5.9 - Tree Crown Cleaning.

Crown cleaning is a series of pruning cuts that remove hazardous, declining, and/or dead branches, leaving more dominant ones intact that show good development in desired directions.

a.

Crown cleaning can be performed on trees of any age but is most common on medium-aged and mature trees that have had minimal maintenance.

b.

Since crown cleaning involves the removal of limbs that may have diseases, to avoid the spread of disease, pruning tools should be disinfected between each pruning cut.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.5.10 - Tree Crown Thinning.

Crown thinning is the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement and to reduce end weight on tree branches. Crown thinning can reduce risk of storm damage among intact tree canopies, allowing wind to pass through canopies of "balanced" foliage and stems.

a.

Proper thinning involves removing branches at their point of origin or back to appropriate lateral branches.

b.

Thinning does not normally influence the size or shape of the tree and should result in an even distribution of branches along individual limbs, not a grouping toward the ends.

c.

Removal of only interior branches can create an effect known as lion-tailing. This displaces foliar weight to the ends of the branches and may result in sunburned bark tissue, weakened branch structure, and breakage.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.5.11 - Tree Crown Reduction.

Crown reduction is the cutting of limbs back to their portion of origin or back to a lateral branch capable of sustaining the remaining limb and the main, central stem of the tree is dominant (i.e., grows stronger than) other branches. Reduction is used to reduce the size of a tree by decreasing the length of one of many stems and branches. Crown reduction pruning can control the size of the tree, however it is no substitute for matching the correct tree species with the site.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.5.12 - Tree Topping.

Topping is used only when removing an unwanted tree. It should never be used as a primary pruning practice for reducing the height or spread of a tree. When a tree is topped, several things can occur:

a.

The branch at the point of the heading cut produces a flush of new growth, usually numerous, vigorous and disorganized sprouts. This "witch's broom" of new growth destroys the tree's natural growth. Sprouts are often long and upright with little variation in shape and structure.

b.

In producing such profuse growth to replace the lost foliage, the plant is soon as tall as it was before topping. But now the crown is denser, requiring extra time and effort to prune.

c.

The sprouts also create a foliage shell, shading the plant's interior, often causing inside branches to die.

d.

New sprouts are weakly attached, crowded and prone to breakage.

e.

Never plant trees near or under utility lines, awnings, or anywhere else that will require extensive pruning to keep them from damaging property.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.5.13 - Tree Crown Restoration.

Tree crown restoration is performed to improve structure, form, and appearance of trees that have been topped, vandalized, or storm damaged. Restoring a tree to a sustainable structure usually requires a number of prunings over a period of years as new dominant branches will take time to form.

a.

The process of crown restoration can be a combination of crown cleaning, crown thinning, and crown reduction, depending on the severity of the damage.

b.

Removal of dead or broken limbs should be completed first.

c.

Choose limbs that are U-shaped to remain rather than limbs with a sharper angle of attachment.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.6 - Wound Treatment.

Wound treatments such as tree tar or other wound dressing, should not be used to cover wounds or pruning cuts, except when a qualified tree consultant recommends such treatment for disease, insect, mistletoe, or sprout control.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.7 - Tools and Equipment.

Proper pruning can extend the useful life of trees, improve their safety, and add significant value to coastal areas. Conversely, improper pruning can irreparably damage a tree and possibly make it hazardous. The following general standards shall be implemented during tree alteration, removal, or transplantation.

a.

Climbing spurs shall not be used in the alteration of trees.

b.

Pruning tools used in making pruning cuts shall be sharp and should be disinfected between each pruning cut. Rubbing alcohol, disinfectant spray, or a 1:10 mixture of bleach and water are the recommended disinfectants.

c.

Selecting the right tools will ensure pruning operations progress in a safe manner. Examples of pruning tools include the following:

Hand Pruning Shears are made for cutting branches up to about one-half-inch in diameter.

Lopping shears have long handles to exert great cutting power when pruning branches up to two inches in diameter.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A.8 - Tree Root Alteration.

a.

Pursuant to Section 8178-7.5.1, a Planned Development Tree Permit is required for the encroachment into the tree protected zone of a protected tree that is a result of a development project. Examples of encroachments include but are not limited to changing the natural grade, excavating for utilities or fence posts, or paving associated with driveways and streets.

b.

