Pleasant Hill City Council
October 20, 2025

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.25.020
NB, RB, PAO, C, AND LI DISTRICTS:

LAND USE REGULATIONS
P Permitted
U Use Permit Required
T Temporary Use Permit Required
L Limited (see specific limitations listed following schedule) – Not Permitted

NB RB PAO C LI
Additional
Use
Regulations
Single-family residential – L-17 – – –
Single-room occupancy – L-17 U – – See PHMC
§ 18.20.085.

Public and Semipublic
Care facility, large licensed or unlicensed U U U U –
Clubs and lodges U U U U –
Community center P P P P –
Cultural institutions U U U – –
Day care, general – U U – –
Emergency medical care – U P – –
Government offices U U P – –
Park and recreation facilities – U U – –
Public safety facilities U U U U U
Offender rehabilitation services – – – – U
Religious assembly U U U U –
Schools, public or private – U U – –
Utilities, major U U U U U See PHMC
§ 18.25.110.

Utilities, minor P P P P P See PHMC
§ 18.25.110.

Wireless telecommunications facility L-6 L-6 L-6 L-6 L-6 See PHMC Chapter

18.67. Commercial Uses
Adult businesses – U U U U See PHMC
Chapter

18.70. Ambulance services – – U U –
Animal boarding U U U U U
Animal clinic U U U P –
Animal day care U U U U U
Animal grooming U P U P –
Animal hospitals U U U P –
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1596 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, OFFICE AND LIGHT

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.25.020
NB, RB, PAO, C, AND LI DISTRICTS:

LAND USE REGULATIONS
P Permitted
U Use Permit Required
T Temporary Use Permit Required
L Limited (see specific limitations listed following schedule) – Not Permitted

NB RB PAO C LI
Additional
Use
Regulations
Animals: retail sales P P – – –
Artists’ studios P P P P –
Automobile maintenance, limited – P – P P
Automobile service stations U P – P P
Automobile, vehicle/equipment broker P L-3 P – L-3
Automobile, vehicle/equipment repair – – – P P
With body and fender work – – – U P
Automobile, vehicle/equipment sales and rentals – U – P P Automobile, vehicle/equipment wholesaler – – – P P See PHMC § 18.25.150.

Automobile washing – U – P P
Banks and savings and loans P P U – –
With drive-through service U U U – –
Building materials and services – U – U U
Cannabis retailer, medical – L-18 U U U See PHMC
§ 18.25.170
Cannabis retailer, adult-use – – – – –
Cardrooms – U – – –
Catering services P P – P –
Commercial filming – U U U U
Commercial recreation and entertainment U U L-1 – L-12
Commercial parking facility – U U U P
Communication facilities U U P – P
Drive-through service – U – – –
Eating and drinking establishments L-7 P L-2 – L-2 See PHMC § 18.25.070.

With live entertainment/dancing inside of a
building
– – – – –
Type A – P P – – See PHMC
§ 18.25.090
and PHMC
Chapter

18.70. Type B – U U – – See PHMC
§ 18.25.090
and PHMC
Chapter

18.70. Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1597 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, OFFICE AND LIGHT

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.25.020
NB, RB, PAO, C, AND LI DISTRICTS:

LAND USE REGULATIONS
P Permitted
U Use Permit Required
T Temporary Use Permit Required
L Limited (see specific limitations listed following schedule) – Not Permitted

NB RB PAO C LI
Additional
Use
Regulations
Type C – U – – – See PHMC
§ 18.25.090
and PHMC
Chapter

18.70. With up to 12 outdoor seats P P P – – See PHMC
§ 18.25.070.

With more than 12 outdoor seats U U U – – See PHMC
§ 18.25.070.

Equipment and appliance maintenance and repair
services
U P P – P
Fitness studio U U U – L-12
Food and beverage sales P P U – –
Funeral and interment services – U – – U
Horticultural, limited – – – – –
Hotels – P P – –
Laboratories – – – U P
Live entertainment
Type A – P P – – See PHMC
§ 18.25.090
and PHMC
Chapter

18.70. Type B – U U – – See PHMC
§ 18.25.090
and PHMC
Chapter

18.70. Type C – U – – – See PHMC
§ 18.25.090
and PHMC
Chapter

18.70. All types, outside of a building – U – – – See PHMC § 18.25.090
and PHMC
Chapter

18.70. Maintenance services establishment – – – P P See PHMC § 18.25.150.

Medical marijuana dispensaries – – – – –
Motels – P – – –
Nurseries – P P – –
Offices, general and medical P L-3 P – L-3
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1598 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, OFFICE AND LIGHT

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.25.020
NB, RB, PAO, C, AND LI DISTRICTS:

LAND USE REGULATIONS
P Permitted
U Use Permit Required
T Temporary Use Permit Required
L Limited (see specific limitations listed following schedule) – Not Permitted

NB RB PAO C LI
Additional
Use
Regulations
With bail bonds – – U – –
Pawn shops – U – – –
Personal improvement services U U U – –
Personal services P P U – –
Pharmacy P P L-2 P L-4
Wholesale (no retail services) P P U P L-4
Research and development services – – U – P
Retail sales, less than 20,000 square feet P P L-2 P L-4 Firearms sales – L-16 L-16 L-16 L-16 This
regulation
also applies
to firearms
sales in any
planned unit
district
(PUD).

With enclosed or unenclosed outdoor drop-off,
display or storage of goods
U U – U –
Retail sales, more than 20,000 square feet L-5 P L-2 P L-4 Automobile parts and accessory sales with
incidental installation located entirely within
an enclosed building
– P – P P
Firearms sales – L-16 L-16 L-16 L-16 This
regulation
also applies
to firearms
sales in any
planned unit
district
(PUD).

With enclosed or unenclosed outdoor drop-off,
display or storage of goods
U U – U –
Theaters – P – – –
Travel services P P – P –
Industrial
Fuel storage and distribution – – – – U
Industry, custom – – – U P
Artisan/custom products – – – P P
Industry, custom, small-scale – – – P P
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1599 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, OFFICE AND LIGHT

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.25.020
NB, RB, PAO, C, AND LI DISTRICTS:

LAND USE REGULATIONS
P Permitted
U Use Permit Required
T Temporary Use Permit Required
L Limited (see specific limitations listed following schedule) – Not Permitted

NB RB PAO C LI
Additional
Use
Regulations
Industry, limited – – – U P
Industry, limited, small-scale – – – P P
Research and development industry – – U P P
Vehicle storage facilities – – – P P See PHMC
§ 18.25.150.

Warehousing and storage, limited – – – P P
Wholesaling, distribution and storage – – – P P Maximum one dwelling
unit per site
as caretaker
housing.

Temporary Uses
See PHMC
Chapter

18.100.

Agricultural sales T T – – – See L-10.

Animal shows or sales T T – – – See L-8.

Arts and crafts shows, outdoors – T – – – See L-10.

Civic and community events T T T – – See L-10.

Commercial filming, limited T T T T T See L-8.

Eating and drinking use T T T T T
Farmers’ market – T – – – See L-11.

Live entertainment events – T – – – See L-8 and
L-13.

Real estate sales T T T T T
Recreational events T T T – – See L-10.

Religious or group assembly – T – – – See L-8.

Retail sales, outdoor T T – T – See L-10
and L-14.

Street fairs – T – – – See L-10.

Swap meets – T – T – See L-9.

Trade fairs – U – – –
Nonconforming Uses
See PHMC
Chapter

18.65. Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1600 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, OFFICE AND LIGHT

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

NB, RB, PAO, C and LI Districts: Limitations on Specific Use Classifications L-1 Only tennis/racquetball courts are allowed subject to approval of a use permit.

L-2 Permitted as an accessory use if limited to the ground floor, as specified in PHMC § 18.25.060.

L-3 Permitted on the second floor and above as the primary use, or on the ground floor when conducted as accessory to a permitted primary use, and occupying no more than 25% of the floor area of the primary use.

Additional office floor area may be allowed upon approval of a use permit, or as part of a planned unit district (PUD).

L-4 Permitted as accessory to the primary use, occupying no more than 25% of the floor area of the primary use. Retail sales by separate tenants are not allowed.

L-5 Limited to use with fewer than 20,000 square feet. Uses in excess of 20,000 square feet shall be required to obtain a use permit and the user shall have to demonstrate that the use provides for the day-to-day convenience shopping and services of the neighborhood. Supermarkets are compatible with the neighborhood business district.

L-6 Permitted, subject to a setback of 200 feet from any residential use.

L-7 Use permit approval is required if the use is within 100 feet of a residential property line, the establishment conducts business between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and the establishment serves alcoholic beverages.

L-8 Not more than four events during any calendar year for not more than seven consecutive or nonconsecutive days per event.

L-9 Not more than four events during any calendar year for not more than two consecutive days per event.

L-10 Not more than six events during any calendar year for not more than 14 consecutive or nonconsecutive days per event.

L-11 Permitted as a regularly scheduled weekly event not to exceed 45 times a calendar year.

L-12 Only allowed through approval of a use permit, in the light industrial overlay zoning district. On-site child care/day care is not permitted.

L-13 See PHMC § 18.25.090 for live entertainment standards.

L-14 See PHMC § 18.25.100 for outdoor sales standards. (Note that for temporary uses, the temporary use permit procedures apply and not the minor use permit mentioned in that section.)
L-15 Emergency homeless shelters are permitted “by right” in the limited industrial district (LI) subject to the development standards and regulations noted in PHMC § 18.20.085. However, once the city’s local need for providing emergency homeless shelters is satisfied (based on the most current homeless census data), a conditional use permit is required for any additional beds or emergency homeless shelters. In addition, no emergency homeless shelter is permitted on the Iron Horse Corridor (the area of the former Southern Pacific right-ofway owned by Contra Costa County as identified in Record of Survey RS 2330, filed for record on June 3, 1998, in Book 113 of Land Survey Maps at Page 46, Contra Costa County records) or on any parcel abutting the Iron Horse Corridor.

L-16 Permitted, subject to the requirements in PHMC § 18.25.160 for firearm sales uses.

L-17 Only allowed through approval of a use permit when the underlying general plan land use designation is mixed use, otherwise not permitted.

