A.
It
is the intent of the city to impose standards and regulations in regards
to the planning, installation, and maintenance of the public and private
landscape that provide aesthetic and functional amelioration to the
city, while being in compliance with state and local regulations as
they pertain to the use of water. The city recognizes the imperative
need to conserve water in all of its varied uses in order to meet
the needs of its growing population.
B.
This
chapter is intended to establish standards and regulations for new
residential, industrial, commercial and institutional development.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to existing development.
Standards set forth for institutional development shall be the same
as those listed for industrial development as described in this chapter.
(Ord. 92-73; Ord. 96-136)
A.
Single-Family
Developments—Development Standards. All new single-family developments
that require a development permit shall meet the following requirements:
1.
Landscaping. All required yards shall be landscaped and maintained as provided by the provisions of this title. All front yards must contain in addition to other landscaping, a minimum of one tree planted in accordance with Section 17.92.100 and in conformance with the approved tree schedule and criteria as provided in Section 17.92.090. Corner lots shall include a minimum of one tree for each street frontage. All existing trees on undeveloped property shall be maintained unless removal or relocation has been approved by the planning director and as identified on an approved landscape plan pursuant to Section 17.92.040.
4.
Water Conservation. Each project shall meet the requirements for water conservation set forth in Section 17.92.060.
5.
Landscaping
Requirement. For one-family residential zone districts:
a.
Landscape Area. At least 35% of the front yard and street-side yard
shall be landscaped consisting of living plant materials including,
but not limited to, trees, shrubs, groundcover, natural turf, flowers,
and vines. Tree planting must be planted in accordance with this title.
For building permits issued for new residential construction after
July 15, 2015, no more than 25% of the actual front and street-side
yard area shall be natural turf if irrigated with potable water.
6.
Artificial
Turf Standards. Artificial turf may be placed in substitute of natural
turf but shall meet the following standards:
a.
Artificial turf shall be made from polypropylene, polyethylene, a
blend of such fibers, or new industry standard that has very little
to no known toxic substance on a permeable backing. Nylon-based or
plastic grass blades are not permitted. The use of indoor/outdoor
carpeting and artificial shrubs, flowers, trees, and vines instead
of natural plantings is prohibited.
b.
Artificial turf shall have a minimum blade length (pile height) of
1.25 inches or as determined by the community development director
or designee.
c.
An appropriate solid barrier device (i.e., concrete mow strip) is
required to separate artificial turf from soil and live vegetation.
d.
Artificial turf shall be lead free.
e.
Artificial turf shall be trimmed to fit against all regular and irregular
edges to resemble a natural look.
f.
Artificial turf shall be designed to allow water to percolate through
synthetic grass at a minimum drain rate of 25 inches per hour (or
an alternative rate as determined by the public works director) to
an adequate drainage system installed underneath the artificial turf
to prevent run-off, pooling, and flooding.
g.
All artificial turf shall have a warranty that protects against color
fading and a decrease in pile height. A minimum four-year manufacturer's
warranty is required for a "do it yourself" homeowner's installation;
and a minimum eight-year manufacturer's warranty is required for an
installation certified by the manufacturer.
h.
Installation shall be done at a minimum to the manufacturer's specifications,
and include the following: removal of all sod and existing groundcover,
a synthetic porous filter fabric shall be installed, compacted and
porous decomposed crushed granite and/or road base material (at least
three inches), all edges and seams of the artificial turf are to be
anchored with nails and glue, all seams shall be nailed and glued—
not sewn—and artificial turf shall be visually level with the
grain pointing in a single direction.
i.
Artificial Turf Maintenance. Artificial turf shall be maintained
by the property owner in an effective manner which includes cleaning,
brushing, debris removal; repairing of depressions and ruts to maintain
a level visual surface; elimination of any odors, flat or matted areas,
weeds, evasive roots, looseness at edges, seams; and the replacement
of the artificial turf when maintenance or repair is unable to simulate
a natural thriving, green, grass appearance.
B.
Multifamily
Developments—Development Standards.
1.
Landscaping. For multifamily developments of four or less units, the single-family development requirements described in Section 17.92.020(A) shall apply. For developments of five or more units, the following requirements shall be imposed in addition to those imposed in Section 17.92.020(A):
a.
