Chapter 17.70
Landscaping, Fences, Walls, Hedges
17.70.010 Purpose and intent.
17.70.015 Definitions.
17.70.020 Swimming pool enclosures Applicability.
17.70.030 Corner cut-off areas – Visibility regulations Definitions.
17.70.040 Corner cut-off areas – Exceptions Visibility at Intersections (Corner Cut-off Areas).
17.70.050 Corner cut-off areas – Location of end points Fences, Walls, and Hedges.
17.70.060 Wall, fencing and hedge requirements Water Efficient Landscape Requirements.
17.70.070 Landscaping Additional Landscape Requirements.
17.70.080 Violations and Penalties.
17.70.010 Purpose and intent.
The purpose and intent of this chapter is to: establish minimum landscaping requirements and to regulate the height and location of walls, fences and hedges and uses of corner cut-off areas.
Nothing in this chapter shall pre-empt or make inapplicable any provision of this code or state or federal law concerning safety requirements.
(A) Establish a framework to review landscape and irrigation plans consistently and improve the physical appearance of the City by providing visual and ecological relief in the urban environment;
(B) Establish minimum standards for fences and walls, and for the design, provision and maintenance of landscaped areas, and encourage irrigation methods and suggested plant species to develop a measure of uniformity and quality in overall landscaping design; (C) Promote the value and long-term benefits of landscapes to provide an attractive living, working and recreating environment, while recognizing the need to invest water and other resources as efficiently as possible; and
(D) Establish a structure for designing, installing, and maintaining water efficient landscapes for new and rehabilitation projects.
17.70.020 Swimming pool enclosures Applicability.
Swimming pools shall be entirely enclosed by buildings, fences or walls which are not less than five feet in height at any point, measured immediately adjacent to any such building fence or wall on the side of such building, fence or wall opposite the swimming pool. A fence or wall enclosing a proposed or existing swimming pool shall not exceed six feet in height, measured from the highest ground elevation immediately adjacent on either side of said fence or wall. The fence or wall shall have selflatching gates or doors not less than five feet in height, and each such gate or door shall have latches not less than four feet above the ground level. All fencing and walls must be in place and approved by the Building Inspector before water shall be allowed in a pool. This chapter applies to all residential, commercial and industrial zones set forth in Title 17 of the Corona Municipal Code and districts of similar classification within specific plans. If there is a conflict between the standards in this chapter and in a specific plan, the specific plan shall prevail unless otherwise noted in the specific plan.
17.70.015 Definitions.17.70.030 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following definitions shall apply except where the context of such words or phrases clearly indicates a different meaning or construction, the following words, terms, meaning and phrases, when used in this § 17.70.015 shall apply. Unless the particular provision of the context otherwise requires, the definitions and provisions contained in this section shall govern the construction, meaning and application of words and phrases used in this chapter. Unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, words used in the singular include the plural and words used in the plural includes the singular. Words and phrases used in this chapter not otherwise defined in this section shall be defined in the Landscape Design Manual adopted pursuant to § 17.70.060(G). (A) “Association” means a nonprofit corporation or unincorporated association created for the purpose of managing a common interest development.
(B) “Artificial turf” or “Synthetic turf” means a minimum of a soft polyethylene 1-1/2 inch green synthetic fiber that resembles real grass, is ultra-violet light (UV) protected, treated and tufted on a porous backing. The surface is in-filled with crumbed rubber and sand to increase stability, creating a weighted surface. The product is installed on a porous surface that is designed, compacted, and graded for positive drainage.
(C) “Bioswale” refers to a vegetated depression engineered to collect, store, and infiltrate stormwater runoff.
(D) “Certificate of completion” means the certificate required to be completed and submitted to the city certifying that the landscaping project has complied with the provisions of § 17.70.070 and the Guidelines.
(E) “Common interest development” means a community apartment project, condominium project, planned development, and stock cooperative pursuant to Cal. Civil Code § 1351. (F) “Dedicated landscape water meter” means a water meter sized and designed to provide water for landscape irrigation only.
(G) “Developer installed landscaping” means landscaping which is installed by, or authorized to be installed by, an entity responsible for the improvement (constructing or reconstructing) of property in the city and subject to city approval.
(H) “Drip/micro spray/subterranean/point-to-point drip/bubbler” means an irrigation delivery device/system designed to convey water to plant material in a quantity measured in gallons per hour (GPH) or designed to flood irrigate a single plant. Bubblers are considered only appropriate for trees on nearly level ground.
(I) “Ecological restoration project” means a project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
(J) “Enforcement officer” means any individual employed or otherwise charged by the city to inspect or enforce codes, ordinances, mandates, regulations, resolutions, rules or other laws adopted by the City Council or other regulatory bodies, employee or agent of the city authorized to enforce the provisions of the Municipal Code as designated in writing by the city. (K) “Evapotranspiration” means the rate at which plant material utilizes water through evaporation and transpiration (plant consumption of water and vaporization through plant leaves). (L) “Guidelines” mean, collectively, the Landscape Design Guidelines for Residential Development and the Landscape Design Guidelines for Commercial and industrial Development, which describe procedures, calculations, and requirements for landscaping projects subject to § 17.70.070.
(M) “Hardscape” means any non-irrigated, inorganic and generally impermeable surface used in landscape design. Driveways and walkways are not considered as hardscape. (N) “Homeowner installed” means any landscaping project either installed by a private individual for a single-family residence or duplex or installed by a landscape professional or other person hired by a homeowner. A “homeowner”, for purposes of this Chapter 17.70, is a person who occupies the dwelling he or she owns or rents. This definition excludes speculative homes, which are not owneroccupied dwellings and which are subject under § 17.70.070(A)(3)(a) to the requirements applicable to developer installed landscaping for new construction projects. (O) “Hydrozone” means a group or collection of plant material with similar water and aspect requirements.