Pursuant to Section 8178-7.5.2, a Zoning Clearance Tree Permit is required to alter the roots of a protected tree, provided that such alteration does not involve encroachment into the tree protected zone and a qualified tree consultant states in writing that the root alteration will not harm the health of the tree.

c.

The tree protected zone is considered the area in which a critical amount of the tree's roots may be found. To determine the tree protection zone, the following calculations noted in 1., 2. and 3. below, shall be performed for all protected trees within 20 feet of areas proposed to be disturbed. The tree protected zone is measured horizontally from the outer circumference of the tree outward to the distance of the calculated tree protected zone. The calculation that provides the maximum protection is considered the designated tree protection zone.

Draw a circle around the tree that is no less than 15 feet from the trunk of the protected tree.

Multiply the tree's diameter in inches by one and a half feet (i.e., one inch equals one and a half feet). For example, if a tree's diameter at a height of 4.5 feet above existing grade is 12 inches, the tree protected zone would be 18 feet from the trunk of the protected tree.

Draw a circle that extends a minimum five feet outside the edge of the protected tree's dripline.

d.

Tree Root Alteration shall only be conducted for the following:

When a protected tree is being replanted.

If approved grading or construction activities are occurring near a protected tree and no alternative that avoids disturbance is feasible.

To alter/prune roots from under an existing curb or sidewalk.

As determined by a qualified tree consultant, an inspection reveals root girdling and the roots must be removed in order to preserve the tree.

As approved by a Planned Development Permit.

e.

If a protected tree's roots must be altered/pruned, pruning activities shall include but are not limited to the following:

The alteration/pruning of roots shall be as far away from the tree trunk as possible.

Avoid root alteration/pruning within the tree's protected zone unless there is no feasible alternative (as determined by a qualified tree consultant).

Avoid root pruning during environmentally stressful times such as droughts, floods, active bud break, and shoot growth.

Avoid large roots. No roots greater than two inches in diameter should be altered/pruned.

Prior to root alteration/pruning, excavate the soil away from the roots by hand or with an air spade.

Do not use backhoes or other equipment that rip or tear roots.

Backfill the roots as quickly as possible.

Do not alter/prune roots for the purpose of landscaping.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

B. - TYPES OF TREES

Tables 1, 2 and 3 provide lists of trees for the purpose of identification. The list is not exhaustive and is being provided for reference only.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

B1. - Native Trees.

California native trees existed in California prior to the arrival of European explorers and colonists in the late 18th century. California's native trees shall be conserved not only because of their beauty and intrinsic value, but also because they are essential components of ecosystems and natural processes. The following list of native trees may be selected for future planting.

Table 1 Native Trees

                    Arroyo Willow                                    Catalina Ironwood, Santa Cruz Island Ironwood
                         (Salix lasiolepis)                        (Lyonothamnus floribundus, L. floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius)

                 Big Cone Douglas Fir                                                  Elderberry
             (Pseudotsuga Macrocarpa)                                  (Sambucas all species)

                    Big Leaf Maple                                                      Pacific madrona
                  (Acer macrophyllum)                                             (Arbutus menziesii)

        Black Cottonwood, Fremont Cottonwood                                 Oak

(Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa and Poplus fremontii ssp. (Quercus, all indigenous species found in Ventura County) fremontii)

                        California Ash                                      Southern California Black Walnut
                    (Fraxinus dipetala)                                              (Juglans californica)

                    California Bay Laurel                                         Sycamore
                 (Umbellularia californica)                                           (Platanus racemosa)

             California Juniper, Western Juniper                                      White Alder
      (Juniperus californica, Juniperus occidentalis)                                  (Alnus rhombifolia)

* The list of native trees was compiled using the responsible landscaping tree list developed by the California Native Plant Society, California Invasive Plant Council and Calflora, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information about California plant biodiversity.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

B2. - Non-Native Trees.

A non-native tree is an introduced species living outside its native distributional range, which has arrived there by human activity, either deliberate or accidental. Non-native trees can have a negative effect on a local ecosystem by disrupting native vegetated areas, and eventually dominating the region or habitat. Many non-native trees however are not invasive and provide visual interest and enhancement to the built environment. Because non-natives trees can adversely affect the habitats and bioregions they invade, the planting of non-native trees is prohibited in the Coastal Open Space (COS), Coastal Agricultural (CA) and Coastal Industrial (CM) zones and as mitigation for the removal of a protected tree. The following list identifies common non-native trees that are not invasive in California and may be appropriate species to plant where non-native trees are allowed pursuant to the policies and provisions of the LCP.