All areas not used for buildings, parking, driveways, walkways, recreational
facilities or other permanent facilities shall be landscaped. At a
minimum, 15% of the net site area shall be landscaped.
b.
All required yards shall be landscaped and maintained as provided
by the provisions of this title.
c.
Site development shall incorporate the surrounding topography and
provide for the preservation of natural features such as water courses,
wooded areas, and rough terrain.
C.
Mobilehome
Parks—Development Standards.
1.
Landscaping.
All areas not used for buildings, parking, driveways, walkways, recreational
facilities or other permanent facilities shall be landscaped. At a
minimum, 15% of the net site area shall be landscaped. Common recreational
areas can account for 10% of the net site area requirement. Site development
shall incorporate the surrounding topography and provide for the preservation
of natural features such as water courses, wooded areas, and rough
terrain.
2.
Landscaping Plan. Each project shall include a landscaping plan as described in Section 17.92.040.
3.
Irrigation Plan. Each project shall include an irrigation plan as described in Section 17.92.050.
(Ord. 92-73; Ord. 16-355 § 1)
A.
Commercial
Developments—Development Standards.
1.
Landscaping. All areas not used for structures, parking, driveways, walkways or other hardscape shall be landscaped and maintained as provided by the provisions of this title. At a minimum, 15% of the net site area shall be landscaped and all areas of the project area abutting other properties or public right-of-ways shall include a continuous landscaped planting strip no smaller than five feet in width. All landscaping materials used shall be in accordance with Section 17.92.100 and in conformance with the tree and shrub schedule and criteria as provided in Section 17.92.090. All existing trees on the project site shall be maintained unless removal or relocation has been approved by the planning director and as identified on an approved landscape plan pursuant to Section 17.92.040.
2.
Landscaping Plan. Each project shall include a landscaping plan as described in Section 17.92.040.
3.
Irrigation Plan. Each project shall include an irrigation plan as described in Section 17.92.050.
B.
Industrial
Developments—Development Standards.
1.
Landscaping. All areas not used for structures, parking, driveways, walkways or other hardscape shall be landscaped and maintained as provided by the provisions of this title. At a minimum, 10% of the net site area shall be landscaped and all areas of the project area abutting other properties or public right-of-ways shall include a continuous landscaped planting strip no smaller than five feet in width. All landscaping materials used shall be in accordance with Section 17.92.100 and in conformance with the approved tree and shrub schedule and criteria as provided in Section 17.92.090. All existing trees on the project site shall be maintained unless removal or relocation has been approved by the community development director or the city manager's designee, and as identified on an approved landscape plan pursuant to Section 17.92.040.
2.
Landscaping Plan. Each project shall include a landscaping plan as described in Section 17.92.040.
3.
Irrigation Plan. Each project shall include an irrigation plan as described in Section 17.92.050.
(Ord. 92-96; Ord. 96-136; Ord. 10-298 § 1; Ord. 23-449, 11/13/2023)
A landscape plan is required for all new residential, commercial,
and industrial developments. Each plan shall be professionally drawn
to an identifiable scale no smaller than one inch equals 20 feet on
18 inch by 24 inch or 18 inch by 26 inch drawing media and shall include
the following:
A.
Landscape
Materials, Trees, Shrubs, Groundcover, Turf, Etc. Planting symbols
shall be clearly drawn and plants labeled by botanical name, common
name, container size, spacing, and quantities of each group of plants
indicated in accordance with the provisions of this title;
B.
Property
lines, street names, and existing utilities;
C.
Streets,
driveways, walkways, and other paved areas;
D.
Pools,
ponds, water features, fences, retaining walls and other screening
devices;
E.
Existing
and proposed buildings and structures including elevation if applicable;
F.
Natural
features including, but not limited to, rock outcroppings, existing
trees, and shrubs that will remain and those that are intended to
be removed;
G.
Tree
staking, plant installation, soil preparation details, and any other
applicable planting and installation details;
H.
Irrigation materials, specifications, and design in conformance with the water conservation and irrigation design requirements stated in Section 17.92.060;
I.
Drainage
and run-off detail as they pertain to the proposed landscape.
J.
Identify
location of mulch application. Mulch shall be applied on all exposed
soil surfaces of planting areas except in areas of rooting or creeping
ground covers. The application of mulch will conserve soil moisture,
improve fertility and health of the soil, reduce weed growth, and
enhance the visual appeal of the new landscaping areas.
