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29 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-P005
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CULVER CITY,
CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ZONING CODE AMENDMENT, P2026-0170-ZCA, AMENDING CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE (CCMC) CHAPTER 17.310, LANDSCAPING, TO INCORPORATE CALIFORNIA BEST
PRACTICES IN WATER CONSERVATION AND NATIVE PLANTING REQUIREMENTS IN NEW AND REHABILITATED LANDSCAPE PROJECTS.
(Zoning Code Amendment, P2026-0170-ZCA)
WHEREAS, Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC), Chapter 17.310, Landscaping (or the “Landscape Ordinance”) was amended and made effective on October 9, 2024, by Ordinance 2024- 006, as part of the comprehensive Zoning Code Update to implement the General Plan 2045; and WHEREAS, it is important to periodically review the ordinance for potential constraints and to provide clarifications and opportunities to implement best planning practices that align with the General Plan 2045; and
WHEREAS, the City of Culver City General Plan 2045 Land Use and Community Design Element provides a policy stating that “Landscape design standards for new development enhance habitat quality, reduce water use, support a diverse ecosystem, and increase resilience to a changing climate;” and
WHEREAS, the City of Culver City General Plan 2045 Infrastructure Element encourages incorporating “green infrastructure strategies into City-owned landscapes - for example, use droughtresistant plants, native plants, recycled water to irrigate, permeable paving, and other low-impact development features;” and
WHEREAS the City of Culver City General Plan 2045 Conservation Element encourages both, “reducing use of non-native species,” and planting, “native species that provide valuable resources for native wildlife and increase habitat resiliency;” and
WHEREAS, to implement the proposed Amendment, approval of the following is required:
Zoning Code Amendment P2026-0170-ZCA, an amendment to the Culver City Municipal Code, October 14, 2026 Page 2 2026-P005
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29 specifically Chapter 17.310, Landscaping, to provide updated citywide landscape standards for development projects with new and rehabilitated landscape areas; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the proposed amendment is considered exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Section 15061(b)(3), which exempts the adoption of an ordinance approving zoning code amendments related to and adopted General Plan; and that will not result in a significant physical impact on the environment; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the proposed amendment is considered exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15308, which exempts actions by regulatory agencies to maintain, restore, enhance, or protect the environment through a regulatory process that includes environmental protection procedures; WHEREAS, on October 14, 2026, after conducting a duly noticed public hearing on the subject application, including full consideration of the staff report, environmental information, and all testimony presented, the Planning Commission, by a vote of _ to _, recommended the City Council approve Zoning Code Amendment, P2026-0170-ZCA, as set forth herein below.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA, RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to the foregoing recitations and the provisions of the Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC), the following findings are hereby made:
Zoning Code Amendment P2026-0170-ZCA
As outlined in CCMC Title 17, Section 17.620.030, the following required findings for General Plan and Zoning Code Map Amendments are hereby made:
1. The proposed amendment ensures and maintains internal consistency with the goals, policies, and strategies of all elements of the General Plan, and, in the case of a Zoning Code amendment, will not create any inconsistencies with this Title.
The proposed Zoning Code Amendment is consistent with the General Plan 2045, which explicitly identifies the following goals and policies to update landscaping standards and require California native species to be planted in new and rehabilitated landscaped areas. 1) Landscape design for resilience - Landscape design standards for new development enhance habitat quality, reduce water use, support a diverse ecosystem, and increase resilience to a changing climate (Goal LU16); 2) Identify ways to reduce the City's long-term operations and maintenance costs, such as October 14, 2026 Page 3 2026-P005
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29 adapting more energy-efficient technologies for facilities, using low-water landscape palettes, and using recycled water for irrigation (Policy PR-7.2); 3) Integrate green infrastructure strategies into City-owned landscapes - for example, use drought-resistant plants, native plants, recycled water to irrigate, permeable paving, and other low-impact development features (Policy INF-5.4); 4) Vegetation at parks and open space -s Manage vegetation at parks and open spaces in Culver City to support biodiversity by reducing pesticide use and reducing use of non-native species (Policy C-2.3); 5) Native species - Plant native species that provide valuable resources for native wildlife and increase habitat resiliency (Policy C-2.5).