                          Table 2
                    Non-Native Trees

Australian Willow Magnolia (Geijera parvifolia) (Magnolia L.)

      Dogwood                   Mediterranean Fan Palm
          (Cornus)                   (Chamaerops humilis)

         Fern Pine                     Ornamental Pear
   (Podocarpus gracilor)                        (Pyrus)

        Jacaranda                      Strawberry Tree
  (Jacaranda mimosifolia)                 (Arbutus unedo)

     Japanese Maple                   Sweet Gum
      (Acer palmatum)                      (Liquidambar)

        King Palm                    Queen Palm

(Archontophoenix Cunninghamiana) (Arecastrum romanzoffianum)

      Maidenhair Tree                  Weeping Birch
      (Ginkgo biloba)                      (Betula pendula)

* The list of non-native trees was compiled using the responsible landscaping tree list developed by the California Native Plant Society, California Invasive Plant Council and Calflora, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information about California plant biodiversity.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

B3. - Invasive Trees.

Similar to the non-native trees listed in Table 2, invasive (or "exotic") trees can out-compete and gradually displace native plants, resulting in a loss of wildlife species that depend upon them. Invasive trees however, pose a greater threat because they can rapidly spread and suppress growth of surrounding plants by shading them out, chemically poisoning them, or out-competing them for food and water. The planting of invasive trees is prohibited in the coastal zone.

                                                Table 3
                                               Invasive Trees

            Canary Island Date Palm                                    Pepper Tree
               (Phoenix canariensis)                                 (Schinus molle; terebenthifolius)

              Chinese Tallow Tree                                        Russian Olive
              (Sapium sebiferum)                                     (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

            Common Fig                                                Saltcedar, Athel
                     (Ficus carica)                        (Tamarisx aphylla; chinensis; gallica, parviflora, ramosissima)

                   Eucalyptus                                               Scarlet Wisteria Tree
                (Eucalyptus globulus)                                       (Sesbania punicea)

Mexican Fan Palm Tree-of-Heaven (Washingtonia robusta) (Ailanthus altissima)

               Myoporum                                                Tree Tobacco
             (Myoporum laetum)                                            (Nicotiana glauca)

                     Acacia                                              Single Seed Hawthorne
   (Acacia decurrens, A. dealdata, A. melanoxylon)                         (Crataegus monogyna)

Black Locust Silk Oak (Robinia pseudo-acacia) (Grevillea robusta)

                   Cherry Plum                                                  Silk Tree, Mimosa Tree
                (Prunus cerasifera)                                                (Albizzia julibrissin)

               Chinese Pistache                                    White and Italian Poplar
                   (Pistacia chinensis)                                (Populus alba L.; nigra L. var. italic)

             Chinese & Siberian Elm                                Weeping Bottle Brush
        (Ulmus parvifolia Jacquin; pumila)                                 (Callistemon viminalis)

                   English Walnut                                         White Mulberry
                   (Juglans regia)                                          (Morus alba)

                European Olive
                   (Olea europaea)

* The list of invasive trees includes species identified as problematic and/or invasive by the California Native Plant Society and the California Exotic Pest Plant Council.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

C. - GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Air Spade—A pneumatic soil probe that delivers sudden bursts of air to crack, loosen, or expand the soil to improve the root growing environment or for trench excavation to locate and preserve root tissue.

Arboriculture—The art, science, technology, and business of commercial, public, and utility tree care.

Branch—A secondary shoot or stem arising from one of the main axes (i.e., trunk or leader) of a tree or woody plant.

Branch Collar—Trunk tissue that forms around the base of a branch between the main stem and the branch or a branch and a lateral. As a branch decreases in vigor or begins to die, the branch collar becomes more pronounced.

Branch Bark Ridge—The raised area of bark in the branch crotch that marks where the branch wood and trunk wood meet.

Climbing spurs—Sharp, pointed devices affixed to the climber's leg used to assist in climbing trees (also known as gaffs, hooks, spurs, spikes, climbers).