L-18 Allowed on the second floor and above, through approval of a use permit.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1601 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, OFFICE AND LIGHT

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

NB, RB, PAO, C and LI Districts: Limitations on Specific Use Classifications (Ord. 964 § 8, 2023; Ord. 949 § 9, 2021; Ord. 931 § 3, 2019; Ord. 925 § 2, 2018; Ord. 910 § 3, 2017; Ord. 908 § 2, 2017; Ord. 902 § 3, 2016; Ord. 895 § 3, 2016; Ord. 890 § 16, 2015; Ord. 881 § 4, 2014; Ord. 874 § 4, 2013; Ord. 867 § 6, 2012; Ord. 865 §§ 3, 4, 2012; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 837 §§ 4, 5, 2009; Ord. 833 § 3, 2008; Ord. 819 § 4, 2007; Ord. 768 § 6, 2003; Ord. 710 § 35-6.2, 1996; 1991 code § 35-6.2)

18.25.030 Property development regulations in the commercial, office and light industrial districts. [18.25.030]
A. Schedule 18.25.030 sets forth the development regulations for the NB, RB, PAO, C and LI districts. The first three columns set forth basic requirements for permitted and conditional uses in each district. Letters in parentheses in the “Additional Development Regulations” column refer to regulations following the schedule or to regulations located elsewhere in this chapter.

B. Supplemental regulations applicable to all development in the NB, RB, PAO, C and LI districts are in PHMC §§

18.25.050 through 18.25.140; they set forth requirements for accessory structures; accessory uses in commercial, office and light industrial districts; eating and drinking establishments with take-out service; hazardous materials storage; live entertainment; outdoor facilities; recycling facilities; and service stations and automobile washing.

Regulations applicable to all zoning districts, included in Part 4, include requirements for:

1. Additional site development regulations (PHMC Chapter 18.50);

2. Off-street parking and loading (PHMC Chapter 18.55);

3. Signs (PHMC Chapter 18.60);

4. Nonconforming uses and structures (PHMC Chapter 18.65); and

5. Adult uses (PHMC Chapter 18.70).

SCHEDULE 18.25.030 – DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IN COMMERCIAL, OFFICE AND LIMITED INDUSTRIAL

DISTRICTS

NB RB PAO C LI
Additional
Development
Regulations
Minimum Lot Area
(square feet) 7,500 7,500 10,000 7,500 20,000
Minimum Lot
Width (feet) 75 75 100 50 100
Minimum Yards:

Front (feet) 25 25 20 10 20 (G)
Side (feet) – – 5 – – (A), (G)
Corner Side (feet) 25 25 20 10 20 (G)
Rear (feet) – – 20 – – (A), (G)
Aggregate Side
(feet) – – 15 – – (G)
Creek Setbacks See PHMC § 18.50.150 regarding creek setbacks.

Scenic Route (feet) 50 50 50 50 50 (I)
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1602 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, OFFICE AND LIGHT

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.25.030 – DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IN COMMERCIAL, OFFICE AND LIMITED INDUSTRIAL

DISTRICTS

NB RB PAO C LI
Additional
Development
Regulations
Maximum
Building Height
(feet) 35 35 35 35 35
Maximum Number
of Stories 2 1/2 2 1/2 2 1/2 2 1/2 2 1/2
Maximum Gross
FAR 0.35 0.40 0.35 0.35 0.40
Minimum Site
Landscaping 25% 25% 30% 20% 20% (B)
Amenities for
Bicyclists (C)
Building Design (E)
Employee Eating
Area (D)
Storm Drain
Outlets (F)
Supplemental
Regulations See PHMC §§ 18.25.050 through 18.25.140 and Part 4.

Nonconforming
Structures See PHMC Chapter 18.65.
(Ord. 964 § 9, 2023; Ord. 890 § 17, 2015; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 844 § 5 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 710 § 35-

6.4, 1996; 1991 code § 35-6.4)

18.25.040 Additional development regulations corresponding to Schedule 18.25.030. [18.25.040] A. NB, RB, PAO, C and LI districts adjoining residential districts.

1. Additional setbacks. In the NB, RB, PAO, C and LI districts, the side or rear yard shall be 25 feet if it adjoins an R district.

2. Planting area. A continuous planting area having at least a minimum width of five feet and at least five trees per 100 linear feet shall be provided along interior property lines adjoining an R district.

3. Daylight plane requirement. Structures shall not intercept a 30-degree daylight plane inclined inward from a height of six feet above existing grade at the R district boundary line.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1603 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, OFFICE AND LIGHT

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

REQUIRED DAYLIGHT PLANE AT ADJOINING RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS (The diagram is illustrative)

4. Fences and walls. A required yard abutting a residential district shall be enclosed by a solid wood, concrete or masonry wall at least six feet but not more than eight feet in height, except that a wall within 15 feet of a street property line shall not exceed three feet in height. (See also PHMC § 18.25.140.) REQUIRED WALLS: RESIDENTIAL USE ABUTTING NONRESIDENTIAL USE (The diagram is illustrative)
B. Minimum site landscaping.

1. Decorative hardscape, mulch or pervious pavement may not be used to meet minimum landscape requirements as a matter of right. However, up to 50% of the required landscaping may be provided through the use of decorative hardscape, mulch and/or pervious pavement areas and are to be treated as landscape areas (credited for up to 50% of required project landscaped area subject to architectural review or planning commission approval) as part of a proposed project (see PHMC § 18.52.030.F). The planning and architectural review commissions shall establish guidelines related to the use of decorative hardscape, mulch and pervious pavement.

2. PAO district. At least 50% of each required interior side and rear yard shall be planting area.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1604 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, OFFICE AND LIGHT

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

C. Office buildings over 50,000 square feet. Showers, clothes changing rooms, and lockers shall be provided for all office buildings and office complexes over 50,000 square feet.

D. Office buildings over 5,000 square feet. Eating facilities for employees shall be provided for all office buildings containing more than 5,000 square feet.

E. Design compatibility. The exterior elevation design of all buildings shall be coordinated with regard to color, materials, architectural form and detailing to achieve design harmony, continuity and horizontal and vertical relief and interest. The design of all buildings shall be compatible with the character of the neighboring area.

F. Storm drains. All storm drain inlets in the NB, RB, PAO, C and LI districts shall comply with the city’s national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) regulations. (See PHMC Chapter 15.05.) G. Vehicular easements. A minimum required yard setback shall be provided and measured from any public or private vehicular easement boundary on the property.

H. Windows. Not more than 30% of any storefront (exterior) door and/or window pane shall be blocked or made opaque through the use of window treatments, paint, vinyl applications, furniture or any other method that would obstruct visibility into the building unless approved by the architectural review commission. Obstructions more than three feet away from windows are exempt. Product display spaces are allowed subject to review and approval by the zoning administrator or architectural review commission. Any existing use that is not in compliance with this requirement at the time of adoption of the ordinance codified in this section shall bring the use into compliance within 12 months of the date of ordinance adoption.

I. Scenic routes. See 2040 General Plan, Land Use Goal 2 (LU-2). (Ord. 964 § 10, 2023; Ord. 934 § 4, 2019; Ord. 906 § 5, 2016; Ord. 890 § 18, 2015; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 745 § 2, 2000; Ord. 710 § 35-6.5, 1996; 1991 code § 35-6.5)

18.25.050 Container or storage unit. [18.25.060]
The following supplemental regulations apply to containers and storage units in the NB, RB, PAO, C and LI districts:

A. A container or storage unit is not allowed unless there is a grading or building permit for construction on the site and a zoning permit has been issued for the container or storage unit. The container or storage unit will be allowed only during the construction period.

B. The container or storage unit:

1. Shall be located at least five feet from the property line of any residential use;

2. May not exceed 16 feet in height;

3. Must not obstruct sight distance visibility of pedestrians or motorists, and must not impede emergency access.

4. Shall not displace necessary parking spaces.

C. Exception. A transport trailer located inside a loading dock is not subject to this section. (Ord. 757 §§ 2, 3, 2001; Ord. 710 § 35-6.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-6.6(a))

18.25.060 Accessory structures and uses. [18.25.050]
A. Accessory structures shall comply with the development regulations in PHMC § 18.25.030.

B. In the NB, RB, PAO, C, and LI districts, the following accessory uses are permitted on site; no accessory uses are permitted off site.

1. Uses intended to serve only occupants of the building within which such uses are located. These uses may include, but are not limited to, restaurants, cafeterias, galleries, specialty or gift shops, employee fitness Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1605 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, OFFICE AND LIGHT

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. facilities, first aid stations, community facilities, and business services necessary for the functioning of office uses or other commercial uses, provided they are located on the ground level and the total combined square footage of the accessory use does not exceed 25% of the ground level square footage of two-level or greater buildings with at least two levels above grade.

2. Parking facilities in conjunction with a principal use.

3. Uses noted in subsection B.1 of this section that primarily serve the general public and/or that exceed 25% of the ground level square footage may be allowed subject to approval of a conditional use permit from the planning commission and compliance with parking provisions contained in PHMC Chapter 18.55. (Ord. 890 § 19, 2015; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 710 § 35-6.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-6.6(b))

18.25.070 Eating and drinking establishments with take-out service or with outdoor seating. [18.25.070] The following supplemental development regulations shall apply to eating and drinking establishments with (i) takeout service, other than limited take-out service, as defined in PHMC § 18.15.040 or (ii) outdoor seating:

A. Take-out service litter control. The area within at least a 300-foot radius shall be maintained free of debris originating from the establishment. If a use permit is required, the use permit may contain a condition requiring the operator to retain a contract litter cleanup service or use identifiable containers and napkins for all carry-out food if the zoning administrator determines that a litter problem exists.

B. Outdoor seating. Up to 12 outdoor seats are allowed if: (1) no required parking spaces are eliminated or restricted in order to provide the outdoor seating; (2) all legal requirements for alcoholic beverage sales or services are being met; and (3) the use does not violate state, federal or local laws for handicapped accessibility. (Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh.

A), 2011; Ord. 710 § 35-6.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-6.6(c))

18.25.080 Hazardous materials storage. [18.25.090]
The following supplemental regulations are intended to ensure that the use, handling, storage and transport of hazardous substances comply with all applicable requirements of the California Health and Safety Code and that the city is notified of emergency response plans, unauthorized releases of hazardous substances, and any substantial changes in facilities or operations that could affect the public health, safety or welfare. It is not the intent of these regulations to impose additional restrictions on the management of hazardous wastes.

A. Permit required. A use permit is required for any new commercial, industrial, or institutional use or accessory use, or major addition or alteration to an existing use that involves the manufacture, storage, handling, or processing of hazardous substances in sufficient quantities to require a permit for hazardous chemicals under the Uniform Fire Code. Consumer propane tank collection facilities are allowed subject to review and approval of a zoning permit by the zoning administrator.

