A. 
Provide standards. These landscaping standards are established to provide the method by which landscaped areas shall be required and distributed throughout a development project. The city intends, however, to offer developers discretion and latitude in the design of required landscape and irrigation.
B. 
General objectives. Landscaping shall be utilized to:
1. 
Enhance and articulate parking areas, the site, and structures;
2. 
Identify entries;
3. 
Provide shade;
4. 
Relieve the monotony of long expanses of building and walls; and
5. 
Buffer areas and land uses potentially incompatible with one another.
C. 
Water conservation. Water conservation measures shall be addressed through the landscape and irrigation design. Sustainable landscapes are encouraged through actions that conserve and recycle the resources invested in landscapes. Applicants are encouraged to take full advantage of the wide range of drought-tolerant landscape material and low-water-flow irrigation systems available within the framework established by this section and section 29, article 1, of the Cypress City Code.
(Ord. No. 1062, § 2(Exh. A), 11-25-04; Ord. No. 1114, § 1, 12-14-09)
A. 
Landscaping and irrigation plans required. Landscape and irrigation plans shall be required for the following development projects and those enumerated in section 29, article 1, of the Cypress City Code:
1. 
Multi-family residential development proposals for two or more dwelling units in zoning districts where residential development is allowed;
2. 
Development proposals in commercial zoning districts;
3. 
Development proposals in industrial zoning districts;
4. 
City-initiated projects; and
5. 
Projects requiring approval by the design review committee, the planning agency, or the council.
B. 
Exceptions. This section 13 shall not apply to new landscape installations or landscape rehabilitation projects less than 500 square feet in area.
C. 
Exemptions authorized by design review committee. When deemed necessary and appropriate by the design review committee, landscaping that is part of the following may be exempt from the requirements of this section:
1. 
Cemeteries;
2. 
Golf courses; and
3. 
Registered historical sites.
D. 
Variance from the minimum landscape standards. The director may modify the standards in this section 13 when the director determines that an alternative design will meet the intent of this section. Review and reduction may be accomplished through the review of other discretionary permit applications related to the proposed development project.
E. 
Landscaping in excess of minimum. Landscaping may be required in excess of the minimum areas specified if deemed necessary to:
1. 
Screen adjacent users from parking areas, activities, storage, or structures that could cause a negative impact on adjacent uses based on aesthetics, noise, odors, etc.
2. 
Provide landscaping that is compatible with neighboring uses.
(Ord. No. 1062, § 2(Exh. A), 11-25-04; Ord. No. 1114, § 2, 12-14-09; Ord. No. 1154, § 1, 2-8-16)
Infiltration rate.
The rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (e.g. inches per hour).
Landscaping.
The planting and continuous maintenance of some combination of natural vegetation (e.g., trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, flowers on lawns).
Mulch.
Material (e.g., leaves, bark, straw, compost, manure, or other similar materials) left loose and applied to the soil surface to reduce evaporation.
Nonconforming landscaping.
A combination of plant materials, hardscape features, and irrigation systems which does not conform to site coverage, parking area coverage, percentage distribution, installation, or maintenance requirements of this section.
Overspray.
Water, that is delivered beyond the landscaped area, wetting pavements, walks, structures, or other nonlandscaped areas.
Rain-shutoff device.
A device that automatically shuts off an irrigation system when it rains.
Recreation area.
Areas of active play or recreation (e.g., sports fields, schoolyards, picnic grounds, etc.) or other areas with intense foot traffic.
Runoff.
Water that is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and that flows from the area. For example, runoff may result from water that is applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or where there is a severe slope.
Turf.
A single-bladed grass or sod.
Total landscaped area.
Includes all of the following:
a. 
Required landscaped areas within and adjacent to parking areas;
b. 
Building setback areas;
c. 
Areas on a lot between buildings and parking lots or other paved surfaces; and
d. 
Raised planter areas, but excluding public rights-of-way and public parkway areas.
(Ord. No. 1062, § 2(Exh. A), 11-25-04; Ord. No. 1114, § 3, 12-14-09)
A. 
Landscape plans for new landscape installations equal to or greater than 500 square feet or landscape rehabilitation projects equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review shall comply with section 2.5 of the city's water efficient landscape guidelines.