The proposed Zoning Code Amendment would establish revised landscaping standards, including California native planting requirements for specified projects based on size and land uses. The amendment is consistent with the State Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
The amendment would not change the types of land uses permitted by the General Plan or Zoning Code. The amendment would not increase allowable development density or intensity, increase building heights, modify development standards governing building envelopes, or authorize any physical development that is not otherwise permitted by the Zoning Code.
2. The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience or welfare of the City.
The proposed Zoning Code Amendment is not anticipated to result in detrimental impacts to public health, safety, or welfare. The proposed landscape standard amendments will encourage more efficient landscapes and water use, contribute to reduced long-term operations and maintenance costs, support a diverse ecosystem, and increase resilience to a changing climate. There are no negative or detrimental impacts anticipated to health, safety, convenience, or the welfare of the City.
3. The proposed amendment is in compliance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The proposed Zoning Code Amendment (P2026-0170-ZCA) is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it is consistent with the General Plan 2045 and can be seen with certainty that it will not result in a significant physical impact on the environment. The amendment is also categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15308, which applies to actions by regulatory agencies authorized by state or local ordinance to maintain, restore, enhance, or protect the environment through a regulatory process that includes environmental protection procedures. Updating these waterefficiency standards directly serves to protect and enhance natural water and ecological resources.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to the foregoing recitations and findings, the Planning Commission of the City of Culver City, California, hereby recommends the City Council approve the Zoning Code Amendment contained in P2026-0170-ZCA, amending CCMC Chapter 17.310, Landscaping, to incorporate California best practices in water conservation and native planting requirements for new and rehabilitated landscape projects.
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29 The proposed amendment is set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, and will go into effect on May 1, 2027. ///
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APPROVED and ADOPTED this 14th day of October, 2026.
JENNIFER CARTER - CHAIRPERSON
PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Attested by:
RUTH MARTIN DEL CAMPO, SECRETARY
CHAPTER 17.310: LANDSCAPING
Section
17.310.005 Purpose
17.310.010 Applicability
17.310.015 Definitions
17.310.020 Landscape Area Requirements
17.310.021 Native Planting Requirements
17.310.025 Landscape Standards
17.310.030 Landscape Plan Application Requirements
§17.310.005 PURPOSE.
The purposes of this Chapter are to:
A. Establish uniform landscape standards for new projects, as well as provide a mechanism to require the upgrade of existing landscaping in developments when improvements are proposed.
B. Enhance the aesthetic appearance of developments throughout the City by providing standards related to the quality and functional aspects of landscaping.
C. Increase compatibility between abutting land uses, and between land uses and public rights-of-way, by providing landscape screening or buffers.
D. Provide for the conservation of water resources through the efficient use of irrigation, appropriate mix of plant materials, recycling water elements, and regular maintenance of landscaped areas.
E. Enhance and increase the compatibility of abutting land uses and public rights-of-way by providing landscape screening and buffers where appropriate.
F. Promote public health, safety, and welfare by minimizing the physical and visual impact of development, controlling soil erosion, and enhancing pedestrian and vehicular traffic and safety.
G. Comply with California State regulations related to landscaping, sustainability, and water conservation. (Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2024-006)
§17.310.010 APPLICABILITY.
A. New Projects. All new proposed development shall provide landscaping in compliance with the requirements of this Chapter and the requirements of the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) per § 5.08.045, as applicable.
B. Existing Uses. Improvements to existing use shall provide landscaping in compliance with the requirements of §
17.610.020, Table 6-1 (Requirements for Major and Minor Improvements). If the amount of required landscaping cannot be accommodated because of existing buildings or other physical constraints of a site, the applicant shall provide landscaping toward meeting the landscape requirements that the Director determines can be reasonably accommodated.