B. Hazardous materials release response plans. Each business located in the city and required by the California Health and Safety Code to prepare a hazardous materials release response plan shall submit copies of all such approved plans, including any corrected plans or revised plans, to the zoning administrator once reviewed and approved by the public agency administering these provisions of the California Health and Safety Code. These submittal requirements shall be a condition of approval of a zoning permit for (1) new development where space may be occupied by such a business, and (2) any alteration or addition to an existing building or structure occupied by a business subject to these provisions of the California Health and Safety Code.

1. Notify the fire district of any unauthorized release of hazardous substances within 24 hours after the release has been detected and the steps taken to control the release; and

2. Notify the fire district and the director of public works and community development of any proposed abandoning, closing or ceasing operation of an underground storage tank and the actions to be taken to dispose of any hazardous substances. (Ord. 890 § 20, 2015; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 710 § 35-6.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-6.6(d))

18.25.090 Live entertainment. [18.25.110]
The following regulations apply to any use offering scheduled live entertainment:

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1606 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, OFFICE AND LIGHT

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

A. Exits, not limited to emergency use only, shall generally be directed away from a residential district adjoining the site;
B. The live entertainment use shall be conducted in a manner that does not result in significant negative effects related to litter, noise, loitering, parking, or traffic circulation; C. Approval of a live entertainment use applies only to the type of entertainment, and a different type of entertainment requires a separate approval from the city; D. Type A live entertainment requires review and approval of a zoning permit; Type B and C live entertainment requires review and approval of a use permit; permanent outdoor live entertainment of any type requires review and approval of a use permit; and temporary live entertainment events require review and approval of a temporary use permit;
E. For Type B and C live entertainment uses, the applicant, including employees, partners, directors, officers or managers, may not have been convicted of any of the following offenses within the prior five years. The police department shall conduct a background investigation, which may be waived at the discretion of the department.

1. A crime requiring registration under Penal Code section 290;

2. A violation of Penal Code sections 311.2 and 311.4 through 311.7;

3. Violation of Penal Code sections 313.1 through 313.5;

4. Violation of Penal Code section 647, paragraph a, b, or d;

5. Violation of Penal Code section 315, 316, or 318;

6. A crime involving the use of force or violence on another; or

7. The maintenance of a nuisance in connection with the same or similar business operation.

F. Any live adult entertainment must comply with PHMC Chapter 18.70.

G. The zoning administrator, at his/her discretion, may review and modify the permit for live entertainment if more than three separate and verified complaints are received during any 30-day period, or refer the matter to the planning commission. (Ord. 865 § 5, 2012; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 710 § 35-6.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-6.6(e))

18.25.100 Outdoor sales facilities. [18.25.120]
The following supplemental regulations apply to outdoor sales facilities in the NB, RB, PAO, C and LI districts.

A. Where permitted. A minor use permit is required for outdoor display of sales of merchandise, materials, or equipment in an RB, C or LI district, including display of merchandise, materials, and equipment for customer pickup. A sidewalk cafe and outdoor food service accessory to an eating and drinking establishment are permitted in the NB, RB, and PAO districts, subject to limitations imposed in PHMC § 18.25.020, provided no outdoor preparation of food or beverages is allowed.

B. Permit conditions – Grounds for denial. A minor use permit for outdoor sales, display, or food service may include a condition to require yards, screening, or planting areas necessary to prevent adverse impacts on surrounding properties and the visual character of scenic areas as identified in the general plan. If such impacts cannot be prevented, the zoning administrator shall deny the use permit application.

C. Screening. Screening shall be provided as prescribed by the minor use permit. Each vending machine located in an R district or within 300 feet of an R district, except for a machine located on the site of a service station, shall be buffered from view from the public right-of-way. (Ord. 710 § 35-6.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-6.6(f)) Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1607 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

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INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

18.25.105 Outdoor donation collection facilities. [18.25.130] The following supplemental regulations apply to outdoor donation collection facilities in the NB, RB, PAO, C and LI districts:

A. Where permitted. A minor use permit is required for outdoor donation collection of clothes, books, equipment, merchandise, etc.

B. Permit conditions – Grounds for denial. A minor use permit for outdoor donation collection facilities may include a condition to require yards, screening, or planting areas necessary to prevent adverse impacts on surrounding properties and the visual character of scenic areas as identified in the general plan. If such impacts cannot be prevented, the zoning administrator shall deny the use permit application.

C. Screening. Screening shall be provided as prescribed by the minor use permit. Any outdoor donation collection facility located within 300 feet of an R district shall be buffered from view from the public right-of-way. (Ord. 890 § 21, 2015)

18.25.110 Recycling facilities. [18.25.140]
The following supplemental regulations govern recycling facilities including collection and processing facilities.

A. Permits required. No person shall permit the placement, construction, or operation of any recycling facility without first obtaining a minor use permit and, if required, architectural review commission (ARC) approval as follows:

Type of Facility Districts Permitted Permit Required
Single-Feed Reverse Vending Machine(s) RB, NB, C and LI None Bulk Reverse Vending Machine and Small Collection Facilities (500 sq. ft. or less) RB, NB and LI Use Permit, ARC Approval
Large Collection Facility (Over 500 sq. ft.) RB, NB, and LI Use Permit, ARC Approval Light Processing Facility (Less than 45,000 sq. ft.) C and LI Use Permit, ARC Approval Heavy Processing Facility (Over 45,000 sq. ft.) LI Use Permit, ARC Approval B. Permits for multiple sites. The zoning administrator may grant a minor use permit to allow more than one reverse vending machine or small collection facility located on different sites, provided the operator of each of the proposed facilities is the same and the proposed facilities are determined by the zoning administrator to be similar in nature, size and intensity of activity.

C. Design criteria and standards.

1. A collection facility shall be set back at least 20 feet from a street property line and 10 feet from an interior property line. In addition, a collection facility with more than 500 square feet of floor area shall be located at least 150 feet from an R district.

2. Each machine in a collection facility shall be clearly marked with a sign that identifies the type of material to be deposited, operating instructions, and the identity and phone number of the operator or responsible person to call if the machine is inoperative.

3. A reverse vending machine installation shall use exterior materials and colors that are compatible with adjacent residential uses and other businesses on the site.

4. A container for the 24-hour donation of materials shall be at least five feet from the boundary of an R district.

5. No collection facility shall be used at any time for collection of refuse or hazardous waste, except used motor oil accepted for recycling in accord with California Health and Safety Code section 25250.11.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1608 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

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INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

6. In a processing facility, mechanical operations such as flattening, sorting, compacting, bailing, shredding and grinding shall take place within a fully enclosed building or within an area enclosed by a solid wood or masonry fence at least eight feet in height and at least 150 feet from an R district.

7. A processing facility shall be buffered by a landscape strip at least 10 feet wide along each property line.

8. No processing facility shall operate between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. if the facility is located within 500 feet of an R district.

D. Site clean-up required. The operator and host business of any recycling, collection or processing facility shall, on a daily basis, remove any and all recyclable materials or refuse which has accumulated or is deposited outside the containers, bins or enclosures intended as receptacles for such materials. Failure to remove such materials or refuse after notice by the city shall constitute grounds for permit revocation, in accord with PHMC § 18.135.040. (Ord. 710 § 35-6.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-6.6(g))

18.25.120 Service stations and automobile washing. [18.25.150] The following supplemental development regulations shall apply to the service stations and automobile washing use classifications.

A. Planting areas. Perimeter planting areas are the same as those required for parking lots by PHMC § 18.55.140, except where a building adjoins an interior property line. Required interior planting areas may adjoin perimeter planting areas. A minimum of 15% of the site area shall be landscaped.

B. Storage of materials and equipment. A display rack for automobile products no more than four feet wide may be maintained at each pump island of a service station. If a display rack is not located on a pump island, it shall be placed within three feet of the principal building, and there may be no more than one per street frontage.

C. Storage of vehicle parts and dismantled vehicles. All discarded parts, dismantled vehicles, wrecked vehicles or vehicles under repair shall be stored or located in an enclosed storage area. (Ord. 710 § 35-6.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-6.6(h))

18.25.130 Hours of operation. [18.25.100]
A use in the PAO, C, or LI district having open parking or wall openings within 100 feet of an R district shall not operate between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. without a use permit. (Ord. 710 § 35-6.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-6.6(i))

18.25.140 Fences and walls. [18.75.030, 18.75.040]
The maximum height of a fence or wall (including a retaining wall) is six feet, except three feet within required front and corner side yards, unless otherwise specified. A required yard abutting a residential zoning district must be enclosed by a solid wood, concrete or masonry wall at least six feet in height, but not more than eight feet in height. (See also PHMC §§ 18.25.040.A.4 and 18.55.140.A.)
A. Rear property line exceptions. On a lot with a rear lot line abutting a public trail, canal, East Bay Municipal Utility District right-of-way or public street, the maximum rear yard fence height is eight feet.

B. Fences with retaining walls. When a fence is placed on top of a retaining wall, the height is the combined height of the retaining wall, fence, wall or screen (not to exceed a maximum height of six feet measured from the higher side of the adjacent grade). A retaining wall is not included in the measurement if it is located so that its horizontal distance from the fence is equal to or greater than the height of the retaining wall.

C. Sight distance. All fences are subject to the visibility requirements of PHMC § 18.50.100.

D. Prohibited fences. High voltage electrical fences, razor wire, barbed wire, and other materials which pose a safety hazard are strictly prohibited. (Ord. 949 § 10, 2021; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 745 § 3, 2000; Ord. 710 § 35-

6.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-6.6(j))

18.25.150 Vehicle storage facilities. [18.25.160]
The following regulations apply to any areas designated for vehicle storage use:

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1609 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, OFFICE AND LIGHT

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

A. The vehicle storage lot area shall be entirely screened with an eight-foot-tall, solid, aesthetically pleasing barrier.

B. The storage facilities shall incorporate sound attenuation solutions to comply with PHMC § 18.50.060.

C. When within 100 feet of a residential district, the use shall not operate between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. without a use permit.

D. The use shall comply with the city’s national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) regulations. (See PHMC Chapter 15.05.) (Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011)

18.25.160 Firearm sales uses. [18.25.080]
The following regulations apply to firearm sales businesses. The findings set forth in PHMC § 9.35.010.A are hereby incorporated by reference. The purpose of this section is to advance the public health, safety, and welfare by imposing reasonable locational restrictions on any entity that establishes a firearm sales business in the city. For purposes of this section, “firearm sales” shall have the same meaning as set forth in PHMC § 18.15.040.