(Ord. 92-96; Ord. 21-418 § 16)
The irrigation plan shall be drawn separately from the landscape plan but drawn at the same scale using the same format as described in Section 17.92.040. The irrigation plan should also include:
A.
Location
and size of separate meters for the landscape;
B.
Location,
type, and size of all components of the irrigation system, including
automatic controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads,
moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers and backflow
prevention devices;
C.
Static
water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply;
D.
Flow
rate (gallons per minute), precipitation rates (inches per hour),
and design operating pressure (psi) for each station;
E.
Location
and specifications of recycled irrigation systems;
F.
Location
of and size of public water lines and connections;
G.
Any
other applicable information as required by the public works director.
(Ord. 92-96)
State's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
A.
The
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance of the state of California,
as contained in Sections 490 through 495, Chapter 2.7, Division 2,
Title 23 in the California Code of Regulations is hereby adopted by
reference as the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance of the city of
Lathrop. A copy of the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance of
the state of California shall be maintained in the community development
department office of the city of Lathrop and shall be made available
for public inspection while the ordinance codified in this section
is in force.
B.
"Local
agency" in the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance shall mean the
city of Lathrop.
C.
"Local
water purveyor" in the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance shall mean
the city of Lathrop.
(Ord. 16-355 § 1)
Screening and landscaping of open parking and loading areas
shall be provided as follows:
A.
Parking
lots located on the project site of 10 parking spaces or less that
area adjacent to the project property lines shall include a five-foot
landscape strip buffer installed continuously along the property line
unless it is adjacent to an area that is designated on the general
plan for residential use, zoned for residential use or where an existing
residential use exists or abuts a street frontage; in such occurrences,
the planting strip shall be 10 feet in width minimum. Parking areas
of more than 10 parking stalls shall include a 10 foot landscape strip
buffer installed continuously along the property line in all cases.
B.
Trees shall be planted in the landscaped area at the area of one tree per six parking spaces. The trees planted shall be selected from the criteria as described in Section 17.92.090, and approved by the community development director. Open parking areas on streets shall have a minimum five-foot planting strip. The planting strip shall be measured from the street right-of-way line allowing openings for walkways and driveways. All trees planted along a public right-of-way shall be maintained to allow a minimum clearance of 10 feet from grade.
C.
Areas
containing plant materials should be bordered by concrete curb at
least six inches high and six inches wide. Alternative barrier design
to protect landscaped areas from damage by vehicles and/or to filter/retain
runoff on-site may be approved by the community development director.
D.
Landscaping
shall be distributed throughout the parking lot. Parking lot landscaping
shall be located so that pedestrians are not required to cross unpaved
areas to reach building entrances from parked cars. This can be achieved
through proper orientation of the landscape fingers and islands by
providing pedestrian access through the landscaped areas that would
otherwise block direct pedestrian routes.
E.
Varied
tree and plant species shall be used throughout the parking lot. No
one species shall comprise more than 75% of the plantings within each
of the following categories: shade tree, screen tree, shrub.
F.
Planters
containing landscaping shall be provided adjacent to and within parking
areas in accordance with the following regulations:
1.
Transit
shelters are allowed within the landscaping area.
2.
Parking
lots of 20 spaces or more shall provide a landscaped island measuring
a minimum of eight feet by 16 feet at a ratio of one island for every
eight spaces. The island shall contain at least one tree.
3.
No
planter shall be smaller than five feet wide by five feet long, or
25 square feet, excluding curbing. Each planter shall include an irrigation
system.
4.
Shading
requirement. Trees shall be planted and maintained throughout the
surface parking facility to ensure that, within 15 years after establishment
of the parking facility, at least 50% of the parking facility will
be shaded. Solar canopies, if provided, can be counted towards this
calculation.
6.
All
plant material removed from a multifamily or nonresidential project
in which the community development department has approved the landscape
plan shall be replaced. Replacement shrubs shall be a minimum five-gallon
size. Ground cover shall be a minimum size of a full flat.
7.
All
landscaped areas shall be designed so that plant materials are protected
from vehicle damage or encroachment.
8.
All
plant materials shall be maintained free from physical damage or injury
arising from lack of water, chemical damage, insects, and diseases.