C. Model Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance (MWELO) Applicability. Property owners or their building or landscape designers, including anyone requiring a building or planning permit, plan check, or landscape design review from the City, who are constructing a new (single-family, multi-family, public, institutional, or commercial) project with a landscape area greater than five hundred (500) square feet, or rehabilitating an existing landscape with a total landscape area greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet, shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Chapter 2.7, Division 2, as provided in § 5.08.045.
D. Exceptions. This Chapter shall not apply to landscaping for single-family and two-family projects other than for specific setback requirements (§ 17.310.020.A.) and maintenance requirements (§ 17.310.025.E.). a. Projects that do not meet the review threshold for MWELO as defined in Section 17.310.010.C, above, shall be exempt from MWELO review.
b. Projects that do not meet the landscape area square footage requirements, or are defined as exempt in 17.310.021.D, shall be exempt from the California native planting requirements herein. (Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2024-006)
§17.310.015 DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
Graywater. 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. Graywater includes, but is not limited to, wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs, but does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.
Hardscape. Constructed landscape elements, including items such as colored or textured concrete, paved walkways, pavers, wood decks, non-permeable pavers and rockwork, masonry planters, wood box planters, water features, walls, and fences, not including areas with decomposed granite.
Hardscape Areas. Areas including patios, decks, walkways, and non-permeable paving areas.
Hydrozone. A portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs that are served by a valve or set of valves with the same schedule.
Infiltration Rate. The rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (e.g., inches per hour).
Landscaped Area. The open space area (entire parcel less the building footprint, driveway, and parking area) developed with ornamental plant material and hardscape. Water features are included in the calculation of the landscaped area, including pools, spas, ponds, waterfalls, fountains, lakes, artificial streams.
Landscaping. Ornamental live plant materials (trees, shrubs, vines, ground cover or turf), in containers or at grade, and decorative hardscape areas.
MWELO or Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Effectuated in 2015 (California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Chapter 2.7, Division 2) MWELO is a framework for planning, designing, installing, and maintaining landscapes that promotes water efficiency, soil health, stormwater management, and erosion control for new and rehabilitated landscape areas based on the square feet (s.f.) of the proposed or rehabilitated landscaped area.
Monoculture. The cultivation or growth of a single crop, plant, or organism.
New Landscape Project. New landscape where it did not exist before, with or without other on-site construction.
Overspray. Water that is delivered beyond the planted area.
Plant Materials. Trees, shrubs, vines, ground cover, turf or any other ornamental live plants.
Planted Area. Areas, including live ornamental plant materials, installed within open space landscaped areas, does not include hardscape and impermeable areas.
Parkway. Land area between street curb and sidewalk.
Planter. Containers or pots containing soil for growing plants. In general, there are two variations:
Removable or Temporary Planter. A planter constructed of concrete, ceramic plastic, epoxy/resin, metal, or similar materials that are not affixed to the ground and are movable. Removable or Temporary Planters shall allow for irrigation and drainage.
Permanent Planter. A planter constructed of poured concrete, masonry, ceramic plastic, epoxy/resin, metal, or similar materials that are permanently installed or integrated into the landscape area or the architectural design of a structure or landscaped area. Permanent Planters shall allow for irrigation and drainage.
Rehabilitated Landscape. Existing landscaped areas with or without irrigation that is renovated, remodeled. Non-renovated areas are not required to be upgraded and comply.
Runoff. Water that is not absorbed by the planted area to which it is applied and flows from the area. For example, runoff may result from water that is applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or where there is a severe slope.
Sod. See “Turf, Natural”.
Softscape Area. The “Landscaped Area” developed with ornamental plant material, excluding areas occupied by concrete, paved walkways, wood decks, non-permeable pavers and rockwork, walls, and fences, not including areas with decomposed granite.
Special Landscape Area (SLA). 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 (CCR Title 23, Div. 2, Ch. 2.7 § 490.2(a)(79)).