A. Locational restrictions.

1. Subject to the other limitations of this chapter and the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code, firearm sales may be located in any general commercial district, retail business district, professional and administrative office district, light industrial district, and planned unit district.

2. In those districts where a business engaged in firearm sales may otherwise be located, it shall be unlawful to establish any such firearm sales business unless the applicant provides proof that the property where the proposed firearm sales will be conducted is not:
a. Within 150 feet from any residence, when measured from the property line of any residence to the door of the firearm sales business that is nearest to that same property line of the residence; b. Within 1,000 feet of the exterior limits of any building premises occupied by a day care that is designated as a large family day care, PHMC § 18.15.020, or general day care, PHMC § 18.15.030, when measured from the closest points on the exterior property lines or area boundaries of the parcels or properties involved, except that when an applicant occupies one unit of a multi-unit structure located on a single parcel, distances shall be measured from the exterior boundaries of the unit so occupied; c. Within 1,000 feet of the property line of any elementary school, junior high school, high school, college or university, whether public or private, when measured from the closest points on the exterior property lines or area boundaries of the parcels or properties involved, except that when an applicant occupies one unit of a multi-unit structure located on a single parcel, distances shall be measured from the exterior boundaries of the unit so occupied;
d. Within 500 feet of the property line of a public park, when measured from the closest points on the exterior property lines or area boundaries of the parcels or properties involved, except that when an applicant occupies one unit of a multi-unit structure located on a single parcel, distances shall be measured from the exterior boundaries of the unit so occupied.

3. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a firearm sales business may be located on any part of a parcel in a general commercial district, retail business district or planned unit district if an applicant provides proof that any portion of said parcel is not within the locational restrictions in subsections A.2.a through d of this section.

4. Consistent with the use regulations in this chapter for any retail sales in a professional and administrative office district (L-2 in PHMC § 18.25.020), a firearm sales business may only be located in a professional and administrative office district as an accessory use if limited to the ground floor, as specified in PHMC §

18.25.060.

Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, OFFICE AND LIGHT

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

5. Consistent with the use regulations in this chapter for any retail sales in a light industrial district (L-4 in PHMC § 18.25.020), a firearm sales business may only be located in a light industrial district as accessory to the primary use, occupying no more than 25% of the floor area of the primary use. Retail sales by separate tenants are not allowed.

B. Timing and nonconforming use.

1. The locational restrictions in subsections A.2.a through d of this section shall apply as of the date the applicant submits an application for a zoning permit under PHMC Chapter 18.85 to establish a firearm sales business.

2. Subject to subsection C of this section, the establishment of any firearm sales business shall include the opening of such a business as a new business, the relocation of the business, the conversion of an existing business to any firearm sales use, or the transfer or sale of a firearm sales business to a new owner. Expansion or relocation of a firearm sales business at an existing location, including within the same shopping center or site, is not deemed a change in business location or relocation of such a business.

3. Any firearm sales business operating as a conforming use under this chapter with all applicable licenses and permits, including the businesses that are grandfathered in pursuant to subsection C.1 of this section, shall not be rendered a legal nonconforming use as specified in PHMC § 18.65.020 by the location of a residence, day care, school, or public park.

C. Grandfathering for existing firearm sales businesses.

1. The locational restrictions in subsections A.2.a through d of this section shall be inapplicable to any entity engaged in the business of firearm sales in the city and who or which has all valid permits and licenses required by the city, and by state and federal law as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section. Any such entity may continue firearm sales at its existing location pursuant to any valid permits and licenses so long as the operator remains fully licensed by all agencies (including, without limitation, obtaining and maintaining the permit required by PHMC Chapter 9.35), and has not sold, transferred or assigned operation of the business after the effective date of this chapter to any other entity. If any such licenses or permits are revoked, the provisions of this subsection C are inapplicable and the locational restrictions in subsections A.2.a through d of this section shall apply.

2. The locational restrictions in subsections A.2.a through d of this section shall be inapplicable to the sale or transfer to a new owner of any existing firearm sales business that meets the requirements of subsection C.1 of this section if the operation of the firearm sales business by the new owner is at the same location or within the same shopping center or site as the prior owner’s permitted business.

D. Zoning permit required. No firearm sales business may be established in the city by right. All persons wishing to establish a firearm sales business within the city must apply for and receive a zoning permit under PHMC Chapter

18.85. It is the burden of the applicant to supply evidence to justify the grant of a zoning permit.

E. Applicability of other regulations. The provisions in this chapter are not intended to provide exclusive regulation of firearm sales businesses. Any entity engaged in the business of firearms sales must comply with any and all applicable regulations imposed in other parts of the zoning ordinance, other city ordinances (including, without limitation, PHMC Chapter 9.35), and state and federal law. (Ord. 895 § 4, 2016)

18.25.170 Cannabis retailers. [18.65.030]
A. Medical cannabis retailers.

1. Medical cannabis retailers may be located in any light industrial (LI), general commercial (C), or professional and administrative office (PAO) zoning district, subject to the granting of a use permit pursuant to PHMC Chapter 18.95, the other limitations of this chapter, and the following restrictions:
a. A medical cannabis retailer’s premises shall be closed to the public (i.e., no public storefront). The medical cannabis retailer shall conduct sales exclusively by delivery.

Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.25 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUSINESS,

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INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. b. Medical cannabis retailers are prohibited from establishing or locating within 600 feet of a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or any grades one through 12, day care center, or youth center, as defined by state law. For the purposes of this section, all distances shall be measured from the outer extents of the cannabis retailer’s business premises (whether leased or owned) excluding parking facilities and common areas to the nearest property lines of each affected parcel. c. The city shall issue no more than two conditional use permits for medical cannabis retailers. d. A medical cannabis retailer’s business premises (excluding parking facilities and common areas) shall not exceed a gross floor area of 10,000 square feet.
e. Medical cannabis retailers shall obtain and maintain a state license for retail medicinal cannabis sales in accordance with the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, California Business and Professions Code, Division 10, section 26000 et seq. f. Medical cannabis retailers shall not create a public nuisance through offensive odors. g. On-site consumption of medicinal cannabis or medicinal cannabis products is prohibited. h. Medical cannabis retail use shall be conducted indoors only, with no outdoor use/activity related to the cannabis retailer use.
i. Renderings of the business facade shall be provided and reviewed as part of the conditional use permit.

Building facade plans shall include renderings of the exterior building elevations and any proposed signage for all sides of the building. All building facades and signage shall be in keeping with the high architectural quality and design standards of the city of Pleasant Hill. The business facade and building signs shall be compatible with and complementary to surrounding businesses and shall add visual quality to the area.

B. Adult-use cannabis retailers. Without limiting the generality of the prohibition on commercial cannabis uses in PHMC § 18.50.140.B, adult-use cannabis retailers are prohibited in all base zoning districts and overlay districts in the city.

C. Applicability of other regulations. The provisions in this chapter are not intended to provide exclusive regulation of cannabis retailers. Any entity or individual engaged in the business of cannabis retail sales must comply with any and all applicable regulations imposed in other parts of the zoning ordinance, other city ordinances (including, without limitation, PHMC Titles 5 and 6), and state law.

D. It is anticipated that the number of applications could exceed the number of allowable permits for cannabis retailers. The city shall not accept applications until the city council has adopted a resolution setting forth the application period, application procedures and guidelines to evaluate applications for cannabis retailer permits. The city council expects, but is not required, to adopt application guidelines on or before January 1, 2020. (Ord. 931 § 4, 2019)
1 Code reviser’s note: Ord. 895 amended this section without taking into account the amendments of Ord. 890. Those amendments have been retained per the intent of the city.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1612 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.30 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD)

AND PRECISE PLAN DISTRICTS (PPD)

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Chapter 18.30 [18.30]

PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD) AND PRECISE PLAN DISTRICTS (PPD) Sections:]

18.30.010 Specific purposes. [18.30.010]

18.30.020 Land use regulations. [18.30.020, 18.30.030]

18.30.030 Land use and development regulations for existing PUD or PPD district. [18.30.030]

18.30.040 Development regulations. [18.30.040]

18.30.050 Concept plan. [18.30.050]

18.30.060 Planning commission, architectural review commission and city council action. [18.30.060]

18.30.070 Zoning map designation. [18.30.080]

18.30.080 Development plan and architectural review permit review. [18.30.070]

18.30.010 Specific purposes. [18.30.010]
In addition to the general purposes listed in PHMC § 18.05.020, the specific purposes of the planned unit development and precise plan districts are to:

A. Establish a procedure for the development of large parcels of land in order to reduce or eliminate the rigidity, delays, and conflicts that otherwise would result from application of zoning standards and procedures designed primarily for small parcels.

B. Ensure orderly and thorough planning and review procedures that will result in quality urban design.

C. Encourage variety and avoid monotony in large developments by allowing greater freedom in selecting the means to provide access, light, open space, and amenities.

D. Encourage allocation and improvement of common open space in residential areas, and provide for maintenance of the open space at the expense of those directly benefiting from it.

E. Encourage the assembly of properties that might otherwise be developed in unrelated increments to the detriment of surrounding neighborhoods. (Ord. 710 § 35-9.1, 1996; 1991 code § 35-9.1)

18.30.020 Land use regulations. [18.30.020, 18.30.030]
No use other than an existing use is permitted in a PUD district except in accord with a valid PUD or specific plan.

Any permitted or conditional use authorized by this title may be included in an approved PUD plan or an adopted specific plan consistent with the general plan land use designation(s) for the property. (Ord. 710 § 35-9.2, 1996; 1991 code § 35-9.2)

18.30.030 Land use and development regulations for existing PUD or PPD district. [18.30.030] Land use and development regulations for a PUD or PPD existing as of October 21, 1995 (the date of adoption of Ordinance No. 710) shall be determined in accordance with the following schedule unless the existing PUD or PPD has an adopted land use and development schedule. In the event of a conflict between applicable zoning district regulations, the more restrictive provisions shall apply unless otherwise determined by the zoning administrator based on physical site characteristics.