(P) “Landscaped area” means all the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a landscape design plan subject to the Maximum Annual Water Allowance and Estimated Annual Water Use calculations of § 17.70.070 and the Guidelines. The landscaped area does not include footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, narking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other permeable or impermeable hardscape. and other non-irrigated areas designated for nondevelopment (e.g.. open spaces and existing native vegetation). (Q) “Landscape Certification Form” means the form required to be submitted by the project applicant and which contains a water conservation certification statement by a landscape architect or landscape professional.
(R) “Landscape professional” means a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape professional, or any other person authorized to design a landscape pursuant to §§ 5500.1, 5635, 5641, 5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3, 5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, 7027.5 of the Cal. Business and Professions Code. Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the Cal. Code of Regulations, and § 6721 of the Cal.
Food and Agriculture Code.
(S) “Landscape project” means the installation of any plant material for visual enhancement, shade, glare reduction, fuel modification (to control the spread of fire) or erosion control purposes and subject to the review and approval of the city.
(T) “Low precipitation irrigation” means an irrigation system designed to convey water to plant material in a quantity measured in gallons per hour (GPH) as opposed to gallons per minute (GPM) and includes drip, point-to-point drip, subterranean, micro-spray, and matched precipitation rotators (for residential warm season turf only) technologies. (U) “Maximum annual water allowance” or “MAWA” means the upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in the Guidelines. The estimated annual water use shall not exceed the maximum annual water allowance. (V) “Mined-land reclamation projects” means any surface mining operation with a reclamation plan approved in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975. (W) “Model ordinance” means the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance adopted by the California Department of Water Resources in accordance with Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 65591 et seq. (X) “Mulch” means a minimum layer of protective covering of various organic materials (including wood, decomposed granite, and rock) placed around plants to prevent evaporation of moisture and to control weeds.
(Y) “New construction” means a new building with landscaping or a landscape-dominated project, such as a park, playground, playing field, or greenbelt or other new landscape, which may or may not have an associated building or structure.
(Z) “Person” means any natural person, firm, joint venture. Joint stock company, partnership, public or private association, club, company, corporation, business trust, organization, public or private agency, government agency or institution, school district, college, university, any other user of water provided by the city, or the manager, lessee, agent, servant, officer or employee of any of them or any other entity which is recognized by law as the subject of rights or duties. (AA) “Pressure regulating device” means a manufactured mechanical device designed to lower the downstream operating pressure of an irrigation system. (BB) “Project applicant” means the person submitting a landscape design plan to the city pursuant to § 17.70.070 and the Guidelines, to request a permit, plan check or design review from the city for the installation of a landscaping project. (CC) “Recycled water” means water which, as a result of treatment of wastewater, is suitable for direct beneficial use or controlled use that would not otherwise occur. (DD) “Reference evapotranspiration” or “ETo” is the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil surfaces and transpired by plants in terms of inches for a particular climate zone. The reference evapotranspiration for Corona is 56.37 which comes from the agricultural research station at UC Riverside.
(EE) “Rehabilitation project” means a landscaping project that results in the substantial removal and replacement of and/or modifications to existing landscaping and meets the requirements under § 17.70.070(A)(3) and (5).
(FF) “Sub-shrub” means a shrub that does not grow to a mature size of more than 18 inches in diameter and height, is typically specified in one gallon cans, and is typically specified as a foreground plant.
(GG) “Smart irrigation controller” or “Smart controller” means an irrigation controller that is climate or sensor based that automatically adjusts for local weather and site conditions. (HH) “Standard landscape plans” refers to pre-existing plan templates for commercial/industrial, model homes, slopes, and homeowner's association landscape projects.
The templates contain a title sheet and all required notes, specifications, and details specifically relating to the project type. The templates are available at discovercorona.com/City Departments/Community Development/Standard Landscape Plans or from the Community Development counter at Corona City Hall for no fee.
(II) “Turf” means any grass, as listed below, which is applied by sod, stolons, or hydroseed. (1) Cool-season grasses refers to Festuca arundinacea-Tall Fescues and Poa genius (Bluegrass). (2) Warm-season grasses refers to all Bermuda, Kikuyu and other rhizominous grasses. (JJ) “Water budget” determines how much water a particular landscape needs over a specific period of time. The Maximum Annual Water Allowance (MAWA) is calculated and compared to the Estimated Annual Water Use (EAWU) on the plans to verify that the project landscaping is not exceeding the allowed water use.
(KK) “Water conservation certification statement” means a written declaration by a California registered landscape architect or landscape contractor, a certified irrigation designer or other licensed or certified professional in a related field, which certifies that the plans, specifications, and details comply with the Municipal Code and landscape design guidelines. The signed statement would read as follows: I hereby certify, as the landscape architect/other licensed professional of record that the information provided herein meets the minimum standards as outlined in the Corona Municipal Code Chapter 17.70 and the adopted design guidelines for the development of this project. This statement must be signed and dated with the appropriate license stamp on the title sheet of the project plans subject to review and approval by the city. (LL) “Water conserving plants” means any live, plant material which exhibits drought tolerant characteristics, such as, will survive and grow in a designated location with limited supplemental water. For the purpose of this chapter, the terms “water efficient plants” and “drought tolerant plants” are synonymous.
(MM) “Water feature'' means a design element where water is artificially supplied and where open water performs an aesthetic or recreational function. “Water features” include artificial ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains, artificial streams, spas, and swimming pools. The surface area of water features is included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscaped area. Constructed wetlands used for on-site wastewater treatment, habitat protection or storm water best management practices that are not irrigated and used solely for water treatment or storm water retention are not water features and, therefore, are not subject to the water budget calculation. (NN) “Water Use Classifications of Landscape Species (WUCOLS (Most Current Edition))” refers to “A Guide to Estimating Irrigation Water Needs of Landscape Plants in California.” The Guide is two-part manual with the first part consisting of “Estimating the Irrigation Water Needs of Landscape Plants in California” using the Landscape Coefficient Method and part two contains a listing of plants and their calculated water needs.
(OO) “Watering window” means the time of day irrigation is allowed pursuant to any applicable city, regional, state, or local water purveyor water conservation or drought response laws, rules, policies, or regulations applicable within the city.
