14 (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 self-latching 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.
15 (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
16 (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.
17 (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 Water Efficient Landscape Design.
(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.
18 (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,
19 (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
20 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 nonrehabilitated 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 Additional Landscape Requirements.
(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, re-naturalized 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
21 (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.
22 (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.
23 SUMMARY
On August 19, 2026, the Corona City Council will consider amending Chapter 17.70 (Landscaping, Fences, Walls, Hedges) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the CMC to update the waterefficient landscape requirements to reflect changes in state law and to update outdated fencing regulations; and amending various other sections of Title 17 (Zoning) of the CMC to update references to Chapter 17.70 to ensure such sections are consistent with the updated requirements in Chapter 17.70. A certified copy of the full text of this proposed ordinance amendment is posted at the City Clerk’s Office.
The City Council meets at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Corona City Hall located at 400 South Vicentia Avenue. The City Clerk is located in Suite 115 of the City Hall near the north entrance.
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.
City of Corona
LANDSCAPE
DESIGN MANUAL
June 2026
i Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
City of Corona
LANDSCAPE DESIGN MANUAL
June 2026
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona ii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview....................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Organization.............................................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Context........................................................................................................................................ 3
1.4 General Provisions................................................................................................................ 5
1.5 Administration .......................................................................................................................... 5 CHAPTER 2: RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN
2.1 Purpose & Applicability ...................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Front Yard.................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Side & Rear Yard.......................................................................................................................... 8
2.4 Trash Enclosure & Mechanical Units........................................................................... 8
2.5 Parking Lots.................................................................................................................................. 9
2.6 Slopes................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.7 Parkways......................................................................................................................................... 20 CHAPTER 3: NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN
3.1 Purpose & Applicability ..................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Front, Side & Rear Yards.................................................................................................. 13
3.3 Landscape Materials & Elements .................................................................................. 13
3.4 Parking Lots................................................................................................................................... 15
3.5 Entries & Focal Ponts.......................................................................................................... 16
3.6 Storage & Loading Areas, Trash Enclosures & Mechanical Units..............17
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 4: WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN
4.1 Purpose & Applicability.................................................................................................. 24
4.2 Prescriptive Compliance Option............................................................................. 24
4.3 Performance Compliance: Landscape Documentation............................ 25
4.4 Performance Compliance: Irrigation & Maintenance ................................. 32
4.5 Performance Compliance: Certificate of Completion................................. 34
4.6 Additional Provisions ........................................................................................................... 34
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: Definitions......................................................................................................... 39 APPENDIX B: Landscape Design Resources.................................................................. 46 APPENDIX C: Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet ................................................. 47 APPENDIX D: Certificate of Completion ........................................................................... 49 TABLE 4.1 Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo)................................................................. 31
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
iii Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona Page 335 of 780 Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona 1
1.1 Overview ...................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Organization ............................................................................................................................3
1.3 Context .......................................................................................................................................3
1.4 General Provisions ................................................................................................................5
1.5 Administration .........................................................................................................................5
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 OVERVIEW
INTENT
The City of Corona (“City”) Landscape Design Manual (“Manual”) provides procedural and design guidance for landscape installation and rehabilitation projects. It is intended for use by project applicants to prepare suitable landscape design documentation and to establish criteria the City will use in evaluating landscape design proposals.
The design goal is for landscape projects to contribute to an inviting and attractive community and to create appealing and sustainable living, shopping, and working environments.
This Manual’s standards and guidelines 1) complement the site development regulations and design guidelines contained in the City’s Zoning Ordinance and adopted Specific Plans; and 2) address the State’s requirement for water efficient landscapes by implementing the locally adopted Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (“WELO”).
1.2 ORGANIZATION
The Manual is organized by chapter to provide separate design criteria for residential and non-residential landscape installation and rehabilitation projects. It also includes water efficient landscape design requirements applicable to all project types.
CHAPTER 1: Introduction provides an overview of the Manual.
CHAPTER 2: Residential Landscape Design presents design standards and guidelines applicable to landscape installation and rehabilitation projects on residential properties, including mixed-use developments containing a residential component.
CHAPTER 3: Non-Residential Landscape Design presents standards and guidelines applicable to landscape installation and rehabilitation projects on non-residential properties, including commercial, industrial and institutional developments.
CHAPTER 4: Water Efficient Landscape Design implements the City’s WELO by establishing procedures and design requirements that promote water conservation for all landscape installation and rehabilitation projects of a specified minimum area.
Appendices provides definitions for landscape terms used throughout the Manual, a list of helpful landscape design resources, and copies of forms that are required as part of the review and approval process.
3 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
INTRODUCTION 1
1.3 CONTEXT
POLICY CONTEXT
This Manual implements State and local policies and regulations for landscape design and installation, including requirements for water efficient landscapes.
GENERAL PLAN 2020-2040
Corona’s land use policies require that development projects convey a high level of landscape quality and encourage sustainable practices for landscape design. Moreover, the Community Design Element promotes high quality and sustainable landscapes along Corona’s streets and within its public landscapes. It also acknowledges the importance of quality landscape design on private property in contributing to a sense of place and enhancing neighborhood character and livability.
STATE MODEL WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE (“MWELO”) Adopted by the State Department of Natural Resources to promote efficient water use in new and retrofitted landscapes, all local agencies must adopt, implement and enforce the State’s MWELO or a local WELO that is at least as effective as the MWELO. The purpose of a water efficient landscape ordinance is to reduce water use and improve environmental conditions in the built environment. The City of Corona has elected to adopt its own WELO to better address local conditions.
CITY LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE
Chapter 17.70 (Landscaping, Fences, Walls, Hedges) of the Corona Municipal Code (“CMC”) establishes minimum landscape requirements, including regulations for walls, fences, and hedges. The purpose of the ordinance is to apply the General Plan’s policies encouraging high quality and sustainable landscapes by establishing minimum requirements for landscape design, installation, and maintenance. Additionally, it incorporates the City’s WELO with reference to this Manual as a tool for its implementation.
DESIGN CONTEXT
This Manual supports regionally appropriate landscape design that reinforces the community’s overall quality and sense of place.
REGIONAL LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
Plant selection for any landscape installation and rehabilitation project should start with those species adapted to that location’s climate zone. The Sunset Western Climate Zone System places Corona within Climate Zones 18 and 19, which are classified as “interior” climates. A wide array of attractive and environmentally friendly plants that use less water than traditional landscapes are suitable for these semi-arid zones, while the selection of plants native to the region will achieve the most sustainable landscapes.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN RESOURCES
For information on Sunset Climate Zones and suitable plants for Corona’s climate zone, consult Sunset’s Western Garden Book. For information on native plants, the California Native Plant Society’s A Planting Guide for Riverside County is a recommended resource. Additional references to helpful landscape design resources are provided in Appendix B.
4 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
1 INTRODUCTION 1
It is also noteworthy that Corona City Hall’s California Friendly Demonstration Garden offers a platform to educate and inspire businesses and residents to install landscapes that reflect the region’s unique aesthetic character and thrive in the Southern California environment.
WATER USE CLASSIFICATION OF LANDSCAPE SPECIES (WUCOLS)
WUCOLS is an online plant search database maintained by the California Center for Urban Agriculture at UC Davis and intended to help landscape professionals determine the water needs of various plant species and guide them in both plant selection and in developing irrigation schedules. Its extensive plant list identifies water needs for each plant by region according to the categories of High, Moderate, Low, and Very Low. WUCOLS locates Corona within Region 4 (South Inland Valley and Foothills), which encompasses Sunset Climate Zones 18 and 19.
Note that this Manual includes requirements for plant selection that reference the WUCOLS database.
City Hall demonstration garden City Hall demonstration garden
1.4 GENERAL PROVISIONS
The following general provisions apply to all landscape installation and rehabilitation projects:
• All plants shall be selected from the WUCOLS IV plant list, or latest edition, with water needs of moderate or lower.
• On-site landscape with automatic irrigation shall be provided for all properties, subject to the requirements of the Landscape Ordinance and Manual; off-site landscape and irrigation (e.g., for parkways) may also be required.
• Landscapes shall be designed to use water efficiently without waste to the lowest practical amount and comply with the City’s WELO and the implementing guidelines contained within the Landscape Design Manual. • Landscape documentation for landscape installation and rehabilitation projects submitted under the Performance Compliance requirements of the WELO shall be prepared by, or under direct supervision of a registered Landscape Architect (State of California) and shall bear the Landscape Architects’ signature and seal. • Landscape documentation for all other submittals involving landscape installation and rehabilitation should be prepared by, or under the direct supervision of a registered Landscape Architect (State of California) or another qualified landscape professional with experience and knowledge in preparing landscape plans.
5 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
INTRODUCTION 1
1.5 ADMINISTRATION
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
The Landscape Design Manual shall be administered by the Planning and Development Department under the guidance of the Planning and Development Director. Any decisions of the Planning and Development Director concerning the implementation of these guidelines may be appealed to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission’s decision may be further appealed to the City Council.
In the event of conflict with the provisions of an adopted specific plan, design guidelines, or similar planning and land use document, the more restrictive provision shall control.
REVIEW PROCEDURES
Review and approval of landscape installation and rehabilitation projects shall proceed as follows:
DISCRETIONARY REVIEW
Project proposals subject to Architectural Review, Precise Plan Review, and/or any discretionary approval as specified by the Zoning Code may require Landscape Plans as part of the submittal package to the Planning and Development Department. Landscape Plans shall undergo preliminary review for compliance with applicable landscape regulations and guidelines. Discretionary approvals shall attach a condition that the project conform to the City’s WELO prior to issuance of any permit to proceed with landscape installation or rehabilitation. A typical standard condition of approval reads:
“The project ‘s landscape shall be designed to comply with the landscape requirements of Chapter 17.70 of the Corona Municipal Code, including City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) and the Landscape Design Manual.”
MINISTERIAL PERMITS
Prior to issuance of any ministerial permit to proceed, all landscape installation and rehabilitation projects subject to the City’s WELO shall submit a Landscape Documentation Package as described in Section
17.70.060(D) of the CMC for the Prescriptive Compliance Option and Section 17.70.060(E) for the Performance Compliance Option. The required documentation shall be reviewed by the Planning and Development Department for compliance with the Landscape Ordinance, Landscape Design Manual, and other applicable landscape regulations and guidelines, as well as conformance with any discretionary approvals or conditions of approval.
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona 6
2.1 Purpose & Applicability ........................................................................................................7
2.2 Front Yard ...................................................................................................................................7
2.3 Side & Rear Yard........................................................................................................................8
2.4 Trash Enclosure & Mechanical Unit ..............................................................................8
2.5 Parking Lots.................................................................................................................................9
2.6 Slopes................................................................................................................................................9
RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN
CHAPTER 2
2.7 Parkways...........................................................................................................................................10
7 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
2 RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
2.1 PURPOSE & APPLICABILITY
WhZWK^
This chapter expands on the requirements of the City’s
Landscape Ordinance, establishing additional
standards and guidelines for landscape design and
installation on residential properties. Their general
purpose is for the design and installation of residential landscapes to help make attractive, livable, and
sustainable neighborhoods throughout the City.
WW>//>/dz
ThŝƐDĂŶƵĂůĂƉƉůŝĞƐto all residential landscape
installation and rehabilitation projects requiring
discretionary review and/or a ministerial permit,
including:
• Trees: Two 24-inch box trees or three 15-gallon trees for single family development; One 24-inch box tree
for every 500 square feet of front yard area in
multiple family development.
• Hardscape (excluding driveways): Up to 30%
maximum.
• Shrubs and/or Groundcover: Up to 45% maximum.
• Turfgrass: Up to 25% maximum for single family
development; no turf permitted in multifamily
development.
,Z^W
• Hardscape materials shall not cover more than thirty
percent (30%) of the total front yard landscape area.
• Permissible hardscape materials include the
following: garden walkways, decorative pavers, and
stepping stones; decorative rocks (minimum 3”
diameter) and boulders; fountains and statues;
decomposed granite and other inorganic
groundcovers; mulch; and similar materials that
enhance the appearance of the front yard subject to
approval by the Planning and Development
Department.
• Hardscape materials should be limited to neutral,
earth tone or muted colors; no bright or neon
colored hardscape materials shall be allowed.
TREES
• At least one 24-inch box tree shall be provided for
every 500 square feet of front yard area in a multiple
family residential development.
• At least two (2) trees that are 24-inch box in size
shall be installed in each front yard of a production
home development; alternatively, three (3) trees
that are 15-gallon container size may be installed if
the front yard will comfortably accommodate that
number of trees.
• All 24-inch box trees shall be double staked, and
15-gallon trees shall be single staked; all trees shall be tied to stakes with a rubber “cinch tie” or equal,
and all trees located in turf areas shall require arbor guards.
Attractive combination of hardscape and landscape
• Single family homes
• Production tract homes
• Multiple family developments
• Mixed-use developments that include a residential
component
Residential landscape projects shall also comply with
the requirements of Chapter 4: Water Efficient
Landscape Design.
2.2 FRONT YARD
Residential front yards shall be landscaped per the
following criteria:
DISTRIBUTION OF LANDSCAPE MATERIALS
8 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN 2
2.3 SIDE AND REAR YARD
• Required side and rear yard setbacks of multi-family
developments shall be fully landscaped with an
attractive combination of trees, shrubs,
groundcovers, and other suitable landscape
materials.
• Builders and developers shall not be responsible for
the landscape of side and rear yards of individual
lots within production home developments, except
for a required street side yard setback and slopes
over 4 feet in height for erosion control.
• Street side yards situated between a fence/wall and
the sidewalk shall be planted with shrubs and
groundcovers; shrubs should be provided at a
minimum five (5) gallon container size.
