(A) Water efficient landscape measures.
(1) Purpose and intent. Pursuant to state law, the city must implement measures resulting in the more efficient use of water through landscape and irrigation design. This may be achieved through the use of drought tolerant plant material, restricted use of turf, and various irrigation technologies. The purpose and intent of § 17.70.070 are to comply with state law by:
(a) Establishing alternative water conservation and water use management practices and requirements for landscaping which are at least as effective as the model ordinance;
(b) Promoting water-efficient landscaping, water use management and water conservation through the use of water-efficient landscaping, functional and limited use of turf grass, and aggressive use of water conserving irrigation technology and management;
(c) Reducing the water demands from landscapes without a decline in the landscape quality or quantity;
(d) Retaining flexibility and encouraging creativity through appropriate landscape design;
(e) Assuring the attainment of water-efficient landscape goals and to comply with state guidelines by requiring that landscapes not exceed a maximum water demand of 70% of its reference evapotranspiration or any lower percentage as may be required by state legislation;
(f) Eliminating water waste from overspray and/or runoff; and
(g) Achieving water conservation by raising the public awareness of the need to conserve water through education, training, and motivation to embrace effective water demand management programs.
(2) Applicability.
(a) The water efficient landscape regulations set forth in § 17.70.070 shall apply to the following landscaping protects:
1. Developer-installed landscaping in new construction projects for single-family, duplex, or multi- family residential development and commercial and industrial development which have a proposed landscaped area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet, and are otherwise subject to (A) a discretionary approval of a landscape plan, or (B) ministerial or building permit for a landscape or water feature:
2. Developer-installed landscaping in rehabilitation projects for single-family, duplex, or multi-family residential development and commercial and industrial development which (A) have a proposed landscaped area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet, (B) propose to rehabilitate 50% or more of the existing landscaped area, and (C) are otherwise subject to a discretionary approval of a landscape plan, or s ministerial or building permit for s landscape or water feature;
3. Homeowner-installed landscaping in new construction projects for single-family, duplex, or multi- family residential property, which have a proposed landscaped area equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet, and are otherwise subject to (A) a discretionary approval of a landscape plan, or (B) a ministerial or building permit for a landscape or water feature:
4. Homeowner-installed landscaping in rehabilitation projects for single-family, duplex, or multi-family residential property, which (A) have a proposed landscaped area equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet. (B) propose to rehabilitate 50% or more of the existing landscaped area, and (C) are otherwise subject to a discretionary approval of a landscape plan, or a ministerial or building permit for a landscape or water feature.
(b) All model homes shall comply with this section and at least one model home in each subdivision shall demonstrate through signs and written information the principles, plants and irrigation technology of water efficient landscaping. Written information shall be provided to home buyers on the design, materials, installation and maintenance of the water efficient landscape.
(c) In the event covenants, conditions and restrictions are required by the city for any permit subject to this section, a condition shall be incorporated into any related project approval prohibiting the use of water-intensive landscaping and requiring the use of low water use landscaping pursuant to the provisions of this section in connection with common area/open space landscaping. Additionally, such a condition shall also require the covenants, conditions and restrictions to incorporate provisions concerning landscape irrigation system management and maintenance including but not limited to annual audits.
(3) Exceptions. The water efficient landscape regulations set forth in § 17.70.070 do not apply to landscaping projects associated with:
(a) registered local, state, or federal historical sites;
(b) ecological restoration projects that does not require permanent irrigation system;
(c) mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system;
(d) plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public;
(e) cemeteries existing prior to June 30, 2008; and
(f) any other new landscaping project and landscape rehabilitation project not listed in § 17.70.070(A)(3).
(4) Procedures.
(a) Standard landscape design plans shall be downloaded from DiscoverCorona.com or obtained from the Community Development Department for a specific landscaping project type. The landscape design plans shall be completed and shall be submitted by the project applicant to the Building Department for distribution to the Community Development Department, Department of Water and Power, Department of Public Works and the Department of Parks and Community Services for review and approval. Landscape design plans shall be signed by a California registered landscape architect or landscape professional. The landscape design plans shall include appropriate water use calculations consistent with the calculations as set forth in the Guidelines.
(b) All landscape design plans must fully address water conservation according to the Guidelines and, as appropriate, Chapter 13.28.
(c) Pursuant to the city’s commitment to water conserving landscapes, all landscape and planting plans must specify plants listed in WUCOLS Guideline for Region 4 (South Inland Valley) that have a water need of medium or lower. Plants listed as high in WUCOLS are prohibited, except those plants specified in bioswales.