SCHEDULE 18.30.030

PUD AND PPD DISTRICTS LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS General Plan Designation and Base District(s) Applicable Zoning Designation Schedules Single-Family Low Density R-20 and R-15 18.20.020; 18.20.030 Single-Family Medium Density R-10 and R-10A 18.20.020; 18.20.030 Single-Family High Density R-7 and R-6 18.20.020; 18.20.030 Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1613 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.30 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD)

AND PRECISE PLAN DISTRICTS (PPD)

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.30.030

PUD AND PPD DISTRICTS LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS Multiple-Family Very Low Density MRVL 18.20.020; 18.20.030 Multiple-Family Low Density MRL 18.20.020; 18.20.030
Multiple-Family Medium Density MRM 18.20.020; 18.20.030 Multiple-Family High Density MRH 18.20.020; 18.20.030
Commercial/Retail RB 18.25.020; 18.25.030
Office PAO 18.25.020; 18.25.030
Limited Industrial LI 18.25.020; 18.25.030
Park R-20 18.20.020; 18.20.030
Open Space R-20 18.20.020; 18.20.030
(Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 796 § 6, 2005; Ord. 710 § 35-9.3, 1996; 1991 code § 35-9.3)

18.30.040 Development regulations. [18.30.040]
A. Minimum area. The minimum area of a PUD district shall be four contiguous acres. The city council may approve a PUD district that contains less than four acres, but at least two acres, upon a finding that special site characteristics exist, and at least one acre when the project site is located in a nonresidential general plan land use classification, upon a finding that special site characteristics exist.

B. Residential unit density. The total number of dwelling units in a PUD plan shall not exceed the minimum number permitted by the general plan for the total area allocated to residential use unless findings under Government Code section 65589.5 are met and in no instance shall the maximum number of dwelling units exceed the maximum permitted by the general plan unless a density bonus is approved under PHMC § 18.20.150.

C. Performance standards. The performance standards prescribed by PHMC § 18.50.060 apply.

D. Other development regulations. Other development regulations shall be as prescribed by the PUD or specific plan.

E. Accessory dwelling units. Any accessory dwelling unit or units approved within a PUD shall comply with all applicable regulations contained in PHMC § 18.20.095. (Ord. 938 § 7, 2020; Ord. 915 § 9, 2017; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh.

A), 2011; Ord. 772 § 3, 2003; Ord. 710 § 35-9.4, 1996; 1991 code § 35-9.4)

18.30.050 Concept plan. [18.30.050]
Each rezoning to PUD shall have a written concept plan adopted as part of the ordinance. The concept plan shall include a text and diagram or diagrams that specify:

A. The distribution, location and extent of the uses of land, including open space, within the area covered by the plan.

B. The proposed distribution and location of major components of public and private transportation, sewage, water, drainage, solid waste disposal, energy, and other facilities proposed to be located in the area covered by the plan and needed to support the land uses described in the plan.

C. Standards and criteria by which development will proceed, and standards for conservation, development and utilization of natural resources including geological features, where applicable.

D. A land use regulation schedule defining the permitted, conditional, temporary and accessory uses.

Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.30 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD)

AND PRECISE PLAN DISTRICTS (PPD)

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

E. A development regulation schedule establishing the physical standards for development including, but not limited to, setbacks, building heights, building coverage and floor area ratios.

F. Design criteria for all landscaped areas, buildings and structures.

G. A statement of the relationship of the proposed rezoning to the general plan. (Ord. 928 § 8, 2019; Ord. 906 § 6, 2016; Ord. 710 § 35-9.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-9.6)

18.30.060 Planning commission, architectural review commission and city council action. [18.30.060] Before the planning commission consideration of the PUD request for rezoning, the architectural review commission shall review and make recommendations to the planning commission. The planning commission shall consider an application for rezoning to a PUD district as prescribed in PHMC Chapter 18.125, and shall, at the same time, consider the proposed PUD concept plan or specific plan accompanying the application. A commission recommendation to rezone to a PUD district shall be accompanied by a resolution approving a PUD concept plan or recommending a specific plan.

A. Architectural review commission action. The architectural review commission may recommend approval or conditional approval of a concept plan upon finding that:

1. The design of the structures conforms to the topographic features of the particular site;

2. The design of the structures enhances the natural attributes of the particular site;

3. The scale and bulk of the structures are appropriate to the particular site; and

4. The landscape plan is appropriate to the particular site.

B. Planning commission action. The planning commission may recommend approval or conditional approval of a PUD plan and rezoning or recommend approval or conditional approval of a specific plan upon finding that:

1. The PUD plan or specific plan is consistent with the general plan and other applicable policies and is compatible with surrounding development;

2. The PUD plan or specific plan will enhance the potential for superior urban design in comparison with the development under the base district regulations that would apply if the plan were not approved;

3. Deviations from the base district regulations are justified by compensating benefits of the PUD plan or specific plan;

4. The PUD plan or specific plan includes adequate provisions for utilities services, and emergency vehicle access; and public service demands will not exceed the capacity of existing and planned systems; and

5. The PUD plan or specific plan has been considered by the architectural review commission.

C. City council action. After a public hearing, the council shall approve, modify, or reject the planning commission’s recommendation; provided, that a modification not previously considered by the planning commission shall be referred to the planning commission for a report before adoption of an ordinance amending the zoning regulations or map. Failure of the planning commission to report within 40 days after referral or such longer period as may be designated by the council shall be deemed an approval of the proposed modification. Prior to adoption of an ordinance establishing a PUD or a resolution adopting a specific plan, the council shall make findings that the proposed regulation or map amendment and the PUD plan or specific plan is consistent with the policies of the general plan and the notice and hearing provisions of this title.

D. Concurrent submittal. A development plan, architectural review permit, use permit, and/or any associated permits may be submitted for review concurrently with a PUD plan. In a concurrent submittal, the city council shall be the final decision-maker on all applications after considering recommendations from the planning commission and/or architectural review commission. (Ord. 902 § 4, 2016; Ord. 710 § 35-9.8, 1996; 1991 code § 35-9.8) Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1615 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.30 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD)

AND PRECISE PLAN DISTRICTS (PPD)

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

18.30.070 Zoning map designation. [18.30.080]
A PUD or PPD district shall be noted on the zoning map by the designations “PUD” or “PPD,” followed by the ordinance number of the rezoning. A specific plan shall also be noted on the zoning map. (Ord. 710 § 35-9.10, 1996; 1991 code § 35-9.10)

18.30.080 Development plan and architectural review permit review. [18.30.070] Plans for a project in a PUD or PPD district shall be accepted for development plan review as prescribed by PHMC Chapter 18.90 and architectural review as prescribed by PHMC Chapter 18.115 only if they are consistent with an approved PUD or PPD plan or specific plan. No project may be approved and no building permit issued unless the project, alteration or use is consistent with an approved PUD or PPD concept plan or an approved specific plan.

Minor changes to an existing PUD or PPD plan, as determined by the zoning administrator, are not subject to PHMC Chapter 18.115, Architectural Review Permits.

The zoning administrator shall determine what is major or minor and has the discretion to make minor changes to an existing PUD or PPD. Any interested person may appeal the zoning administrator’s determination under PHMC Chapter 18.130. (Ord. 902 § 5, 2016; Ord. 710 § 35-9.12, 1996; 1991 code § 35-9.12) Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1616 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.145 MEASUREMENTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Chapter 18.35 [18.35]

HILLSIDE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (HPUD)
Sections:

18.35.010 Specific purposes. [18.35.010]

18.35.020 Applicability. [18.35.020]

18.35.030 Land use regulations for HPUD district. [18.35.030]

18.35.040 Development regulation for HPUD district. [18.35.040]

18.35.050 Design standards. [18.35.050]

18.35.060 Concept plan. [18.35.060]

18.35.070 Planning commission, architectural review commission and city council action. [18.35.070]

18.35.080 Zoning map designation. [18.35.090]

18.35.090 Development plan and architectural review permit review. [18.35.080]

18.35.010 Specific purposes. [18.35.010]
In addition to the general purposes listed in PHMC § 18.05.020, the specific purposes of the Hillside Planned Unit Development district are to:

A. Preserve the physical and visual identity of the hills and ridgelines of Pleasant Hill and the natural geologic conditions consistent with the city-wide design guidelines while allowing controlled development.

B. Utilize performance standards and specific regulations to ensure that utilization of land for urban purposes is kept in balance with the need to conserve natural resources and protect life and property from natural hazards.

C. Ensure orderly and thorough planning and review procedures that will result in quality urban design. (Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 710 § 35-10.1, 1996; 1991 code § 35-10.1)

18.35.020 Applicability. [18.35.020]
The HPUD district shall be imposed upon any parcel site that has a general plan residential land use designation with an average slope of 15% or greater. Residential parcels, with an average slope of 15% or greater, which are subdivided to their maximum density and in a zoning district other than HPUD shall be subject only to PHMC §

18.35.040.B, D and E and PHMC § 18.35.050. (Ord. 710 § 35-10.2, 1996; 1991 code § 35-10.2)

18.35.030 Land use regulations for HPUD district. [18.35.030] Schedule 18.35.030 sets forth the land use regulations for the HPUD district as established by letter designations as follows:
“P” designates use classifications permitted in residential districts. “U” designates use classifications permitted on approval of a use permit. “T” designates use classifications permitted on approval of a temporary use permit. “L” followed by a number designates use classifications subject to certain limitations listed by number following the schedule.
“P/U” designates use classifications permitted on the site of a permitted use, but requiring a use permit on the site of a conditional use.

The uses listed are based on the use classifications set forth in PHMC Chapter 18.15. Use classifications not listed are prohibited unless authorized by zoning administrator resolution under PHMC § 18.15.010. The “Additional Use Regulations” column includes specific limitations applicable to the use classifications or refers to regulations located elsewhere in this chapter.

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The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.35.030
HPUD DISTRICTS:

LAND USE REGULATIONS
P Permitted
U Use Permit Required
T Temporary Use Permit Required
L Limited (see specific limitations listed following schedule) HPUD Additional Use Regulations
Residential Uses
Accessory dwelling unit P See PHMC § 18.20.095.

Congregate care, limited U
Day care, limited P
Home occupation U See PHMC § 18.20.070.

Residential care, limited P
Single-family residential P
with boarder or lodger P
No more than 3 boarders or lodgers in
rooms with no kitchen facilities.

Public and Semipublic
Day care, large family U See PHMC § 18.20.080.

Day care, general U
Park and recreational facilities U
Public safety facilities U
Religious assembly U
Residential care, general U
Schools, public or private U
Utilities, major U
Utilities, minor P
Commercial Uses
Animal sales and service L-1
Only animal boarding and riding
academies.

