The purpose of this chapter is to achieve the following:
A. Enhance the aesthetic appearance of all development throughout the City by providing standards related to the quality and functional aspects of landscaping.
B. Increase compatibility between abutting land uses and public rights-of-way by providing landscape screening and buffers.
C. Conserve water through the efficient use of irrigation, appropriate plant materials, and regular maintenance of landscaped areas.
D. Protect public health, safety, and welfare by preserving and enhancing the positive visual experience of the built environment, providing appropriate transition between different land uses, preserving neighborhood character, and enhancing pedestrian and vehicular traffic and safety.
E. Assist in mitigating air quality impacts by reducing or absorbing pollutants, especially by preserving existing or adding new trees.
F. Reduce heat absorption and radiation created by large expanses of paving.
(Ord. 2185, 2440 §44)
A. All projects, including additions and facade remodels, except single-family residential, shall provide and maintain landscaping in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Standards for the provision of landscaping within the public right-of-way in conjunction with a development project are located in Title 18 (Subdivisions).
B. Landscape plans and all plans for the ornamental use of water, including but not limited to lakes, ponds, and fountains, shall be submitted for review for compliance with these requirements. Landscaping shall not be installed until the applicant receives approval of the final landscape plan. Any changes to the approved landscape plans that affect the character or quantity of the plant material or irrigation system design are required to be resubmitted for approval prior to installation.
(Ord. 2185.)
A. Conceptual Landscape Plan. A conceptual landscape plan shall be submitted as part of any application for a land use entitlement for new development or major redevelopment requiring new landscaping.
B. Final Landscape Package. Following approval of the land use entitlement, a final landscape package shall be submitted as part of the application for a building permit. Landscape plans shall be prepared only by persons authorized by the State of California to prepare such plans.
C. Content. Conceptual landscape plans and final landscape packages shall contain all information specified in the Instructions for Preparing Landscape Plans, provided by the Department.
D. Review and Approval. The Board or the Director, as appropriate, shall review each conceptual landscape plan and final landscape package to verify its compliance with the provisions of this chapter. The Board or Director may approve the submittal in compliance with this chapter, or may disapprove or require changes to a submittal that is not in compliance.
(Ord. 2185, Ord. 2402, 2440 §45, Ord. 2494 §38)
Landscaping shall be provided in the locations described in this chapter, in addition to any areas required by Division IV (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards) or Division VI (Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) Regulations).
A. General Requirements. Landscaping shall be provided as follows:
1. Setbacks. In general, the setback areas required by these Regulations shall be landscaped, except where a required setback is occupied by a sidewalk, driveway or access easement or where a required setback is screened from public view and it is determined by the Director that landscaping is not necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter.
2. Unused Areas. All areas of a building site not intended for a specific use or purpose, including pad sites in shopping centers held for future development, shall be landscaped (may be hydroseeded) unless it is determined by the review authority that landscaping is not necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter.
3. Pools and Patios. The surface area of a permanent swimming pool or spa or uncovered patio may be included to meet landscaped open space requirements.
4. Public Right-of-Way. The area between the curb, or curb and sidewalk if contiguous, and the property line shall be landscaped. This area shall not be counted in the overall required percentage of landscaping.
B. Specific Zone Landscaping Requirements. Proposed development and new land uses shall be designed, constructed and maintained with landscaped open space areas of the minimum size shown in Table 5-2, based on the zoning district applicable to the site. Additional landscaping may be required by the Architectural Review Board to provide visual relief or contrast or to screen incompatible or obtrusive features.
Zoning District | Minimum % of Site Area Required to be Landscaped | Zoning District | Minimum % of Site Area Required to be Landscaped
|
Zoning District | Minimum % of Site Area Required to be Landscaped | Zoning District | Minimum % of Site Area Required to be Landscaped
| |
R2 | 40% | CC and CR | 5% | |
R3 | 35% | DN and DS | See Note | |
R4 | 25% | CS | 5% | |
RMU | 10% (See Note) | ML | 5% | |
OR | 30% | MG | 5% | |
OC | 15% | IOMU | 15% | |
CN | 10% | TND | No minimum area required. | |
Note: Opportunities to provide landscaping in the downtown area are limited; therefore, the Board will review each project on a case-by-case basis. When opportunities exist, the ARHPB may require the provision of landscaped open space.
(Ord. 2427 §45, 2440 §46)
(Ord. 2185, Ord. 2358 §14, Ord. 2402, Ord. 2464 §§2, 3, Ord. 2494 §39)
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