WUCOLS or Water Use Classification of Landscape Species. Published by the California Department of Water Resources, WUCOLS is a searchable database of over 3,500 plant and tree species based on their studied water needs (very low, low, moderate and high) and categorized by landscape and planting regions in California. Culver City is located in WUCOLS Region 3 – South Coastal.
Street Trees. Trees planted within a public street right-of-way.
Turf. A single-bladed grass or sod, with two variations:
Natural Turf. A pre-seeded or pre-grown pad or roll integrated with grass or similar organic groundcover.
Artificial Turf. A surface of synthetic fibers made to look like natural grass or groundcover. Artificial shrubs, ground over, or turf shall not be allowed (see § 17.310.025.B.2.b). (Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2024-006)
§ 17.310.025.020 LANDSCAPE STANDARDS.
A. General Requirements.
1. Minimum width of landscaped areas. Landscaped areas that may be counted toward required landscaping shall have a minimum width of three feet, exclusive of the curb, wall, and footing below. In addition, the landscaped tree planters shall have a minimum width of four feet in compliance with § 17.310.025.B.1.d. below.
2. Live Plant Material. All required landscape areas per §17.310.020.025 (Landscape Area Requirements) and §
17.210.030.A. (Open Space Requirements for Multiple-Family Residential) shall be planted with a minimum 75 percent (75%) live plant material or live groundcover, as defined. The remaining 25 percent (25%) of required landscape areas or setbacks may consist of permeable crushed rock, redwood chips, pebbles, stone, and similar natural non-living material.
3. Concrete curb required. When in or adjacent to a parking area or drive aisle, planted areas shall be protected with a minimum six-inch high concrete curb above the surrounding pavement or ground level.
4. Maintenance required. Landscaping shall be continuously maintained free of weeds, debris, litter, or temporary signage. This is intended to include proper pruning of trees and shrubs, mowing of lawns, weeding, removal of litter, fertilizing, replacement of plants when necessary, and the regular water of all plants.
5. Irrigation required. All planted areas shall be provided with a permanent automatic irrigation system. This watering system shall consist of piped water lines terminating in an appropriate number of sprinklers, bubblers, drip emitters, or hose bibs, to insure a sufficient amount of water for plants within the planted area.
6. California native species required. California native species shall be required for projects and landscaped areas as defined in § 17.310.021.
7. Drought-tolerant plantings. The design of landscape plans should prioritize drought-tolerant plantings and groundcover and shall comply with the standards of the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) per § 5.08.045, as applicable, and prioritize native and compatible plant species with “very low”, “low”, or “medium” water usage per WUCOLS (Region 3 - south coast region).
B. Planting Material.
1. Trees.
a. Trees shall be planted a minimum of three feet from any structure or wall. i. New planting or replacement of Ficus species is prohibited due to their ability to cause property damage to structures, sidewalks, and similar underground systems. b. Newly planted trees shall be staked in compliance with City standards. Stakes and ties on trees shall be checked regularly for correct functions. Stakes and ties shall be sized per subparagraphs (i) and (ii) below and checked regularly for correct functions.
Tree stakes shall be installed perpendicular to prevailing wind direction. Stakes and ties shall be adjusted to avoid creating abrasions or girdling on trunks or branches, and removed after trees are well-established. Wire rope tendons shall be fitted with rubber hosing or other protective methods to prevent damage to trunk. ii. Tree sizes from 15-gallon to 36” box shall be staked with two (2) wooden, 2” diameter, pressure-treated stakes with two (2) Twist-Braces or approved equals.
iii. Tree sizes 48” box and larger be staked with wooden, 2” diameter, pressure-treated stakes with two (2) TwistBraces or approved equals, as needed. c. The minimum width of planters containing trees shall be four feet clear, interior dimensions, exclusive of curbs, walls, and footing below.
d. Trees in landscape planters less than 10’ in width, or located closer than 5’ from pavement, curbs, or a permanent structure, shall be provided with root barriers. Root barriers shall be a minimum of 24” in depth, installed at the top of the soil level (not mulch level), and shall not encircle the tree except within diamond planters or hardscape tree wells. e. Number of trees.
