The following required landscape and irrigation plans shall be submitted and reviewed in accordance with the applicable Development Code review procedures for the permit, map or other land use entitlement requested.
A. Landscape Concept Plan. A landscape concept plan shall be submitted as part of an application for a land use entitlement. The land use entitlement application shall not be deemed complete without a complete Landscape Concept Plan.
1. The Landscape Concept Plan shall provide a design layout that demonstrates the desired landscaping program for the project in terms of location, size/scale, function, theme, and similar attributes, as identified in the application submittal requirements.
2. The Landscape Concept Plan shall provide the review authority with a clear understanding of the landscaping program prior to the preparation of detailed construction landscape and irrigation plans.
B. Landscape Documentation Package. After discretionary land use entitlement approval and prior to the issuance of a building permit for a project, a landscape documentation package (as further described in Section 16.28.060) shall be prepared for the project and submitted for review and approval by the director.
A licensed landscape architect shall sign all documents and plans required as part of the landscape documentation package verifying compliance with this Chapter. Any plans submitted without the signature of a licensed landscape architect shall not be accepted for review. Homeowner provided landscape projects may be designed by any person authorized to design a landscape in accordance with State law.
C. Certificate of Completion and Security. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of use and occupancy or final inspection, the applicant shall:
1. Complete installation of landscaping and irrigation components.
2. Conduct and submit an irrigation audit as further described in Section 16.28.090B, which shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor prior to the final field observation. See State of California Landscape Irrigation Auditor Handbook.
3. Prepare and submit to the city a Certificate of Completion for review which shall be signed and certified by a either a licensed landscape architect following a field observation conducted by a landscape architect or landscape contractor, certified irrigation designer, or other licensed or certified professional who has installed the landscape project per the Landscape Documentation Packet. Such certification shall indicate:
a. All plant materials and irrigation system components have been installed in accordance with the approved final landscape and irrigation plans approved as part of the Landscape Documentation Packet;
b. The automatic irrigation controller has been set according to the irrigation schedule;
c. The irrigation system has been adjusted to maximize irrigation efficiency and eliminate overspray and runoff; and
d. That a copy of the irrigation and maintenance schedule has been given to the property owner and placed in the irrigation controller enclosure after lamination.
e. Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted with the Certificate of Completion.
f. Irrigation audit report (See 16.28.090(B))
g. Soil analysis report, if not submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package, and documentation verifying implementation of soil report recommendations.
h. A diagram of the irrigation plan showing hydrozones shall be kept with the irrigation controller for subsequent management purposes.
4. Deliver a copy of the certification of substantial completion to the retail water supplier, and the property owner of record.
5. All landscape projects, except for developer and homeowner-installed single family residential landscaping, and other landscapes as determined by the Director, shall post performance securities to guarantee the adequate maintenance of the landscaping and irrigation system in accordance with the approved plans for a period of one (1) year from the date of occupancy subject to the following requirements:
a. The security amount and agreement shall be posted with the Planning Department.
b. The performance securities shall be released one (1) year after final clearance of the installed landscaping by the city, upon written request by the owner, if the landscaping has been adequately maintained. The Director shall determine the condition of the landscape and whether the bond will be released. A deposit to cover re-inspection of the landscape, at the current city rate shall be posted prior to re-inspection for maintenance bond release.
D. The Director shall have the right to enter upon the project site at any time before, during and after installation of the landscaping to conduct inspections for the purpose of enforcing this chapter.
(Ord. 539 § 7, 2018; Ord. 443 § 3, 2010; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)