• ^ŚƌƵďƐƐŚĂůůďĞƉůĂŶƚĞĚĂƚĂŵŝŶŝŵƵŵϱͲŐĂůůŽŶ
ĐŽŶƚĂŝŶĞƌƐŝnjĞĨŽƌďĂĐŬŐƌŽƵŶĚĂŶĚĨŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶƵƐĞ
ĂŶĚϭͲŐĂůůŽŶĐŽŶƚĂŝŶĞƌƐŝnjĞĨŽƌĨŽƌĞŐƌŽƵŶĚƵƐĞ͖ŝĨƚŚĞ ƉůĂŶƚŝŶŐĂƌĞĂŽŶůLJĂůůŽǁƐĨŽƌĂƐŝŶŐůĞƌŽǁŽĨƐŚƌƵďƐ͕
ƚŚĞŵŝŶŝŵƵŵĐŽŶƚĂŝŶĞƌƐŝnjĞƐŚĂůůďĞϱͲŐĂůůŽŶ͖͘
• ^ŚƌƵďƐ͕ǀŝŶĞƐ͕ĂŶĚĞƐƉĂůŝĞƌƐƐŚĂůůďĞƵƐĞĚƚŽǀŝƐƵĂůůLJ ďƵĨĨĞƌƵŶĂĚŽƌŶĞĚǁĂůůƐŽĨĂƐƚƌĞĞƚĨĂĐŝŶŐƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚŝĂů
ĞůĞǀĂƚŝŽŶ͘
• ^ŚƌƵďƐƐŚĂůůďĞƐƉĂĐĞĚĂƚĂŵĂdžŝŵƵŵŽĨƐĞǀĞŶƚLJͲĨŝǀĞ
ƉĞƌĐĞŶƚ;ϳϱйͿŽĨƚŚĞŝƌŵĂƚƵƌĞŐƌŽǁƚŚ͖ĨŽƌĞdžĂŵƉůĞ͕Ă
ƐŚƌƵďǁŝƚŚĂϰͲĨŽŽƚ;ϰ͛ͿĚŝĂŵĞƚĞƌĂƚŵĂƚƵƌĞƐŝnjĞƐŚĂůů ďĞƐƉĂĐĞĚĂƚƚŚƌĞĞĨĞĞƚ;ϯ͛ͿŽŶĐĞŶƚĞƌ͘
• ůůƐŚƌƵďĂƌĞĂƐƐŚĂůůŚĂǀĞŐƌŽƵŶĚĐŽǀĞƌƉůĂŶƚĞĚĂƚĂ ŵĂdžŝŵƵŵŽĨĞŝŐŚƚŝŶĐŚĞƐ;ϴ͟ͿŽŶĐĞŶƚĞƌ͕ƚƌŝĂŶŐƵůĂƌ
ƐƉĂĐĞĚ͕ĨƌŽŵƌŽŽƚĞĚĐƵƚƚŝŶŐƐŽƌůŝŶĞƌƐ͖ǁŝĚĞƌƐƉĂĐŝŶŐ
ŵĂLJďĞĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĞĚĨŽƌŐƌŽƵŶĚĐŽǀĞƌƐƉůĂŶƚĞĚĨƌŽŵϰͲ
ŝŶĐŚƉŽƚƐŽƌϭͲŐĂůůŽŶƐŝnjĞĐŽŶƚĂŝŶĞƌƐ͘
^,Zh^Θ'ZKhEKs
Z
dhZ&
• Turfgrass is prohibited within the front yards of
multiple family residential developments and shall
not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total
front yard area for a single-family home within a
production home development; turfgrass shall be
limited to warm season varieties.
• Artificial or synthetic turf as defined in Appendix A of this Manual is allowed within a front yard area in lieuof turfgrass and shall be installed per manufacturer’s
recommendations; a hard barriersuch as a concrete
mow strip or bender board shall separate artificial turf from an area planted with shrubs and groundcover,
while trees and large shrubs should be placed at least three feet (3’) distance from artificial turf.
• Turfgrass shall not be planted on sloped areas which exceed one (1) foot of vertical elevation change for
every four (4) feet of horizontal length.
2.4 TRASH ENCLOSURE &
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
Trash enclosures and above-ground mechanical
equipment shall comply with the following:
• Trash enclosure walls shall be shielded from public
view using evergreen plantings; planter areas
accommodating trees, shrubs, and vines shall be
located adjacent to trash enclosures.
• No above-ground mechanical equipment shall be
located within any required front yard setback area
or required street side yard setback that is visible
from a street, including but not limited to air
conditioning units, pool equipment, heat pumps,
generators, and water softeners.
• Equipment, cabinets, meters, transformers,
pedestals, vaults, or similar infrastructure installed, owned, or required by the City, a public utility or
franchised service provider may be within the front
yard setback area, provided the equipment is
installed in compliance with applicable standards,
easement requirements, or other governmental
regulations.
• Above-ground mechanical equipment shall be
screened using plantings and other suitable
landscape materials; nonetheless, plantings shall not
impede access to maintenance of such equipment.
Residential side and rear yards shall be landscaped per the following criteria:
9 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
2 RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
2.5 WZ</E'>Kd^
• Use hardscape, plantings, and other suitable landscape elements to enhance the visual appearance of parking
areas; planter areas shall be provided within and
adjacentsurface parking areas.
• A landscape buffershall be provided to screen parking areas from public streets; this buffer shall have a
minimum depth of five feet (5’) measured from the
back of sidewalk or edge of right-of-way as appropriate. • Parking lot buffers shall incorporate landscape
materials as needed to sufficiently screen the parking
area; screening may be accomplished with shrubs,
earth berms, and/or raised planters at a maximum
height of three feet (3’).
• Planter areas shall be provided at the end of each row of parking, and landscape islands or diamonds shall
divide long rows of parking; a landscape island shall be provided for every ten (10) parking stalls, or a
landscape diamond shall be provided for every six
stalls.
• A six inch (6”) raised concrete curb shall separate
landscape areas from parking areas and drive aisles to
protect plantings from encroaching vehicles and
contain landscape materials.
• Planter areas and landscape islands or diamonds within and adjacent parking lots shall have a minimum width
of five feet (5’) including concrete curb; the area
devoted to plantings shall have a minimum width of
four feet (4’), except as needed for a concrete step-out strip.
• A six-inch (6”) concrete step out strip shall be
positioned adjacent the curb to accommodate people
existing vehicles; to maximize the area devoted to
planting, the step out strip should not run the entire
length of the curb.
• Each planter area, landscape island and diamond shall incorporate a canopy shade tree, as well as low shrubs
or groundcover; turfgrass is prohibited within parking
areas.
• Canopy shade trees shall be placed within a parking
lot to reduce heat gain on paving and nearby
buildings; all trees shall be 24” box or larger size at time of installation and should be selected to
minimize litter and root intrusion.
• Inorganic ground covers such as decomposed
granite, crushed rock, etc. may be incorporated in
limited amounts within planter areas where
appropriate to the overall landscape design
2.6 ^>KW
^
• All natural and manufactured slopes over four feet
(4’) in height with a horizontal to vertical slope
greater than 1.5:1 shall be planted with a mixture of
trees, shrubs, and groundcover, and automatically
irrigated and mulched.
• Plant materials used on slopes shall have low water
requirements and rooting systems that will minimize
erosion and soil slippage.
• At least one (1) tree at a minimum 15-gallon
container size shall be provided for each 400 square
feet of slope; no less than fifty percent (50%) of the
trees shall be evergreen trees.
• At least two (2) shrubs shall be provided for each 60 square feet of slope; at least forty percent (40%) of
the shrubs shall be at least five-gallon container size, with the remainder of the shrubs at least one -gallon
container size.
• Groundcovers shall be planted to beautify the slope,
control erosion, and suppress weeds; groundcovers
may be provided as rooted cuttings planted at 12-24
inches (12” - 24”) on-center, triangular spaced.
• Slopes shall be landscaped with appropriate
plantings for immediate erosion control; jute netting
shall not be used for slope erosion control on
residential production slopes unless approved by the
Planning and Development Department.
10 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
2 RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
2.7 WZKWAYS
Water efficient landscaping is required for all new
construction projects for residential parkways. A
combination of water efficient plants, permitted types of hardscapes, and cedar mulch shall be installed in the
parkway. Parkways shall comply with the following:
• Turfgrass is prohibited in all new residential parkways.
Artificial turf may be permitted in place of turfgrass.
Approvalshall be on a case by case basis.
• Only water efficient groundcover and shrubsthat
grow no taller than 18 inches are permitted.
• Street trees shall be planted according to the location, spacing and selected species from the approved street
tree list as determined by the Community Services
Department.
• Street trees shall be a minimum of 24-inch box at the time of planting, or as required by the City.
• Fire hydrants shall be a 3-foot (on center) clear area surrounding them, where no planting shall be
permitted. This area shall be covered in mulch.
• Concrete, non-pervious pavers, or metal grates are
prohibited.
• Pervious decorative pavers are permitted.
• Colored mulch is prohibited. Only cedar mulch,
natural colored mulch, or bark is permitted (3 inches
minimum depth).
• Decorative rock, red rock, colored rocks, or pea gravel that are less than 3 inches are prohibited.
• Color rocks are prohibited regardless of size of rock. • Rocks that are 3 inches or larger are permitted (not
grouted in place).
• No structures except mailboxes and utilities are
allowed in the parkway.
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona 11
3.1 Purpose & Applicability .............................................................................13
3.2 Front, Side, & Rear Yards........................................................................13
3.3 Landscape Materials..................................................................................13
3.4 Parking Lots...............................................................................................15
3.5 Entries & Focal Points................................................................................16
3.6 Storage & Loading Areas, Trash Enclosures & Mechanical Units...............17
NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN
CHAPTER 3
3.7 Additional Landscaping Requirements.....................................................18
12 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
3 NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
3.1 PURPOSE & APPLICABILITY
PURPOSE
This chapter expands on the requirements of the City’s
Landscape Ordinance, establishing additional standards
and guidelines for landscape design on non-residential
properties, with a focus on the aesthetic character and function of landscapes within areas of industry and
commerce. These standards and guidelines are intended
to promote creative design rather than dictate a specific landscape design style or theme. Their general purpose is for non-residential landscapes to help make attractive
and engaging shopping and working environments.
APPLICABILITY
The design principles, standards, and guidelines
contained within this chapter are applicable to nonresidential landscape installation and rehabilitation projects that require discretionary review and/or a
ministerial permit, including commercial, industrial, and institutional development projects and sites. Note that non-residential landscape projects shall also comply with the requirements of Chapter 4: Water Efficient
Landscape Design.
Aesthetic Appeal
Project Identity
13 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN 3
3.2 FRONT, SIDE, & REAR YARDS • The use of any palms on-site shall be no less than 15 feet Brown Trunk Height (BTH).
• A minimum of one 24-inch box tree shall be planted
for every 500 square feet of landscaping in all other
areas.
• Root panels and linear barriers are required for all
trees planted within a parkway or within 8 feet of
any walking or driveable surface.
• Trees shall not be placed where they interface
within site drainage or overhead and underground
utilities. All utilities shall be identified on the base plan.
3.3 LANDSCAPE MATERIALS &
• Shde trees must be provided for non-residential
parking lot and open space areas. Trees are
especially important to break up the massing and
reduce the scale of tilt-up and other tall industrial,
commercial, and institutional buildings, as well as to
provide shade, and reduce glare and reflection. The
trees shall be selected specifically for these
purposes. The palette shall include a balance of
evergreen and deciduous trees.
• A minimum of 24-inch box trees shall shall be
provided on the site based on the following formula:
one 24-inch box tree for every 10,000 square feet of
gross commercial or institutional building area; and
one 24-inch box tree for every 20,000 of gross.
• A mix of tree sizes shall include at least:
o 25% 15-gallon trees
o 70% 24-inch box trees
o 5% 36-inch box trees
• A minimum of 36-inch box accent trees (single or
multi-trunk specimens) or 12-foot (brown trunk)
palms are required on all corner planters including all vehicular entries and major corner intersection of
project area, building entries, plazas, courtyards, or
patio areas.
• The required front, side and rear yard setbacks shall be fully landscaped with an attractive combination
of approved hardscape features, trees, shrubs,
groundcover, and other suitable landscape
materials, excluding walkways and driveways that
afford access to the site. The landscaping shall be
according to the requirements in Chapter 3 of this
Manual.
• No parking or drive aisles shall encroach into the
required front yard setback area.
• The use of turfgrass is not permitted, and the use of warm season turf is only permitted when specified
for a functional or recreational use.
• Artificial or synthetic turf is allowed and must be
installed per manufacturer’s recommendations
including a 6-inch by six inch concrete mow curb
separating the synthetic turf from the adjacent
shrub plantin
• Approved turfgrass areas shall not exceed a slope of
four feet horizontal to one foot
vertical (4:1).
Canopy trees shade parking lot
ELEMENTS
dREES
dURFGRASS
14 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
3 RESIDENTIAL LAN DSCAPE DESIGN 1
• Designated landscape areas shall be covered in nonirrigated synthetic turf, groundcover, or mass planted shrubs 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 WUCOLS classifications shall be grouped accordingly: moderate and low, low, and
very low. Plants specified in a bioswale may have a
high water use rating. Deviations from these groups
shall not be permitted.
• Shrubs to be planted in the back or mid-ground of a
planter shall be a minimum of 5 gallons. Sub-shrubs
(maximum 18-inch diameter) shall be specified as
foreground planting and must be a minimum of 1
gallon size. All shrubs and sub-shrubs must be mass
planted and should utilize a variety of shrub species
selected from the WUCOLS plant list for Regional 4.
• Landscapes consisting of gravel, crushed rock, and/or decomposed granite and boulders with appropriate
low water shrub and tree plantings are encouraged.
• Three (3)-foot high berms or a solid hedge is required along the street setback areas in order to screen the
vehicle headlights projecting from parking areas. The
height of the berm and or hedge shall be measured
from the parking lot grade.
• All shrubs and sub-shrubs shall be triangular or linear spaced based on the mature diameter of the specified
shrubs. Shrubs shall be specified so as to fill the
planter when mature and not require shearing or
hedging.
• Trees and shrubs shall strategically be placed to
screen/conceal parking areas and truck loading
facilities from public view and to interrupt large wall expanses of buildings.
• A minimum of fifteen gallon shrubs will be required
to screen electrical transformers, a/c units,
backflow devices, trash enclosures, large screen
walls, interior truck and yard areas, and all other
maintenance (ground) equipment that may be
visible to the public. Shrubs are to be kept a
minimum of three feet from the doors of the
electrical unit or as specified by the utility agency.
• A non-planted 24 to 36 inch wide strip of stabilized
decomposed granite or crushed rock is permitted
around the foundation of buildings to facilitate
window washing and maintenance.
• All natural and manufactured slopes over four feet
(4’) in height shall be planted with a mixture of trees, shrubs, and groundcover, and automatically
irrigated.
• Plant materials used on slopes shall have low water
requirements and rooting systems that will minimize
erosion and soil slippage.