(A) “Certificate of Completion Package” means the documents with the required elements that certifies a landscape project has been installed in accordance with the requirements of § 17.70.060 and the Landscape Design Manual, and as further described in California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7, Section 494, as may be amended. (B) “City Manager” means the City Manager for the City of Corona, or his or her designee. (C) “Director” means the Planning and Development Director for the City of Corona, or his or her designee.
(D) “Landscape Design Manual” means the Landscape Design Manual adopted pursuant to §
17.70.060(G) which describes the procedures, calculations, and requirements for landscape projects that are subject to the requirements in this chapter. (E) “Landscape Documentation Package” means the documents with the elements required by § 17.70.060(D)(2) and § 17.70.060(E)(2) submitted to the City to review compliance with the requirements of § 17.70.060 and the Landscape Design Manual. (F) “Landscape project” means the total landscape area that requires a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review.
(G) “Mulch” means any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, or compost, applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature, and preventing soil erosion. Mulch includes inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, or decomposed granite left loose (i.e., may be used for fire safe landscaping, as approved by the Corona Fire Department). (H) “New construction” means a new building with landscaping or a landscape-dominated project, such as a park, playground, playing field, or greenbelt or other new landscape, which may or may not have an associated building or structure. (I) “Parkway” has the same meaning as set forth in § 12.22.030 of this code. (J) “Project applicant” means the person submitting a landscape design plan to the City pursuant to § 17.70.060 and the Landscape Design Manual, to request a permit, plan check or design review from the City for the installation of a landscaping project. The project applicant may be the property owner or their designee.
(K) “Security fencing” means fencing, wall or other authorized physical barrier intended to prevent unauthorized access, deter intruders, and provide protection for properties, assets, and people.
(L) “Temporary fencing” means fencing not permanently affixed to the site. (M) “Turfgrass” means a living ground cover surface of mowed grass.
17.70.040 Corner cut-off areas – Exceptions Visibility at Intersection (Corner Cut-off Areas). (A) Light poles, sign supports, fences, roof overhangs, plant materials or other similar structures may be permitted within the corner cut-off area subject to the approval of the Director of Community Development and the Director of Public Works, and the Director of Parks and Community Services, as applicable; provided, however, that:
(1) Only one structure or obstruction may be permitted in the corner cut-off area. Such structure or obstruction shall not have a horizontal dimension greater than 12 inches between the elevation of three feet and ten feet above the adjacent street, driveway or alley pavement; (2) The corner cut-off area shall be for pedestrian use or landscaped and maintained subject to the approval of the Directors of Community Development and Parks and Community Services. (B) Structures or plant material may be located within the corner cut-off area if no part of said structure or plant material exceeds three feet in height above the adjacent street, driveway or alley pavement.
(C) Overhangs of structures into the corner cut-off area may be permitted in accordance with § 17.74.010(A).
(A) Intersection visibility requirements. The following regulations apply to all intersections of streets, alleys, private driveways, and any combination thereof to provide adequate visibility for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(1) The corner cut-off area consists of a triangular-shaped area on a corner lot formed by measuring the prescribed distance in Table 1 from the intersection of the front and street side property lines, an intersecting alley, or an intersecting driveway, and connecting the end-points of the lines diagonally across the property, making an approximate 90-degree triangle.
(2) No parking or vertical obstructions shall encroach within corner cut-off areas described in Table 1 below except as otherwise provided by this chapter. (3) Vegetation and structures on property located at any corner of intersecting streets, alleys, and/or private driveways shall adhere to the following distance requirements in Table 1.
Table 1
Distances from Intersections by Roadway Type, Alley, or Private Driveway (Corner Cut-off Areas)
Major or secondary street right-of-way 30 feet
Collector street right-of-way 25 feet
Local street right-of-way 20 feet
Alley right-of-way 10 feet
Private driveway 10 feet
(a) Notwithstanding subsection (A)(2) above, light poles, sign supports, fences, roof overhangs, plant materials or other similar structures may be permitted within the corner cut-off area subject to the approval of the Director, the Public Works Director or the Community Services Director, as applicable based upon the location of the structure; provided, however, that:
i. Such structure or obstruction shall not have a horizontal dimension greater than 12 inches (12”) between the elevation of three feet (3’) and ten feet (10’) above the adjacent street, driveway or alley pavement. ii. The corner cut-off area shall be for pedestrian use or landscaped and maintained subject to the approval of the Director, the Public Works Director or the Community Services Director, as applicable. iii. Plant material may be located within the corner cut-off area if no part of said structure or plant material exceeds three feet (3’) in height above the adjacent street, driveway or alley pavement.
iv. Overhangs of structures into the corner cut-off area may be permitted in accordance with § 17.74.040(A).
17.70.050 Corner cut-off areas – Location of end points Fences, Walls, and Hedges.
End points for corner cut-off lines shall be the following distances from the corner:
(A) On major or secondary street right-of-way lines: 30 feet; (B) On collector street right-of-way lines: 25 feet;
(C) On local street right-of-way lines: 20 feet;
(D) On alley right-of-way lines: 10 feet;
(E) On private driveway lines: 10 feet.
(A) General Provisions.
(1) Placement & Height
(a) A fence, wall or hedge may be constructed, installed and maintained in any permitted or required yard along the rear, interior or side lot line, provided the fence, wall or hedge does not exceed seven feet (7’) in height at any point and does not extend into the required minimum front yard setback area. (b) Entry and vehicular access gates located behind the required front yard setback area shall not exceed eight feet (8’) in height measured at the highest point of the gate.
(c) For purposes of this chapter, the height of any fence, gate, wall or hedge shall be measured from the highest ground elevation immediately adjacent on either side of such fence, gate, wall or hedge.