(d) Landscaping projects shall be submitted to the city for plan check and conformance with this § 17.70.070 and the Guidelines.
(e) Prior to the issuance of final approval by the city of the landscaping project, the project applicant shall:
1. have a landscape architect or landscape professional visit the landscaping project site to ensure the landscape work has been completed in substantial compliance with the approved landscape design plans, § 17.70.070 and the Guidelines; and
2. submit to the city a Landscape Certification Form containing a water conservation certification statement executed by such landscape architect or landscape professional certifying that the landscaping project has been completed and installed in substantial compliance with the approved landscape design plans, § 17.70.070, and the Guidelines. The signed statement shall read as follows: “I hereby certify, as the landscape architect/licensed landscape professional of record, that the information provided herein meets the requirements and standards as outlined in the Corona Municipal Code § 17.70.070 and the adopted design guidelines for the development of this project.” This statement must he signed and dated with the appropriate license stamp on the title sheet of the project plans subject to review and approval by the city.
(5) Plant and irrigation requirements.
(a) Plant requirements.
1. The Guidelines are provided to assist the project applicant in choosing and grouping plant species with similar water demands to facilitate efficient irrigation through use of the water budget formula contained in the Guidelines. The plant list contained and/or referenced in the Guidelines provides a classification of well, moderate, low and very low water use for each plant. In order to incorporate plant species noted as high or plants other than those listed, the project applicant shall provide the Community Development Director with information indicating the water requirements of the species. This information shall include a description of the plant, including but not limited to, its water requirements, field data, and a comparison of the plant to a similar species included in the plant list. The selection of low water use native or drought tolerant plant species is required.
2. Plant types shall be grouped together based on their water, soil, sun and shade requirements and in relationship to the buildings. Plants with different water needs shall be irrigated separately. Plants with the following classifications shall be grouped accordingly: moderate and low, low and very low. Deviation from these groupings shall not be permitted and use of plants with a high water demand are prohibited except when specified in a bioswale.
3. Trees for shade shall be provided for residential, commercial and industrial buildings, parking lots and open space areas. These trees can be deciduous or evergreen and are to be incorporated to provide natural cooling opportunities for the purpose of energy and water conservation.
4. Post grading soil tests are required on all projects for appropriate specification of soil amendments, and to facilitate selection of water-efficient plant species suitable for the site. Soil amendments, such as compost and fertilizer, shall be provided to improve water holding capacity of soil, where soil conditions warrant and were recommended by soil tests.
5. All exposed surfaces of non-planted areas within the developed landscaped area shall be mulched with a minimum three-inch layer of shredded wood (four inches on planted slopes with point to point irrigation), except in areas with groundcover planted from flats where mulch depth shall be 1-1/2 inches, two inches of decomposed granite, or two inches of colored gravel or crushed rock.
6. Plant palettes for industrial commercial, residential, and multi-family development shall contain trees, mass planting of container shrubs and sub-shrubs in accordance with the applicable Guidelines.
7. Turf grass is prohibited in all commercial and industrial development except in areas dedicated for recreation or other functional needs and shall be in compliance with the water budget formula and specifications contained in the Guidelines.
8. Beginning on January 1, 2010 all developer installed and homeowner installed landscaping projects in single family, multi-family, and duplex developments shall:
a. limit live turf to warm season types only and a maximum of 40% of the front yard landscape on single family homes and duplexes and only in functional and/or recreation use areas on multi-family developments.
b. be prohibited from using live turf in parkways.
c. be subject to such other conditions and requirements fur the installation of landscaping set forth in the Guidelines for residential development.
(b) Irrigation requirements.
1. All irrigation systems shall be designed to prevent runoff, over-spray, lowhead drainage and other similar conditions where water would flow off-site onto adjacent property, walks, roadways, or structures. Commercial and industrial project irrigation systems shall be designed utilizing drip, micro-spray, point-to-point drip or subterranean drip technology and shall be constructed, managed, and maintained to achieve as high an overall efficiency as possible.
2. All slopes less than eight feet in height shall be irrigated utilizing point-to-point drip irrigation. Rotors or rotary head irrigation is permitted on slopes over eight feet in height and subject to the following standards:
(a) Rotor heads adjacent to roads, sidewalks, paths, trails, and/or concrete drainage swales shall be set back two (2) feet and maintained to prevent overspray.
(b) Check valves shall be utilized to prevent low head drainage.
(c) Irrigation plans shall be designed based on hydrozones and watering schedules to prevent run-off.
(d) All sprinkler heads shall have a minimum irrigation efficiency rating of 0.75.