Horticulture, limited P
Accessory Uses P/U L-2
Temporary Uses
Agricultural sales T
Commercial filming, limited T
Personal property sales P
See PHMC § 18.15.070 and Chapter

18.100.

Street fairs T
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The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.35.030
HPUD DISTRICTS:

LAND USE REGULATIONS
P Permitted
U Use Permit Required
T Temporary Use Permit Required
L Limited (see specific limitations listed following schedule) HPUD Additional Use Regulations
Nonconforming Uses See PHMC Chapter 18.65.

HPUD District: Additional Use Regulations
L-1
The keeping of large animals on a site of at least one acre is permitted with no more than two large animals per acre. Any barn, stable or other structure used to house large animals shall be located at least 100 feet from the boundary line of a street or public road and at least 50 feet from a side, front or rear property line.

L-2
Domestic and small animals are permitted, except no more than three mature dogs and no more than five mature cats or rabbits and five hens may be kept, harbored, possessed or maintained on any parcel. Farm animals including roosters, geese, turkeys, pigs, goats and sheep are not permitted.
(Ord. 915 § 10, 2017; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 710 § 35-10.4, 1996; 1991 code § 35-10.4)

18.35.040 Development regulation for HPUD district. [18.35.040] A. Residential unit density. The number of residential units allowed on a site in the HPUD district shall be computed based on the average percent of slope of the natural terrain of the site and the allowable density per net acre associated with that average percentage, as shown in Schedule 18.35.040. Any existing legal parcel within the HPUD district, with a slope equal to or greater than 15% and containing less than 15,000 square feet of gross lot area, may be developed with one single-family dwelling unit (and, if approved, an accessory dwelling unit) subject to compliance with all other applicable development standards and design guidelines. Fractional average percent of slope shall be rounded upward to the next whole number, but the maximum number of units allowed on a site in the HPUD district shall not be rounded upward to the nearest whole number. Schedule 18.35.040 also shows in column (2) the average lot area that must be achieved for each slope percentage based upon the maximum allowable density.

B. Performance standards.

1. Grading. On parcels with 15% to 29.9% slopes, the grading is limited to no more than 30% of the gross site area. On slopes in excess of 29.9%, the grading is limited to no more than 15% of the gross site area.

2. Impervious surface coverage. Impervious surfaces are those which do not absorb water; including all buildings, parking areas, driveways, roads, sidewalks, and any areas of concrete or asphalt. On parcels with 15% to 29.9% slopes, the impervious surface coverage is limited to 15% of the gross site area. On slopes in excess of 30%, the impervious surface coverage is limited to 8% of the gross site.

3. Noncompliance. If the grading or impervious surface coverage standards are not met, allowable density shall be reduced until both standards are met.

C. Reduced density for environmental impact mitigation. The planning commission shall reduce the allowable number of residential dwelling units allowed on a site upon finding that such reduced density is required to preserve the physical and visual identity of the hills and ridgelines, protect natural vegetation including trees, retain scenic corridors, or provide for adequate drainage or appropriate internal circulation, and upon making the required findings under Government Code section 65589.5.

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D. Maximum number of stories and maximum building height. No dwelling or structure shall exceed a height of 35 feet.

E. Other development regulations. The requirements and standards for yards or setbacks applicable to a hillside planned unit development are those standards set forth for the R district(s) similar in nature and function to the proposed planned unit development unless modified by the design standards in PHMC § 18.35.050. The requirements and standards for public improvements are those which apply in other R district(s) in the city, unless modified by the planning commission because of special topographical and design considerations.

SCHEDULE 18.35.040
HPUD DISTRICT: SLOPE/DENSITY REGULATIONS
Average Percent Slope
(1)
Allowable Density
(Dwelling Units per Net Acre)
(2)
Average Lot Area Required
(Sq. Ft.)
15 2.904 15,000
16 2.848 15,294
17 2.734 15,932
18 2.614 16,664
19 2.489 17,501
20 2.360 18,457
21 2.227 19,559
22 2.000 21,780
23 1.954 22,292
24 1.815 24,000
25 1.678 25,959
26 1.541 28,267
27 1.406 30,981
28 1.275 34,164
29 1.147 37,977
30 1.025 42,497
31 0.908 47,973
32 0.798 55,209
33 0.696 62,586
34 0.601 72,479
35 0.515 84,582
36 0.438 99,225
37 0.372 117,096
38 0.315 138,285
39 0.270 161,081
40 0.236 184,576
41 0.213 204,507
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Chapter 18.145 MEASUREMENTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.35.040
HPUD DISTRICT: SLOPE/DENSITY REGULATIONS
Average Percent Slope
(1)
Allowable Density
(Dwelling Units per Net Acre)
(2)
Average Lot Area Required
(Sq. Ft.)
42 0.201 216,716
43 or more 0.200 217,800
(Ord. 915 § 11, 2017; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 710 § 35-10.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-10.6)

18.35.050 Design standards. [18.35.050]
A. Grading. Streets, buildings, and other manmade structures shall be designed to complement the natural terrain and landscape.

B. Ridge views. The location of structures shall not disrupt the natural silhouette of prominent ridges as viewed from a public street.

C. Landscaping. Landscaping of areas around structures shall provide a smooth transition and blend into the natural landscape. Native and other drought-tolerant plants shall be used except immediately adjacent to residential structures. Graded areas shall be replanted to protect them from soil erosion and to eliminate visual scarring.

D. Building design. To reduce visual impacts and the amount of grading, both upslope and downslope units are encouraged.

E. Street design. The pattern of roadways in the hillsides shall be based upon good engineering practice and upon the general policy of maintaining the natural environmental setting of the hillside. In response to this policy, public rights-of-way shall be aligned in a manner to avoid existing trees and riparian environments. In cases where it is necessary to place rights-of-way on or near the ridge tops, grading for roadways shall be minimized to reduce visual scarring. The specific road alignments shall be based upon the following constraints:

1. Volume of traffic;

2. Topography;

3. Public safety;

4. Lot size and on-street parking needs; and

5. Drainage requirements.

F. Visitor parking. Parking bays for visitor parking are encouraged.

G. Emergency access. Emergency access shall be provided to open space areas, especially to the rear of dwellings or dwelling groups.

H. Nonvehicular circulation. Separate pedestrian circulation and trail plans, according to the general plan, shall be provided.

I. Clustering. Encourage clustering of homes and require protection of natural features such as large trees, knolls, rock, outcroppings, riparian areas and scenic corridors. (Ord. 710 § 35-10.8, 1996; 1991 code § 35-10.8)

18.35.060 Concept plan. [18.35.060]
The city council shall approve a concept plan at the same time that it adopts an ordinance establishing an HPUD district. The concept plan shall include a text and diagram or diagrams which specify:

A. The distribution, location and extent of the uses of land, including open space, within the area covered by the plan.

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B. The proposed distribution and location of major components of public and private transportation, sewage, water, drainage, solid waste disposal, energy, and other facilities.

C. Standards and criteria by which development will proceed, and standards for conservation, development and utilization of natural resources, where applicable.

D. A development regulation schedule establishing the physical standards for development including, but not limited to, setbacks, building heights, building coverage and floor area ratios.

E. Design criteria and placement for all buildings and structures.

F. A statement of the relationship of the proposed rezoning to the general plan. (Ord. 710 § 35-10.12, 1996; 1991 code § 35-10.12)

18.35.070 Planning commission, architectural review commission and city council action. [18.35.070] Before planning commission consideration of a proposed HPUD district, the architectural review commission shall review the proposal and make recommendations to the planning commission. The planning commission shall consider an application for rezoning to an HPUD district as prescribed in PHMC Chapter 18.125, and shall at the same time consider the proposed HPUD concept plan accompanying the application. A planning commission recommendation to rezone to the HPUD district shall be accompanied by a resolution approving an HPUD concept plan.

A. Architectural review commission action. The architectural review commission may recommend approval or conditional approval of a proposed HPUD concept plan upon finding that:

1. The design of the structures conforms to the topographic features of the particular site;

2. The design of the structures enhances the natural attributes of the particular site;

3. The scale and bulk of the structures are appropriate to the particular site; and

4. The HPUD is in substantial compliance with city-wide design guidelines.

B. Planning commission action. The planning commission may approve or conditionally approve an HPUD concept plan upon finding that:

1. The HPUD concept plan is consistent with the adopted general plan and other applicable policies and is compatible with surrounding development;

2. Deviations from the base district regulations are justified by compensating benefits of the HPUD plan;

3. The HPUD concept plan includes adequate provisions for utilities services and emergency vehicle access; and public service demands will not exceed the capacity of existing and planned systems; and

4. The HPUD concept plan has been reviewed by the architectural review commission.

C. City council action. After a public hearing, the council shall approve, modify, or reject the planning commission’s recommendation; provided, that a modification not previously considered by the planning commission shall be referred to the planning commission for a report prior to adoption of an ordinance amending the zoning regulations or map. Failure of the planning commission to report within 40 days after referral or such longer period as may be designated by the council shall be deemed approval of the proposed modification. Prior to adoption of an ordinance, the council shall make findings that the proposed regulation or map amendment is consistent with the policies of the general plan and the notice and hearing provisions of this title.

D. Concurrent submittal. A development plan, architectural review permit, use permit, and/or any associated permits may be submitted for review concurrently with an HPUD concept plan. In a concurrent submittal, the city council shall be the final decision-maker on all applications after considering recommendations from the planning Item 10.3
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18.35.080 Zoning map designation. [18.35.090]
An HPUD district shall be noted by the designation “HPUD,” followed by the ordinance number of the rezoning approving the HPUD plan. (Ord. 710 § 35-10.18, 1996; 1991 code § 35-10.18)

18.35.090 Development plan and architectural review permit review. [18.35.080] Plans for a project in an HPUD district shall be accepted for final development site plan review as prescribed by PHMC Chapter 18.90 and architectural review as prescribed by PHMC Chapter 18.115, only if they are consistent with a valid HPUD plan.

Minor changes to an existing HPUD, as determined by the zoning administrator, shall not be subject to PHMC Chapter 18.115, Architectural Review Permits.