i. Parking area: Refer to § 17.310.020.025.C. (Parking Areas and Parkways). ii. Front/Street Side setbacks: One per 40 linear feet of frontage when the required setback is 10’ or greater in depth. iii. Balance of site: One per 500 square feet of landscaped area. See also landscaping requirements for common open space in § 17.210.030.A. (Open Space Requirements for Multiple-Family Residential). iv. Street trees: One per 25 to 40 foot length of street frontage, depending on the tree species and canopy width at maturity, as per the Culver City Urban Forest Master Plan or Washington National Transit Oriented Development District Streetscape Plan.
f. Minimum tree container sizes for all trees on a site shall be specified as follows:
i. At least 20% 30% of the trees shall be 36-inch box size or larger. ii. At least 30% 50% of the trees shall be 24-inch box size or larger. iii. The remaining 50% 20% shall be 15-gallon size or larger. The Director may accept certain species of on-site trees at less than 15-gallon size, if it is determined that the survival/establishment chances are enhanced when planted at a smaller size.
iv. The Director may reduce the minimum tree container sizes required based on site conditions. g. Street trees shall be 24-inch box size or larger.
2. Ground cover and shrubs.
a. All planted areas should shall provide California native species when required per § 17.310.021, and emphasize droughttolerant plant materials wherever possible. b. Artificial shrubs, ground cover, or turf shall not be allowed. c. All shrubs shall be planted from a minimum five-gallon-size containers. One-gallon-size containers may be allowed for shrubs that are not commonly available in five-gallon-size containers, subject to approval by the Director. d. Crushed rock, redwood chips, pebbles, stone, and similar permeable materials may be allowed up to 25% of the total required landscape area. Dyed or colored mulch is discouraged.
C. Plant selection and grouping.
1. Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in separate high, medium, and low hydrozones.
2. Plants shall be selected appropriately, based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geological, and topographical conditions of the site. The use of drought-tolerant plant materials and locally appropriate California Native Plants is encouraged wherever possible.
3. Plants that are identified as invasive species shall not be allowed in any proposed landscape area.
D. Irrigation.
1. Runoff and overspray.
a. Soil types and infiltration rate shall be considered when designing irrigation systems. b. Irrigation systems shall be designed to eliminate runoff, overspray, or other similar conditions where any water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures. c. To eliminate runoff, proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including repeat cycles, shall be used to closely match water application rates to soil infiltration rates.
2. Equipment.
a. A separate landscape water meter shall be installed for all projects, except for any project with a landscaped area of less than 5,000 square feet.
b. Weather-based automatic control systems, including an automatic rain shut-off device, shall be required for all irrigation systems. Non-residential irrigation systems shall include a master valve and flow sensor. c. Plants that require different amounts of water shall be irrigated by separate valves. If one valve is used for a given area, only plants with similar water requirements shall be used in that area. Low and medium water use plants can be combined in a valve zone only if the medium water factor is used in the water use calculation. d. Anti-drain (check) valves shall be installed at strategic points on all slopes to prevent low-head drainage. All pop-up sprinklers and drip emitters shall be equipped with a check valve feature. e. Irrigation heads and emitters shall have matched precipitation rates within each control valve circuit. Sprinkler heads shall be selected for proper area coverage, application rate, operating pressure, adjustment capability, and ease of maintenance. Application rate shall not exceed 0.75 in per hour on slope conditions.
E. Maintenance.
1. Irrigation equipment shall be continuously maintained in good working condition to assure water conservation, eliminate overspray and runoff.
2. Litter and weeds shall be removed from all landscaped areas on a regular basis.
3. Turf areas shall be mowed and fertilized on a regular basis, and kept green. Accumulations of leaves, twigs, bark, and other similar materials shall be removed on a regular basis.
4. Landscaping shall be maintained in a manner consistent with a project's approved final landscape plan. Maintenance of the approved planted areas shall consist of regular watering, pruning, fertilizing, and mulching under a schedule approved as part of the landscape plan.