(e) Slopes steeper than 4:1 shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with a precipitation rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. Heads shall have matched precipitation rates unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer's recommendations.
(f) The sprinkler spacing shall be designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity.
(g) Rotors or rotary nuzzles shall be installed as follows with the slope sections being maintained on separate zones:
i. Top of slope - half-heads
ii. Middle of slope - full heads
iii. Bottom of slope - half-heads
(h) Bottom of slope rotors and rotary nozzles shall be designed as pop-up heads with swing joints. All other rotor heads shall be staked.
3. Dedicated landscape water meter, sized and approved by the Department of Water and Power, shall be installed in all non-residential development projects.
4. Smart irrigation controllers shall be installed in all non-residential development projects, unless the use of the property would otherwise prohibit use of a timer. The planting areas shall be grouped in relation to moisture control zones based on similarity of water requirements (such as shrubs separate from groundcover, full sun exposure areas separate from shade areas, top of slope separate from toe of slope).
5. Recycled water shall be used to irrigate all non-residential landscapes as determined by the Department of Water and Power. Provisions for the conversion to a non-potable water system shall be provided within the landscape design plan. Water systems designed to utilize non-potable water shall include a recycled water meter and be designed to meet all applicable standards of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Public Health, and the Riverside County Health Department.
6. Separate valves shall be provided for separate water-use planting areas, so that plants with similar water needs are irrigated by the same irrigation valve.
7. All non-residential irrigation systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with city and state requirements for recycled water.
8. Beginning on January 1, 2010 all developer installed landscaping in new construction projects and rehabilitation projects shall have installed;
a. a smart irrigation controller(s).
b. a rain shut off sensor.
c. low precipitation irrigation only.
9. Irrigation of all landscaped areas shall be conducted in a manner conforming to the rules, regulations, and requirements, including any established watering windows, and shall be subject to the penalties and incentives for water conservation and water waste prevention set forth in Chapter 13.26 and as determined by the city and implemented by the Department of Water and Power.
(6) Implementation. All landscape design plans submitted shall comply with the following requirements:
(a) All landscape design plans shall be prepared using the water budget formula contained in the Guidelines. In addition, landscape design plans shall provide a water budget which includes estimated annual water use (in gallons/acre feet) and the area (in square feet/acres) to be irrigated, precipitation rates for each valve circuit, and the irrigation schedules required pursuant to this chapter and the Guidelines. Separate valves shall be provided for separate water-use planting areas, so that plant materials with similar water needs are irrigated by the same irrigation valve. The estimated annual water use, calculated by adding the amount of water recommended in the irrigation schedule shall not exceed the allowable water budget.
(b) Two irrigation schedules shall be prepared, one for the initial establishment period of six months and one for the established landscape, which incorporate the specific water needs of the plant material throughout the calendar year. The irrigation schedule shall take into account the particular characteristics of the soil; shall be continuously available on site to those responsible for the landscape maintenance; and shall contain specifics as to optimum run time and frequency of watering, and irrigation hours per day. The schedule currently in effect shall be posted at the controller.
(c) The Estimated Annual Water Use allowed for the landscaped area shall not exceed the MAWA.
(7) Compliance.
(a) The Community Development Director or his or her designee shall have the duty and authority to administer and enforce this section.
(b) Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for a project subject to this section, a landscape certification and inspection form must be submitted to the Community Development Department certifying that the landscaping has been completed in accordance the approved plans and this section. Verification of compliance of the landscape installation with the approved landscape design plans shall be obtained through a Certificate of Completion as provided in the Guidelines, and where applicable, in conjunction with a certificate of use and occupant or permit final process.
(B) Areas within the public right-of-way.
(1) Street tree planting.
(a) Street tree species shall be from the list approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
(b) Street trees shall be planted with location, spacing and selected species from the approved street tree list as determined by the Director of Parks and Community Services.
(c) Street trees shall be minimum 24-inch box size at time of installation.
(2) Street tree irrigation.
(a) Automatic irrigation shall be provided in commercial, industrial and multi-family residential projects.
(b) Automatic irrigation shall also be provided for single-family residences where the street tree is separated from the residence by a fence or wall.
(3) Maintenance and guarantee of trees.
(a) The life and health of the street tree shall be guaranteed by the developer for a period of 360 days at which time the Director of Parks and Community Development shall accept the tree if in a healthy condition. Unhealthy trees shall be replaced by the developer.
(b) Watering and fertilizing the street tree shall be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.
(C) On-site landscaping.
(1) General conditions.
