The County promotes the value and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to use limited water resources as efficiently as possible. In compliance with applicable State standards and guidelines, and to promote the County's goals and standards regarding sustainable development, this chapter establishes minimum landscape standards for all uses for enhancing the appearance of developments, reducing heat and glare, controlling soil erosion, enhancing on-site stormwater management, conserving water, establishing a buffer and/or screen between residential and non-residential land uses, and ensuring the ongoing maintenance of landscaped areas.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all landscape projects installed in the County.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
All landscaped areas within the County and the following provisions and standards in this chapter shall comply with the Title 23 Section 2.7 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance of the California Code of Regulations adopted by the State in 2015.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Director.
Merced County Planning Director or designee.
Friable.
Soil condition that is easily crumbled or loosely compacted down to a minimum depth per planting material requirements, whereby the root structure of newly planted material will be allowed to spread unimpeded.
Mulch.
Any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, or decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature, and preventing soil erosion.
Planting hole.
A hole in the ground that is dug for landscaping materials such as trees or shrubs.
Public works director.
Merced County Public Works Director or designee.
Residential landscape.
Landscapes surrounding single-family or multi-family homes.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
A. 
Plant Materials. The selection of plant materials shall include:
1. 
90 percent drought-resistant and well-suited to local climate or naturally occurring;
2. 
A combination of deciduous and evergreen (trees, shrubs, and groundcover);
3. 
Materials which help prevent:
a. 
Dust,
b. 
Erosion,
c. 
Heat and glare,
d. 
Graffiti on walls and structures;
4. 
10 percent non-drought tolerant materials may be used if grouped together for possible separate irrigation;
5. 
Attention to:
a. 
Appearance, including plant height, plant spread and growth rate,
b. 
Function of plants,
c. 
Moisture requirements,
d. 
Potential root damage to adjacent facilities,
e. 
Disease and pest susceptibility, and
f. 
Other required information including:
(1) 
Soil type,
(2) 
Slope,
(3) 
Degree of maintenance,
g. 
Location of plants, so at maturity, plants do not interfere with:
(1) 
Service lines,
(2) 
Visibility,
(3) 
Adjacent property owners, and
(4) 
Solar access.
B. 
Plant Coverage.
1. 
Turf shall be limited to 30 percent of total landscaped area; exceptions may be granted by the Director.
2. 
Trees and shrubs shall be clustered together for accent to form aesthetically-pleasing groupings and patterns.
3. 
The density and placement of plants are to be determined by the plant size at maturity. When initially installed, groundcover shall give enough coverage for a pleasing appearance on all landscaped areas.
4. 
Shrubs shall be a minimum size of one gallon and trees a minimum size of 15 gallons.
5. 
Interim groundcover may be provided until plants reach maturity. Groundcover materials may consist of:
a. 
Rocks,
b. 
Gravel, or
c. 
Wood mulch or chips.
C. 
Plan shall follow any project specific conditions of approval.
D. 
Planter Construction.
1. 
All planter areas shall provide positive drainage flow away from paved areas or intrusion into or on adjacent buildings or structures.
2. 
Planter areas shall have either a six-inch raised concrete or treated wooden curb directly behind sidewalks and paved areas or shall be recessed two inches below adjoining paved areas, with a minimum 4:1 slope away from paved edge to protect the landscaping and control water runoff, silt, and erosion onto the paved area.
3. 
The size and location of planter areas required in this chapter shall be shown on the approved plot plan, concept plan, or in the conditions of approval.
4. 
Minimum widths for planter beds shall be (measured from the inside of curbing or acceptable permanent border):
a. 
12 inches for groundcover;
b. 
40 inches for shrubs; and
c. 
60 inches for trees.
E. 
Compacted Soils. Prior to the planting of any materials, the compacted soils surrounding a building site shall be returned to a friable condition.
F. 
Screening.
1. 
Developments shall provide sufficient screening so that neighboring properties are effectively shielded from any adverse impacts of that development or so that the new developing use shields itself from existing potential impacts from uses already in operation. No screening is required between single-family residences.
2. 
Tables 3-3 through 3-5, set forth the type of screening methods required between various uses to buffer potential negative impacts.
3. 
The three basic types of screens that are established by Table 2-3, Residential, Institutional, and Office Adjacent Use Screening Requirements, are as follows (see also Figures 3-6, 3-7, and 3-8):
a. 
Opaque Screen—Type A. An opaque screen is intended to exclude all visual contact between uses and to create a strong impression of spatial separation. This screen is opaque from ground level to a height of at least six feet, with intermittent visual obstructions from the opaque portion to a height with landscaping of at least 20 feet. The opaque screen may be composed of a wall, fence, and/or landscape berm densely planted with vegetation. Proposed planted screens will be judged on the basis of the average mature height and density of foliage of the subject species, or field observation of existing vegetation. The opaque portion of the screen must be opaque in all seasons of the year. At maturity, the screen should not contain any completely unobstructed openings more than five feet wide. See Figure 3-6 (Opaque Screens—Type A).
Figure 3-6 Opaque Screens—Type A
-Image-15.tif
b. 
Semi-Opaque Screen—Type B. The semi-opaque screen is intended to partially block visual contact between uses and to create a strong impression of the separation of spaces. This screen is opaque from the ground to height of at least three feet, with intermittent visual obstruction from above the opaque portion to a height with landscaping of at least 20 feet. The semi-opaque screen may be composed of a wall, fence, and/or landscaped berm, or planted vegetation. Proposed planted screens will be judged on the basis of the average mature height and density of foliage of the subject species, or field observation of existing vegetation. At maturity, the portion of intermittent visual obstructions should not contain any completely unobstructed openings more than 15 feet wide. See Figure 3-7 (Semi-Opaque Screens—Type B).
Figure 3-7 Semi-Opaque Screens—Type B
-Image-16.tif
c. 
Broken Screen—Type C. The broken screen is intended to create the impression of a separation of spaces without necessarily eliminating visual contact between the spaces. This screen is composed of intermittent visual obstructions from the ground to a height with landscaping of at least 20 feet. It may be composed of a wall, fence, and/or landscaped earth berm or planted vegetation. Proposed planted screens or natural vegetation will be judged on the basis of the average mature height and density of foliage of the subject species, or field observation of existing vegetation. The screen may contain deciduous plants. See Figure 3-8 (Broken Screens—Type C).
Figure 3-8 Broken Screens—Type C
-Image-17.tif
Table 3-3
Residential, Institutional, and Office Adjacent Use Screening Requirements
O
Opaque
SO
Semi-Opaque
B
Broken
-
No Requirement
Proposed Land Use
Adjacent Existing Uses
One- and Two-Family
Multi-Family
Mobile and Modular Home Parks
Group Care Facilities
Schools, Places of Assembly, Hospitals
Offices
Residential
One-and Two-Family Subdivisions
-
O
O
O
O
O
Multi-Family Residences
O
B
SO
O
SO
SO
Mobile and Modular Home Parks
O
SO
B
SO
SO
SO
Group Care Facilities
O
O
O
B
B
SO
Office and Financial
All Offices Including Medical
O
SO
SO
O
-
-
Institutional
Schools, Libraries, Places of Assembly, Hospitals, Clinics, and Clubs
O
SO
SO
O
-
B
Commercial
Retail Sales
O
O
O
O
SO
-
Auto Service and Equipment Rental (with outdoor storage)
O
O
O
O
SO
O
Commercial Storage
O
O
O
O
O
O
Hotels, Motels, Restaurants, and Nightclubs
O
O
O
O
O
B
Veterinarian Hospitals with Boarding and Kennels
O
O
O
O
O
O
Manufacturing and Storage
Uses Conducted Totally Indoors
O
O
O
O
O
O
Uses Conducted Substantially Outdoors
O
O
O
O
O
O
Scrap Materials, Salvage Yard
O
O
O
O
O
O
Public Utility Installations
Fully Enclosed in a Structure
O
O
O
SO
SO
SO
Partially Enclosed in a Structure
O
O
O
O
O
O
Table 3-4
Commercial Adjacent Use Screening Requirements
O
Opaque
SO
Semi-Opaque
B
Broken
-
No Requirement
 