• At least one (1) tree at a minimum fifteen (15) gallon container size shall be provided for each 400 square
feet of slope; no less than fifty percent (50%) of the
trees shall be evergreen trees.
• Shrubs shall be mass planted on all slopes; a
minimum of five (5) gallon container size for all
shrubs with triangular spacing at seventy-five
percent (75%) of the mature diameter is required.
• Groundcover shall be planted at a minimum one
(1) gallon container size to beautify the slope,
control erosion, and suppress weeds; no
hydroseeding is permitted on manufactured or
natural slopes.
• Slopes shall be landscaped with appropriate
plantings for immediate erosion control; jute
netting is allowed on commercial/industrial slopes
with the approval of the Planning and
Development Director.
SHRUBS & GROUNDCOVER
SLOPES
15 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN 3
3.4 PARKING LOTS
Non-residential parking lots shall be landscaped
according to the following requirements:
• A landscape buffer shall be provided to screen
parking areas from public streets; this buffer shall
have a minimum depth of 5 feet measured from the
back of sidewalk or edge of right-of-way.
• Parking lot buffers shall incorporate landscape
materials to screen the parking area; screening may
be accomplished with shrubs, earth berms, and/or
raised planters at a maximum height of 3 feet.
• Planter areas shall be provided at the end of each
row of parking, and landscape islands or diamonds
shall divide long rows of parking; a landscape island
shall be provided for every 10 parking stalls, or a
landscape diamond shall be provided for every 6
stalls.
• A 6-inch raised concrete curb shall separate
landscape areas from parking areas and drive aisles
to protect plantings from encroaching vehicles and
contain landscape materials.
• Planter areas and landscape islands or diamonds
within and adjacent parking lots shall have a
minimum width of 5 feet including concrete curb;
the area devoted to plantings shall have a minimum
width of 4 feet, except as needed for a concrete
step-out strip.
• A 6-inch concrete step-out strip shall be positioned
adjacent the curb to accommodate people existing
vehicles; to maximize the area devoted to planting,
the step out strip should not run the entire length of
the curb.
• Each planter area, landscape island and diamond
shall incorporate a canopy shade tree, as well as low
shrubs or groundcover.
• Inorganic ground covers such as decomposed
granite, crushed rock, etc. may be incorporated in
limited amounts within planter areas where
appropriate to the overall landscape design.
• No landscape area shall have a dimension of less
than four (4) feet clear in width except for vine
pockets.
• Canopy shade trees shall be placed within a parking
lot to reduce heat gain on paving and nearby
buildings; all trees shall be 24” box or larger size at time of installation and should be selected to
minimize litter and root intrusion.
• Parking areas adjacent to interior property lines
shall be provided with planters at a minimum width
of five feet at the property line. This requirement
may be waived on industrial projects with the
discretion of the Planning & Development Director.
• Show the location of proposed parking lot area
lights on planting plans including raised concrete
light bases which may limit the irrigation and
planting in a landscape planter.
Landscape buffer screens parking area
Planter diamond
16 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
3 NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
Landscape treatment complements building
• Use enhanced landscape treatment to demarcate
and accentuate vehicular and pedestrian points of
site access, main building entries and architectural
features, and other visual focal points such as
prominent corners and significant site amenities.
• Enhanced landscape treatment for site entries and
focal points may include large signature trees,
ornamental trees, accent plantings, landscape
lighting, decorative paving, decorative
monumentation, water features, etc.
• Consider incorporating prominent monumentation
at site entries and major corners for larger
commercial and industrial projects; the design and
placement of monumentation should be
coordinated with other special landscape treatment
and accompanying signage shall comply with the
requirements of the Zoning Code.
3.5 ENTRIES & FOCAL POINTS
Enhanced landscape treatment at main building entrance
17 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN 3
3.6 STORAGE & LOADING AREAS,
TRASH ENCLOSURES &
MECHANICAL UNITS
• Outdoor storage areas, loading areas, and trash
enclosures shall be shielded from public view using
decorative masonry walls and evergreen plantings;
planter areas accommodating trees, shrubs, and
vines shall be located adjacent to trash enclosures.
• No above-ground mechanical equipment including
air or HVAC conditioning units shall be located within
any required front yard setback area or required
street side yard setback that is visible from a street. • Equipment, cabinets, meters, transformers,
pedestals, vaults, or similar infrastructure installed, owned, or required by the City, a public utility or
franchised service provider may be within the front
yard setback area, provided the equipment is
installed in compliance with applicable standards,
easement requirements, or other governmental
regulations.
• Above-ground mechanical equipment shall be
screened using plantings and other suitable
landscape materials; nonetheless, plantings shall not
impede access to maintenance of such equipment.
Attractive plantings screen mechanical equipment while
maintaining access
Decorative trash enclosure with landscape buffer
18 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
3 NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
3.7 ADDITIONAL LANDSCAPING
REQUIREMENTS
• Concrete curbing is required between landscaping
and the parking and driveway areas.
• All landscape areas shall be finished with no less
than eight (8) inches of amended topsoil. As per
the soil analysis recommendation and provided
on plans as part of notes/specifications.
• Boulders and rocks used for enhancement are
encouraged.
• Provide stainless steel backflow preventer
enclosures on commercial and industrial
properties. Backflow preventers shall not be
located within the front setback areas.
• A three- (3) foot perimeter is required around all
fire hydrants. Shrubs or trees shall not be planted
in this area. Low growth ground cover may be
planted around the fire hydrants.
• Interim landscape areas at a minimum shall be
covered with a hydro-seed mix to prevent erosion
and suppress dust. The area shall be properly
maintained by the owner of the property.
Automatic irrigation may be is required for
commercial properties.
• Landscape elements, including trees and
plantings, shall not interfere with utility lines,
block driveways and sidewalks, obstruct vehicular
and pedestrian sight lines, or interfere with
security lighting; additionally, trees should be
selected and planted to minimize root problems
(e.g., use of root barriers near pavement and
structures).
Drought tolerant plantings
Attractive combination of trees, shrubs, and groundcover • All landscaping planted within fuel modification zones shall be approved by the Fire Department.
• Landscape treatment shall be designed to mitigate the fire danger to structures within fire hazard zones, and all
plantings within fuel modification zones shall be approved by the Fire Department; reference Section 4.7.5 (Fire Safe Landscaping) for additional guidelines.
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
• Landscaping in the public right-of-way including parkways shall comply with Section 17.70.70 of the CMC.
• A three- (3) foot perimeter is required around all fire hydrants. Shrubs or trees shall not be planted in this area.
Low growth ground cover may be planted around the fire
hydrants.
19 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN 3
• Enhance outdoor pedestrian areas with attractive
plantings, decorative paving, overhead cover,
outdoor furniture, pedestrian-scale lighting.
• Outdoor seating areas should be shaded by canopy
trees and/or structures such as trellises, arbors,
pergolas, etc.; deciduous trees are generally
recommended to provide access to winter sun and
offer shade during the summer months.
• Incorporate site furnishings as appropriate to
promote comfortable and convenient use of the site
and its outdoor gathering spaces.
• Select and place site furniture in relation to the size and function of the site and its outdoor spaces; site
furnishings may include seating and benches, shade
structures, pedestrian scaled light fixtures, trash
receptacles, planters and planter boxes, etc.
• Incorporate an especially high level of amenity
within outdoor gathering areas such as on-site
plazas, courtyards, and patio areas serving larger
commercial retail developments.
• Ensure that site furnishings are coordinated
in design and compatible with the overall site
character and building appearance.
• Employ quality outdoor furnishings made of durable,
weather resistant, and low maintenance materials
and finishes.
• Accommodate special landscape features such
as recirculating water fountains, ornamental
rocks and boulders, etc., that enliven communal
space, heighten entries and visual focal points, or
otherwise enrich the landscape.
Water fountain provides a focal landscape feature
Coordinated landscape palette
OUTDOOR AREAS & FURNITURE
21 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
3 NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
SITE WALLS & FENCES
• All site walls and fences shall be consistent with the provisions of Chapter 17.70.050 of the CMC, including
that chapter’s regulations on the placement, height
limitations, and allowable fence and wall materials.
• Limit site walls and fences to those required for
security, screening, or landscape enhancement;
walls and fences should not obstruct views of a
building’s street elevation.
• Design site walls and fences to harmonize with the
building architecture and landscape character, utilizing complementary and high-quality materials and colors;
walls and fences shall be structurally durable and easily maintained, especially where visible to the public.
• Provide site walls and fences with a decorative
appearance; discourage use of precision block,
unless coated in stucco or similar surface treatment.
• Long expanses of site walls and fences shall be
mitigated using design treatments such as pilasters,
offsets, compatible changes in material and
color, as well as shrubbery and vines that soften
perimeter walls.
• Chain link fences, barbed wire, wrought iron spears,
and similar fence types are generally discouraged
and prohibited in areas readily visible to the public.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
• Provide an appropriate level of landscape lighting,
generally limiting light/illumination to that
necessary for safety and security; the most intense
lighting should occur in areas with special security
needs and/or active pedestrian zones.
• Accent landscape lighting such as tree up-lights,
twinkle lights, etc., may be appropriate to highlight
focal points or enliven outdoor gathering spaces;
flashing, pulsating, or other types of dynamic
lighting are otherwise prohibited.
• Landscape lighting shall be located and shielded to
minimize spill-over and glare and properly scaled to
function; pedestrian-scale fixtures that emit a warm
light should be used along walkways.
• Select decorative light fixtures that are compatible
with other site furnishings and complement the
building design.
• Light fixtures should use energy efficient
technology, such as solar powered lighting and
energy-efficient bulbs.
Decorative site wall Pedestrian scale light fixtures
22 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN 3
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
• Encourage low impact development (LID) methods
such as porous paving, storm water cisterns,
landscaped or vegetated swales, and rain gardens;
nonetheless, the design and placement of
bioretention and filtration areas should be sensitive
to the site context.
• Maximize stormwater infiltration by employing
natural and permeable materials, where feasible;
the use of permeable pavement and pavers to
reduce impervious surface area and manage runoff
is encouraged.
• Explore opportunities for local water storage and
treatment through strategically located landscaped
or vegetated swales and rain gardens; a minimum
five-foot (5’) width is required for any planter
incorporating a vegetated swale or infiltration
area, and plants utilized for stormwater retention
features should be able to sustain water ponding
and perform in dry conditions.
• Reference Section 4.6.4 (Stormwater Management
& Rainwater Retention) for additional guidelines.
Porous paving in parking lot
IRRIGATION
• Install efficient irrigation systems that employ low
volume and/ or low flow methods, and recycled
water use is encouraged.
• Irrigation systems shall be designed to provide the
optimum amount of water to maintain healthy
plants without causing soil erosion and runoff.
• Design the irrigation system to minimize runoff and
overspray; in particular, the irrigation system
should not allow water to spray or flow across a
public sidewalk.
• Irrigation systems shall comply with the
requirements of Chapter 4: Water Efficient
Landscape Design.
Vegetated swale
SUPPLEMENTAL GUIDELINES:
INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES
• Parking areas within industrial sites that are not
visible from a public or private street or adjacent
property may have landscaping requirements
waived, subject to the discretion of the Planning and
Development Director.
• Warehouse and logistics developments shall provide
landscape buffers and screening to mitigate light and
noise impacts on nearby sensitive land uses (e.g.,
residences, schools, parks, etc.) in accordance with
the Warehouse Design and Build Standards of the
State Government Code (Section 65098.2).
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona 23
4.1 Purpose & Applicability ...................................................................................................24
4.2 Prescriptive Compliance Option ................................................................................24
4.3 Performance Compliance: Landscape Documentation...............................25
4.4 Performance Compliance: Irrigation & Maintenance....................................32
4.5 Performance Compliance: Certificate of Completion .................................... 34
4.6 Additional Provisions .........................................................................................................34
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN
CHAPTER 4
24 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
4 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
4.1 PURPOSE & APPLICABILITY
The primary purpose of this chapter is to provide
Implementing Guidelines for the City of Corona’s Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance (“WELO”), located if
Section 17.70.060 of the CMC. More specifically,
these Implementing Guidelines provide procedural
and design guidance for project applicants proposing
landscape installation or rehabilitation projects that
are subject to the requirements of the WELO, as
provided for in Section 17.70.060(B) of the CMC. They
are also intended for use and reference by City staff
in reviewing and approving designs and verifying
compliance with the WELO.
4.2 PRESCRIPTIVE
COMPLIANCE OPTION
4.2.1 LANDSCAPE PROJECT
REQUIREMENTS
Compliance with the following prescriptive criteria shall be detailed in the Landscape Documentation Package
as required by Section 17.70.060(D) of the CMC.
1. Incorporate compost at a rate of at least four (4) cubic yards per 1,000 square feet to a depth of six inches
(6”) into landscape areas, unless contraindicated by
a soil test. Soils with greater than six percent (6%)
organic matter in the top six inches (6”) of soil are
exempt from adding compost and tilling.
2. Irrigation systems shall comply with the following:
a. For non-residential landscape projects with
landscape areas of 1,000 sq. ft. or more, a
dedicated irrigation meter or private submeter(s)
shall be installed to measure landscape water use.
b. Automatic irrigation controllers are required and
must use either evapotranspiration (weatherbased) or soil moisture (sensor-based) data and utilize a rain sensor.
c. Irrigation controllers shall use non-volatile memory. d. Pressure regulating devices, which may
include pressure boosters or reducers, shall be
installed on the irrigation system to ensure the
dynamic pressure of the system is within the
manufacturer’s recommended pressure range.
e. Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve,
ball valve, or butterfly valve) shall be installed as
close as possible to the point of connection of the
water supply.
f. All irrigation emission devices must meet the
requirements set by ANSI in the 2020 ASABE/
ICC 802 Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and
Emitter Standard, which is herein incorporated
by reference. All sprinkler heads installed in
the landscape must document a low-quarter
distribution uniformity of 0.65 or higher using the
protocol defined in 2020 ASABE/ICC 802 Standard.
g. Non-rotating spray sprinkler bodies are required
to meet the standards described in the California
Code of Regulations, Title 20, Division 4, Chapter
4, Section 1605.3(x).
h. Landscape areas less than ten (10) feet in width
in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface
irrigation or other means that produce no water
waste, runoff or overspray.