(a) On-site landscape planting and irrigation plans prepared in accordance with the Community Development Director’s landscaping standards shall be required for all commercial, industrial and multi-family residential projects. These plans shall be prepared by a California licensed landscape architect for review and approval by the Community Development Director for all areas required to be landscaped, including slope areas, streetscapes, fuel modification zones, re-naturalized natural slopes and open space lots.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated in this code, all parking areas except those set forth in § 17.76.100(A) shall have landscaping installed according to the following table.
TOTAL NUMBER OF PARKING STALLS | PERCENT (%) OF TOTAL PARKING AREA TO BE LANDSCAPED |
0-24 | 6 |
25-49 | 8 |
50+ | 10 |
This landscaping shall be located in such a manner that 50% is distributed within the parking area and 50% is distributed around the perimeter of the parking area. For the required front and street side yard setbacks, credit may be given toward the minimum required landscaping up to a maximum width of four feet or 50%, whichever is the lesser, when parking spaces, excluding driveways, are adjacent to front and street side setback areas.
(c) The maximum car overhang shall be two and one-half feet. All parking stalls adjacent to planted areas shall have continuous impact curbing not less than six inches in height. Landscape areas credited toward minimum landscaping requirements shall have minimum width of four feet; provided, however, that areas of permitted parking overhang shall not be credited toward the landscaped area requirements.
(d) All landscaping in commercial and industrial parking areas shall be surrounded by continuous concrete curbing not less than six inches in height. Landscape curbing in multi-family residential projects shall be six inch high continuous concrete adjacent to all parking areas and where driveways dead-end into landscape areas.
(e) Landscape areas under ten square feet or adjacent to asphalt drives may utilize redwood headers or a suitable alternative as determined by the Community Development Director. No landscaped area shall be less than four feet wide at any point (including curbs).
(f) Landscape planters adjacent to parking stalls shall contain a strip of concrete, six inches by six inches, at the back of the six-inch raised curb designed to accommodate a step-out for motorists exiting parked cars.
(2) Slopes.
(a) All graded and compacted slopes over four feet in height with slopes between one and one-half horizontal to one vertical (1-1/2:1) to four horizontal to one vertical (4:1) shall be planted, irrigated and mulched prior to final inspection. Plant materials and methods of planting shall be in accordance with the Guidelines. The plants shall be maintained and watered with low precipitation irrigation systems in such a manner as to show definite signs of growth at the time of final inspection. Spray head irrigation is prohibited.
(b) All natural slopes with slope gradient of four feet horizontal to one foot vertical (4:1) or greater with a horizontal dimension of four feet or more shall be mass planted with trees and shrubs and be provided with an automatic low precipitation irrigation system and mulched in accordance with the Guidelines. Spray head irrigation is prohibited.
(c) The owner of any excavated or filled property, or any other person or agent in possession or control of such property, shall maintain all slopes, retaining walls, cribbing, drainage structures and other protective devices.
(d) Turf areas, where allowed, shall not exceed a slope of three feet horizontal to one foot vertical (3:1).
(e) Additional slope planting requirements shall be determined in accordance with the Guidelines for commercial and industrial Developments adopted pursuant to this section.
(3) Commercial, industrial, multi-family and single-family residential projects.
(a) Commercial and industrial. Landscape requirements for property located within the commercial zoning districts set forth in Chapter 17.33 and the industrial zoning districts set forth in Chapter 17.44 shall be determined in accordance with the Guidelines for commercial and industrial Developments adopted pursuant to this section.
(b) Multi-family. Boulders or rocks used for design enhancement shall be limited to approximately 10% of the total landscaped areas. In addition to the required number of street trees, one tree shall be planted for every 15 linear feet of all narrow and continuous landscaped areas of up to five feet wide. One tree shall be planted for every 200 square feet of landscaped area in all other areas.
(c) Single-family. The front yard landscaped area and irrigation shall be installed in accordance with the Guidelines for residential development on all developer-installed, single-family residential lots prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
(4) Landscape irrigation. Automatic low precipitation irrigation shall be provided to all landscaped areas, except for warm season turf where permitted.
(D) Maintenance of existing landscaping: onsite and parkway.
(1) Owners or tenants of developed property shall maintain their owned or leased property and the parkway adjacent to their property in accordance with the following standards:
(a) Landscape materials shall be maintained in a healthy, growing condition. Missing, dead or damaged landscape materials shall be removed and replaced to the following standards:
1. Onsite. The landscaped area must be restored to the approved landscape standard at the time of development. If that landscape standard cannot be determined, the site will be required to meet the landscape standard set by the Planning Director.