The zoning ordinance amendment as approved is consistent with the General Plan of the City of Cypress.
B. 
Compatibility. Each landscape plan shall be compatible with the shape and topography of the site and the architectural characteristics of the structures(s) on the site. Each landscape plan shall be compatible with the character of adjacent landscaping, provided the quality of the adjacent landscaping meets the minimum standards of this section. However, it is not the intent of this section to require landscape designs to use identical plant materials. Where existing mature landscaping is in good, healthful condition, an effort shall be made to retain and to incorporate the mature landscaping into the overall landscape theme.
C. 
Functionality. Each landscape plan shall address the functional aspects of landscaping such as grading, drainage, minimal runoff, erosion prevention, wind barriers, provisions for shade, and reduction of glare. Each landscape plan shall demonstrate a concern for solar access, including exposure and shading of window areas.
D. 
Design. Each landscape plan shall illustrate a concern for design elements such as balance, scale, texture, form, and unity.
E. 
Plan review. The director shall review landscape design and irrigation plans.
F. 
Modification to approved plans. Modifications to an approved landscape or irrigation plan shall be approved by the design review committee before installation of the landscaping or irrigation.
G. 
Conformance with approved plans. Neither a final inspection nor an occupancy clearance shall be granted until all of the landscaping and irrigation systems are installed in compliance with approved plans. Landscaping and irrigation systems shall be located, designed, and maintained as specified on the approved plans.
(Ord. No. 1062, § 2(Exh. A), 11-25-04; Ord. No. 114, § 4, 12-14-09; Ord. No. 1154, § 3, 2-8-16)
A. 
General. All unpaved areas on a development site shall be planted with an effective combination of trees, shrubs, ground cover, turf, and/or approved decorative landscape materials.
B. 
Single-family and duplex residential uses. All setback areas of that are visible from the public right-of-way shall be landscaped prior to occupancy. A minimum of 50% of these setback areas shall be landscaped with live plant materials, except for allowable walks, driveways, and fences. Not more than 50% of a required front yard setback shall consist of hardscape, including walks, driveways, and fences.
C. 
Multi-family residential uses (three or more units).
1. 
Common open space areas, parkways, and setbacks. Landscaping shall be provided in common open space areas, parkways, and setbacks of multi-family developments.
2. 
Off-street parking. Landscaping of required off-street parking areas shall be provided in compliance with subsection 3.13.060 (Landscaping requirements for parking areas).
3. 
Turf areas. Turf in multiple-family residential landscapes shall comprise no more than 50% of landscape areas. Additional areas, clearly identified as recreational spaces by equipment, may be allowed above 50%.
D. 
Commercial and industrial uses.
1. 
Off-street parking. Landscaping of required off-street parking areas shall be provided in compliance with subsection 3.13.060 (Landscaping requirements for parking areas).
2. 
Setbacks.
a. 
Required front and street side setbacks shall be landscaped and irrigated.
b. 
Where perimeter landscaping is required along a street setback area, a three-foot-high wall or berm shall be provided. The director shall have the authority to require a wall or berm of lesser or greater height, depending upon physical site conditions and the nature of adjacent uses.
c. 
In the OP20000 (Office Professional), CN-10000 (Commercial Neighborhood), and CG-10000 (Commercial General) zoning districts, landscaping shall be required for side setbacks and front setbacks to a minimum depth of 10 feet.
d. 
In the CH-10000 (Commercial Heavy) zoning district, required front and street setbacks shall be landscaped to their full depth. However, portions of the required front setback may be used for outdoor display areas, subject to approval by city staff through the design review process in compliance with subsection 4.19.060 (Design review).
e. 
When an industrial zoning district abuts or located across the street from a parcel in a residential zoning district, the 25 feet nearest the street or zoning district boundary line shall be landscaped. The remaining 75 feet of the required 100 foot setback may be used for off-street parking as provided in section 14 (Off-street parking and loading).
3. 
Turf areas. Turf shall comprise no more than 50% of landscape areas. Additional areas, clearly identified as recreational spaces by equipment or utilized for product demonstrations, may be allowed above the 50% area.
4. 
Loading facilities. Landscaping shall not impair maneuvering at loading facilities.
E. 