Adjacent Existing Uses
Proposed Land Use
Retail Sales
Auto Service and Equipment Storage
Commercial Storage
Hotels, Motels, Restaurants, Nightclubs
Veterinarian Hospital with Boarding and Kennel
Residential
One-and Two-Family Subdivisions
O
O
O
O
O
Multi-Family Residences
SO
O
SO
SO
O
Mobile and Modular Home Parks
SO
O
SO
SO
O
Group Care Facilities
O
O
O
O
O
Office and Financial
All Offices Including Medical
-
-
-
-
-
Institutional
Schools, Libraries, Places of Assembly, Hospitals, Clinics, and Clubs
B
-
-
B
-
Commercial
Retail Sales
-
-
-
-
-
Auto Service and Equipment Rental (with outdoor storage)
SO
-
-
O
-
Commercial Storage
SO
-
-
SO
-
Hotels, Motels, Restaurants, and Nightclubs
-
-
-
-
-
Veterinarian Hospitals with Boarding and Kennels
O
SO
-
O
-
Manufacturing and Storage
Uses Conducted Totally Indoors
SO
-
-
O
-
Uses Conducted Substantially Outdoors
O
SO
B
O
SO
Scrap Materials, Salvage Yard
O
O
O
O
SO
Public Utility Installations
Fully Enclosed in a Structure
SO
-
-
B
-
Partially Enclosed in a Structure
O
SO
SO
O
B
Table 3-5
Manufacturing and Storage, Public Utility Installations Adjacent Use Screening Requirements
O
Opaque
SO
Semi-Opaque
B
Broken
-
No Requirement
 