The zoning administrator shall determine what is major or minor and has the discretion to make minor changes to an existing HPUD. Any interested person may appeal the zoning administrator’s determination under PHMC Chapter

18.130. (Ord. 902 § 7, 2016; Ord. 710 § 35-10.20, 1996; 1991 code § 35-10.20) Item 10.3
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Title 18 PLANNING AND LAND USE

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Title 18

PLANNING AND LAND USE
Chapters:

Part 3. Overlay Districts

18.40 General Provisions [18.40.010]

18.45 Historic Districts and Cultural Resources Districts [18.40.020] Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.40 GENERAL PROVISIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Chapter 18.40 [18.40.010]

GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sections:

18.40.010 Purpose and applicability. [18.40.010]

18.40.020 Initiation – Review and approval. [18.40.010]

18.40.010 Purpose and applicability. [18.40.010]
Overlay districts are zoning districts established to carry out specific purposes. They are governed by a set of regulations that address specific subjects, such as historic districts and cultural resources. Overlay districts may be initially established by adding a specific section to this Part 3, Overlay Districts, without being actually delineated on the zoning map. At a later time, when an opportunity arises to carry out the intended purposes for one or more sites that meet the criteria for designation, the city council may adopt an ordinance amending the zoning map to delineate the boundaries of the overlay district. The provisions of the overlay district then will be combined with the provisions of the base zoning district for that site or sites to which the overlay district applies and the more restrictive provisions will govern. (Ord. 710 § 35-11.1, 1996; 1991 code § 35-11.1)

18.40.020 Initiation – Review and approval. [18.40.010] The planning commission or the city council may initiate an amendment to the zoning ordinance to establish an overlay district under the procedures established in PHMC Chapter 18.125, Zoning Ordinance Amendments. The planning commission may recommend and the city council may adopt an ordinance enacting overlay district provisions under the requirements and criteria of PHMC Chapter 18.125 after duly noticed public hearings. (Ord. 710 § 35-11.2, 1996; 1991 code § 35-11.2)
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Chapter 18.45 [18.40.020]

HISTORIC DISTRICTS AND CULTURAL RESOURCES DISTRICTS
Sections:

18.45.010 Specific purposes. [18.40.020]

18.45.020 Responsibilities and applicability. [18.40.020]

18.45.030 Zoning map designators. [18.40.020]

18.45.040 Initiation. [18.40.020]

18.45.050 Land use and property development regulations. [18.40.020]

18.45.060 Procedure. [18.40.020]

18.45.070 Criteria for establishment of historic districts and cultural resources designations. [18.40.020]

18.45.080 Amendments to “H” historic district or “CR” cultural resources designation. [18.40.020]

18.45.090 Use permits for waiver from land use regulations. [18.40.020]

18.45.100 Maintenance of structures and premises. [18.40.020]

18.45.110 Certificate of appropriateness. [18.40.020]

18.45.120 Demolition permits. [18.40.020]

18.45.010 Specific purposes. [18.40.020]
The specific purposes of the historic districts and cultural resources overlay districts are to prevent neglect of historic or architecturally significant buildings, encourage public appreciation of the city’s past, foster civic and neighborhood pride, enhance property values and increase economic and financial benefits to the city, and encourage public participation in identifying and preserving historical and architectural resources. The historic districts and cultural resources overlay districts are intended to:

A. Promote the conservation, preservation, protection, and enhancement of cultural resources, landmarks and historic districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects significant in history, architecture, archaeology, and culture which impart a distinct aspect to the city and serve as visible reminders of the city’s culture and heritage; B. Deter demolition, destruction, alteration, misuse, or neglect of historically, culturally, archaeologically or architecturally significant districts, sites, buildings and objects that form an important link to the city’s past; C. Encourage development tailored to the character and significance of each historic district or landmark through an historic district conservation plan that includes goals, objectives, and design standards; D. Provide a review process for the appropriate preservation and development of important cultural, architectural and historical resources; and
E. Promote maintenance of a harmonious outward appearance of both historic and modern structures through complementary scale, form, color, proportion, texture and material. (Ord. 710 § 35-12.1, 1996; 1991 code § 35-12.1)

18.45.020 Responsibilities and applicability. [18.40.020] A. Responsibilities. The city’s architectural review commission shall:

1. Establish criteria and conduct a comprehensive survey in conformance with state survey standards and guidelines of cultural heritage resources within the boundaries of the city, notify property owners of cultural heritage resources identified by the survey, publicize the results of the survey with the consent of each cultural heritage resource owner and periodically update the survey results.

2. Recommend to the planning commission and city council the designation of cultural resources and historic districts determined to be appropriate for historic preservation.

3. Maintain a local register of cultural resources within the city including all information required for such designation. The register shall remain in the possession of the city and be accessible to the public.

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4. Review and comment upon public and private land use proposals, programs, and related environmental documents, as they pertain to designated or nominated cultural resources of the community or to the property upon which a cultural resource is located, including all public and private land use proposals located within 100 feet of such cultural resource.

5. Approve, approve with conditions or disapprove permit applications to construct additions, change, alter, modify, remodel, remove or otherwise significantly affect any designated or nominated cultural resource.

6. Recommend that the city purchase property, grant or acquire easements and employ other mechanisms for purposes of cultural heritage resources preservation.

7. Investigate the use of various federal, state, local and private funding sources and mechanisms for cultural resource management.

B. Establishment. An “H” historic district designation or “CR” cultural resources designation may be combined with any base zoning district. An “H” historic district designation or a “CR” cultural resources designation may be adopted only as an amendment to the zoning map pursuant to the procedures and criteria of PHMC Chapter 18.125, and the criteria of this section.

C. Certificate of appropriateness required. A certificate of appropriateness is required before development, exterior alteration, restoration, or relocation of any structure or site in an “H” historic district or a designated cultural resource (“CR”). The certificate must be obtained before issuance of a zoning permit or a building permit, unless the development, alteration, restoration, or relocation is exempt under PHMC § 18.45.110.

D. Demolition review. Approval of the architectural review commission is required before demolition of any structure or site in an “H” historic district or of a designated cultural resource (“CR”); see PHMC § 18.45.120. (Ord. 890 § 22, 2015; Ord. 727 § 6, 1998; Ord. 710 § 35-12.2, 1996; 1991 code § 35-12.2)

18.45.030 Zoning map designators. [18.40.020]
Each “H” historic district or “CR” cultural resources designation shall be shown on the zoning map by adding an “-H” or a “-CR” designator, respectively, to the base zoning district designation followed by the number of the “H” historic district or “CR” cultural resources designation, based on its order of adoption with reference to the enacting ordinance. (Ord. 710 § 35-12.4, 1996; 1991 code § 35-12.4)

18.45.040 Initiation. [18.40.020]
An application for an amendment to the zoning map for an “H” historic district designation or “CR” cultural resources designation may be initiated by the city council, the planning commission, the architectural review commission, or the affected property owner.

If an application for a designation is initiated under this section, the zoning administrator shall provide copies of this section and of the city’s cultural resources management guidelines to all property owners that would be subject to the designation and inform them in writing of the restrictions that will be placed on their property as a result of such designation. (Ord. 890 § 23, 2015; Ord. 710 § 35-12.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-12.6)

18.45.050 Land use and property development regulations. [18.40.020] The land use regulations and development regulations applicable to a building, structure or area subject to an “H” historic district or “CR” cultural resources designation shall be as prescribed for the base zoning district with which it is combined, unless modified by the ordinance establishing the “H” historic district or “CR” cultural resources designation. If conflicts arise, the criteria and requirements of any applicable historic district conservation plan shall govern.

A. Ordinary maintenance and repair – Repair for public safety. Nothing in this section is intended to prohibit ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior or interior architectural features in or on any property subject to an “H” or “CR” overlay district designation that does not involve a change in design, material or external appearance.

Nor is this section intended to prohibit the construction, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, demolition or removal of any such architectural feature when the zoning administrator certifies to the architectural review commission that Item 10.3
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B. Preservation easements. In order to implement the provisions of this section, preservation easements on the facades of buildings designated as a cultural resource may be acquired by the city or nonprofit group through purchase, donation or condemnation pursuant to Civil Code section 815.

C. State Historical Building Code. The California State Historical Building Code provides alternative building regulations for the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration or relocation of structures designated as cultural resources. Such work on designated cultural resources shall be subject to the provisions of the California State Historical Building Code rather than the Uniform Building Code.

D. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. “The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings” (Revised 1983) shall be used by the architectural review commission as guidelines in carrying out their responsibilities under this chapter.

E. Financial incentives for property owner participation. The city is supportive of financial incentives to carry out historical preservation, and endorses the Mills Act (Government Code § 50280 et seq.) as a viable means of providing property owners such incentive. (Ord. 710 § 35-12.8, 1996; 1991 code § 35-12.8)

18.45.060 Procedure. [18.40.020]
A. General. An application for an amendment to the zoning map for an “H” historic district designation or “CR” cultural resources designation shall be processed pursuant to the procedures and criteria of PHMC Chapter 18.125 and the criteria of this section.

B. Additional application contents.

1. Historic district application. In addition to the application contents required for an amendment to the zoning map pursuant to PHMC Chapter 18.125, an application for an amendment to the zoning map for an “H” historic district designation shall include a proposed historic district conservation plan for the “H” historic district containing:
a. A map and description of the proposed “H” historic district, including boundaries; photographs of buildings in the proposed district; an inventory of the age, setting, character and architectural, cultural or historical significance of structures in the proposed district; and proposed objectives to be achieved in the “H” historic district;
b. A statement of the architectural, cultural, or historical significance of the proposed “H” historic district and a description of structures and features to be preserved; c. A list of specific categories of exterior alterations that require approval of a certificate of appropriateness to preserve the architectural or historical integrity of the proposed “H” historic district; and
d. A set of specific performance guidelines and standards for reviewing applications for demolition of buildings, new construction and exterior alterations, signs, landscape and streetscape features that will preserve the integrity of the “H” historic district.

Where an “H” historic district designation is initiated by the city, the architectural review commission shall assist in the preparation of the historic district conservation plan.

When the applicant is not the city, a form bearing the signatures of all of the property owners within the proposed “H” historic district requesting the designation must be submitted at the time the application is filed.

2. Cultural resources district application. In addition to the application contents required for an amendment to the zoning map under PHMC § 18.125.030, an application for an amendment to the zoning map for a “CR” cultural resources designation shall include the following:

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The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. a. A map showing the location of the building or structure and building plans or photographs of the building exterior;
b. A statement of the cultural significance of the building or structure, and a description of the particular features that should be preserved; and
c. Except when initiated by the city, the consent of the owner or authorized agent of the building or structure proposed for designation.