Closure—The process of woundwood covering a cut or other tree injury.

Co-Dominant: Two main branches that originate at the same point on the main trunk. These create a weak union that is more prone to failure than normal branch development.

Crotch—The angle formed at the attachment between a branch and another branch, leader, or trunk of a woody plant.

Crown—The leaves and branches of a tree measured from the lowest branch on the trunk to the top of the tree.

Decay—Degradation of woody tissue caused by biological organisms.

Establishment—The point after planting when a tree's root system has grown sufficiently into the surrounding soil to support shoot growth and anchor the tree.

Girdling roots—Roots located above or below ground whose circular growth around the base of the trunk or over individual roots applies pressure to the bark area, ultimately restricting sap flow and trunk/root growth, frequently resulting in reduced vitality or stability of the tree.

Interfering Branches—Crossing, rubbing, or upright branches that have the potential to damage tree structure and/or health.

Lateral Brach—A branch or twig growing from a parent branch or stem.

Leader—A dominant or co-dominant, upright stem.

Limb—A large, prominent branch.

Lion's Tailing—The removal of an excessive number of inner, lateral branches from parent branches.

Nodes—Point along a branch where leaf or lateral shoot growth originates. Just above a node is also the correct place to make a pruning cut.

Parent branch or stem—The tree trunk; or a large limb from which lateral branches grow.

Pruning—The selective removal of plant parts to meet specific goals and objectives.

Topping—An inappropriate technique to reduce tree size that cuts through a stem at an indiscriminant location.

Tree Crown Cleaning—Selective pruning to remove dead, diseased, and/or broken branches.

Tree Crown Raising—Selective pruning to provide vertical clearance.

Tree Crown Reduction—Selective pruning to decrease height and/or spread.

Tree Crown Restoration—Selective pruning to improve structure, form, and appearance of trees that have been severely damaged.

Tree Crown Thinning—Selective pruning to reduce density of live branches.

Wound—The opening that is created any time the tree's protective bark covering is penetrated, cut, or removed, injuring or destroying living tissue.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

APPENDIX L1. - LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION PLAN REQUIREMENTS

The Landscape Plan shall be drawn on clear and legible base sheets prepared specifically for the landscape submittal. Three (3) copies shall be submitted at the time of filing. The following requirements apply to the landscape plan and the following information shall be provided as part of or along with the landscape plan:

Format

Size. Plans shall be a minimum of 24" by 36" and no larger than 30" × 42".

Scale. All landscape plans shall be drawn to scale and be consistent with the project's site plan(s). The landscape plan shall be at a scale of 1" = 20'.

Title Block. The title block is a frame that is located at the bottom or right hand side of the landscape plan and shall include the following information.

Project title/name.

Project case number.

Licensed Landscape Architect/Qualified Landscape Designer name, address, phone number, license number and stamp (if applicable).

Project Site Assessor Parcel Number (APN) and street address.

Scale. Plans must be at a scale of 1 inch = 20 feet or larger.

Dates of submittals and any revisions.

Sheet numbers.

Cover Sheet. (Page 1 of the Landscape Plan)

Water supply (private well or water purveyor if not served by a private well)

Project Type (new or rehabilitated landscape, private or public, residential, commercial, industrial or institutional)

Total Landscape Area (square feet)

Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail of the applicant, owner, and consultants.

A small-scale vicinity map portraying and orienting the boundaries of the project site with respect to surrounding areas and roads

Legend and Abbreviations

Applicant signature and date with the following statement:

"I agree to comply with the requirements of the Ventura County Coastal Zoning Ordinance Section 8178-8 Landscape and Screening and submit a complete Landscape Documentation Package."

Site Plan. The project site plan shall be used as the underlying base map for the landscape plan and shall include but not be limited to the following:

The exterior boundaries of the parcel in conformance with existing records, with information as to dimensions and bearings.

Location, width, nature and status of all existing and proposed easements, reservations and rights-of-way.

Scale and North arrow

Gross and net acreage of the property.

Building footprints, driveways, parking areas, and other hardscape features.

Trash enclosures, above-ground utilities, and other features that may require landscape screening.

The location of all proposed exterior night lighting and an outline of the illuminated area.

Water source and point of connection.