Artificial turf. Artificial turf, up to 100% of the required landscaped area in the front yard of residential zones will be allowed. A permit is required from the Cypress community development department prior to the installation of any artificial turf. The director shall develop and update from time to time artificial turf standards and criteria as needed.
(Ord. No. 1062, § 2(Exh. A), 11-25-04; Ord. No. 1143, § 1, 4-14-14)
A. 
Amount of landscape area to be provided.
1. 
Areas required to be landscaped within off-street surface parking areas shall include required buffer zones between parking areas and rights-of-way, between parking areas and buildings, between parking areas and drive aisles, and within medians between parking aisles.
2. 
In addition to landscaping required in building setback areas, each off-street surface parking area shall provide landscape coverage equivalent to 20 square feet of landscaping for each parking space.
3. 
Wherever off-street surface parking abuts a public right-of-way, a minimum five-foot-wide landscaped buffer zone shall be provided.
4. 
Wherever off-street parking abuts a building or structure, a minimum five foot-wide landscaped buffer zone shall be provided. The buffer zone may contain limited areas devoted to paved walkways and required handicapped access ramps and pathways but shall be predominantly landscaped.
5. 
Unused space resulting from the design of parking areas shall be landscaped.
B. 
Parking area landscape standards.
1. 
Trees for off-street parking areas.
a. 
Each landscaped median or buffer strip shall contain at least one tree for every four parking spaces along a single-loaded parking aisle and at least one tree for every eight parking spaces along a double-loaded parking aisle.
Figure 3-8
Trees in Landscaped Medians of Parking Lots
b. 
At least one tree shall be provided in a planter area at the end of each parking aisle.
c. 
A minimum of one tree shall be provided for every 200 square feet of the total landscaped area, as defined in subsection 3.13.030 (Definitions). The trees required, in subparagraph (a), above for the interior of parking areas may count toward the total number of trees required on a development site.
d. 
The required number of trees shall be distributed throughout the site, meaning both within planted areas in parking lots, within parking setback areas, within building setback areas, and within any other landscaped area provided on a lot.
e. 
A minimum of 20% of the required number of trees shall be twenty-four-inch box size or larger.
f. 
Trees shall be staked or guyed in compliance with city standards.
2. 
Shrubs for off-street parking areas. Planting areas shall be planted with one shrub or vine for every 25 square feet of total landscape area. Fifty percent of the shrubs and/or vines shall be of five-gallon size or larger. The required shrubs and/or vines shall be evenly distributed throughout the site.
3. 
Turf for off-street parking areas. Turf incorporated into the landscape design shall not constitute more than 50% of the total landscaped area. The department may approve greater turf coverage, provided the turf serves a usable and beneficial purpose (e.g. recreation areas or temporary outdoor display area), or provided the percentage of turf area is provided in an approved specific plan. Turf shall be of a drought-tolerant variety. Turf shall not be used in parking area planting medians or islands.
4. 
Ground cover for off-street parking areas. Areas not covered by trees, shrubs, vines, or turf shall be planted with ground cover. No more than 30% of the ground cover may be materials other than plant materials (e.g., decomposed granite, masonry, pavers, etc.) acceptable to the department. The use of artificial plants is prohibited.
5. 
Development and design standards for off-street parking areas.
a. 
Planting areas directly abutting the parking area shall be enclosed by a raised, continuous curb of Portland cement concrete, or other material acceptable to the building official. The curb shall be at least six inches high and six inches wide. The finished grade within the planter shall be at least two inches below the top of the curb.
b. 
Where vehicles are allowed to overhang landscaped areas, landscaped areas shall be a minimum of six feet in width, and the vehicle overhang shall not exceed two feet. Trees in these areas shall be aligned with the parking stripe or otherwise located to avoid tree damage by parked vehicles.
c. 
Planting areas shall be provided with a permanent and adequate means of irrigation, designed, and maintained in compliance with the applicable requirements of subsection 3.13.070I. (Irrigation requirements), below.
6. 
Authority to require additional landscaping. The director shall have the authority to require additional landscaping in excess of the minimum standards provided in this paragraph E., provided the additional landscaping is deemed necessary to:
a. 
Screen adjacent uses from parking areas that could cause a negative impact on the adjacent uses due to noise, odors, or aesthetics; or
b. 
Ensure compatibility and conformity with adjacent uses.
