The intent of this Section is to create and maintain a pleasant and inviting community character by providing landscaping that breaks up the built environment, screens unappealing land uses and building features, creates a barrier from moving vehicles, and creates a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
(A) 
Generally.
(1) 
All front yards and yards abutting streets must be landscaped.
(2) 
Stormwater retention areas should be incorporated into a landscape area, unless otherwise approved by the City Manager or designee.
(B) 
The following types of proposed development shall require a landscape plan subject to review and approval by the City Manager or designee. All required landscape plans shall address the size, species, location, installation and maintenance of landscaping and irrigation as required by this Section.
(1) 
Multifamily Residential Development.
(a) 
Any driveway or uncovered parking area shall be separated from property lines by a landscaped strip not less than five feet (5') in width.
(b) 
The perimeter of the development shall be landscaped with a minimum strip of fifteen feet (15').
(2) 
Mobile Home Parks.
(a) 
All open areas, excluding mobile home sites and accessways, shall be landscaped and maintained.
(b) 
At least forty percent (40%) of all open areas shall be landscaped with live materials.
(c) 
Landscaping shall include planting of trees along perimeter boundaries adjacent to adjoining properties of a five (5) gallon size, with a minimum of one (1) tree per mobile home site. Additional and more mature trees may be required where they are being utilized in-lieu of fencing development.
(d) 
A means of irrigation for landscaped areas shall be provided.
(3) 
Commercial and Mixed Use Development.
(a) 
Not less than ten percent (10%) of the lot area shall be landscaped.
(b) 
All portions of any setback areas fronting on streets shall be landscaped, with the exception of those areas required for access.
(4) 
Industrial Development.
(a) 
Not less than ten percent (10%) of the lot area shall be landscaped.
(b) 
Where any portion of a lot abuts a lot in a residential or commercial district, a five-foot (5') wide planted area and a masonry wall not less than six feet (6') in height shall be provided along such abutting portion.
(C) 
Maintenance Required. All plant materials required by this Chapter shall be permanently maintained.
(D) 
Where the provisions of this Title require a landscape plan in conjunction with proposed development, the City Manager or designee, or the Planning Commission when in conjunction with a discretionary permit, shall review the landscape plan for consistency with this Chapter and the San Juan Bautista Design Guidelines and may approve or conditionally approve the plan, which shall include the following elements, when applicable:
(1) 
Treatment of vehicular use areas, open space, and pedestrian areas that contribute to their usage and appearance;
(2) 
Screening for utility boxes, parking areas, trash areas, storage areas, blank walls and fences, and other areas of low visual interest from public and private view;
(3) 
Utilization of drought-tolerant plant materials and water-saving irrigation techniques sufficient to minimize the use of water; and
(4) 
Treatment of areas adjacent to building(s) that increases the overall visual quality of the building design.