3. Plant material shall comply with the following:
a. For residential landscape projects, climate
adapted plants shall be installed that require
occasional, little, or no summer water (average
WUCOLS plant factor 0.3) for seventy-five percent
(75%) of the landscape area, excluding areas
permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants.
b. For non-residential landscapes, climate adapted
plants shall be installed that require occasional,
little, or no summer water (average WUCOLS plant
factor 0.3) for one hundred percent (100%) of the
landscape area, excluding areas permanently and
solely dedicated to edible plants, and areas using
recycled water.
4. Turfgrass shall comply with the following:
a. Turfgrass shall not exceed twenty-five percent
(25%) of the landscape area in single-family
residential landscapes.
25 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN 4
b. There shall be no turfgrass in multifamily and
non-residential landscape projects. However,
turfgrass may be allowed in a recreational area as
defined in Appendix A of this Manual.
c. Turfgrass shall not be planted on sloped areas
which exceed a slope of one foot (1’) vertical
elevation change for every four feet (4’) of
horizontal length.
d. Turfgrass is prohibited in parkways.
5. A minimum three-inch (3”) layer of mulch shall
be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting
areas except in turfgrass areas, creeping or rooting
groundcovers, or direct seeding applications where
mulch is contraindicated.
4.2.2 FINAL INSPECTION
The designer of record shall make plants identifiable
to an inspector during final inspection; plants must
be identifiable by botanical name, common name or
cultivar as specified in Section 53481 of the Food and
Agricultural Code. At the time of final inspection, the permit applicant shall provide the City and the owner of the property with a Certificate of Completion Package.
4.2.3 CERTIFICATE OF
COMPLETION PACKAGE
The Certificate of Completion Package is to be
completed by the project applicant or their
designee to certify that the landscape project has
been installed in accordance with the WELO and
these Implementing Guidelines. The Certificate of
Completion Package for the Prescriptive Compliance
Option shall include the following:
1. Project Information Sheet (Appendix D – Element 1).
2. Certificate of Installation according to the Landscape Documentation Package (Appendix D – Element 2).
3. Irrigation Scheduling Parameters (Appendix D –
Element 4)
4. Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule
(Appendix D – Element 5).
4.3. PERFORMANCE
COMPLIANCE: LANDSCAPE
DOCUMENTATION
4.3.1 LANDSCAPE PROJECT
REQUIREMENTS
Compliance with the following performance criteria shall be detailed in the Landscape Documentation Package as
required by Section 17.70.060(E) of the CMC.
4.3.2 SOIL MANAGEMENT REPORT
A soil management report shall be completed by the
project applicant, or their designee, as follows:
1. Submit soil samples to a laboratory for analysis
and recommendations.
a. Soil sampling shall be conducted in accordance
with laboratory protocols, including protocols
regarding adequate sampling depth for the
intended plants.
b. The soil analysis shall include the following:
soil texture; infiltration rate determined by
laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate
table; pH; total soluble salts; sodium; percent
organic matter; and recommendations.
c. For landscape projects with multiple landscape
installations (i.e., production home developments)
a soil sampling rate of one (1) in seven (7) lots or
approximately fifteen percent (15%) of the total
number of lots will satisfy this requirement.
2. The project applicant, or their designee, shall
comply with one of the following:
a. If significant mass grading is not planned, the soil management report shall be submitted as part of
the Landscape Documentation Package.
b. If significant mass grading is planned, the soil
management report shall be submitted to the City
as part of the Certificate of Completion.
3. The Soil Management Report shall be made
available, in a timely manner, to the professionals
preparing the landscape design plans and irrigation
design plans to make any necessary adjustments.
26 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
4 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
4. The project applicant, or their designee, shall submit documentation verifying implementation of Soil
Management Report recommendations with the
Certificate of Completion.
4.3.3 LANDSCAPE DESIGN PLAN
Plantings, and other landscape materials and
features shall be designed to promote efficient use of
water. A Landscape Design Plan shall be submitted
by the project applicant as part of the Landscape
Documentation Package.
1. The Landscape Design Plan shall, at a minimum,
provide the following:
a. Delineate and label each hydrozone by number,
letter, or other method.
b. Identify the plant factor for each hydrozone as
very low, low, moderate, or mixed water use.
Temporarily irrigated landscape areas shall use a
low water use plant factor range of 0.1 - 0.3.
c. Identify special landscape areas, including the
following: recreational areas; areas permanently
and solely dedicated to edible plants; and areas
irrigated with recycled water or water features
using recycled water.
d. Identify type of mulch and application depth.
e. Identify type and quantity of soil amendments.
f. Identify type and surface areas of water features.
g. Identify hardscapes (pervious and non-pervious).
h. Identify location, installation details, and 24-hour retention or infiltration capacity of any applicable
stormwater best management practices that
encourage on-site retention and infiltration
of stormwater. Project applicants shall refer
to Regional Water Quality Control Board for
information on any applicable stormwater technical
requirements. Stormwater best management
practices are encouraged in the landscape design
plan and examples are provided in Section 4.6.4.
i. Identify any applicable rain harvesting or
catchment technologies and their 24-hour
retention or infiltration capacity, if applicable.
j. Identify any applicable graywater discharge piping,
system components, and area(s) of distribution.
k. Identify designated insect habitat.
l. Make plants identifiable to an inspector during final inspection. Plants must be identifiable by botanical
name, common name or cultivar as specified in
Section 53481 of the Food and Agricultural Code.
m. Contain the following statement: “I have complied
with the performance compliance option criteria
of the WELO and applied them for the efficient use
of water in the landscape design plan.”
n. Bear the signature of the designer of record.
2. Plant Selection
a. Any plant may be selected for the landscape,
providing the Estimated Total Water Use in the
landscape area does not exceed the Maximum
Applied Water Allowance, and the plant selection
does not otherwise conflict with requirements of
this Manual.
b. The use of invasive plant species, such as those
listed by the California Invasive Plant Council, is
strongly discouraged.
b. Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with
similar water use.
c. Exceptions are allowed for hydrozones that use a
mix of plant materials with very low, low and
moderate plant factors plant factors, as specified
in Section 4.3.5, guideline 3.g.
d. High water use plants, characterized by a plant
factor range of 0.7 to 1.0, are prohibited.
e. Turfgrass is not allowed on slopes greater than
twenty-five percent (25%) where the toe of the
slope is adjacent to a non-pervious hardscape (i.e.,
one foot (1’) of vertical elevation change for every
four feet (4’) of horizontal length).
f. Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include
one or more of the following:
Protection and preservation of native species
and natural vegetation.
27 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN 4
Selection of plants based on local climate
suitability, disease, and pest resistance.
Selection of water-conserving tree, plant, and
turfgrass species, especially local native plants.
Selection of trees based on applicable tree
ordinances or tree shading guidelines, and size
at maturity as appropriate for the planting
area.
Selection of plants from local and regional
landscape program recommended plant lists
Selection of plants from local Fuel
Modification Plan Guidelines.
h. Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately
based upon their adaptability to the climatic,
geologic, and topographical conditions of the
project site. Methods to achieve water efficiency
shall include one or more of the following:
Use the Sunset Western Climate Zone System,
2007, which is herein incorporated by reference,
which accounts for temperature, humidity,
elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying degrees of
continental and marine influence on local climate.
Recognize the horticultural attributes of plants(i.e., mature plant size, invasive surface roots) to
minimize damage to property or infrastructure
(e.g., buildings, sidewalks, power lines); allow for
adequate soil volume for healthy root growth.
Consider the solar orientation for plant
placement to maximize summer shade and
winter solar gain.
3. Water Features
a. Recirculating water systems shall be used for
water features.
b. Where available, recycled water shall be used for
decorative water features.
c. Surface area of a water feature shall use the high
water use hydrozone plant factor in the water
budget calculation.
d. Pool and spa covers are highly recommended
pursuant to Subdivision (d) of Section 115921 of
the Health and Safety Code.
4. Soil Preparation, Mulch, and Amendments
a. Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted
soils shall be transformed into a friable condition.
On engineered slopes, only amended planting
holes need to meet this requirement.
b. Soil amendments shall be incorporated according
to the recommendations of the soil management
report and what is appropriate for the plants
selected. (Reference Section 4.3.2).
c. For landscape installations, compost at a rate of a
minimum of four (4) cubic yards per 1,000 square
feet of pervious area shall be incorporated to a
depth of six inches (6”) into the soil. Soils with
greater than six percent (6%) organic matter in
the top six inches (6”) of soil are exempt from
adding compost and tilling.
d. A minimum three-inch (3″) layer of mulch
shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of
planting areas except in turfgrass areas, creeping
or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding
applications where mulch is contraindicated. To
provide habitat for beneficial insects and other
wildlife, up to five percent (5%) of the landscape
area may be left without mulch and identified in
the landscape design plan. (Reference Section
4.3.3, guideline 1.k.)
e. The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry
in hydro-seeded applications shall meet the
mulching requirement as established in the
prior guideline.
f. Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on
slopes that meet current engineering standards.
g. Organic mulch made from recycled or postconsumer materials shall take precedence over inorganic materials or virgin forest products
unless the recycled post-consumer organic
products are not locally available. Organic
mulches are not required where prohibited by
local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines or other
applicable local ordinances. (Public Resources
Code Section 4291).
28 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
4 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
4.3.4 GRADING DESIGN PLAN
Grading of a project site shall be designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff, and water waste. A Grading Design Plan shall be submitted by the project applicant as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
1. A Grading Design Plan shall indicate finished
configurations and elevations of the landscape area,
including:
a. Height of graded slopes.
b.Drainage patterns.
c. Pad elevations.
d. Finish grade.
e. Stormwater retention improvements, if applicable.
2. To prevent excessive erosion and runoff, it is highly recommended that the Grading Design Plan consider
the following:
a. Grade so that all irrigation and normal rainfall
remains within property lines and does not drain
on to non-pervious hardscapes.
b.Avoid disruption of natural drainage patterns and
undisturbed soil.
c. Avoid soil compaction in landscape areas.
3. The Grading Design Plan shall contain the following
statement: “I have complied with the performance
compliance option criteria of the WELO and applied
them accordingly for the efficient use of water in the
grading design plan.” and shall bear the signature of a licensed professional as authorized by law.
4.3.5 IRRIGATION DESIGN PLAN
This section applies to landscaped areas requiring
permanent irrigation, not areas that require temporary
irrigation solely for the plant establishment period. For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system shall
meet all the requirements listed in this section and
the manufacturers’ recommendations. The irrigation
system and its related components shall be planned and
designed to allow for proper installation, management,
and maintenance. An Irrigation Design Plan meeting the
following design criteria shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
1. Irrigation System Efficiency
a. The irrigation system must be designed and
installed to meet, at a minimum, the irrigation
efficiency criteria as described in Section 4.3.6
regarding the Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
b. For the purpose of determining Estimated Total
Water Use, average irrigation system efficiency
is assumed to be 0.75 for overhead irrigation
systems and 0.81 for drip irrigation systems.
c. Sprinkler head spacing shall be designed to achieve
the highest possible distribution uniformity using
the manufacturer’s recommendations. Head-tohead coverage is recommended.
2. The Irrigation Design Plan, at a minimum, shall
contain the following:
a. Location and size of separate water meters
and submeters.
b. Location, type, and size of all components of the
irrigation system, including controllers, main and
lateral lines, valves, emission devices, moisture
sensing devices, rain sensors, quick couplers,
pressure regulating devices, and backflow
prevention devices.
c. Static water pressure at the point of connection to
the public water supply.
d. Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate
(inches per hour), and design operating pressure
(pressure per square inch) for the emission
devices controlled by each station.
e. Identification of Special Landscape Areas irrigated
with recycled water, and water features using
recycled water as specified in Section 4.6.2.
f. Identification of any applicable graywater
discharge piping, system components, and
landscape areas where graywater is distributed.
g. Identification of hydrozone areas shall be
designated by number, letter, or other designation
as identified on the Landscape Design Plan.
Designate the areas irrigated by each valve and
assign a number to each valve using the Water
Efficient Landscape Worksheet (see Appendix C).
29 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN 4
This table can also assist with the irrigation audit
and programming the controller. Each valve shall
irrigate a hydrozone, or part of a hydrozone, with
similar site, slope, sun exposure, soil conditions,
and plant materials with similar water use.
h. The following statement: “I have complied with
the performance compliance option criteria of
the WELO and applied them accordingly for the
efficient use of water in the irrigation design plan.”
i. The signature of the designer of record. (See
Division 3, Chapter 3.5, Article 3 of the Business
and Professions Code).
3. General Design Criteria
a. Backflow prevention devices shall be required to
protect the water supply from contamination by
the irrigation system as specified in the California
Plumbing Code (Cal. Code Regs., Title 24, Part
5, Chapter 6). A project applicant shall refer to
Section 13.14.080(M) of the CMC for additional
backflow prevention requirements.
b. The design of the irrigation system shall conform
to the hydrozones of the Landscape Design Plan.
c. Emission devices shall be selected based on
what is appropriate for the plant type within
that hydrozone.
d. Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate
stations from hydrozones that include shrubs,
groundcovers, and turfgrass to facilitate the
appropriate irrigation of trees. The mature size
and extent of the root zone shall be considered
when designing irrigation for the tree.
e. In mulched planting areas, the use of low-pressure
and low volume irrigation systems is required to
maximize water infiltration into the root zone.
f. Areas less than ten feet (10’) in width in any
direction shall be irrigated with subsurface
irrigation or other means that produces no water
waste, runoff, or overspray.
g. Individual hydrozones that use a mix of plants
with low and moderate plant factors may be
allowed if the
plant factor used in the calculation of the
estimated water use (EWU) is either based on the
proportions of the respective plant factors, or the
highest plant factor is used.
h. Individual hydrozones that use a mix of plants with
high and low plant factors shall not be permitted.
i. Relevant information from the Soil Management
Plan, such as soil type and infiltration rate, shall
be utilized when designing irrigation systems.
j. Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within
24 inches (24”) of any non-pervious surface.