(d) In the case of corner lots where driveways extend into the side yard, fences, hedges or walls shall inset at a 45 degree angle, 15 feet (15’) on each side of such driveway; provided, however, that this subsection shall not apply to any security fence or wall as set forth in § 17.70.050(A)(3), nor the erection of fences, walls or hedges around any building or structure used for providing public utility services. (2) Outdoor Storage
(a) In industrial zones where outdoor storage is permitted and where such outdoor storage is visible from another property or common area including common drive aisles and parking lots, the outdoor storage use shall be enclosed within a sixfoot (6’) to eight-foot (8’) high opaque fence. Opaque fencing includes block, tubular steel with metal mesh screen material, or other durable screen materials as may be approved by the Director.
(b) In industrial zones where outdoor storage is permitted and where such outdoor storage is visible from a public or private street, railroad, or highway, the outdoor storage use shall be enclosed within a six-foot (6’) to eight-foot (8’) high decorative block wall. The Director, in his or her discretion, shall determine whether the outdoor storage use is visible from a public or private street, railroad, or highway.
(c) Wood fencing, chain link fencing and chain link fencing with wood or plastic slats are prohibited for outdoor storage uses.
(3) Security Fencing
(a) The height of security fences and walls in commercial, industrial and agricultural zones may be increased by two feet (2’) above what is otherwise permitted by this section, subject to review by the Director. Security fencing may include barbed wire, razor wire, sturpiked rails, or similar deterrent materials, or may be an extension of the existing permitted wall or fence material. The use of electrified fencing is not permitted unless such fencing is required or allowed by any law or regulation of the City, the State of California, federal government, or other public agency.
(b) In multiple-family residential zones, perimeter fencing can be increased up to a height of eight feet (8’) for security purposes, provided that the fencing is all wrought iron with pilasters or a combination of decorative block not to exceed seven feet (7’) in height and wrought iron with pilasters. (4) Temporary Fencing
(a) Temporary fencing, such as chain link, shall be permitted on sites under construction but must be removed upon completion of construction. Temporary fencing may also be permitted for vacant lots, agricultural areas, or similar uses for security purposes, subject to the approval of the Director. (5) Swimming Pool Enclosures
(a) Swimming pools shall be entirely enclosed by buildings, fences or walls which are not less than five feet (5’) in height at any point, measured from the highest ground elevation immediately adjacent to any such building, fence or wall on the side of such building, fence or wall opposite the swimming pool. (b) A fence or wall enclosing a proposed or existing swimming pool shall not exceed seven feet (7’) in height, measured from the highest ground elevation immediately adjacent on either side of said fence or wall. The fence or wall shall have selflatching gates or doors not less than five feet (5’) in height with latch height as prescribed by the California Building Code or California Residential Code. (c) All fencing and walls must be in place and approved by the Building Inspector before water shall be allowed in a swimming pool.
(6) Outdoor Recreation and Sport Court Enclosures
(a) Outdoor recreational and sport courts located on residential properties may be enclosed with fences, walls and hedges not exceeding twelve feet (12’) in height; provided that no portion of such enclosure is located within the front yard setback and every portion of such enclosure is located not less than three feet (3’) from any side or rear property line; and further provided that any portion of the enclosure which is higher than six feet (6’) shall be composed of wire mesh or other non-opaque material. The regulations in this § 17.70.050(A)(6)(a) shall apply to tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, batting cages, and similar recreational uses that are for personal use.
(B) Residential Zone Requirements.
(1) Fencing, Walls, and Pedestrian and Vehicular Access Gates in the Front Yard Setback. (a) Fences, walls, and gates shall not exceed four feet (4’) in height within any portion of the front yard setback area of a property in a residential zone, subject to the following provisions:
(i) Fences and walls shall be constructed of masonry (concrete, cement, brick, stone or other masonry materials), vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wrought iron or tubular steel, metal panels (aluminum or steel), fiber cement boards, or other similar durable material approved by the Director.
(ii) Masonry blocks shall have a decorative or textured surface or mimic traditional materials like wood, brick, or stone. Smooth block such as precision block not coated with an exterior texture, such as stucco, is prohibited in the front yard setback area.
(iii) Wrought iron or tubular steel vertical bars shall be spaced a minimum of four inches between bars.
(iv) Chain link, wire, mesh, corrugated metal, or wood fencing is prohibited in the front yard setback of any single-family or multiple-family residential zone or district, except for a wood picket fence with the pickets spaced no less than three inches (3”) and coated with paint or a wood sealer. (v) Overhead arbors up to a maximum height of nine feet (9’) shall be permitted in any front yard setback area.
(vi) Where a fence, wall, or gate is located adjacent to a driveway, alley, or street intersection, the height of such fence or wall shall not exceed three feet (3’) within any required corner cut-off visibility area established in §
17.70.040, Table 1.
(b) Fences, walls, and gates may exceed four feet (4’) in height in the front yard setback area outside of corner cut-off areas when the following conditions are met:
(i) Fencing and gates that are constructed of all wrought iron or tubular steel, spaced a minimum of four inches (4”) between bars, may be permitted up to a maximum height of five feet (5’).
(ii) A combination of masonry up to four feet (4’) in height topped with vertical wrought iron or tubular steel bars up to five feet (5’) in total height may be permitted. Horizontal panels constructed of aluminum, vinyl, PVC or composite material may also be constructed on top of a masonry wall up to five feet (5’) in total height, provided that a minimum horizontal spacing of one inch (1”) is provided between panels.
(iii) Pilasters may be constructed up to a maximum height of five feet (5’) and shall be spaced not less than eight feet (8’) apart. Decorative caps, balls, light fixtures or other similar ornamental features mounted on pilasters shall not be counted towards the five-foot (5’) height limit, provided the total combined height, including such features, does not exceed six feet (6’).
(2) Fencing in the Interior and Street Side and Rear Yard Setback (a) Fencing in the side yard setback, from behind the front yard setback area to the rear property line, and fencing in the rear yard setback may be constructed up to seven feet (7’) in height.
(b) The height of such a fence or wall within a triangular area twenty feet (20’) on each leg at the intersection of the rear property line and the street side property line of a reverse corner lot shall not exceed three feet above the elevation of the adjacent sidewalk or driveway. The resulting triangle area shall be landscaped and maintained subject to the Director. The requirements of this subsection (b) shall not apply if the adjoining driveway of the key lot is a minimum of ten feet (10’) from the rear property line of the reverse corner lot.