(Ord. No. 1062, § 2(Exh. A), 11-25-04)
A. 
Plant materials generally.
1. 
Landscaping shall consist predominantly of plant material, except for necessary walks and drives.
2. 
To the greatest extent possible, landscape material shall consist of drought-tolerant plants.
3. 
Plant material selected shall be suitable for the given soil and climate conditions. Plant selection shall take into consideration water conservation through appropriate use and groupings of plants that are well adapted to particular sites and to particular watering needs, climatic, geological, and topographical conditions.
4. 
Plants shall be free of insects, disease, mechanical injuries, and other objectionable features at the time of planting.
5. 
Landscaping shall be used to relieve solid, unbroken building elevations and to soften wall expanses.
6. 
For qualifying landscape projects, the plant standards contained in the following sections B. through E. shall comply with the water efficient landscape design guidelines provided in chapter 29, article I, of the Cypress City Code.
B. 
Street trees.
1. 
Street trees, with irrigation, shall be required on city streets. Each tree shall be of a minimum twenty-four-inch box size or as otherwise approved. Trees shall be staked or guyed per city standards.
2. 
Street trees shall have comparatively straight trunks, well-developed leaders, and tops and root characteristics of the species or variety.
3. 
The number of required street trees shall be determined by dividing the frontage of the property in feet, including driveways, by 40. In determining the number of trees required, fractional numbers shall be rounded up to the next whole number. The number of street trees shall be provided in addition to the trees required by subsection 3.13.060 B.1. (Trees for off-street parking areas), above.
4. 
Street trees shall be planted evenly spaced.
5. 
A minimum distance of 50 feet shall be provided between street trees and street corner curb lines.
6. 
A vertical clearance of 10 to 15 feet shall be provided between street trees and fire hydrants, meter boxes, and utility vaults. Where possible, a thirty-foot vertical clearance between street trees and streetlights shall be provided.
7. 
Street trees shall be maintained to comply with subparagraph 2. above one year following their planting.
8. 
Trees with known surface root problems shall not be used in vehicular use areas, paved pedestrian walkways, and structures with poured concrete slabs.
9. 
Street trees shall be maintained so that, at mature size, scaffold branches are a minimum of 60 inches above the finished grade, as measured at the trunk.
10. 
For development projects within an approved specific plan area, the type of street trees provided shall be compatible with the landscaping requirements of that specific plan.
11. 
Trees located within 10 feet of a public right-of-way shall have approved root barriers.
C. 
Existing trees.
1. 
Preservation of existing trees. Existing trees are to be preserved if possible. Existing trees with a caliper of two inches or greater, measured 12 inches from existing grade, shall be identified on planting plans and removed only with permission from the City. Designated "landmark trees" shall be protected as provided for in Sections 17-17 through 17-27 (Landmark Trees) of the Municipal Code.
2. 
Protection of existing trees during construction. Existing trees to be preserved shall be protected during construction operations by the use of fencing or barricades that shall encompass everything inside the outer edge of the dripline of the tree. The barricade should be easily seen by operators of trucks and heavy equipment.
3. 
Limitations on trenching. Trenching of tree roots shall not be performed within 20 feet of the trunk without the approval of the City.
4. 
Required replacement size. An existing mature tree, as defined by subparagraph 1 above, that is to be removed shall be replaced with a tree of 36-inch box size or larger as required by the Director.
D. 
Ground cover.
1. 
Required percent coverage. Herbaceous ground cover shall be planted with a spacing that will typically ensure 100% coverage within a one-year period of installation.
2. 
Mulch. Areas between woody ground cover shall have a two-inch thick cover of mulch or herbaceous ground cover.
3. 
Limitations on area of nonliving ground coverage. Areas of nonliving ground cover, without shrubs, shall not be more than 30% of the total landscaped area.
E. 
Turf.
1. 
Separation from other planting beds. Turf areas shall be separated from other planting beds with:
a. 
Redwood headers or concrete mow strips in residential zones; or
b. 
Concrete mow strips in commercial or industrial zones.
2. 
Varieties. Turf shall be low-water-need varieties similar to tall fescue. The use of native grasses or lawn substitutes is encouraged.
F. 
Lighting. Landscape accent lighting, if used, shall not be glaring and shall not impair the vision of motorists or pedestrians. Light should be used to illuminate pathways and changes in elevation when they occur.