5. Landscaping maintenance shall include the removal of dead, decayed, diseased, or hazardous trees, weeds, and debris constituting unsightly appearance, dangerous to public safety and welfare, or detrimental to neighboring properties or property values. Compliance shall be by removal, replacement, or maintenance as determined by the Director.
6. All plant materials that, due to lack of maintenance, accident, damage, disease, or other cause, fail to show a healthy appearance and growth shall be replaced. Replacement plants shall conform to all standards that govern the original planting installation, approved landscaping plan, or as approved by the Director.
7. Before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, a landscape maintenance agreement ensuring continued maintenance of the planted areas shall be filed with the Division and approved by the Director. (Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2024-006)
§ 17.310.021 NATIVE PLANTING REQUIREMENTS
A. This Section shall be known as the “Culver City Native Plant Ordinance” and may be so cited.
B. Conflicting Provisions. In the case of conflict between the planting provisions of this Section and any other provisions of the Municipal Code, resolution, or ordinance of the City, the provisions of this Section shall supersede, except as stated below.
1. Projects exempted in § 17.310.021.D.
2. Properties located in a fire hazard severity zone (FHSZ) shall comply with all fire safety requirements as determined by the Culver City Fire Department.
C. Applicability. Native planting shall be required in the following percentages of all eligible landscaped areas for projects proposing 500 square feet or more of new and rehabilitated landscaped area, unless exempted in paragraph D:
1. 25% for residential and mixed-use projects;
2. 50% for non-residential projects;
3. 60% for all City-owned owned projects.
4. The remaining landscaped areas are encouraged to be planted with native and regionally-appropriate and compatible plant materials.
D. Exemptions. The following projects and land uses shall be exempt from native planting requirements.
1. City-owned recreational fields;
2. Special Landscape Areas, as defined by CCMC 17.310.015 and CCR § 490.2(a)(79);
3. Internal amenity and recreational spaces in multifamily and mixed-use projects;
4. Historic sites, unless non-native plantings would result in adverse impacts to a historic resource;
5. Green roofs;
6. Cemeteries;
7. Plant collections at botanical gardens and arboretums;
8. Community gardens and edible gardens; and
E. Native Plant Selection and Verification. Native plants to Culver City shall be chosen and verified for their California Native classification and regional compatibility from the following native plant data resources; no other lists or data resources are permitted:
1. Calscape by the California Native Plant Society; and,
2. WUCOLS - Water Use Classification of Landscape Species database.
3. Proposed Landscape Plans shall include a planting schedule providing a diverse mix of species including the form (e.g. tree, shrub, grass), the common and scientific names, water use, blooming periods, and life cycle to support wildlife/pollinator biodiversity and the overall goals and intent of this ordinance.
4. The planting of Monocultures shall be prohibited.
§ 17.310.020 025 LANDSCAPE AREA REQUIREMENTS.
Landscaping shall be provided in the locations specified below.
A. Setbacks. Setbacks shall comply with the maximum front yard paving requirements by zoning district in Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses and Zone-Specific Standards). All front and street side setback areas not occupied by driveways, parking areas, walkways, building projections and approved hardscape areas, shall be landscaped in compliance with this Chapter. Interior side and rear setbacks shall be landscaped when visible to the public.
B. Unused Areas. All areas of a project site or a vacant lot not intended for a specific use, including areas held for future development, shall be landscaped.
C. Parking Areas and Parkways.Parking areas shall be landscaped in compliance with the following requirements:
1. Plant materials. Plant materials shall be evenly distributed throughout the parking lot to the extent feasible using a combination of trees, shrubs, and ground cover.
2. Curbing. Areas containing plant materials shall be bordered by a concrete curb at least 6” high and 6’ wide. Alternative barrier design to protect landscaped areas from damage by vehicles may be approved by the Director.
3. Location of planted area. Parking lot landscaping shall be designed so that pedestrians are not required to cross planted areas to reach building entrances from parked cars. This should be achieved through proper orientation of the planted fingers and islands.