(c) Fences and walls may be constructed of masonry (concrete, cement, brick, stone or other masonry materials), vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wrought iron or tubular steel, metal panels (aluminum or steel), fiber cement boards, composite material, chain link, or wood that is coated with paint, stain, varnish or other sealant or finish. However, chain link shall be prohibited on side and rear yards that abut a street, highway, park, school, greenbelt, or common area. (d) Walls constructed of masonry blocks that are adjacent to a street or highway shall have a decorative or textured surface, mimic traditional materials (wood, brick or stone), or coated with an exterior finish such as stucco. (3) Special setbacks for fencing in the street side yard of properties located on Main Street as established by § 17.86.020 shall adhere to the following provisions:
(a) Fences and walls located in the required street side yard setback area adjacent to Main Street, from a point behind the required front yard setback area to the rear property line may be constructed subject to the same provisions for the front yard setback in § 17.70.050(B)(1).
(b) Fences and walls located outside of the required street side yard setback can be constructed to a maximum height of seven feet (7’), subject to the same provisions for side yard setbacks in § 17.70.050(B)(2). (4) New Residential Developments
(a) For new residential subdivisions consisting of five (5) or more lots and new multiple-family residential developments, the developer shall construct perimeter and interior tract fencing that complies with the following provisions prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the residential units:
(i) The perimeter walls of the development adjacent to public or private streets shall be constructed of decorative masonry, or similar durable material. The color, materials, and style shall be consistent with the appropriate specific plan, the South Corona Theme Wall Design adopted by the Planning Commission, or Planning and Development Department standards. Wood and chain link fencing are prohibited.
(ii) Lots within the development whether the side and/or rear yard abuts public or private streets, parks, schools or greenbelt lots/easements shall be constructed of decorative masonry block with decorative masonry pilasters. The color, materials and style shall be subject to Planning and Development Department standards.
(iii) Decorative masonry pilasters shall be constructed at the corners of the walls and along stretches of walls at intersecting side yard property lines to alleviate the visual massing of the wall.
(iv) Interior side yard fencing, including side yard returns, shall be required to enclose rear and side yard areas for each residential lot. Fence materials shall be decorative masonry or other durable opaque material. Wood and chain link fencing are prohibited. Gates shall be vinyl, PVC, aluminum composite or other durable material approved by the Director. View fencing, such as wrought iron, tubular steel, or a combination of decorative masonry block with plexiglass in conjunction with pilasters, are allowed on interior side and rear yard property lines if a grade difference of 20 feet or more exists from the abutting property. (C) Commercial Zone Requirements.
(1) General Requirements
(a) No fences or walls shall be constructed in the required front yard setback area of property in a commercial zone.
(b) All fencing in commercial zones shall be constructed of decorative masonry, wrought iron, or similar materials. Precision block, wood, wire or chain link fencing is prohibited.
(c) The aesthetics of walls and fences including color, texture, pattern and form in commercial zones shall harmonize with the building architecture and landscape character. Additional design guidance and information can be found in the Landscape Design Manual.
(d) Walls and fences shall be structurally durable and easily maintained, especially where visible to the public.
(2) Adjacent to Residential Uses
(a) Any fence or portion thereof in a commercial zone fronting or directly abutting a parcel used or zoned for residential purposes, except for residential and commercial mixed-use properties where commercial is located on the ground floor, shall be constructed of decorative masonry, and shall be seven feet (7’) high.
(3) Parking Lot Buffering
(a) Parking spaces on properties in commercial zones that are perpendicular to a street shall be buffered from the street by a hedge, earth berm, and/or raised planters measuring three feet (3’) in height.
(D) Industrial Zone Requirements.
(1) General
(a) No fences or walls shall be constructed in the required front yard setback area of property in an industrial zone.
(b) All fences or walls in industrial zones that are visible from a public or private street shall be constructed of decorative masonry, wrought iron, or similar materials.
Chain link or wood fencing may be permitted if not visible from a street, as determined by the Director in his or her discretion.
(2) Adjacent to Residential Uses
(a) Any fence or portion thereof in an industrial zone fronting or directly abutting a parcel used or zoned for residential purposes shall be constructed of decorative masonry and shall be seven feet (7’) high.
(3) Parking Lot Buffering
(a) Parking spaces on properties in industrial zones that are perpendicular to a street shall be buffered from the street by a hedge, earth berm, and/or raised planters measuring three feet (3’) in height.
(E) Heritage Properties and Historic Landmarks, Districts or Structures of Merit. (1) The Director, at his/her discretion, may substitute the fence and wall design and materials standards set forth in the Design Guidelines for Historic Buildings for the material or design standards described in this section.
17.70.060 Wall, fencing and hedge requirements Water Efficient Landscape Design. (A) Location and height. A fence, wall or hedge may be constructed, installed and maintained in any permitted or required yard along the rear, interior or side lot line, if the fence or wall or hedge does not exceed seven feet in height at any point; provided, however, such fence, wall or hedge shall not extend into the required minimum front yard or into the required minimum street side yard. Entry and vehicular access gates shall not exceed eight feet in height measured at the highest point of the gate.
For purposes of this chapter, the height of any fence or wall or hedge shall be measured from the highest ground elevation immediately adjacent on either side of such fence, gate, wall or hedge. (B) Corner lots. In the case of corner lots where driveways extend into the side yard, fences, hedges or walls shall inset at a 45 degree angle, 15 feet on each side of such driveway; provided, however, that this subsection shall not apply to any security fence or wall as set forth in § 17.70.020, nor the erection of fences, walls or hedges around any building or structure used for providing public utility services.