G. 
Walls, screening, and buffering.
1. 
Types of uses to be screened. Landscaping may be required to screen storage areas, trash enclosures, parking areas, public utilities, highways, and other similar land uses or elements that do not contribute to the enhancement of the surrounding area. Where plants are required for screening, the screening shall consist of the use of evergreen shrubs (minimum five gallons), and/or trees closely spaced to encourage growth in a continuous screen.
2. 
Screening of freestanding walls. The city may require freestanding walls to be screened with plants that provide coverage to the height of the wall.
H. 
Mounding and grading [berming]. Mounding and berming are encouraged. Mounds and berms, used in combination with shrubs and trees, should be used to buffer parking areas and to help break up long expanses of wall and structures.
I. 
Irrigation requirements. Landscape projects which qualify under the requirements of the city's water efficiency landscape ordinance shall comply with the provisions of chapter 29, article I, of the Cypress City Code. All other landscape projects shall comply with the following irrigation requirements:
1. 
Sites and zones requiring irrigation. Required landscaped areas shall be provided with an approved irrigation system. Landscaped areas shall be provided with an automatically timed-controlled sprinkler system when the site is zoned commercial or industrial, or when the site is zoned multiple-family residential and more than three dwelling units are proposed.
2. 
Elements of irrigation systems. Irrigation systems shall consist of underground piped water lines with low-water-flow sprinklers and/or a drip or trickle irrigation system. The system chosen shall be designed to provide adequate coverage to existing and proposed plant material. Water meter and line sizes shall be calculated from total water demand that should be, at least, the sum of the maximum irrigation demand and all building demand.
3. 
Separate valves and heads. Due to varying irrigation requirements, separate control valves and sprinkler/emitter heads shall be used when shrubs and turf are proposed on the same landscape plan.
4. 
Check valves. The irrigation system shall be equipped with check valves to prevent low-head drainage.
5. 
Minimize overspray. The irrigation system shall be designed so that overspray and runoff onto streets, sidewalks, structures, windows, walls, and fences are minimized.
6. 
Timer. Landscaped areas shall be provided with at least one automatically controlled timer. The timer shall have, at a minimum, a battery-backup feature, a rain shut-off feature, a fourteen-day calendar, and multiple programming for each station.
7. 
Allowable time periods for watering. Landscaped areas should be watered between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to provide maximum benefit to the plant material and to reduce unnecessary water loss through drift and evaporation.
8. 
Reclaimed water. Irrigation systems for projects one acre or more in area shall use reclaimed water whenever reclaimed water is available to the site. Reclaimed water systems shall be subject to appropriate health standards. This includes proper identification of all nonpotable lines and risers. Backflow prevention devices are required on nonpotable irrigation systems if automatic feed devices are used.
9. 
Recirculating water. Recirculating water shall be used for any decorative water features.
10. 
Use of same valve for plants with similar water needs. To conserve water resources, the same valve shall irrigate plant material with similar water needs.
J. 
Landscape maintenance.
1. 
Appropriate water conservation and maintenance practices. Landscaping shall be maintained in a healthy condition. This shall include proper pruning, mowing of lawns, weeding, removal of litter, fertilizing, replacement of plants when necessary, and application of appropriate quantities of water to all landscaped areas. In addition, landscape maintenance practices that foster long-term landscape water conservation shall be employed. The practices may include:
a. 
Performing routine irrigation system repairs and adjustments;
b. 
Scheduling irrigation based on CIMIS (California Irrigation Management Information Systems);
c. 
Utilization of moisture sensing or rain shut-off devices;
d. 
Conducting water audits; and
e. 
Prescribing the amount of water applied per landscape acre.
2. 
Installation required before occupancy. Required landscaping and irrigation shall be in place before use or occupancy of new structures.
K. 
Nonconforming landscaping. Landscaping that is made nonconforming by the provisions of this zoning ordinance or a previous ordinance shall not be required to be improved unless new improvements are proposed for the existing property and the value of the proposed improvements is equal to or greater than 50% of the total assessed value of existing property improvements, as determined by the building official.
(Ord. No. 1062, § 2(Exh. A), 11-25-04; Ord. No. 1114, §§ 5, 6, 12-14-09)