Plant materials showing damage shall be replaced by the same or similar
species. Planting areas shall be kept free from weeds, debris, and
undesirable materials which may be detrimental to safety, drainage,
or appearance. Planter areas shall have mulch replenished as needed.
G.
All
parking areas and parking lots shall also be in compliance with the
adopted zoning ordinance and other city ordinances, resolutions, and
regulations as set forth by the city council.
H.
If
a commercial, industrial, or multifamily residential project abuts
a residential zone, an area designated on the general plan for residential
use, or an existing residential use, a solid masonry wall, or alternative
materials approved by the community development director, eight feet
in height, shall be erected to the adjoining planting strip.
I.
Residential
land uses that are noise impacted per the general plan noise element
may incorporate effective sound attenuation measures to reduce noise
to acceptable levels, including sound walls exceeding the maximum
height of this title.
J.
All
outside storage areas shall be screened so as not to be visible from
adjacent properties and public rights-of-way. Screening shall be a
minimum of six feet in height, and consist of a solid material. Outside
storage is not permitted in front or street side yards, or in front
of structures.
K.
Trash
enclosures shall be provided for each development. Each enclosure
shall consist of three solid walls and a gated fourth wall.
L.
Roof
mounted mechanical equipment, tanks, ventilating fans and similar
equipment shall be screened from the view of adjacent properties and
public rights-of-way at grade. The required screens shall be architecturally
compatible with the building or structure on which they are used.
M.
Industrial
projects shall be allowed security fencing, which may include a maximum
of two feet of barbed wire adjacent to areas that are not zoned or
planned for residential use. The total height of such fencing shall
not exceed eight feet in height.
N.
Fence
and Wall Maximum Allowed Heights and Locations. Each fence and wall
on a residential property shall comply with height limits and locations
shown in the table below:
|
Location of Fence or Wall
|
Maximum Height1,4
|
|---|---|
|
Within required front setback2
|
3 feet3
|
|
Within required street side setback
| |
|
<5 feet from back of sidewalk2
|
3 feet3
|
|
≥5 feet from back of sidewalk2,5
|
7 feet
|
|
Within required interior side and rear setback
|
7 feet
|
|
At the intersections of streets, alleys, and driveways6
|
3 feet
|
|
Notes:
| |
|---|---|
|
1
|
As part of a discretionary entitlement, the city may grant additional
height or location requirements to enclose or screen specific areas
or uses for fences and walls designed for noise attenuation.
|
|
2
|
Setback area is measured from back of sidewalk to the fence.
If no sidewalk exists, the setback is measured from the property line
to the fence.
|
|
3
|
Height of front and street side fence may be increased to four
feet if the fence remains substantially (minimum 50%) open and transparent
(e.g., picket fence, open wood slats, open wrought iron).
|
|
4
|
Architectural features on fences may exceed the maximum height
(e.g. vertical components such as spires on wrought iron fences).
The average height of the fence, including architectural features,
shall not exceed the maximum height permitted above.
|
|
5
|
For reversed corner lots, fences greater than three feet in
height shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the back of sidewalk.
|
|
6
|
See definition of clear visibility triangle in Section 17.04.080.
|
O.
Fence
and Wall Design and Maintenance Standards.
1.
Fencing
Materials. Fences and walls shall be constructed of attractive, long-lasting
materials (e.g., masonry, wood, tubular steel, or stone).
2.
Prohibited
Fencing Materials. Unless approved as a condition of approval or in
conjunction with another entitlement, walls or fences of sheet or
corrugated iron, sheet steel, concertina wire, or sheer aluminum are
prohibited. Barbed wire fencing, concertina wire, serpentine wire,
razor wire, and other similar fencing materials shall not be constructed
or placed on top of a fence except where property is used for agricultural,
open space, or industrial uses.
3.
Maintenance.
Fences and walls shall be continuously maintained in an orderly and
good condition.
4.
Temporary
Fences. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to prohibit the erection
of a temporary fence around construction projects in compliance with
the city adopted building code and other applicable provision of the
municipal code.
(Ord. 92-96; Ord. 16-355 § 1; Ord.