(C) Security fencing. Fences and walls in commercial, industrial and agricultural zones may have an additional two feet of security fencing added onto the enclosure permitted by division (A) of this section. Security fencing may be an extension of permitted fencing or wall materials or barbed or razor wire. In multiple-family zones and districts, perimeter wrought iron fencing can be increased up to a height of eight feet for security purposes. This provision applies only when the fencing is all wrought iron or wrought iron with decorative masonry pilasters. (D) Tennis courts. Fences, walls and hedges not exceeding 12 feet in height shall be permitted to enclose tennis courts located within the rear half of the lot; provided, however, such enclosure shall be located not less than three feet from any side or rear property line; and provided, further, however, that any portion of the enclosure which is higher than six feet shall be composed of wire mesh or other material whose vertical surface shall not be closed more than 10%. (E) Perimeter walls and interior fencing of tract home developments of four or more lots shall be subject to the review and approval of the Director of Community Development and shall be included as part of the required landscape and irrigation plans. (F) Fencing in the front yard setback. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated in this code, no walls exceeding three feet in height at any one point thereof shall be constructed, erected, installed or built on any portion of property adjacent to any street or highway. The following are exceptions to the height limits set forth in this subsection:
(1) General. Fence and wall heights may be permitted to a maximum of 60 inches in the front yard setback area and the side yard setback area adjacent to the street on any residential lot subject to the following conditions:
(a) Fence and wall height shall be measured from the abutting sidewalk elevation or from the top elevation of retaining structures upon which a wall is to be constructed; (b) Fences and walls located in the front yard setback area and side yard adjacent to the street from the front property line to a point even with the front of the house shall be constructed to a maximum height of 60 inches of wrought iron or a combination of no more than 36 inches of decorative block with an additional projection of wrought iron up to a maximum of 60 inches in total height;
(c) Pilasters up to a maximum of 60 inches shall be spaced not less than eight feet apart; (d) Wrought iron bars shall be spaced a minimum of four inches between parallel members; (e) Chain link fencing is not permitted in the front yard setback of any single-family or multiplefamily zone or district; (f) Overhead arbors up to a maximum height of 108 inches shall be permitted in any front yard setback;
(g) Precision block not treated with an exterior finish, such as stucco, is prohibited in any front yard setback.
(2) Fencing in the street side yard. In the side yard area adjacent to a street, from a point even with the front of the house to the rear property line, a 84 inch fence or wall may be constructed of any material, subject to compliance with the following conditions:
(a) The height of such a fence or wall within a triangular area 20 feet on each leg at the intersection of the rear property line and the street side property line of a reverse corner lot shall not exceed three feet above the elevation of the adjacent sidewalk or driveway. The resulting triangle area shall be landscaped and maintained subject to the Director of Community Development. The requirements of this subsection (a) shall not apply if the adjoining driveway of the key lot is a minimum of ten feet from the rear property line of the reverse corner lot; (b) Landscaping and a sprinkler system shall be installed and maintained in the side street parkway adjacent to the higher fence or wall and shall be subject to the approval of the Director of Community Development;
(c) Such a fence or wall may only be constructed or continued in use upon full compliance with all conditions of the fence permit issued therefor by the Director of Community Development. The permit shall require the continued maintenance by the property owner of all landscaping planted pursuant to subsections (a) and (b). Failure to so maintain the landscaping shall be a violation of the provisions of this chapter and shall be punishable pursuant to § 17.108.130; (d) The wall or fence shall be constructed of decorative materials subject to the Community Development Department standards and may include masonry, stucco, wrought iron, vinyl or similar durable finished material such as wood.
(3) Special setbacks for fencing in the street side yard of properties located on Main Street as established by § 17.86.020 shall adhere to the following provisions:
(a) Fences and walls located in the street side yard area adjacent to Main Street, from a point even with the front of the house to the rear property line can be constructed to a maximum height of 60 inches of wrought iron. A combination of wrought iron and decorative block is allowed if the block wall does not exceed 36 inches in height.
(b) Fences and walls located outside the 15-foot street side yard setback can be constructed to a maximum height of 72 inches of wrought iron or decorative block. (G) Commercial zone. All fencing in the commercial zone shall be constructed of wrought iron or decorative block. Wood, precision block or chain link fencing shall be prohibited within such zone.
For purposes of this section “commercial zone” means the C-P, C-2 and C-3 zones as defined in this code or any commercial district of a Specific Plan.
(H) Industrial zone. All fencing in the industrial zone within view of a public street shall be constructed of wrought iron or decorative block. Chain link or precision block fencing in such zone shall be permitted if not within view from a public street. The Director of Community Development in his or her discretion shall determine whether proposed fencing will be within view from a public street. Wood fencing shall be prohibited within the industrial zone. For purposes of this section, “public street” means a public thoroughfare or right-of-way dedicated, deeded or condemned for use as such or an approved private thoroughfare used for public access, and “industrial zone” means the M-1, M-2, M-3 and M-4 zones as defined in this code or any industrial district of a Specific Plan.
(I) Outdoor storage. Outdoor storage uses in the industrial zone shall be enclosed within a six to eight foot high opaque fence. Opaque fencing includes block or other durable materials as may be approved by the Director of Community Development. Decorative block walls shall be required for all fencing for outdoor storage yards located within view from a public street. The Director of Community Development in his or her discretion shall determine whether proposed outdoor storage yards are within view from a public street. Wood fencing, chain link fencing and chain link fencing with wood or plastic slats shall be prohibited for use as fencing for outdoor storage yards. (J) Adjacent to residential uses. Any fence or portion thereof in a commercial or industrial zone fronting or directly abutting a parcel used for residential purposes or zoned for residential purposes shall be constructed of decorative block. The height, location and materials of such fencing shall be as approved by the Director of Community Development.
(K) Temporary fencing. Temporary chain link fencing shall be permitted on sites under construction but must be removed upon completion of construction. Temporary fencing may also be permitted for vacant lots, agricultural areas or similar uses for security purposes, subject to the approval of the Director of Community Development.