Allowable irrigation within the setback from nonpermeable surfaces may include drip irrigation, or other low flow non-spray technology. The
setback area may be planted or unplanted. The
surfacing of the setback may be mulch, gravel, or
other porous material. These restrictions may be
modified if:
no runoff occurs; or
the adjacent non-pervious surfaces are
designed and constructed to drain entirely to
landscaping; or
the irrigation designer specifies an alternative
design or technology, as part of the Landscape
Documentation Package, and clearly
demonstrates strict adherence to the
prevention of water waste. Prevention of
overspray and runoff must be confirmed during
the irrigation audit.
k. Restrictions regarding overspray and runoff in any
irrigation system may be modified if:
the landscape area is adjacent to pervious
surfacing and no runoff occurs; or
the adjacent non-pervious surfaces are
designed and constructed to drain entirely to
landscaping.
l. Slopes greater than twenty-five percent
(25%) shall not be irrigated with an irrigation
system using an application rate exceeding
0.75 inches per hour. This restriction may be
modified if the landscape designer specifies
an alternative design or technology, as part of the
Landscape Documentation Package, and
30 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
4 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
clearly demonstrates no runoff or erosion will
occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion must be
confirmed during the irrigation audit.
m. It is highly recommended that the project
applicant inquire with the local water purveyor
about peak water operating demands (on the
water supply system) or water restrictions that may
impact the effectiveness of the irrigation system.
4. Irrigation System Components
a. Meters
Pursuant to California Water Code Section 535,
a water purveyor with 15 or more service
connections shall install a dedicated irrigation
meter(s) for new retail water service to a
property with more than 5,000 sq. ft. of
irrigated landscape, excluding single-family
residential connections and connections for the
commercial production of agricultural crops or
livestock.
A submeter or dedicated irrigation meter shall
be installed and may be used to assist with leak
detection and water management for nonresidential landscapes with an irrigated landscape of 1,000 sq. ft. but not more than
5,000 sq. ft., and residential landscapes with an
irrigated landscape of 5,000 sq. ft. or more.
b. Water Pressure
Static water pressure, dynamic or operating
pressure, and flow reading of the water supply
shall be measured at the point of connection.
These pressure and flow measurements shall
be conducted at the design stage. If the
measurements are not available at the design
stage, the measurements shall be conducted at
installation.
If the static pressure is above or below the
required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system,
pressure-regulating devices such as inline pressure
regulators, booster pumps, or other devices shall
be installed to meet the required dynamic
pressure of the irrigation system.
If the water pressure is below or exceeds the
recommended pressure range of the specified
emission devices, the installation of a pressureregulating device is required to ensure that the dynamic pressure at each emission device
is within the manufacturer’s recommended
pressure range for optimal performance.
c. Water Waste Prevention Equipment
The irrigation system shall be designed to
prevent water waste.
Master shut-off valves are required on all
projects except landscapes that make use
of technologies that allow for the individual
control of sprinklers that are individually
pressurized in a system equipped with low
pressure shut down features.
Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball
valve, or butterfly valve) shall be required, as
close as possible to the point of connection of
the water supply, to minimize water loss in case
of an emergency (such as a break in the
pressurized pipeline that delivers water from
the water source to the valve or outlet) or
routine repair.
Check valves or anti-drain valves are required
on all sprinkler heads where low point drainage
could occur.
Swing joints or other riser-protection
components are required on all risers subject to
damage that are adjacent to hardscapes or in
high traffic areas of turfgrass.
Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions
created by system damage or malfunction are
required for all on non-residential landscapes and
residential landscapes of 5000 sq. ft. or larger.
ci. Emission Devices
Emission devices shall have matched
precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by
the manufacturer’s recommendations.
All irrigation emission devices must meet the
requirements set in the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) standard, American
31 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN 4
Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers/
International Code Council’s (ASABE/ICC)
802-2020 “Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and
Emitter Standard,” which is herein incorporated
by reference.
All overhead irrigation systems installed in
the landscape must document a low quarter
distribution uniformity of 0.65 or higher using
the protocol defined in ASABE/ICC 802-2020.
Non-rotating spray sprinkler bodies are required
to meet standards described in California Code
of Regulations, Title 20, Division 2, Chapter 4,
Section 1605.3(x).
e. System Controls
Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either
evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data
utilizing non-volatile memory shall be required
for scheduling irrigation events.
Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, etc.), either integral
or auxiliary, that suspend or alter irrigation
operation during unfavorable weather
conditions shall be required on all irrigation
systems, as appropriate for local climatic
conditions. Irrigation should be avoided during
windy or freezing weather or during rain.
4.3.6 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
WORKSHEET
1. A project applicant shall complete the Water
Efficient Landscape Worksheet in Appendix C, which
compares the landscape project’s Estimated Total
Water Use (ETWU) with the Maximum Applied
Water Allowance (MAWA). ETWU must be equal to
or below the MAWA.
a. The MAWA is calculated based on the maximum
evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF)
allowed for the landscape project and is
expressed as annual gallons allowed. The
maximum ETAF allowed is:
0.55 for residential Regular Landscape Areas.
0.45 for non-residential Regular Landscape
Areas.
0.8 for new and existing (non-rehabilitated)
Special Landscape Areas.
b. The ETWU is the sum of estimated water use
(EWU) for each hydrozone. The ETAF for each
hydrozone is based on the plant factor and the
average irrigation system efficiency. EWU is
calculated using the ETAF, Regular Landscape
Areas, and Special Landscape Areas.
c. In calculating the Maximum Applied Water
Allowance and Estimated Total Water Use,
a project applicant shall use the ETo values
indicated in the following table.
TABLE 4.1: Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) (All values shown in inches)
COUNTY/
CITY OR
PLACE
JAN FEB MAR APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC ANNUAL ETO
Corona 2.5 2.7 4.0 5.0 5.9 6.8 7.5 7.0 5.7 4.2 2.8 2.2 56.3
32 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
4 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
2. Water budget calculations shall adhere to the
following requirements:
a. The plant factor used shall be from WUCOLS or
from horticultural researchers with academic
institutions or professional associations as
approved by the California Department of Water
Resources. The plant factor ranges are:
less than 0.1 for very low water using plants.
0.1 to 0.3 for low water use plants.
0.4 to 0.6 for moderate water use plants.
0.7 to 1.0 for high water use plants.
b. All water features shall use the high water use
plant factor in the water budget calculations.
c. Temporarily irrigated areas shall use the low water
use plant factor in the water budget calculations.
d. All Special Landscape Areas (SLA) shall be
identified in the Landscape Design Plan and
the Irrigation Design Plan and their water use
calculated as shown in Appendix C.
e. The City may consider Effective Precipitation
(Eppt), (twenty-five percent (25%) of annual
precipitation) in tracking water use and may use
the following equation to calculate Maximum
Applied Water Allowance:
Residential landscapes: MAWA = (ETo -Eppt) x
(0.62) x [0.55 x RLA + 0.8 x SLA].
Non-residential landscapes: MAWA = (ETo
-Eppt) x (0.62) x [0.45 x RLA + 0.8 x SLA].
4.4 PERFORMANCE
COMPLIANCE OPTION:
IRRIGATION &
MAINTENANCE
4.4.1 IRRIGATION SCHEDULING
All irrigation schedules shall be developed, managed,
and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of
water required to maintain plant health and prevent
water waste. Irrigation schedules shall meet the
following criteria:
A project applicant shall complete the Water Efficient
Landscape Worksheet in Appendix C, which compares
the landscape project’s Estimated Total Water Use
(ETWU) with the Maximum Applied Water Allowance
(MAWA). ETWU must be equal to or below the MAWA.
1. Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers.
2. Parameters used to set the automatic irrigation
controller shall be developed and submitted with the
Certificate of Completion for each of the following:
a. The plant establishment period.
b. The established landscape.
c. Temporarily irrigated areas.
3. Each irrigation schedule shall consider for each
station all the following parameters that apply:
a. Irrigation interval (days between irrigation events). b. Irrigation run times (hours or minutes per irrigation event to avoid runoff and prevent water waste).
c. Number of cycle starts required for each irrigation
event to avoid runoff and prevent water waste.
d. Amount of applied water scheduled to be applied
on a monthly basis.
e. Application rate setting.
f. Root depth setting.
g. Plant type setting.
h. Soil type.
i. Slope factor setting.
33 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN 4
j. Shade factor setting.
k. Distribution uniformity or irrigation efficiency setting.
4. Overhead irrigation systems shall be scheduled
during watering windows that have been adopted by
the City. Operation of the irrigation system outside
the normal watering window is allowed for auditing
and system maintenance.
5. Total annual applied water shall be less than or equal to Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA).
a. Actual irrigation schedules shall be regulated by
automatic irrigation controllers using current
reference evapotranspiration data (e.g., CIMIS) or
soil moisture sensor data.
b. For implementation of the irrigation schedule,
carefully consider the irrigation run times,
emission device, flow rate, and current reference
evapotranspiration, so that applied water does
not exceed the Estimated Total Water Use.
4.4.2 LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
1. Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water
use efficiency. A regular landscape and irrigation
maintenance schedule shall be submitted with the
Certificate of Completion Package.
2. A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to, routine inspection; auditing, adjustment, and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating and dethatching turfgrass areas; topdressing
with compost, replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning; weeding in all landscape areas; and removing
obstructions to emission devices. Operation of the
irrigation system outside the normal watering window
is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
3. Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done
with replacement parts for the originally installed
components or their equivalents, or with components
that improve the average irrigation system efficiency.
4. A project applicant is encouraged to implement
established landscape industry sustainable Best
Practices for all landscape maintenance activities.
4.4.3 IRRIGATION AUDIT
1. All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted
by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.
Landscape irrigation audits shall not be conducted
by the person who designed the landscape or
installed the landscape.
2. In large landscape projects or landscape projects
with multiple landscape installations (i.e.,
production home developments) an auditing rate of
one (1) in seven (7) individual lots or approximately
fifteen percent (15%) of the total number of
individual lots will satisfy this requirement.
3. For new construction and rehabilitated landscape
projects installed after December 1, 2015:
a. The project applicant shall submit an irrigation
audit report with the Certificate of Completion
Package to the City that may include, but is not
limited to, inspection, system tune-up, system
test with distribution uniformity, and reporting
overspray or run off that causes overland flow; and
b. The City shall administer programs that may
include, but not be limited to, irrigation water
use analysis, irrigation audits, and irrigation
surveys for compliance with the Maximum
Applied Water Allowance.
34 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
4 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
4.5 PERFORMANCE
COMPLIANCE OPTION:
CERTIFICATE OF
COMPLETION
4.5.1 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
PACKAGE
The Certificate of Completion Package is to be completed by the project applicant or their designee to certify that the landscape project has been installed in accordance
with the WELO and these Guidelines, and shall include the following six (6) elements in accordance with Appendix D.
1. Project information sheet that contains:
a. Date the project information sheet is completed.
b. Project name.
c. Project applicant name, telephone, and
mailing address.
d. Project address and location; and
e. Property owner name, telephone, and
mailing address.
2. Certification by the designer of record that the
landscape project has been installed per the
approved Landscape Documentation Package.
a. Where there have been significant changes made in
the field during construction, the “as-built” or record drawings shall be included with the certification.
b.A diagram of the irrigation plan showing hydrozones
shall be kept with the automatic irrigation controller
for subsequent management purposes.
4. Soil Management Report, if not submitted
with Landscape Documentation Package, and
documentation verifying implementation of soil
report recommendations. (Reference Section 4.3.2).
5. Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the
automatic irrigation controller. (Reference
Section 4.4.1).
6. Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule.
(Reference Section 4.4.2).
7. Irrigation audit report. (Reference Section 4.4.3).
4.5.2 PROJECT APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITIES
The project applicant shall:
1. Submit the signed Certificate of Completion Package
to the City for review.
2. Ensure that copies of the approved Certificate of
Completion Package are submitted to the property
owner or their designee, unless the property owner
is the project applicant.
4.5.3 CITY RESPONSIBILITIES
The City shall:
1. Receive the signed Certificate of Completion
Package from the project applicant and conduct an
inspection of the project site.
2. Approve or deny the Certificate of Completion Package.
If the Certificate of Completion Package is denied, the City shall provide information to the project applicant regarding reapplication, appeal, or other assistance.
Subsequent landscape inspections may be necessary
prior to the approval of the Certificate of Completion
Package and landscape permit.
4.6 ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
4.6.1 WATER WASTE PREVENTION
It is the policy of the City to prevent water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation. Prohibitions on
water waste have been established in Section 13.26.040
of the CMC and the associated penalties have been
established in Section 13.26.110 of the CMC.
4.6.2 RECYCLED WATER.
1. All recycled water use is subject to applicable
provisions of the California Code of Regulations
(Cal. Code Regs.), Titles 17 and 22, the California
Plumbing Code (Cal. Code Regs., Title 24, Part 5,
Chapter 15), and all applicable local and State laws.
2. The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water.
3. Landscape areas using recycled water are considered
Special Landscape Areas, as defined in Appendix A.
35 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN 4
4.6.3 GRAY WATER SYSTEMS
1. All gray water systems are required to conform to
the California Plumbing Code (Cal. Code Regs., Title
24, Part 5, Chapter 15) and any applicable local
ordinance standards.
2. Gray water systems promote the efficient use
of water and are encouraged to assist in on-site
landscape irrigation.
3. For projects using treated or untreated gray water,
any lot or parcel within the project that has less than 2,500 sq. ft. of landscape area and meets the lot or
parcel’s landscape water requirement (Estimated
Total Water Use) entirely with gray water is subject
only to Section 4.2.2, guideline 2.
4.6.4 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND
RAINWATER RETENTION
1. Project applicants shall refer to the City and Regional Water Quality Control Board for information on any
applicable stormwater technical requirements.
2. All non-potable rainwater catchment systems are
required to conform to the California Plumbing Code
(Cal. Code Regs., Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16).
3. All landscape areas are required to have friable soil to maximize water retention and infiltration. Refer
to Section 4.3.3, guideline 4.a.
4. For projects using rainwater captured on site, any lot or parcel within the project that has less than 2,500
sq. ft. of landscape area and meets the lot or parcel’s landscape water requirement (Estimated Total Water
Use) entirely through stored rainwater captured on
site is subject only to Section 4.2.2, guideline 2.
5. It is strongly recommended that landscape areas be
designed for capture and infiltration capacity that is
sufficient to prevent runoff from impervious surfaces
(i.e., roof and paved areas) from either:
a. The one inch, 24-hour rain event, or
b. The 85th percentile, 24-hour rain event, and/or
additional capacity as required by any applicable
local, regional, state or federal regulation.