Adjacent Existing Uses
Proposed Land Use
Uses Fully Indoors
Uses Substantially Outdoors
Scraps Materials and Salvage Yards
Fully Enclosed in a Structure
Partially Enclosed in a Structure
Residential
One-and Two-Family Subdivisions
O
O
O
O
O
Multi-Family Residences
B
O
O
B
O
Mobile and Modular Home Parks
B
O
O
B
O
Group Care Facilities
B
O
O
B
O
Office and Financial
All Offices Including Medical
-
-
-
-
-
Institutional
Schools, Libraries, Places of Assembly, Hospitals, Clinics, and Clubs
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial
Retail Sales
-
-
-
-
-
Auto Service and Equipment Rental (with outdoor storage)
B
-
-
-
-
Commercial Storage
-
-
-
-
-
Hotels, Motels, Restaurants, and Nightclubs
-
-
-
-
-
Veterinarian Hospitals with Boarding and Kennels
-
B
-
B
-
Manufacturing and Storage
Uses Conducted Totally Indoors
-
-
-
B
SO
Uses Conducted Substantially Outdoors
O
-
-
SO
-
Scrap Materials, Salvage Yard
SO
B
-
SO
SO
Public Utility Installations
Fully Enclosed in a Structure
-
-
-
-
-
Partially Enclosed in a Structure
B
B
-
B
-
G. 
Parking Lots. When the total uncovered parking area on the property (including adjoining parcels over which the property has parking privileges) exceeds 3,600 square feet, the following shall be required, in addition to other provisions of this section, as part of a landscape plan:
1. 
Separation of Uses. Where nonresidential parking areas abut residentially zoned or developed property, a masonry wall, of not less than six feet in height, shall be constructed and maintained with shrubs and/or vines between the parking area and the adjoining residentially zoned or developed property.
2. 
Shade Trees. Where trees already exist on the property, the design of the parking area should make the best use of the existing growth and shade.
3. 
Planter Islands. Planter islands shall be located at least every six parking spaces and shall be designed as follows:
a. 
Minimum Width. Five feet where separate wheel stops are provided two feet away from the planter island, nine feet if cars overhang. Figure 3-9 (Parking Lot Landscaped Areas).
b. 
Curbing and Landscaping Required. Planter islands shall be surrounded by six-inch-wide curbing and landscaped.
c. 
Required Trees. Each planter island shall include one shade tree. See Figure 3-10 (Parking Lot Landscaping Tree Spacing).
d. 
Curbing at Island Ends. Rounded curbing is required with a minimum radius of three feet, or half the planter width.
4. 
Perimeter Landscaping. All parking lots shall provide a perimeter landscape strip, a minimum of five feet wide where wheel stops are placed two feet away from the landscaping strip; a minimum of seven feet wide if cars overhang; and 10 to 20 feet wide where the parking lot abuts a residential-ly-zoned parcel. Perimeter landscaping shall be protected by a six-inch curb.
Figure 3-9 Parking Lot Landscaped Areas
-Image-18.tif
Figure 3-10 Parking Lot Landscaping Tree Spacing
-Image-19.tif
H. 
Street Trees.
1. 
Street trees shall be required to meet three of the purposes listed at the beginning of this chapter:
a. 
Aesthetic enhancement of new development;
b. 
Promote the conservation of water using indigenous and drought-tolerant species; and
c. 
Reduce heat and glare and balance solar insulation or solar gain.
2. 
Street trees shall be planted by subdivision developers in the following residential zone (See Table 3-6: Residential Front Setback Landscaping):
a. 
M-H (Single-family mobile home residential);
b. 
R-1 (Single-family residential);
c. 
R-1-5000 (Single-family residential); and
d. 
R-2 (Two-family residential).
3. 
Street trees shall be planted subject to the following:
a. 
The location and type of tree shall be approved by the Department and the Department of Public Works.
b. 
The types of trees should be limited to those that are not conducive to damaging house foundations or sidewalks. One specific species of drought-resistant tree should be required per subdivision.
c. 
The type of tree shall be determined prior to the recording of the final map and installed prior to occupancy of each residence unless approved otherwise.
d. 
An adequate means of maintenance shall be provided subject to the approval of the Department and the Department of Public Works.
4. 
Street Tree Replacement. If a street tree is removed, it shall be replaced with another street tree.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
A. 
Applicability. Residential development shall incorporate landscaping in all yard areas that are not specifically used for driveways, walkways, patios, or similar purposes. Residential landscaping shall be approved by the Department and shall be in compliance with the regulations of this chapter.
1. 
Residential development located in the R-3 and R-4 zones shall have a minimum of 25 percent of the required landscaped area be usable as open recreational area. Landscaping shall be used to manage and treat stormwater to the maximum extent feasible; see Table 3-6 (Residential Front Setback Landscaping).
2. 
Residential development located in the R-1, R-1-5000, M-H, and R-2 zones shall have a minimum of 35 percent of the required landscaped area be usable as open recreational area. Landscaping shall be used to manage and treat stormwater to the maximum extent feasible; see Table 3-6 (Residential Front Setback Landscaping).
B. 
Fences and Walls. See Chapter 18.34 (Fences, Walls, and Hedges).
C. 
Sight Distance. All landscape treatments, walls, berms, and plants shall comply with the sight distance requirements in County Code Chapter 13.24 (Sight Distance at Public Intersections and Private Driveways).
Table 3-6
Residential Front Setback Landscaping
Residential Zone
Front Setback
(feet)
Frequency
Additional Requirements
R-1
15 ft
One tree per parcel
 