(L) Residential tract fencing. For new residential subdivisions the developer shall provide perimeter and interior tract fencing prior to the certificate of occupancy in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) Perimeter walls adjacent to streets shall be of decorative masonry, wrought iron or similar durable material. The color, materials and style shall be consistent with the appropriate Specific Plan, the South Corona Theme Wall Design adopted by the Planning Commission or Community Development Department standards. No wood shall be used for perimeter fencing of subdivisions; (2) Interior fencing for residential subdivisions with lots that side and/or rear onto public or private streets, parks, schools or greenbelt lots/easements shall be constructed either of decorative masonry block similar in architecture to the exterior theme wall of the proposed tract or of wrought iron with decorative masonry pilasters. The color, materials and style shall be subject to Community Development Department standards;
(3) Interior fencing including side yard returns shall be required to enclose rear and side yard areas for each lot. For locations other than those in subsections (1) and (2), fence materials shall be decorative masonry. Wrought iron or other view fencing may be used if such use complies with the Community Development Department standards.
(M) Heritage properties and historic landmarks. The Director of Community Development, at his/her discretion, may substitute the fence and wall design and materials standards set forth in the Design Guidelines for Historic Buildings for any material or design standards within the previous subsections of § 17.70.060.
(A) Purpose and Intent. The purpose and intent of this section is to:
(1) The general purpose of this section and the Landscape Design Manual is to promote the design, installation, and maintenance of landscapes that conserve regional water resources by ensuring that landscape projects are drought tolerant and not water intensive, and that irrigation systems reduce water inputs and minimize water waste in a manner consistent with the standards set forth in Chapter 2.7 of Division 2 of Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations. Any terms used in this section that are not otherwise defined in this chapter shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms as set forth in Chapter 2.7 of Division 2 of Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations. (2) The Landscape Design Manual has been prepared to implement the requirements of this section. The Landscape Design Manual provides procedural and design guidance for project applicants proposing new or rehabilitation landscape projects that are subject to the requirements of this section. The Landscape Design Manual is also intended for use and reference by City staff in reviewing and approving designs and verifying compliance with this section.
(B) Applicability. The requirements of this section shall apply to the following:
(1) New residential and non-residential construction projects requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review with a proposed aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet.
(2) Rehabilitated residential or non-residential landscape projects requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review with a proposed aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet.
(3) Cemeteries. Recognizing the special landscape management needs of cemeteries, new and rehabilitated cemeteries are limited to § 17.70.060(E)(2)(f), § 17.70.060(E)(3), and irrigation audits pursuant to § 4.4.3 of the Landscape Design Manual. Existing cemeteries are limited to § 17.70.060(E) and § 17.70.060(F). (4) This section does not apply to:
(a) Registered local, state, or federal historical sites; (b) Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; (c) Mined land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or
(d) Existing plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public.
(C) Compliance.
(1) The project applicant for any new construction project with a proposed landscape area between 500 and 2,500 square feet may satisfy the requirements of this section in either of the following ways:
(a) Prescriptive compliance option. The project applicant shall comply with the procedures set forth in § 17.70.060(D).
(b) Performance compliance option. The project applicant shall comply with the procedures set forth in § 17.70.060(E).
(2) The project applicant for any new construction or rehabilitated landscape project with a proposed landscape area greater than 2,500 square feet shall comply with the procedures set forth in § 17.70.060(E).
(3) The Director shall have the duty and authority to administer and enforce this section. (D) Prescriptive Compliance Procedures.
(1 ) Compliance with the prescriptive criteria established in Section 4.2 of the Landscape Design Manual shall be detailed in a Landscape Documentation Package. (2) The Landscape Documentation Package submitted to the City for compliance review shall include the following information and documentation:
(a) Project Information Sheet with the following elements:
(i) Date the project information sheet is completed;
(ii) Name of the project applicant;
(iii) Contact information for the project applicant and property owner; (iv) Project address (if available, parcel and/or lot numbers)); (v) Total landscape area (square feet);
(vi) Project type (e.g., institutional, commercial, industrial, residential, cemetery, homeowner-installed);
(vii) Water supply type (e.g., potable, recycled, well) and identify the local retail water purveyor if the applicant is not served by a private well; and, (viii) Applicant signature and date with statement: “I agree to comply with the requirements of §17.70.060(D) of the Corona Municipal Code.” (b) A Landscape Design Plan that includes:
(i) Total landscape area (square feet); and
(ii) A breakdown of turfgrass and plant materials (e.g., plant legend). (3) Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or issuance of final approval on the landscape permit, a Certificate of Completion Package shall be completed by the project applicant or their designee in accordance with Section 4.2.3 of the Landscape Design Manual to certify that the landscape project has been installed in accordance with the requirements of this section and the Landscape Design Manual. (E) Performance Compliance Procedures.
(1) Compliance with the performance criteria established in Section 4.3 of the Landscape Design Manual shall be detailed in a Landscape Documentation Package. (2) The Landscape Documentation Package submitted to the City for compliance review shall include the following information and documentation:
(a) Project Information Sheet that includes:
(i) Date the project information sheet is completed;
(ii) Name of the project applicant;
(iii) Contact information for the project applicant and property owner; (iv) Project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number(s)); (v) Total landscape area (square feet);
(vi) Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, institutional, commercial, industrial, residential, cemetery, homeowner-installed); (vii) Water supply type (e.g., potable, recycled, well) and identify the local retail water purveyor if the applicant is not served by a private well; (viii) Checklist of all documents in landscape documentation package; and, (ix) Applicant signature and date with statement: “I agree to comply with the requirements §17.70.060(E) of the Corona Municipal Code and submit a complete Landscape Documentation Package".
(b) Soil Management Report pursuant to Section 4.3.2 in the Landscape Design Manual;
(c) Landscape Design Plan pursuant to Section 4.3.3 in the Landscape Design Manual;
(d) Grading Design Plan pursuant to Section 4.3.4 in the Landscape Design Manual; (e) Irrigation Design Plan pursuant to Section 4.3.5 in the Landscape Design Manual; and
(f) Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet pursuant to Section 4.3.6 of the Landscape Design Manual.