4. Bumper overhang areas. To increase the parking lot planted area, a maximum of 1.5’ of the parking stall depth may be planted with low-growth, hearty materials in lieu of paving, allowing a two-foot bumper overhang, including the 6” required curbing, while maintaining the required parking dimensions. See Figure 3-6 (Bumper Overhang Area).
Figure 3-6 Bumper Overhang Area
5. Parking lot perimeter landscaping. Parking area perimeters shall be planted as follows. The Director may adjust the tree spacing requirements of this Subsection, based upon the growth characteristics and proper maintenance practices for the species of trees proposed. See Figure 3-7 (Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping Requirements) at top of next page.
Figure 3-7 Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping Requirements a. Adjacent to streets. Parking areas for non-residential uses adjoining a public street shall be designed to provide a landscaped planting strip between the street right-of-way and parking area with a minimum width of 5 feet (inside dimension). i. Screening plant materials. The landscaping shall be designed and maintained to screen cars from view from the street, and plant materials shall be selected to provide a minimum height of 36 inches at time of planting. The Director may approve screening of less than 36 inches, when deemed necessary to protect the public interest. Screening materials may include a combination of plant materials, earth berms, solid masonry walls, raised planters, or other screening devices to meet the intent of this requirement; however, screening materials may not use only solid masonry walls without plant cover. ii. Shade trees. Shade trees shall be provided at a minimum rate of one for every 20 linear feet of landscaped area and may include areas of clustered trees in order to support a variety of frontages, well-shaded spaces, and landscape designs.
b. Adjacent to residential use.Parking areas for non-residential uses adjoining residential uses shall be designed to provide a landscaped planting strip between the parking area and the common property line bordering the residential use with a minimum width of five feet (inside dimension). One tree shall be provided for each 20 linear feet of the landscaped planting strip.
i. A solid masonry wall with a minimum height of 6 feet shall be provided along the property line to address land use compatibility issues, such as nuisance noise and light or glare. ii. For properties adjoining alleys, a planting strip of two feet shall be provided on the public right-of-way side of a required masonry wall.
6. Interior parking lot planted areas.Planted areas are required within parking lots to provide shade, reduce pavement heat gain, and soften the appearance of large paved areas. See Figure 3-8 (Examples of Interior Parking Lot Landscaping) below. a. Planter islands. Planter islands with a minimum width of five feet (inside dimension) and at least one tree shall be provided at the beginning and end of every parking row. In addition, a planter island with a minimum width of 5 feet (inside dimension) with a shade tree shall be provided at minimum every four spaces within a parking row. b. Larger projects. Parking lots with more than 150 spaces shall provide a concentration of landscape elements at primary entrances. Such elements may include specimen trees, flowering plants, enhanced paving, and project identification, as determined by the Director.
Figure 3-8 Examples of Interior Parking Lot Landscaping (Ord. No. 2020-013 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2022-008; Ord. No. 2024-006) § 17.310.030 LANDSCAPE PLAN APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.
A. Preliminary Landscape Plan. A preliminary landscape plan shall be submitted as part of an application for all development projects with the exception of single-family and two-family residential projects, and shall include the following minimum information:
1. Proposed and existing buildings and structures.
2. Proposed and existing parking areas.
3. Proposed and existing landscaped and hardscaped areas.
4. A calculation of the total hardscape and planted areas, including:
a. Square footage of existing landscaped area to retain, requiring no change. b. Square footage of existing landscaped area to be rehabilitated. c. Square footage of existing landscaped area to be removed. d. Total of trees to be retained, removed, or newly planted, listed by species and container size.
5. Preliminary list of plant materials with corresponding locations and hydrozones shown on plans.
6. Proposed and existing driveways, parking areas, walkways, steps, and other paved or hardscaped areas.
7. Proposed walls, fences, gates, pergolas, trellis, art, and ornamental features.
8. Legal boundaries: property lines, easements, dedications, setbacks, adjacent street names, utility easements and equipment, power poles, and required visibility areas per § 15.10.705.D – Roads and Streets.