6. It is recommended that landscape projects incorporate any of the following elements to improve on-site
storm water and dry weather runoff capture and use:
a. Grade impervious surfaces, such as driveways,
during construction to drain to vegetated areas.
b. Minimize the area of impervious surfaces such as
paved areas, roofs, and concrete driveways.
c. Incorporate pervious or porous surfaces (e.g.,
gravel, permeable pavers or blocks, pervious or
porous concrete) that minimize runoff.
d. Direct runoff from paved surfaces and roof
areas into planting beds or landscaped areas to
maximize site water capture and reuse.
e. Incorporate rain gardens, cisterns, and other rain
harvesting or catchment systems.
f. Incorporate infiltration beds, swales, basins, and
drywells to capture storm water and dry weather
runoff and increase percolation into the soil.
g. Consider constructed wetlands and ponds that retain
water, equalize excess flow, and filter pollutants.
4.6.5 FIRE SAFE LANDSCAPING
1. A landscape design plan for development and
construction in Local Responsibility Areas designated
as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and areas
designated by the Board of Forestry and Fire
Protection as State Responsibility Areas are required
to comply with the California Fire Code (Cal. Code
Regs., Title 24, Part 9, Chapter 49) “Requirements for
Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas.”
2. Public Resources Code section 4291(a) and (b)
describes the requirements for a person who owns,
leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or
structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area,
forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grasscovered lands, or land that is covered with flammable material to around a building or structure. Avoid fireprone plant materials and highly flammable mulches.
3. Local Fuel Modification Plan guidelines may prescribe additional requirements per Public Resources Code
section 4291(a) and (b).
37 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
4 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN 1
4.6.6 COMMON INTEREST DEVELOPMENTS
The architectural guidelines of a common
interest development, which include community
apartment projects, condominium projects, planned
developments, and stock cooperatives, shall not
prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of
prohibiting the use of low water use plants as a group
(Civil Code sections 4100 and 4735).
4.6.7 MODEL HOMES
All model homes that are landscaped shall display signs that provide information demonstrating the principles
of water efficient landscapes described in the WELO
and these guidelines.
1. Signs shall be used to identify the model home as
an example of a water efficient landscape. Signage
shall include:
a. Fundamental water efficient landscape elements
such as hydrozones, irrigation equipment, native
plants, gray water systems, rainwater catchment
systems, and other elements as applicable that
contribute to the overall water efficient theme.
b. Information about the site water use budget as
designed per the WELO and these Guidelines;
specify who designed and installed the water
efficient landscape.
2. Information shall be provided about designing,
installing, managing, and maintaining water
efficient landscapes.
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona 38
Appendix A: Definitions ............................................................................................................ 39 Appendix B: Landscape Design Resources ...................................................................46 Appendix C: Water E!cient Landscape Worksheet..................................................47 Appendix D: Certificate of Completion ........................................................................... 49
APPENDICES
39 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
APPENDICES 1
APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS
“Applied water” means the portion of water supplied
by the irrigation system to the landscape.
“Artificial turf” means a man-made material which
simulates the appearance of live turf, organic turf,
grass, sod, or lawn.
“Automatic irrigation controller” means a timing device with stations that can be used to remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers are able to self-adjust and schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based)
or soil moisture (sensor-based) data.
“Backflow prevention device” means a safety device
required by the California Plumbing Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 6) used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system.
“Certificate of Completion Package” has the same
meaning as set forth in Section 17.70.030 of the CMC.
“Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor” means a
person certified to perform landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional
trade organization or other program labeled by the
US Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense
professional certification program, July 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference.
“Check valve” or “anti-drain valve” means a valve used
in a pipeline or emission device that holds water in
the system to prevent drainage from emission devices
when the system is off.
“Common interest developments” means community
apartment projects, condominium projects, planned
developments, and stock cooperatives per Civil Code
Section 4100 and applies to the WELO when there is a
separate interest coupled with an interest in the common area or membership in the association per Chapter 2
(commencing with Section 4200), Part 5 of the Civil Code. “Compost” means the safe and stable product of
controlled biologic decomposition of organic materials
that is beneficial to plant growth.
“Conversion factor (0.62)” means the number used
in the Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA)
calculation that converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year.
“Dedicated irrigation meter” means a customer
service meter dedicated to landscape use provided by
the local water purveyor.
“Designee” means a person or entity authorized to sign
documents on behalf of the project applicant.
“Designer of record” means the person, professional
practitioner, or project applicant functioning and
providing services in compliance with Division 3, Chapter
3.5, Article 3 of the Business and Professions Code.
“Design review” means review by the City to enforce
the WELO and this Manual.
“Distribution uniformity” or “DU” means the measure
of the uniformity of irrigation water over a defined area. “Drip irrigation” means any non-spray low volume
irrigation system utilizing emission devices where
water is slowly applied at or below the soil surface
and at or near the root zone of plants. Drip irrigation emission devices have a manufacturer specification for
flow rate measured in gallons per hour.
“Drought tolerant landscaping” means landscaping
that utilizes little or no irrigation through the use of water-conserving materials and techniques, including
but not limited to, native drought-tolerant plants,
mulch, and efficient irrigation.
“Dynamic pressure” means the measure of water
pressure with the water in motion, also known as
working pressure.
40 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
APPENDICES
“Ecological restoration project” means a project where
the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.
“Effective precipitation” (Eppt) means the portion
of total precipitation which becomes available for
plant growth.
“Emission device” means an irrigation system
component that dispenses water to the landscape.
“Established landscape” means the stage at which
plants in the landscape have developed significant
root growth into the soil. Typically, most plants are
established after one or two years of growth.
“Establishment period of the plants” or
“establishment period” means the first year after
installing the plant in the landscape, or the first two years if irrigation will be terminated after establishment.
Typically, most plants are established after one or two years of growth. Native habitat mitigation areas and
trees may need three to five years for establishment.
“Estimated Total Water Use” (ETWU) is the sum of
each hydrozone’s estimated water use (EWU) and
means the total water used for the landscape as
described in Section 4.3.6 (Water Efficient Landscape
Worksheet) of this Manual. ETWU must be equal to
or below the Maximum Applied Water Allowance
(MAWA) to comply with the WELO.
“Estimated Water Use” (EWU) is the calculated water
used for each hydrozone as described in Section 4.3.6
(Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet) of this Manual.
“ET Adjustment Factor” (ETAF) means a factor that,
when applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts
for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two major
influences upon the amount of water that needs to be
applied to the landscape. The maximum ETAF allowed
in the MAWA equation must be equal to or below:
a. 0.55 for residential Regular Landscapes Areas.
b. 0.45 for non-residential Regular Landscape Areas.
c. 0.8 for Special Landscape Areas.
d. 0.8 for existing non-rehabilitated Regular
Landscape Areas over one acre in size installed
before December 1, 2015, per Section
17.70.060(F) of the CMC as presently adopted,
or as amended or superseded by California Code
of Regulations, Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7,
Section 491.1.
“Evapotranspiration rate” means the quantity of water
evaporated from adjacent soil and other surfaces and
transpired by plants during a specified time.
“Flow rate” means the volume of water per unit of
time that flows through pipes, valves, and emission
devices, and commonly measured in gallons per
minute, gallons per hour, or cubic feet per second.
“Flow sensor” means an inline device installed at the
supply point of the irrigation system that produces
a repeatable signal proportional to flow rate. Flow
sensors must be connected to a compatible automatic
irrigation controller, or flow monitor capable of
receiving flow signals and operating master valves.
For the purposes of this definition, “compatible”
means the flow sensor can communicate with the
irrigation controller to allow the controller to record and report actual water usage. This combination flow
sensor/controller may also function as a privatelyowned submeter. “Friable” means a soil condition that is easily crumbled or loosely compacted down to a minimum depth per
planting instructions for the plant material, whereby
the root structure of newly planted material will be
allowed to spread unimpeded.
“Front yard” has the same meaning as set forth in
Section 17.04.639 of the CMC.
“Fuel Modification Plan Guideline” means landscaping
guidelines from a local fire authority to assist residents and businesses that are developing land or building
structures in a fire hazard severity zone.
41 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
APPENDICES 1
“Gray water” means untreated wastewater that has
not been contaminated by any toilet discharge, has
not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or
unhealthy bodily wastes, and does not present a
threat from contamination by unhealthful processing,
manufacturing, or operating wastes. “Gray water”
includes wastewater from bathtubs, showers,
bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and
laundry tubs, but does not include wastewater from
kitchen sinks or dishwashers per Health and Safety
Code Section 17922.12.
“Hardscapes” means any durable material (pervious
and non-pervious).
“Hydrozone” means a section of the landscaped area
having plants with similar water needs (i.e., “plant
factors”) and generally similar rooting depth (e.g.,
turfgrass - shallow to moderate, shrubs- moderate, and
trees - deep). A hydrozone may be irrigated
or non-irrigated.
“Infiltration rate” means the rate of water entry into
the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (e.g., inches per hour).
“Invasive plant species” means species of plants not
historically found in California that spread outside
cultivated areas and can damage environmental or
economic resources. Invasive species may be regulated
by county agricultural agencies as noxious species.
Lists of invasive plants are maintained by the California Invasive Plant Council in their Inventory and invasive
plants and noxious weeds by the USDA in their
PLANTS database.
“Irrigation audit” means an in-depth evaluation of
the performance of an irrigation system conducted by
a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor. An irrigation audit includes, but is not limited to, inspection, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity or
emission uniformity, reporting water waste, overspray
or runoff that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule. The audit must be conducted in
a manner consistent with the Irrigation Association’s
Landscape Irrigation Auditor Certification program
or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
“WaterSense” labeled auditing program.
“Irrigation efficiency” (IE) means the measurement
of the amount of water beneficially used divided
by the amount of water applied and is expressed as
a percentage. Irrigation efficiency is derived from
measurements and estimates of irrigation system
characteristics and management practices. The average
irrigation efficiency used in the Estimated Total Water use equation for purposes of the WELO and this
manual are 0.75 for overhead irrigation systems, and
0.81 for drip irrigation systems.
“Irrigation survey” means an evaluation of an irrigation system that is less detailed than an irrigation audit.
An irrigation survey includes, but is not limited to,
inspection, system test, and written recommendations
to improve performance of the irrigation system.
“Irrigation water use analysis” means an analysis of
water use data based on meter readings and
billing data.
“Landscape architect” means a person who holds a
license to practice landscape architecture in the state of California Business and Professions Code, Section 5615. “Landscape area” (LA) means all the irrigated
planting areas, turfgrass areas, and water features
in a landscape design plan subject to the Maximum
Applied Water Allowance calculation. The irrigated
planting area does not include footprints of buildings
or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious or nonpervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for non-development (e.g., open spaces
and existing native vegetation). The landscape area is
the sum of the landscape projects’ Regular Landscape
Areas (RLA) and Special Landscape Areas (SLA). LA =
RLA + SLA.
“Landscape Documentation Package” has the same
meaning as set forth in Section 17.70.030 of the CMC.
42 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
APPENDICES
“Landscape professional” means a licensed landscape
architect, licensed landscape contractor, or any other
person authorized to design a landscape pursuant to
Sections 5500.1, 5615, 5641, 5641.1, 5641.2, 5641.3,
5641.4, 5641.5, 5641.6, 6701, 7027.5 of the California
Business and Professions Code, Section 832.27 of Title16 of the California Code of Regulations, and Section 6721 of the California Food and Agriculture Code.
“Landscape project” has the same meaning as set
forth in Section 17.70.030 of the CMC.
“Lateral line” means the water delivery pipeline that
supplies water from the valve to the emission devices.
“Local water purveyor” means any entity, including a
public agency, city, county, or private water company
that provides retail water service.
“Low head drainage” means a condition where water
partially or completely drains from the lateral line
through the emission device after the irrigation cycle
is completed.
“Master shut-off valve” is an automatic valve installed at the irrigation supply point which controls water flow into the irrigation system. When this valve is closed
water will not be supplied to the irrigation system. A
master shut-off valve will greatly reduce any water loss due to a ruptured pipe or leak in the irrigation system. “Matched precipitation rate” or “matched application
rate” means that all emission devices within a
hydrozone delivers water at a similar precipitation rate per unit of time.
“Maximum Applied Water Allowance” (MAWA) means
the upper limit of annual applied water for the
established landscaped area as specified in Section
4.3.6 (Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet). It is based upon the area’s reference evapotranspiration, the
maximum ET Adjustment Factor allowed, and the size
of the Regular Landscape Area (RLA) and the Special
Landscape Area (SLA). MAWA = (ETo) x (0.62) x [ETAF x
RLA + 0.8 x SLA]
“Median” is a landscape project area between opposing
lanes of traffic that may be unplanted or planted with
trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses.
“Microclimate” means the climate of a small, specific
area that may contrast with the climate of the overall
landscape area due to factors such as wind, sun exposure, plant density, or proximity to reflective surfaces.
“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.
“Mulch” has the same meaning as set forth in Section
17.70.030 of the CMC.
“Multi-family residential landscape” means the
landscape area surrounding or associated with any
structure designed for human habitation that has been
divided into two or more legally created independent
living quarters.
“New construction” has the same meaning as set forth
in Section 17.70.030 of the CMC.
“Non-pervious” means any surface or natural material
that does not allow for the passage of water through
the material and into the underlying soil.
“Non-residential landscape” means the landscape
area surrounding or associated with commercial,
institutional, industrial, and public settings that
may have areas designated for recreation or public
assembly. It also includes the landscape area
associated with common areas of common interest
developments with designated recreational areas.
“Non-volatile memory” means a type of computer
memory used in automatic irrigation controllers that
retains stored information after power is removed and
will maintain the programmed irrigation schedule after
power is restored.
43 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
APPENDICES 1
“Operating pressure” means the pressure at which
the parts of an irrigation system are designed by the
manufacturer to operate.
“Overhead irrigation systems” means irrigation
systems that deliver water through the air.
“Overspray” means the irrigation water which is
delivered beyond the target area.
“Parkway” has the same meaning as set forth in
Section 12.22.030 of the CMC.
“Permit” means an authorizing document issued by the
City for new construction or rehabilitated landscapes.
“Pervious” means any surface or material that allows
the passage of water through the material and into the
underlying soil.
“Plant factor” or “plant water use factor” is a factor, when multiplied by ETo, estimates the amount of water
needed by plants. For purposes of the WELO and this
Manual, the plant factor ranges are:
a. very low water use plants is less than 0.1.
b. low water use plants is 0.1 to 0.3.
c. moderate water use plants is 0.4 to 0.6.
d high water use plants is 0.7 to 1.0.