(3) Landscape projects shall comply with the irrigation scheduling and maintenance requirements established in Section 4.4 of the Landscape Design Manual. (4) Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or issuance of final approval on the landscape permit, a Certificate of Completion Package shall be completed by the project applicant or their designee in accordance with Section 4.5 of the Landscape Design Manual to certify that the landscape project has been installed in accordance with the requirements of this section and the Landscape Design Manual. (F) Provisions for Existing Non-Rehabilitated Landscapes. This section shall apply to all existing non-rehabilitated landscapes that were installed before December 1, 2015, and are over one (1) acre in size.
(1) For all existing non-rehabilitated landscapes that have a water meter, the City shall administer programs that may include, but are not be limited to, irrigation water use analyses, irrigation surveys, and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide recommendations as necessary to reduce landscape water use to a level that does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance for existing non-rehabilitated landscapes.
(2) The Maximum Applied Water Allowance (“MAWA”) for existing non-rehabilitated landscapes shall be calculated as: MAWA = (ETo) x (0.62) x (0.8 x RLA + 0.8 x SLA). The definitions associated with calculation of the MAWA shall be as provided in the Landscape Design Manual.
(3) For all existing non-rehabilitated landscapes that do not have a meter, the City shall administer programs that may include, but are not limited to, irrigation surveys and irrigation audits to evaluate water use and provide recommendations as necessary to prevent water waste.
(4) All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.
(G) Landscape Design Manual. The City Council hereby delegates to the Planning and Housing Commission the authority and power to establish by resolution and amend from time to time, the Landscape Design Manual. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City Manager may establish any forms or other related documents to administer compliance with this section.
17.70.070 Landscaping Additional Landscape Requirements. (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 onehalf 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, singlefamily 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. (A) General Provisions. Landscape planting and irrigation plans prepared for commercial, industrial, and residential properties shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements in this section, § 17.70.060, the Landscape Design Manual, and the Planning and Development Department standards. These plans shall be prepared for review and approval by the Planning and Development Department for all areas required to be landscaped, including setbacks, slope areas, parkways, streetscapes, fuel modification zones, renaturalized natural slopes, and open space lots. (B) Public Right-of-Way Landscape.
(1) Areas of the public right-of-way that are landscaped, such as the parkway and street median, and any adjoining Community Facilities District (CFD) or Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) lots shall be landscaped and irrigated in accordance with §
17.70.060, § 17.70.070, and the requirements of the Public Works , Community Services, and Utilities Departments, as applicable.
(2) Owners or tenants of property shall maintain the parkway adjacent to the property’s frontage in accordance with Chapter 12.22 of the Corona Municipal Code. Parkways shall be landscaped according to the Landscape Design Manual. (3) Street Tree Planting
(a) Street trees shall be planted according to the location, spacing and selected species from the approved street tree list as determined by the Director of Community Services.
(b) Street trees shall be a minimum size of 24-inch box at the time of planting, or as required by the City.
(4) Street Tree Irrigation: Automatic irrigation shall be provided to street trees in commercial, industrial and residential landscape projects.
(5) Street Tree Maintenance & Guarantee
(a) For new developments, the life and health of the street tree shall be guaranteed by the project applicant for a period of 365 days from the date of installation at which time the Community Services Director, or his or her designee, shall accept the tree if it is in a healthy condition. Unhealthy trees shall be replaced by the project applicant.
(b) Watering and fertilizing the street tree shall be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.
(C) On-Site Landscape.
(1) Permanent on-site landscaping shall be installed and permanently maintained on all residential and non-residential developments. The landscaping shall comply with the requirements in this chapter and the Landscape Design Manual. (2) Turfgrass shall be prohibited in non-residential development (except for cemeteries) and multiple family residential development unless used for recreational and/or functional purposes with approval of the Planning and Development. (3) Recycled or reclaimed water shall be used to irrigate non-residential development, as determined by the Utilities Department.
(4) Parking Adjacent to Streets. Landscaping shall be designed and maintained to buffer parking areas from public streets and shall be provided in accordance with the Landscape Design Manual. Additionally, buffering shall comply with the requirements of corner cut-off areas as provided for in §17.70.040.
(5) Interior Parking Lot Landscaping.
(a) Landscaping shall be dispersed throughout the parking area, including interior and perimeter landscaped areas, and shall be provided in accordance with the Landscape Design Manual.
(b) The maximum car overhang shall be two and one-half feet (2.5’). All parking stalls adjacent to planted areas shall have continuous impact curbing not less than six inches in height.
(D) Slopes.
(1) All natural and manufactured (e.g. graded and compacted) slopes over four feet (4’) in height with a horizontal to vertical slope gradient of over 1.5:1 shall be planted, irrigated, and mulched. Plant materials and methods of planting shall be in accordance with the Landscape Design Manual. 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. (2) The owner of any 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 on such property.
(3) Additional slope planting requirements shall be determined in accordance with the Landscape Design Manual.
(E) Landscape Maintenance.
(1) General Requirements
(a) Landscaping shall be maintained in a healthy, live condition by the property owner, lessee, occupant, or person or association having charge or control of the property.
(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, and dead landscaping.
(d) Existing irrigation systems shall be maintained in operable working order.
17.70.080 Violations and Penalties.
(A) Misdemeanor. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate the provisions of this chapter. A violation of any of these provisions shall be a misdemeanor. (B) Penalties. Any violation of this chapter may be enforced pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 1.08 and 1.09 of this code.
(C) Public nuisance. Any condition caused or allowed to exist in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, any rule, policy or regulation adopted hereunder is a public nuisance and may be abated by the city, or by the City Attorney on behalf of the people of the State of California, as a nuisance by means of a restraining order, injunction, or any other order or judgment in law or equity issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. The city, or the City Attorney on behalf of the people of the State of California, may seek injunctive relief to enjoin violations of, or to compel compliance with, this chapter or seek any other relief or remedy available at law or equity, including the imposition of monetary civil penalties. Each day that a violation continues is deemed to be a new and separate offense. Civil penalties for violations of this chapter may be assessed at a rate not to exceed $10,000 per violation per day. (D) Remedies cumulative. The remedies specified in this section are cumulative and in addition to any other remedies available under state or local law for a violation of this code.