18-384 § 1; Ord. 19-405 § 1; Ord. 21-418 § 16)
All streets, roads, and parkways within the city shall meet the following standards as required by the provisions of this title. In residential, commercial and industrial zones, trees shall be planted in accordance with Sections 17.92.020 and 17.92.030. In addition, the following requirements shall apply:
A.
Trees
shall be planted between four feet and 10 feet from a public right-of-way.
Trees should also be a minimum of 10 feet from any driveway.
(Ord. 92-96)
A.
General
Requirements. A tree and shrub schedule shall be submitted with the
landscape plan. The species of trees and shrubs to be required should
meet the following criteria for its intended purpose:
1.
Street
Trees—Tree Well Trees and Landscape Strips. These trees are
to be used in city approved tree wells and in sidewalk locations in
the public right-of-way. These types of trees should be non-root evasive,
drought resistant, pest and disease resistant and create a canopy
that will not hinder pedestrians or motor vehicles. Fruit bearing
trees, trees that drop excessive leaves, spores, and the like should
not be considered.
2.
Street
Trees—Street Frontages. These trees should meet the criteria
listed above for tree well trees, as well as provide shade for residences,
parking lots and parkways.
3.
Shrubs.
Shrubs should be drought, pest and disease resistant and should not
grow to a height above three feet near street frontages or on corner
lots. Shrubs that produce thorns should not be considered.
(Ord. 92-96)
A.
Planting
Standards.
1.
Street
Trees. Street trees shall be planted 20 feet on center no closer than
four feet from the back of curb or planting edge. Trees shall maintain
a 10-foot vertical clearance over walks, pathways, and the like. Each
tree shall be a minimum of 15 gallons in size and shall be planted
with root barriers.
2.
Shrubs.
Shrubs should be planted as to provide a reasonable amount of ground
cover. Shrubs that are used for screening purposes shall meet height
requirements as provided by this title. Any shrub that will reach
three feet in height at maturity shall not be planted within a required
setback. Each shrub shall be a minimum of five gallons in size.
3.
Planting Design. The planting design shall be incorporated in the landscape plan as described in Section 17.92.040. Choice of planting materials, trees, and shrubs should take into account drought tolerance, ease of maintenance and aesthetic beauty. The design should also take into account future shade conditions in street and parking lot situations., A soil analysis may be required by the planning director under certain conditions; if required it also shall be submitted with the landscape plan.
4.
Timing
of Installation. All landscaping, screening, and irrigation shall
be in place prior to the request for a final inspection by the owner.
5.
Acceptance
by City. Each landscape area shall be maintained for 365 days from
the time the owner requests from the city a final inspection of the
landscape area prior to transfer of maintenance responsibility to
the city. Those landscapes that are to be privately owned, shall be
maintained by the property owner.
B.
Maintenance
Standards. Each landscape area shall be maintained as follows:
1.
Property
Owners' Responsibility. Property owners of developed residential,
commercial, and industrial lots shall be responsible for maintaining
the landscape areas of their properties to the satisfaction of the
city. Property owners of developed residential lots shall be responsible
for maintaining their private yard areas (front yards and back yards)
within enclosed fenced areas, as well as maintain any unfenced private
yards and any parkway strips (landscape strips between sidewalk and
roadway) that exist along the frontage area of their properties.
2.
Plantings
shall be maintained in good growing condition and whenever necessary,
replaced with new plant materials.
3.
Lawn
and ground cover shall be trimmed and mowed regularly and planting
areas shall be kept free of weeds and debris.
4.
Plantings
shall be fertilized, cultivated, and pruned on a regular basis, and
good horticultural principles shall be maintained.
5.
When
necessary, plantings shall be appropriately staked, tied, or otherwise
supported. Supports shall be regularly monitored to avoid damage to
plants.
6.
All
landscaping and related equipment, including, but not limited to,
plants, planting material, screening devices, walkways, benches, irrigations
systems, and the like shall be maintained by the owner.
7.
All
required screening materials shall be maintained in good condition,
and whenever necessary, repaired or replaced.
8.
All
property shall be maintained in a manner that will not depreciate
adjacent property values.
9.
Landscaping
elements which pose an unusual public health or safety hazard shall
not be permitted.
10.
The height, spread, and growth habit of all plantings shall not interfere
with or obstruct ease of movement of pedestrians or vehicles.
(Ord. 92-96; Ord. 23-449, 11/13/2023)