4. Identify existing on-site trees: species, location, trunk diameter for trees greater than 4 inches in diameter as measured at four and one-half (4.5) feet above the ground on the tree’s uphill side.
5. Existing street trees located in the public right-of-way, abutting the project site.
B. Final Landscape Plan. Following approval of a land use permit, final landscape and irrigation plans, prepared and signed by a California-licensed landscape architect or licensed landscape contractor, shall be submitted to the Division prior to the issuance of a building permit. The final landscape and irrigation plan shall include all listed requirements of § 17.320.030.A, and the following minimum information. Other information, as deemed necessary by the Director, the City’s Landscape Architect, or designee, including a grading design plan, hardscape plan, and/or soils analysis, may also be required.
1. MWELO Compliance. Landscape plans and projects subject to the Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) as defined in § 5.08.045, shall be prepared by a licensed Landscape Architect or Contractor, as authorized by the State of California.
2. Landscape design plan specifications. The landscape design (planting and hardscape) plan(s) shall be drawn on project base sheets at a scale that accurately and clearly identifies the following:
a. Plant materials, trees, shrubs, ground cover, turf, and other vegetation. In addition to the new plant materials, all existing plants to remain, and all existing plants to be removed or relocated, shall be identified. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn, and plants labeled by botanical name, common name, container size, spacing, and quantities of each group of plants indicated. b. Property lines and street names. Legal boundaries: property lines, easements, dedications, setbacks, adjacent street names, utility easements and equipment, and required visibility areas per § 15.10.705.D – Roads and Streets. c. Streets, driveways, walkways, steps, and other paved areas. d. Pools, ponds, water features, fences, and retaining walls. Pools, ponds, water features, fences, gates, slope areas with slope gradients and the location of all retaining walls with height of walls noted. All manufactured slope areas shall comply with County/City design criteria for receiving both irrigation and landscape plant materials that are designed to promote slope stability and minimize erosion.
e. Designation of hardscape areas.
f. Existing and proposed buildings and structures, including pad elevations, if applicable. g. Natural features, including rock outcroppings, existing trees, and existing shrubs, that will remain. h. Tree staking, plant installation, soil preparation, and any other applicable planting and installation details. i. A calculation of the total planted area and percentage of turf area. j. Designation of recreational areas, public and private, as applicable. k. Landscape maintenance specifications, including landscape contractors' maintenance period. l. Landscape design plans shall be prepared and signed by a licensed landscape architect or licensed landscape contractor authorized by the State of California.
2. Irrigation design plan specifications. The irrigation design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets, at the same scale as the landscape design plan, and shall accurately identify:
a. Location and size of separate water meters for the landscaped areas as required, including service line and size. b. Location and size of the point of connection (POC) for the existing or modified irrigation system. c. Location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system, including automatic controllers, main and lateral, valves, drip emitters, dripline, sprinkler heads, moisture-sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, backflow prevention devices, and automatic rain shut-off devices.
d. Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply. e. Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design operating pressure (psi) for each remote control valve and head radius or water coverage for each head (diameter for full heads). f. Estimated annual water use, expressed in inches per square foot of landscaped area per year. g. Hydrozones of high, medium, and low water usage shall be differentiated by color or patterning. All plants listed on the plant list or legend shall be classified and grouped by category of hydrozone.
C. Certificate of Completion. A Certificate of Completion, signed and sealed by the licensed landscape architect or licensed landscape contractor that prepared the plans, and submitted after installation and inspection of the project, shall be submitted prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
(Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2024-006)
17.210.030.A.6 - Landscaping. A minimum of 20% of the common open space area shall be landscaped. Of this area, 75% of the landscaped area shall be planted with trees, ground cover, and/or shrubs, or provided via planters. A minimum of one tree shall be planted per 600 square feet of the common outdoor space area (aggregated across all common outdoor space areas). Landscape design, installation, and maintenance shall comply with Chapter 17.310 (Landscaping).