Plant factors cited in the WELO and this Manual are
derived from the database “Water Use Classification
of Landscape Species.” Plant factors may also be
obtained from horticultural researchers from academic
institutions or professional associations as approved by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
“Project applicant” has the same meaning as set forth
in Section 17.70.030 of the CMC.
“Property owner” or “owner” means the record owner
of real property as shown on the most recently issued
equalized assessment roll.
“Rain sensor” or “rain sensing shutoff device” means
a component that automatically interrupts an irrigation event when it rains.
“Record drawing” or “as-builts” means a set of
reproducible drawings that show significant changes
in the work made during construction and that are
usually based on drawings marked up in the field and
other data furnished by the contractor.
“Recreational area” means areas designated for
active play, recreation or public assembly in parks,
sports fields, picnic grounds, amphitheaters, or golf
course tees, fairways, roughs, surrounds and greens.
Private single-family residential landscapes are not
recreational areas.
“Recycled water” or “reclaimed water” means treated
wastewater of a quality suitable for non-potable uses
such as landscape irrigation and water features, as
described in California Code of Regulations, Title 22,
Division 4, Chapter 3. This water is not intended for
human consumption.
“Reference evapotranspiration” or “ETo” means a
standard measurement of environmental parameters
which affect the water use of plants. ETo is expressed
in inches per day, month, or year as represented in
Appendix C (Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet) of
this Manual. The annual reference evapotranspiration
is used as the basis of determining the Maximum
Applied Water Allowances so that regional differences
in climate can be accommodated.
“Regular landscape area” (RLA) is the portion of the
irrigated landscape area that is not a Special Landscape Area. RLA = LA – SLA.
“Rehabilitated landscape” means any landscape
renovation project that requires a permit, plan check,
or design review, in which the modified landscape area
is equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet.
44 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
APPENDICES
“Riser” means a length of pipe with male nominal pipe
threads on each end usually affixed to a lateral or
submain supporting a sprinkler head or anti-siphon valve. “Runoff” means water which is not absorbed by the
soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the target landscape area. Runoff may result from
water that is applied at too great a rate (application
rate exceeds infiltration rate), from low head drainage, or when there is a slope.
“Single-family residential landscape” means the
landscape areas surrounding or associated with a
one or two-family dwelling or townhouse. Swimming
pools of single-family residential landscapes are water features and not Special Landscape Areas.
“Soil moisture sensing device” or “soil moisture sensor” means a device that measures the amount of water in
the soil and sends a signal to the automatic irrigation controller to interrupt or initiate an irrigation event. “Soil texture” means the classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt, and clay.
“Special Landscape Area” (SLA) means an irrigated
area that may be all or part of the landscape project
and is permanently and solely dedicated to edible
plants such as orchards and vegetable gardens,
recreational areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using recycled water.
“Sprinkler head” or “sprinkler” means an emission
device that applies water by converting water pressure
to a high velocity discharge stream or stream(s)
through the air by a nozzle (e.g., spray, rotors, and
rotators). Sprinklers have a manufacturer specification for flow rate measured in gallons per minute.
“Static water pressure” means the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not flowing.
“Station” means a hydrozone served by a circuit on an
automatic irrigation controller that operates either one valve or a set of valves that operate simultaneously.
“Submeter” means a metering device to measure
water applied to the landscape that is installed after
the primary utility water meter.
“Swing joint” means an irrigation component that
provides a flexible, leak-free connection between the
emission device and lateral pipeline to allow movement
in any direction and to prevent equipment damage.
“Turfgrass” means a living ground cover surface of
mowed grass.
“Valve” means a device used to control the flow of
water in the irrigation system.
“Water budget calculation” means the calculation of
a landscape water budget defined by Estimated Water
Use (EWU), Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU), and
Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA).
“Water conserving plant species” means a plant species
identified as having a very low or low plant factor.
“Water feature” means a design element where open
water performs an aesthetic or recreational function.
Water features include ponds, lakes, waterfalls,
fountains, artificial streams, spas, and swimming pools (where water is artificially supplied). The surface area of water features is included in the high-water use
hydrozone of the landscape area. Constructed wetlands
used for on-site wastewater treatment or stormwater
best management practices that are not irrigated
and used solely for water treatment or stormwater
retention are not water features and, therefore, are not subject to the water budget calculation.
“Water waste” means the overapplication of water
through inefficient landscape irrigation that causes
runoff to leave the target landscape area onto adjacent property, non-irrigated landscapes, private and public
walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures. Water
waste includes low head drainage, overspray, runoff, or other similar conditions that cause overland flow.
45 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
APPENDICES 1
“Watering window” means the days per week and the
hours per day irrigation is allowed.
“WUCOLS” means the Water Use Classification
of Landscape Species IV, 2014, which is herein
incorporated by reference, and maintained by the
California Center for Urban Horticulture, University
of California. WUCOLS IV is an online database that
classifies and provides regional water needs for
commonly available landscape plants.
46 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
APPENDICES
IRRIGATION & EVAPOTRANSPIRATION DATA
• CIMIS: https://cimis.water.ca.gov/
• Rain Bird: https://www.rainbird.com/agency/mwelo
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• CalWEP Sustainable Landscaping: https://calwep.
org/sustainable-landscapes/
• Sustainable Landscapes in California: A Guidebook
for Commercial and Industrial Site Managers:
https://pacinst.org/wpcontent/uploads/2020/08/
Sustainable-Landscapes-in-CaliforniaPacificInstitute-2020.pdf APPENDIX B: LANDSCAPE
DESIGN RESOURCES
The City of Corona does not endorse nor recommend
any products, materials, or services. These resources
are provided for informational purposes only.
Source: Department of Water Resources (DWR)
MWELO Resources Link: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/
DWR-Website/Web-Pages/Programs/Water-Use-AndEfficiency/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/MWELO-Files/ MWELO-Guidebook/W--MWELO-Resources-Links.pdf
MWELO ORDINANCE
• DWR Ordinance & Reporting: https://water.ca.gov/
Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/UrbanWater-Use-Efficiency/Model-Water-EfficientLandscape-Ordinance
IRRIGATION AUDITORS
• Irrigation Auditors EPA WaterSense: https://
lookforwatersense.epa.gov/pros/
SOIL, COMPOST, MULCH
• Calrecycle: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/
compostmulch/
PLANTS
• Calscape, Native Plants in Landscaping: https://
www.calscape.org/
• WUCOLS, Water Use Classification of Landscape
Species, Plant Database: https://www.ucanr.edu/
sites/WUCOLS/
• Native and Invasive Plants: CALIPC Plants in
Horticulture: https://www.cal-ipc.org/plants/
horticulture-plants/
• Invasive Plants: Plant Right: https://plantright.org/ • Southern California Plant List – BeWaterWise: http:// www.bewaterwise.com/california-native-plants.html
47 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
APPENDICES 1
When the performance compliance option is selected, this worksheet is to be filled out by the project applicant or their designee and is required to be submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package. Additional rows or multiple sheets should be used if there are more than 12 hydrozones. The ETWU (gallons per year) must be equal to or less than the MAWA (annual gallons allowed) to comply with MWELO.
Project Applicant: ______________________________ Phone Number (if available): __________________ Project Address: ________________________________ Date: _____________ (EToa) (in./year): ________ Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA):
MAWA = EToa x 0.62 x [ETAF x RLA + 0.8 x SLA] = _____________ (Annual Gallons Allowed) The maximum ETAF allowed in the MAWA equation must be equal to or below:
0.55 - for residential regular landscape areas (RLA)
0.45 - for non-residential regular landscape areas (RLA)
0.8 - for special landscape areas (SLA)
Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU) Table: (see instructions) a
Annual ETo for the City from
Section 4.3.6 of this Manual
b Plant Factor (PF) from WUCOLS:
Very Low = less than 0.1
Low = 0.1 – 0.3
Moderate = 0.4 – 0.6
High = 0.7 – 1.0
c Average Irrigation System Efficiency
(IE):
Overhead Irrigation = 0.75
Drip Irrigation = 0.81
APPENDIX C: WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET
A B C D E F
Hydrozone (Number,
letter, or other
designation)
Plant Factorb
“PF” Irrigation
Efficiencyc “IE”
Evapotranspiration
Adjustment Factor
ETAF = PF / IE
Hydrozone Area
(sq.ft.)
Estimated Water Use
“EWU”
= D x E x EToa x 0.62
(gallons/year)
SLA - NA NA 0.8
SLA - NA NA 0.8
SLA - NA NA 0.8
ETWU Total NA NA NA NA
MAWAe NA NA NA NA
48 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
APPENDICES
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE WORKSHEET INSTRUCTIONS
1. Reference Evapotranspiration.
a. Use the Annual ETo value for the City using the Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) Table provided in Section
4.3.6 of this Manual and use this value in the EWU and MAWA calculations.
2. Calculate the Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA). a. RLA is the total regular landscape area in square feet. b. SLA is the total special landscape area in square feet. c. MAWA is calculated based on the maximum ETAF allowed for the type of landscape areas for the landscape project and is expressed as annual gallons allowed.
d. Effective Precipitation. Per § Section 493.3(b)(5), a local agency may consider Effective Precipitation (Eppt), (25% of annual precipitation) in tracking water use and may use the following equation to calculate MAWA:
1. Residential landscapes:
MAWA = (ETo -Eppt) x (0.62) x [0.55 x RLA + 0.8 x SLA]
2. Non-residential landscapes:
MAWA = (ETo -Eppt) x (0.62) x [0.45 x RLA + 0.8 x SLA]
3. Calculate the Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU).
a. Column A – List each hydrozone using the label corresponding to the Landscape Design Plan. b. Columns B and C – Complete the ETWU table for each hydrozone based on the plant factor (PF) and the average irrigation system efficiency (IE). The plant factor is found in Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS).
c. Column D – calculate the ETAF for each hydrozone by dividing the PF (Column B) by the IE (column C); write the result in column D.
d. Column E – for each hydrozone measure and report:
i. Regular landscape area (RLA) as defined in the Landscape Design Manual as presently adopted, or as amended or superseded by California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7, Section 490.2. ii. Special landscape areas (SLA), as defined in the Landscape Design Manual as presently adopted, or as amended or superseded by California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7, Section 490.2, are not included in RLA measurements.
e. Column F – calculate the Estimated Water Use (EWU) for each hydrozone by multiplying columns D, E, EToa and 0.62 (conversion factor) and write the result in column F. f. ETWU - is the sum of EWU for each hydrozone and is expressed as gallons per year.
4. Compare ETWU with MAWA.
The ETWU (gallons per year) must be equal to or less than the MAWA (annual gallows allowed) to comply with the City’s WELO.
49 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
APPENDICES 1
APPENDIX D: CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
This certificate is filled out by the project applicant to certify that the landscape project has been installed in accordance with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. (a) Prescriptive Compliance Option is limited to elements 1, 2, and 4. (b) Performance Compliance Option shall include all six (6) elements.
ELEMENT 1. PROJECT INFORMATION SHEET
Project Applicant Information:
ELEMENT 2. CERTIFICATION OF INSTALLATION ACCORDING TO THE LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE (A) Where there have been significant changes made in the field during construction, these “as-built” or record drawings shall be included.
(B) A diagram of the irrigation plan showing hydrozones shall be kept with the automatic irrigation controller for subsequent management processes.
“I/we certify that based upon periodic site observations, the work has been completed in accordance with the model ordinance and that the landscape planting and irrigation installation conform with the criteria and specifications of the approved Landscape Documentation Package.” _______________________________________ __________________ Primary Designer of Record Signature Date
_______________________________________ __________________ Secondary Designer of Record Signature Date
Name of Project Applicant (or designee if applicable) and Title: Project Name or Entitlement Case No.:
Project Landscape Architect or Designer of Record: Tract No. / Phase No. (if applicable):
Street Address for Project Site: Water Supply Type (Circle One):
Potable / Recycled / Well / Other (specify):
City, State: Water Purveyor:
Zip Code: Phone Number:
Fax Number: Email:
Company:
50 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Landscape Design Manual, City of Corona
APPENDICES
ELEMENT 3. SOIL MANAGEMENT REPORT
Attach soil management report, if not previously submitted with the Landscape Documentation Package per Section
4.3 (Performance Compliance) of the Landscape Design Manual.
Attach documentation verifying implementation of recommendations from soil analysis management report per Section 4.3 (Performance Compliance) of the Landscape Design Manual.
ELEMENT 4. IRRIGATION SCHEDULING PARAMETERS
Attach irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the automatic irrigation controller per Section 4.2 (Prescriptive Compliance) or 4.3 (Performance Compliance) of the Landscape Design Manual, as applicable.
ELEMENT 5. LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Attach landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule per Section 4.3 (Performance Compliance) of the Landscape Design Manual.
ELEMENT 6. IRRIGATION AUDIT REPORT
Attach Irrigation Audit Report per Section 4.3 (Performance Compliance) of the Landscape Design Manual.
PROJECT APPLICANT SIGNATURE:
“I/we certify that I/we have received copies of all the documents within the Certificate of Completion Package and that it is our responsibility to see that the project is maintained in accordance with the Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule.”
_______________________________________ __________________ Project Applicant (or designee) Signature Date
Please answer the questions below:
1. Date the Landscape Documentation Package was submitted to the City of Corona Planning and Development Department __________________
2. Date the Landscape Documentation Package was approved by the City of Corona Planning and Development Department __________________
3. Date that a copy of the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet (including the Water Budget Calculation) was submitted to the City of Corona Planning and Development Department __________________ CITY LANDSCAPE INSPECTOR SIGNATURE:
1. The approved set of landscape plans issued by the City of Corona and the job card have been provided to the City Landscape Inspector during the on-site inspection.
2. The fence and walls are constructed and installed per the approved set of fence and wall plans issued by the City of Corona. (This item is only required if the project development includes fence and walls.)
3. The project complies with the approved landscape plan. _______________________________________ __________________ City Landscape Inspector Signature Date
DATE: 06/08/2026
TO: Honorable Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Planning and Development Department
2026-154
APPLICATION REQUEST:
ZTA2026-0001: Amendment to Chapter 17.70 of the Corona Municipal Code to update water-efficient landscape requirements and Landscape Design Guidelines to reflect changes in state law and to update outdated fencing regulations. (Applicant: City of Corona Planning and Development Department, 400 S. Vicentia Avenue, Corona, CA 92882) RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the Planning and Housing Commission:
(1) Recommend approval of ZTA2026-0001 to the City Council, based on the findings contained in the staff report; and
(2) Adopt Resolution No. 2687 approving the Landscape Design Manual.
