The City promotes the value and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to conserve water and other resources as efficiently as possible. This section establishes minimum landscape standards for all uses in compliance with applicable State standards and guidelines and to promote sustainable development. The purpose of this chapter is to establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining, and managing water-efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
General. This section shall supplement the Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance (Chapter 13.05) and shall apply to all landscape projects listed in Section 13.05.020 (Applicability).
B. 
Exemptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
1. 
Registered local, State, or Federal historical sites.
2. 
Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system.
3. 
Single-family residential land uses with landscaped areas of less than 5,000 square feet that are not developer-installed.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
Nonresidential and Multiple-Family Uses. Each land use, except single-family residential, shall provide and maintain a minimum of 15 percent of the site in landscaped areas. The landscape area requirement may include setback areas and other unused areas of the site that are not intended for future use. Parking lot landscaping may be counted towards meeting this requirement.
B. 
New Residential Subdivisions. Setback areas visible from the public right-of-way shall be landscaped within six months of certificate of occupancy. Landscaping shall be provided as required in Section 17.08.040 (R-1 Zone Front Yard Landscaping Requirement).
C. 
Unused Areas. Any area of a project site not intended for a specific use, including pad sites in shopping centers held for future development, shall be landscaped unless it is determined by the Director that landscaping is not necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter.
D. 
Landscape Techniques. The design and installation of all proposed landscape improvements subject to this chapter shall be in compliance with the following general provisions:
1. 
Landscape design shall include a selection of plant materials based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the site. The protection, preservation, and enhancement of native species and natural areas are encouraged.
2. 
Landscape design shall provide for the grouping of plant materials having similar water demands so as to facilitate appropriate and efficient water applications.
3. 
Landscape design shall address the functional aspects of landscaping (e.g., grading, drainage, minimal runoff, erosion prevention, wind barriers, provisions for shade and reduction of glare, etc.).
4. 
Landscape design shall demonstrate a concern for solar access, including exposure and shading of window areas.
5. 
Landscape design shall address the retention of existing mature landscaping that is in good, healthful condition, incorporating the landscaping into the landscape plan where feasible.
6. 
Landscape design shall provide for the planting of all unpaved areas with an effective combination of trees, groundcover, live turf, shrubbery, and/or approved dry landscape materials. At the discretion of the Director, artificial turf may be used as a substitute for live turf.
7. 
Landscape design shall include provisions to protect plant materials from damage by the encroachment or overhang of motor vehicles.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
Both landscape and irrigation plans shall be submitted for plan check and approval by the City.
B. 
Landscape and irrigation plans shall include all materials specified in Section 13.05.030 (Implementation Procedures).
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
Purpose. The use of water-efficient landscape principles is intended to reduce the consumption of water used in landscaped areas and to offer as much latitude as possible when designing required landscape and irrigation. These provisions are intended to encourage landscapes that can be maintained with low water use irrigation systems which will not overuse or waste the available water supply and that are consistent with the requirements of this section.
B. 
Applicability of Water-Efficient Landscape Principles. The requirements of this section shall apply to new and rehabilitated landscaping for public agency and private development projects that require a permit, and to developer-installed landscaping in single-family and multiple-family projects. This section shall not apply to:
1. 
Homeowner-provided landscaping at single-family and multiple-family projects;
2. 
Existing commercial and industrial developments, unless landscaping is rehabilitated; and
3. 
A project with an aggregate landscaped area requiring less than 2,500 square feet.
C. 
Criteria. Landscape and irrigation plans shall be reviewed for compliance with the criteria in Chapter 13.05 (Water Efficient Landscaping) the City's landscape guidelines.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)