Landscaping shall consist of drought tolerant vegetation appropriate to the local climate. The requirements are as follows:
(a) Compost. Compost at a rate of a minimum of 4 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of six (6) inches into the soil. Soils with greater than six percent (6%) organic matter in the top six (6) inches of soil are exempt from adding Compost and tilling. Compost procurement shall be coordinated with the City and its Purchasing Policies and Procedures related to SB 1383 for eligible compost and State regulation
14 CCR Chapter 3.2 of Division 7.
(b) Trees.
(1) 15-gallon size:
(A) 1 for each 600 sq. ft. of total landscaped area (one required, minimum)
(B) 80% of total trees required in a Project shall be at least 15 gallon.
(C) At least 1 tree per every 12 parking stalls, unless otherwise specified by more stringent regulations.
(2) 24-to-96-inch box trees:
(A) 20% of total trees required (one required, minimum).
(3) Tree spacing and locations:
(A) Small trees: 20 feet on center max.
(B) Large trees: 30 feet on center max.
(C) Street trees: 30 feet on center max.
(D) Typical landscape trees shall be a minimum of 6 feet from curbs, paving and sidewalks; street trees located in the parkway between sidewalk and curb shall be provided with a linear root barrier.
(4) Project shall include both deciduous and evergreen trees. Areas that serve as a buffer shall include evergreen trees.
(c) Shrubs.
(1) 60% of total shrubs shall be 5 gallon.
(2) 40% of total shrubs shall be one gallon.
(3) General shrub requirements:
(A) 10 shrubs for each 300 square feet of landscaped area.
(B) Areas designed to be re-established as natural landscaping may utilize a hydroseed mix that provides shrubs, subject to approval by the City's Landscape Architect.
(d) Ground cover:
(1) Maximum spacing: 12 inches on center, unless otherwise specified by the suitability of the varietal.
(2) Hydroseeding may be used, and shall identify the recommended mixture, and the weight or volume per unit area as part of a landscape plan.
(e) Mulch.
(1) A minimum three- (3-) inch layer of mulch shall be provided on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated. Procurement shall be coordinated with the City and its Purchasing Policies and Procedures related to SB 1383 for eligible mulch. To provide habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife, leave up to five percent (5%) of the landscape area without mulch. Designated insect habitat must be included in the landscape design plan as such.
(f) Pedestrian activity areas. For commercial centers, multiple family residential development projects or mixed use residential and commercial uses, an enhanced landscape design is required for priority pedestrian activity areas. Such features may include the planting of a specimen tree, a decorative rock and boulders feature, a water feature such as a pond or water fountain, or public artwork. Priority pedestrian areas are the pedestrian entrances, including sidewalks, to the project development from the public right-of-way and parking lots.
(g) Design considerations.
(1) The City of Yucaipa is a foothill community, serving as a transition from the San Bernardino Valley west of the City, and the San Bernardino National Forest to the northeast. A mixture of evergreen vegetation, including pines and cedars, should be used to provide a year-round landscape appearance that is enhanced by flowering deciduous trees and shrubs to add additional color and texture.
(2) Development projects that include an accessory monument or freestanding sign shall consider their sign height and landscape plantings to ensure that conflicts are avoided.
(3) Rocks and gravel may be used in conjunction with groundcover but shall not be a substitute for plants.
(4) Detention basins that are publicly visible shall include landscaping.
(Ord. 465 § 15, 2025)