2. Parkway. The parkway landscaped area must be restored with artificial turf and/or drought tolerant groundcover from the city’s parkway plant list. Maximum height at maturity shall be no higher than 18 inches or in accordance with industry standards. Decorative rock or pavers may be installed in an existing parkway with automatic irrigation to all street trees. Equal landscape or hardscape materials, including stabilized decomposed granite, may be substituted subject to the approval of the Community Development Director. Equal landscape or hardscape materials may be substituted, subject to the approval of the Director of Parks, and Community Services in accordance with CMC Chapter 12.
(b) Existing shrubs, flowers, grass and other landscape materials shall be trimmed and edged as necessary to maintain an overall neat and uniform appearance.
(c) Property maintenance shall include removal of debris, litter and weeds.
(d) Existing irrigation systems shall be maintained in operable working order.
(2) Landscape design plans, which shall include any applicable plans for irrigation of the landscaped area, shall be submitted when a Precise Plan application, as defined in CMC Chapter 17.91, is required as part of a Community Development Department project application.
(E) Landscape design Guidelines.
(1) The City Council hereby delegates to the Planning Commission the authority and power to establish by resolution, and amend from time to time, guidelines and requirements for the landscaping of property located within the commercial zoning districts set forth in Chapter 17.33 and the industrial 2oning districts set forth in Chapter 17.44. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City Manager or his or her authorized designee may establish any forms or other related documents to administer compliance with the this section.
(2) The City Council shall adopt guidelines and requirements for the implementation of § 17.70.070 for residential property. Such Guidelines may be amended from time to time by resolution of the City Council. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City Manager or his or her authorized designee may establish any forms or other related documents to administer compliance with this section.
(F) Violations and remedies.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully violate the provisions of this § 17.70.070. A violation of any of these provisions shall be a misdemeanor.
(2) Any violation of this § 17.70.070 is subject to the provisions of Chapters 1.08 and 1.09 of the Corona Municipal Code.
(3) In addition to any other remedies provided in the Corona Municipal Code or available under applicable law, the city can alternatively seek injunctive: relief in the Superior Court or take enforcement action for violations of this § 17.70.070.
(4) In addition to any other remedies provided in the Code, any violation of this § 17.70.070 may be enforced by civil action brought by the city. In any such action, the city may seek, and the court may grant, as appropriate, any or all of the following remedies:
(a) a temporary and/or permanent injunction;
(b) assessment of the violator for the costs of any investigation which led to the establishment of the violation and for the reasonable costs of preparing and bringing legal action under this § 17.70.070;
(c) any other costs incurred in enforcing the provisions of this § 17.70.070; and
(d) any other action the city deems appropriate to protect the general welfare and the city's water supplies, and to reduce water consumption in accordance with this § 17.70.070.
(5) The City Manager or his or her designee shall serve an invoice for costs upon the person or responsible person who is subject to a notice of violation, a cease and desist order, or an administrative compliance order. An invoice for costs shall be immediately due and payable to the city. If any person or responsible person fails to either pay the invoice for costs or appeal successfully the invoice for costs in accordance with this § 17.70.070, then the city may institute collection proceedings. The invoice for costs may include reasonable attorneys' fees.
(6) The city shall impose any other penalties or regulatory fees, as fixed from time to time by resolution of the City Council, for a violation or enforcement of this § 17.70.070.
(7) In addition to the costs which may be recovered pursuant to § 1.08.022 of the Code, and in order to recover the costs of the water efficient landscape regulators program set forth in this § 17.70.070, the City Council may, from time to time, fix and impose by resolution fees and charges. The fees and charges may include, but are not limited to, fees and charges for:
(a) any visits of a landscape inspector, enforcement officer, or other city staff or authorized representative of the city for time incurred for any costs related to inspecting and enforcing compliance with any term or provision of this § 17.70.070;
(b) processing any permits or forms necessary to carry out the provisions of this § 17.70.070; and
(c) any other necessary and appropriate fees and charges to recover the cost of providing the city's water efficient landscape regulators program as set forth in § 17.70.070 and the Guidelines.
(`78 Code, § 17.70.070.) (Ord. 3157 § 4, 2013; Ord. 3027 (part), 2010; Ord. 2949 § 1 (part), 2008; Ord. 2644 §§ 1 through 5, 2003; Ord. 2516 §§ 1 and 2, 2001; Ord. 2273 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2169 § 2, 1993; Ord. 2142 §§ 1, 2, 3, 1992; Ord. 2106 §§ 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 1992; Ord. 1915 §§ 1 and 2, 1989; Ord. 1624 § 5, 1981.)