(A) Landscaping. The following objective landscape design standards are in addition to the landscape standards in §§ 153.150.110, 153.160.030, 153.160.040, and 153.160.050.
(1) Front setback buffer. The front yard setbacks of street-facing residential ground-floor units shall include a minimum four foot deep landscaped area along the adjacent public sidewalk.
(2) Landscaping along driveways and buildings. A strip of landscaping at least two feet wide shall be installed and maintained adjacent between any driveway and abutting property line and adjacent to buildings, except where a paved surface is required to accommodate HVAC and similar equipment.
(3) Landscaping in yard setbacks. Front yard setbacks and side yard setbacks adjacent to a public right-of-way and/or private streets shall be landscaped in their entirety, except for driveways and pedestrian walkways.
(4) Native plants. Landscaped areas shall include at least 25% native plant species selected from those listed by the California Native Plant Society specific to the Eastern San Gabriel Valley on Calscape.
(5) Areas to be landscaped. Landscaping shall be provided in all outdoor areas that are not specifically used for parking, driveways, walkways, patios, or other required improvements and amenities. Landscaping materials shall not be located such that at maturity they obstruct pedestrian paths and vehicular access along the public right-of-way, private streets, and driveways. Landscaping adjacent to pedestrian and vehicular paths shall either be raised planting surfaces or separated by a minimum six inch-high concrete curb.
(6) Trees, shrubs, and groundcover. Trees shall consist of both evergreen and deciduous varieties, the distribution of which shall be the applicant’s choice, provided that no more than 50% of trees shall be deciduous. At least five different species of shrubs and groundcover shall be used in planter areas.
(7) Use of turf. Notwithstanding compliance with the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, the maximum area permitted for turf shall be 30% of the total landscaped area on site. Turf shall not be used in planting strips narrower than five feet wide and slopes over 15% to ensure adequate irrigation and to prevent run-off.
(8) Decorative water features. When decorative water features (such as pools, ponds or waterfalls) are used in landscaped areas, such features shall incorporate water recycling, and, as available, use of reclaimed water.
(9) Water-efficient landscaping. Landscape and irrigation plans shall conform to the requirements of § 153.160.
(10) Non-plant landscaping materials. No more than 20% of any landscaped area shall consist of the following non-plant materials. Gravel shall be prohibited.
(a) Decomposed granite;
(b) Bark;
(c) Decorative pebbles;
(d) Rocks;
(e) Boulders.
(11) Prohibited artificial materials. Artificial turf and plants are prohibited.
(B) Pavement.
(1) Pedestrian paving. Pedestrian pathway paving materials shall consist of any of the following: stamped or scored concrete, interlocking unit pavers, tiles, bricks, or stone. Asphalt shall be prohibited. Decorative paving shall be used to delineate crossings at circulation drives and parking aisles and shall consist of any of the materials listed in § 153.135.030(B)(4).
(2) Driveway entry treatment. The first 20 feet of a vehicular driveway entry shall be composed of at least one of the following treatments and shall be provided for the full width of the driveway: pavers, stamped or scored concrete, stone, brick, or exposed aggregate.
(3) Driveway material prohibited. The use of asphalt for driveways is prohibited.
(C) Trash and recycling collection areas. In addition to the requirements set forth in § 153.130.070, the following shall apply.
(1) Design. Enclosures shall be designed to use the same materials and colors as the buildings they serve.
(2) Proximity to residences. Enclosures shall not be located within 20 feet of any adjacent property zoned for or occupied with residential use, and from any pedestrian path or vehicle driveway.
(3) Lighting. Lighting of enclosures shall be provided for nighttime security and use and shall conform to this chapter.
(4) Access. Access to the enclosure and enclosure dimensions shall conform to solid waste provider requirements.
(5) Separation. Enclosures shall be separated from adjacent parking stalls with a minimum three foot wide planter area.
(D) Utility and mechanical equipment.
(1) Roof-mounted. Roof-mounted mechanical units shall be fully screened from view from adjacent public rights-of-way and incorporated into the roof design through increased slope, screening, or enclosures. Screening and enclosures shall match the materials, colors, and style of the building architecture.
Figure 153.135.050-1: Roof-Mounted Mechanical Units
(2) Ground-mounted. Ground-mounted mechanical, electrical, and utility equipment shall be placed a minimum of ten feet away from any pedestrian pathway and/or vehicle driveway. Ground-mounted equipment shall be screened by a wall or fence that shall match the color of the primary buildings in the project, or landscaping. Screening height shall exceed the equipment height by a minimum of one foot, but in no case shall be taller than six feet.
(3) Utility and mechanical equipment shall not be located within any required open space area.
(4) Air conditioning units. Air conditioning and HVAC units shall be located along the side or rear of the building, or on the roof, consistent with division (D) of this section.
(5) Water heater units. Water heater units shall be located within the building envelope and not exterior of the building walls.
(E) Mailbox locations. Mailboxes shall be placed either at an on-site location adjacent to or incorporated into a common area for all residents, or at individual units.
(F) Exterior lighting. All pedestrian pathways, vehicle parking areas, bicycle parking areas, structure entries, trash enclosures, landscaped areas, and common open space areas shall be illuminated for safety and security consistent with the requirements of § 153.140.040. Light fixtures shall be decorative, and wall pack lights are prohibited. Lighting shall be recessed or hooded, downward directed, and located to illuminate only the intended area.
(Ord. 1502, passed 7-5-23)