BACKGROUND
Chapter 17.70 is the City’s landscape and fencing ordinance, which is enforced by the Planning and Development Department. The chapter is codified in Title 17 (Zoning) of the Corona Municipal Code (CMC). Throughout the years, the Department has amended the chapter to keep up with state legislation mandating that landscape design take into account limited water resources available in the state. The last significant update was in 2010 when water efficient landscape design regulations modeled after the state’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (“MWELO”) were incorporated into the chapter.
The MWELO aims to enhance water conservation in landscaping by setting standards for landscape design, irrigation practices, and plant selection to minimize water use. The
California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for developing, updating, and maintaining the state’s MWELO. The MWELO was revised in 2010, 2015, and most recently in 2025, with the latest update becoming effective January 2, 2025.
All local agencies in California must adopt, implement, and enforce the state’s MWELO. As an option, a local agency may adopt their own local water efficiency landscape ordinance (“WELO”), provided that it meets or exceeds the water efficiency requirements established by the state’s model ordinance. The City’s local WELO is in Section 17.70.070 of Chapter
17.70. Two landscape design guidelines were adopted to supplement the zoning requirements in Chapter 17.70. The Landscape Design Guidelines For Residential Developments was originally adopted in 2001 and last amended in 2013. The Landscape Design Guidelines For Commercial & Industrial Developments was originally adopted in 2008 and last amended in 2010.
This zoning text amendment is a comprehensive update and reorganization of Chapter 17.70 and the Landscape Design Guidelines to align with the state’s last two updates to MWELO.
As part of this amendment, both sets of guidelines are being consolidated into a single comprehensive document titled Landscape Design Manual. In addition, the fence and wall regulations are being updated to accommodate advancements in fencing materials and design to give property owners more flexibility, especially for properties in the City’s Very High Fire Severity Zone which will be subject to upcoming state restrictions on fencing materials.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT
ZTA2026-0001 amends various provisions of Chapter 17.70 to align with the state’s MWELO, as follows:
1. Lower Threshold for Required Permit for Landscape Plans. Currently, property owners must submit landscape plans to the City and obtain a landscape permit prior to construction if the project is:
a. Developer-installed landscaping in a new construction or landscape renovation project with at least 2,500 square feet of landscaping; or b. Homeowner-installed landscaping in a new construction or landscape renovation project with a landscape area of at least 5,000 square feet.
These projects are subject to the City’s water efficient landscape requirements. The amendment lowers the applicability thresholds from 2,500 to 500 square feet (for new construction projects) and from 5,000 to 2,500 square feet (for existing sites
undergoing landscape renovations), regardless of whether the installation is completed by a developer or homeowner.
2. Prescriptive Compliance Option added. The existing landscape permit process used to demonstrate compliance with the City’s water efficient landscape requirements is being expanded to include a streamlined compliance option for projects with landscape areas ranging from 500 to 2,500 square feet. This optional process, referred to as the Prescriptive Compliance Option, is intended to simplify compliance for most homeowners and smaller non-residential developments.
The City’s existing compliance process, referred to as the Performance Compliance Option, remains available and is required for larger or more complex projects that have a landscape area exceeding 2,500 square feet. Table 1 summarizes the key differences between the two options.
Table 1 – Water Efficient Landscape (WELO) Compliance Options Prescriptive
Compliance Option
(Simplified Version)
Performance
Compliance Option
(Comprehensive Version)
Applies To: New construction projects with a
total landscape area between 500
to 2,500 sq. ft.
New construction or landscape
rehabilitation projects with a total
landscape area exceeding 2,500
square feet.
Submittal
Requirement:
A simplified landscape design plan
that shows total square footage of
the landscape area and a
breakdown of plant materials (e.g.
plant legend).
A professional landscape
documentation package that
includes:
• Landscape plan.
• Grading plan.
• Irrigation plan.
• Soil management report.
• Water usage calculations.
Approval
Process:
Requires the following in the order
as numbered:
1. Owner submits landscape
plan to the City for plan check.
2. City approves landscape plan
and issues a landscape
permit.
3. City inspector conducts
inspection of property prior to
the issuance of a Certificate of
Occupancy or issuance of a
final of landscape permit.
Requires the following in the order as
numbered:
1. Owner submits landscape plan to
the City for plan check.
2. City approves landscape plan and
issues a landscape permit.
3. City inspector conducts
inspection of property prior to the
issuance of a Certificate of
Occupancy or issuance of a final
of landscape permit.
3. Use of Turf prohibited in all non-residential development. The City currently prohibits the use of turf in commercial and industrial developments. The proposed amendment simplifies this provision by replacing references to commercial and industrial development with the broader term “non-residential development”. As a result, the turf prohibition would apply to all non-residential development types, including institutional developments. Cemeteries are exempted from this prohibition. Turf may be used in non-residential developments only where it serves a recreational or functional purpose.
ZTA2026-0001 also proposes amendments to the residential fencing standards in Chapter
17.70, as follows:
4. Fencing standards for residential zones are being amended to:
a) Increase the maximum height for opaque fences and walls from 3 to 4 feet for increased privacy; however, the amendment retains the 3-foot height limit for fences and walls that are in the corner cut-off area for visibility purposes. b) Clarify that decorative fixtures (e.g., caps, lights, balls and similar fixtures) are allowed to be constructed on top of pilasters, for a combined maximum height of 6 feet (including the pilaster).
c) Formally permit wood picket fences, which were previously unaddressed but historically allowed.
d) Expand the range of fencing materials permitted in front, side, and rear yards.
Currently, front yard fencing is limited to decorative block and wrought iron fencing, and side and year yards are limited to block, wrought iron, vinyl, wood, or similar durable material. The proposed amendment would allow the following additional materials in the front, side and rear yards:
• Decorative or textured masonry (cement, concrete, cement, brick, stone or other masonry materials)
• Wrought iron and tubular steel
• Vinyl and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
• Metal panels (aluminum and steel)
• Fiber cement
• Other similar durable material approved by the Planning Director.
This expanded list provides homeowners with more choices and access to a wider range of modern, durable, and commercially available fencing
materials. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the state will be adopting more restrictive statewide defensible space regulations for residential properties located in a Very High Fire Severity Zone. These anticipated regulations include limiting or prohibiting combustible fencing materials, such as wood or vinyl, within 5 feet of a residential structure – an area the state refers to as “Zone Zero”. The expanded list of fencing materials includes noncombustible materials, such as concrete and metal, which would support the properties located in the City’s Very High Fire Severity Zone and positions the City’s regulations to be consistent with state requirements.
5. The existing tennis enclosure regulations for residential properties are being expanded to cover other private outdoor recreation and sport courts, such as pickleball and basketball courts, batting cages, and similar facilities.
Landscape Design Manual
The proposed Landscape Design Manual consolidates and replaces the two existing Landscape Design Guidelines. The Manual supplements the minimum zoning code requirements in Chapter 17.70 and adopted Specific Plans. The Manual is organized into four chapters (Introduction, Residential Landscape Design, Non-Residential Landscape Design, and Water-Efficient Landscape Design), with an Appendices chapter that consists of definitions, reference materials, and worksheets and forms that are required to be completed by the project applicant. The Manual is intended to assist landscape professionals, architects, designers, and homeowners in achieving attractive, waterefficient, and functional landscapes that meet city and state requirements. The Manual is attached as Exhibit 2.
Other Amendments in Title 17 of the CMC
Several chapters in Title 17 (Zoning) of the CMC currently reference provisions in Chapter
17.70. These are attached as Exhibit 3. These cross-references are being updated to reflect the reorganized section numbering within Chapter 17.70. The revisions ensure consistency throughout Title 17 and maintain accurate internal citations. The affected chapters include:
17.33 – Commercial & Office Zones
17.35 – Quasi-Public (QP) Zone
17.64 – Lots and Yards
17.72 – Supplemental Site Development Standards For Automotive Related Uses
17.74 – Signs
17.76 – Off-Street Parking
17.79 – Trash Enclosures
17.82 – Planned Unit and Condominium Development
FISCAL IMPACT
The City is the applicant of this zone text amendment and therefore, there are no application fees for processing this amendment.
PUBLIC NOTICE AND COMMENTS
A 20-day public notice was advertised in the Sentinel Weekly News and posted on the city’s website. As of the preparation of this report, no public comments have been received by this Department.
STAFF ANALYSIS
The amendments proposed under ZTA2026-0001 incorporate the state’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance to ensure that the City’s local regulations governing landscaping and irrigation for both residential and non-residential development are at least as effective as the state’s model, as required by state law. The amendments establish greater consistency with the state’s model ordinance, which is intended to protect and conserve water resources, by updating the applicability thresholds for compliance with water efficient landscape regulations. The amendments also provide greater flexibility for homeowners and developments with smaller landscape areas by introducing a simplified and less costly compliance option for meeting the required water efficient landscape design standards.
In addition, the updates to the fencing regulations will provide residential property owners with flexibility in selecting fencing materials and styles that reflect current market trends and advancement in available products and technologies. The amendment also positions the City’s regulations to be consistent with anticipated changes to state requirements.
Overall, the updates to Chapter 17.70 promote water conservation while maintaining the City’s high standards for quality, aesthetics, and safety in both landscaping and fencing.
Therefore, ZTA2026-0001 is recommended for approval.
FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL OF ZTA2026-0001
1. Per Section 15061(b)(3) of the State Guidelines for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Section 3.06 of the City’s Local CEQA Guidelines, a Notice of Exemption has been prepared for this project because a project is exempted from CEQA if the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. The proposed amendment involves text revisions to the landscape and fencing regulations in Chapter
17.70 of the Corona Municipal Code and the Landscape Design Guidelines. The proposed text revisions will have no significant effect on the environment.
2. ZTA2026-0001 is consistent with the General Plan for the following reasons:
a. The Infrastructure and Utilities Element and the Environmental Resources Element of the General Plan have goals and policies that promote water conservation, reduce wasteful water use, and support the preservation of water resources. Additionally, the Land Use Element and the Community Design Element establish goals and policies related to landscaping, fencing, and walls to ensure both new and existing development achieves high aesthetic and safety standards. ZTA2026-0001advances and supports these objectives by reinforcing efficient water use and high-quality design.
3. ZTA2026-0001 is consistent with intent of Title 17 of the Corona Municipal Code for the following reasons:
a. Title 17 of the CMC governs the development standards of land uses within the city and establishes other regulatory procedures described in the Zoning Code.
ZTA2026-0001 is consistent with Title 17, as it updates the landscape regulations in Chapter 17.70 to align with current state law while continuing to ensure that landscaping, fencing, and walls meet high standards of aesthetic and safety.
4. ZTA2026-0001 will provide for public health, safety, and welfare for the following reasons:
a. ZTA2026-0001 promotes public health, safety, and welfare by updating the city’s landscape regulations to align with current state law. The proposed amendment supports water conservation and reduces wasteful water use, thereby helping to preserve limited water resources and enhance long-term environmental sustainability. In addition, the regulations maintain and reinforce standards for landscaping, fencing, and walls that contribute to safe, functional, and visually cohesive development. By ensuring high-quality design and efficient water use across residential, commercial, and industrial developments, the amendment protects community character, preserves natural resources, reduces potential hazards, and advances the overall well-being of the City’s residents and businesses.
PREPARED BY: SANDRA VANIAN, PLANNING MANAGER
SUBMITTED BY: DANNY CASTRO, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Exhibits:
1. Resolution No. 2687
2. Amendment to Chapter 17.70 of the CMC
3. Landscape Design Manual
4. Amendments to Title 17 of the CMC
5. Environmental Documentation
RESOLUTION NO. 2687
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND HOUSING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CORONA,
CALIFORNIA, TO ESTABLISH THE “LANDSCAPE
DESIGN MANUAL” AS PART OF ZONE TEXT
AMENDMENT 2026-0001, A COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE
AND REORGANIZATION OF CHAPTER 17.70 OF THE
CORONA MUNICIPAL CODE AND THE LANDSCAPE
DESIGN GUIDELINES TO ALIGN WITH STATE
REGULATIONS. (APPLICANT: CITY OF CORONA)
WHEREAS, under Section 7 of Article XI of the California Constitution and Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code (commencing with section 65000), the City of Corona (“City”) is authorized to regulate the use of land within its boundaries to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, including regulating the use of land for economic or aesthetic purposes; and
WHEREAS, the Proposed “Landscape Design Manual” was submitted as part of proposed Zone Text Amendment 2026-0001 (ZTA2026-0001); and WHEREAS, the proposed ZTA2026-0001 is an amendment to Chapter 17.70 of the Corona Municipal Code to update water-efficient landscape requirements and Landscape Design Guidelines to be consistent with the state Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance and revise outdated fencing regulations; and
WHEREAS, in addition to Chapter 17.70, the City has enforced two separate landscape design guidelines, which were created to supplement the zoning requirement in Chapter 17.70; and
WHEREAS, the existing Landscape Design Guidelines for Residential Developments was originally adopted in 2001 and last amended in 2013; and WHEREAS, the existing Landscape Design Guidelines for Commercial and Industrial Developments was originally adopted in 2008 and last amended in 2010; and WHEREAS, as part of ZTA2026-0001, the “Landscape Design Manual” consolidates and replaces the two existing landscape design guidelines; and
RESOLUTION NO. 2687
Landscape Design Manual
PAGE | 2
WHEREAS, the Planning and Housing Commission held a noticed public hearing for ZTA2026-0001 on June 8, 2026, as required by law; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Housing Commission finds that the zone text amendment application is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) of the State Guidelines for Implementing CEQA and Section
3.06 of the City’s Local CEQA Guidelines because there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment; and
WHEREAS, after close of said hearing, the Planning and Housing Commission by formal action, recommended approval of ZTA2026-0001 to the City Council, based on the findings contained in the staff report; and determined that the guidelines and standards established herein as the “Landscape Design Manual” should be adopted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning and Housing Commission of Corona, California, in an Adjourned Regular session assembled this 8th day of June, 2026, that the aforesaid Landscape Design Manual is hereby adopted in accordance with the attached Exhibit A.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be delivered to the City Clerk of said City.
RESOLUTION NO. 2687
Landscape Design Manual
PAGE | 4
EXHIBIT “A”
LANDSCAPE DESIGN MANUAL
(THE LANDSCAPE DESIGN MANUAL IS ATTACHED BEHIND THIS PAGE)
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).