R-1-5000
15 ft
One tree per parcel
 
M-H
10 ft
One tree per parcel
 
R-2
20 ft
One tree per parcel
 
R-3
20 ft
-
18.36.050(F)
R-4
20 ft
-
18.36.050(F)
D. 
Multi-Family Residential Zones. Development in the R-3 and R-4 Multi-family residential zones shall comply with the following standards:
1. 
10 feet of the required 20-foot front setbacks, exclusive of driveways, must be planted with a landscape buffer; this may be in combination with a landscape wall and/or berm.
2. 
For parking areas adjacent to a front setback or in the case of a corner parcel, both the front and side setbacks, 15 feet of the required 20-foot setback must be planted with a landscape screen; this may be in combination with a landscape wall and/or berm.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
A. 
Applicability. Front setback landscaping is required in the following non-residential zones. See Table 3-7 (Non-Residential Front Setback Landscaping):
1. 
B-P Business Park
2. 
C-P Commercial Professional Office
3. 
C-1 Neighborhood Commercial
4. 
C-2 General Commercial
5. 
C-3 Heavy Commercial
6. 
H-I-C Highway Interchange Center
7. 
M-1 Light Manufacturing
8. 
M-2 General Manufacturing
B. 
Corner Parcels. Structures on corner parcels shall have required landscape screens for both right-of-way frontages. See Section 18.36.050 (General Landscape Standards).
C. 
Fences and Walls. See Chapter 18.34 (Fences, Walls, and Hedges).
D. 
Sight Distance. All landscape treatments, walls, berms, and plants shall comply with the sight distance requirements in County Code Chapter 13.24 (Sight Distance and Public Intersections and Private Driveways).
Table 3-7
Non-Residential Front Setback Landscaping
Zone
Front Setback (feet)
Additional Requirements
Commercial
When a parking structure, parking lot, or maneuvering area is adjacent to a front setback or on a corner parcel, a landscape screen shall be required along the entire width of the required setback along the parking area/structure. The landscape screen may be combined with a landscape wall and/or berm.
 
Front setback landscaping is not required in the MU (Mixed-Use) zone unless the above condition is met.
C-P
10
C-1
10
C-2
6
C-3
15
HIC
15
Industrial
B-P
15
M-1
15
M-2
15
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019; Ord. 1990 § 1, 2020)