Drainage channels, creeks, rock outcrops and other natural features.

Number, size and location of all existing trees and other significant landscape features.

Identification of required fuel modification zone (if applicable).

Identification of portions of the site and project that are visible from on- or off-site public viewing areas.

Identification of portions of the site within 200 feet of environmentally sensitive habitat areas.

Identification of Low Impact Development (LID) strategies and landscaping intended to accommodate stormwater flows (e.g., bioretention basins, etc.).

Planting Plan. Proposed landscaping shall be overlaid on the site plan described above and include but not be limited to the following:

A legend that includes the proposed plants, their common and botanical plant names, total quantities, container size, and plant spacing.

Species, number, size and location of all proposed trees.

Identification of any special landscape areas (if applicable).

Each hydrozone delineated by number and identified by water use type (i.e., high, moderate and low).

Location and installation details of storm water best management practices.

Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA). Projects within 200 feet of ESHA shall demonstrate on the project plans that the proposed landscaping is sited and designed to protect the ESHA from adverse impacts. The Landscape Plan shall be submitted with the review of the Plan by a qualified biologist confirming that it is protective of the adjacent ESHA.

Scenic Elements. Projects visible from public viewing areas shall demonstrate on the project plans and through visual simulations that the proposed landscaping is sited and designed to protect scenic resources and public viewsheds.

Water Quality. A Stormwater Quality Urban Impact Mitigation Plan (SQUIMP) as required.

Design Elements. Planting plans may include design elements such as boulders, mounds, sculptures, public art, etc. All items shall be drawn to scale.

Specifications. Installation and maintenance procedures shall be provided on a separate informational sheet that is included with the landscape plan. The installation and maintenance procedures shall include but not be limited to the following:

Soil amendment specifications.

Specifications for any proposed seed mixes including application rates and relevant germination specifications.

Planting requirements including tree staking and guying.

The landscape plan performance criteria to judge the success of the landscape plan.

Proposed maintenance and monitoring for growth, survivorship, and cover for a period of one year to ensure the landscape plan meets or exceeds the landscape plan performance criteria outlined for each of the proposed plantings.

Irrigation Plan. The irrigation plan shall be separate from the planting plan, utilize the same format and at a minimum include the following:

Identify location and size of water meters for landscape.

Identify location, size and type of all components of the irrigation system, including master valve, controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, irrigation heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, pressure regulators and backflow prevention devices, and power supply, as applicable.

Identify static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply.

Provide flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour) and design operating pressure (pressure per square inch) for each hydrozone.

Show reclaimed water irrigation systems as applicable.

Additional Plan Sheets. Include as a separate sheet, the following (if applicable):

A copy of the Preliminary Grading and Drainage Plan.

Architectural elevations of all proposed structures including, but not limited to, buildings, walls and fences.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

APPENDIX L2. - CALCULATING THE WATER BUDGET OF A PROJECT SITE

Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table*

Monthly Average Reference Evapotranspiration by ETo Zone (inches/year)

Ventura JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC TOTAL

    *        2.2    2.6    3.2    3.8    4.6    4.7    5.5    4.9    4.1    3.4    2.5    2.0      43.5

* The values in the table for Ventura County were derived from:

California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS);

Reference Evapotranspiration Zones Map, University of California Department of Land Air & Water Resources and California Department of Water Resources 1999; and

Reference Evapotranspiration for California, University of California, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (1987) Bulletin 1922;

Determining Daily Reference Evapotranspiration, Cooperative Extension University of California and Natural Resources (1987), Publication Leaflet 21426

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

APPENDIX L3. - SAMPLE WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET

This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant and is a required element of the Landscape Documentation Package.

Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) 43.5

                                        Landscape Areas

Hydrozone Plant Water Plant Irrigation Irrigation ETAF Hydrozone ETAF × Estimated Use Type(s) Factor (PF)* Method Efficiency (PF/IE) Area (HA) Area Total Water (square Use (ETWU) feet)

                                                                             Totals            (A)              (B)

Special Landscape Areas

Hydrozone Plant Water Plant Irrigation Irrigation ETAF Hydrozone ETAF × Estimated Use Type(s) Factor (PF)* Method Efficiency (PF/IE) Area (HA) Area Total Water (square Use (ETWU) feet)