3. Review and recommendation of zoning administrator. Upon determination that the application for amendment to the zoning map for an “H” historic district designation or “CR” cultural resources designation is complete, the zoning administrator shall prepare a staff report.

4. Architectural review commission review. After completion of the staff report, but before scheduling the planning commission public hearing, the zoning administrator shall refer the application for amendment to the zoning map for an “H” historic district designation or “CR” cultural resources designation to the architectural review commission for review and recommendation to the planning commission and the city council.

5. Recommendation by planning commission/action by city council. An application for an amendment to the zoning map for an “H” historic district designation or “CR” cultural resources shall be the subject of public hearings before the planning commission and the city council. (Ord. 890 § 24, 2015; Ord. 710 § 35-12.10, 1996; 1991 code § 35-12.10)

18.45.070 Criteria for establishment of historic districts and cultural resources designations. [18.40.020] A. General criteria. In addition to the criteria for amendments to the zoning map established in PHMC Chapter

18.125, the city council shall consider the following criteria in determining whether to adopt an ordinance designating an “H” historic district or “CR” cultural resources:

1. The area, structures or site possesses value as a visible reminder of the cultural heritage of the city.

2. The area, structure or site is identified with a person, group, or event that contributed significantly to the cultural or historical development of the city.

3. Structures within the area exemplify a particular architectural style or way of life important to the city.

4. Structures within the area are the best remaining examples of an architectural style in a neighborhood.

5. The area or its structures are identified as the work of a person or group whose work has influenced the heritage of the city.

6. The area or its structures embody elements of outstanding attention to architectural or landscape design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship.

7. The area is related to a designated historic or landmark building or district in such a way that its preservation is essential to the integrity of the building or district.

8. Specific evidence exists that unique archaeological resources are present.

B. Adoption of an historic district conservation plan. In addition, the ordinance establishing an “H” historic district shall include an historic district conservation plan, in the form submitted or as revised by the city council. (Ord. 710 § 35-12.12, 1996; 1991 code § 35-12.12)

18.45.080 Amendments to “H” historic district or “CR” cultural resources designation. [18.40.020] An amendment to an “H” historic district and historic district conservation plan or “CR” cultural resources designation shall only be approved as an amendment to the zoning ordinance and zoning map under the procedures and criteria of PHMC Chapter 18.125. (Ord. 710 § 35-12.14, 1996; 1991 code § 35-12.14) Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.145 MEASUREMENTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

18.45.090 Use permits for waiver from land use regulations. [18.40.020] The planning commission, after receiving a recommendation from the architectural review commission, may grant a use permit for a waiver of the land use regulations of the base zoning district with which an “H” historic district or “CR” cultural resources designation is combined, when such a waiver is necessary to permit the preservation or restoration of an historic or architecturally significant building, structure or site, consistent with the purposes of this section, the general purposes of this zoning ordinance, the applicable historic district conservation plan, and the general plan.

An application for a use permit shall be reviewed under the procedures and standards of PHMC Chapter 18.75, except that the zoning administrator shall refer applications for a use permit under this section to the architectural review commission for review and recommendation before the application is submitted to the planning commission.

In making a decision, the planning commission shall make a written finding of the facts relied upon and the basis for determining consistency with the purposes of this section, the general purposes of this zoning ordinance, the applicable historic district conservation plan, and the general plan. (Ord. 890 § 25, 2015; Ord. 710 § 35-12.16, 1996; 1991 code § 35-12.16)

18.45.100 Maintenance of structures and premises. [18.40.020] A. General. All property owners in “H” historic districts and property owners subject to a “CR” cultural resources designation shall have the obligation to maintain structures and premises in good repair, and no owner shall permit the property to fall into a serious state of disrepair which results in deterioration of any architectural feature that would, in the judgment of the architectural review commission, produce a detrimental effect upon the character of the “H” historic district or the life and character of an individual cultural resource.

B. Standards of review. The standards of review for good repair and disrepair as follows:

1. Good repair includes and is defined as the level of maintenance that ensures the continued availability of the structure and premises for a lawfully permitted use, and prevents unreasonable deterioration, dilapidation, and decay of the exterior portions of the structure and premises. Structures and premises shall be considered in good repair if there is no evidence of disrepair or material variance in the condition compared to surrounding structures that are in compliance with this section.

2. Disrepair includes but is not limited to unreasonable deterioration of exterior walls, plaster, mortar or vertical or horizontal supports; deterioration of roofs and exterior chimneys; ineffective waterproofing, including broken windows or doors; or the deterioration of any other exterior feature that would create a hazardous or unsafe condition. (Ord. 710 § 35-12.18, 1996; 1991 code § 35-12.18)

18.45.110 Certificate of appropriateness. [18.40.020]
A certificate of appropriateness is required before development, exterior alteration, restoration, rehabilitation, or relocation of any structure or site in an historic district, or of a designated cultural resource, that would affect its appearance and cohesiveness. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure the integrity of structures and the general character in historic districts or the integrity and general character of designated cultural resources.

A. Authority. The architectural review commission has the authority to review and approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove a certificate of appropriateness under this section.

B. Exemptions. No certificate of appropriateness is required for ordinary maintenance and any development, alteration, restoration, rehabilitation, or relocation that is not specifically described as critical to maintaining the historical or architectural integrity of the historic district or designated cultural resource.

C. Initiation. An application for a certificate of appropriateness may be submitted only by the affected property owner.

D. Procedure.

1. Submission of application. A complete application for a certificate of appropriateness shall be submitted to the zoning administrator, on a form prescribed by the zoning administrator, along with the required fee.

Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.145 MEASUREMENTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

2. Review and recommendation by zoning administrator. Upon a determination that the application is complete, the zoning administrator shall review the application and prepare a staff report recommending approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval of the application. A copy of the staff report shall be mailed to the applicant at least 10 days before the public hearing on the application.

3. Public hearing before the architectural review commission. After notice in accord with PHMC Chapter

18.125, the architectural review commission shall conduct a public hearing on the application. At the public hearing, the architectural review commission shall consider the application, the relevant support materials, the staff report, and public testimony given at the public hearing. After the close of the public hearing, the architectural review commission shall, within a reasonable period of time, approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove the application based on the criteria in subsection E of this section.

4. Notice of decision. The zoning administrator shall provide a copy of the decision to the applicant by mail within a reasonable period of time after the decision is made.

E. Criteria. To approve an application for a certificate of appropriateness, the architectural review commission shall consider:

1. Whether the proposed construction, reconstruction, or relocation is appropriate and consistent with this section and the conservation plan for the historic district.

2. Whether the applicant has demonstrated that every reasonable effort will be made to minimize alteration of any structure and preserve its integrity.

3. Whether the distinguishing original qualities or character of a structure or site and its environment will not be destroyed, and the removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural feature will be avoided, to the greatest extent reasonably practical.

4. Whether all structures or sites are recognized as products of their own time and whether alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance will be minimized.

5. Whether changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a structure or site and its environment and whether such changes, which may have acquired significance in their own right, will be recognized and respected.

6. Whether distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a structure or site will be kept, to the extent reasonably possible.

7. Whether:
a. Proposals for replacement, rather than repair, of deteriorated architectural features are necessary; b. New material will reasonably reflect the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture, and other visual qualities to the extent reasonably possible; and c. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features shall be based on accurate duplication of features, substantiated by historical, physical, or pictorial evidence, rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other structures.

8. Whether every reasonable effort will be made to protect and preserve archaeological resources affected by, or adjacent to, any project.

9. Whether any proposed contemporary design for alterations and additions will destroy significant historical, architectural, or cultural material, and such design will be compatible with the size, scale, color, material, and character of the property, neighborhood, or environment.

Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.145 MEASUREMENTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

10. Whether additions or alterations to structures or sites will be done in a manner that, if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the building, structure, object, or site would be unimpaired.

F. Conditions. The zoning administrator may recommend, and the architectural review commission may impose, such conditions in a certificate of appropriateness that are necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter and prevent or minimize adverse impacts upon the public and neighborhoods. These conditions shall run with the land and not be affected by a change in ownership.

G. Appeal for economic hardship. On the basis of economic hardship, an applicant may appeal the decision of the architectural review commission on an application for a certificate of appropriateness to the planning commission by filing a notice of appeal with the zoning administrator within 14 days of the date of the decision on the certificate of appropriateness, stating the grounds for the appeal. The zoning administrator shall forward the notice of appeal and the record of the decision on which the appeal is based to the planning commission.

1. Scheduling hearing. After the receipt of the notice of appeal, the planning commission shall hold a hearing on the appeal within a reasonable period of time, or at such time as is mutually agreed upon between the applicant and the zoning administrator.

2. Decision by planning commission. At the hearing, the planning commission shall consider the record of the decision on which the appeal is based and hear statements from the applicant and the zoning administrator, and any other persons. The planning commission may affirm or reverse the decision of the cultural resource management commission after considering evidence that:
a. The structure or site is incapable of providing a reasonable economic return on investment, regardless of whether that return represents the most profitable return possible; and b. The structure or site cannot be adapted to another use that would provide a reasonable economic return on investment while maintaining the historic or architectural integrity of the structure or site.

3. Effect of issuance of a certificate of appropriateness. The issuance of a certificate of appropriateness authorizes the development, exterior alteration, restoration, or relocation of the site or structure within the historic district or of the designated cultural resource under the terms of the certificate and authorizes the applicant to apply for a zoning permit. A certificate of appropriateness shall run with the land.

4. Amendment to certificate of appropriateness. A certificate of appropriateness may be amended, extended, or modified only in accord with the procedures and criteria established for its original approval. (Ord. 890 § 26, 2015; Ord. 710 § 35-12.20, 1996; 1991 code § 35-12.20)

18.45.120 Demolition permits. [18.40.020]
A demolition permit is required before demolition of any structure or site in an historic district, or of a designated cultural resource.

A. Authority. The architectural review commission has the authority to review and approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove a demolition permit under this section.

B. Applicability. Before the demolition of a structure or site in an historic district or of a designated cultural resource, a demolition permit shall be approved by the architectural review commission.

C. Initiation. An application for a demolition permit may be submitted only by a qualified applicant.

D. Procedure.

1. Submission of application. A complete application for a demolition permit shall be submitted to the zoning administrator, on a form prescribed by the zoning administrator, along with the required fee.

2. Review and recommendation by zoning administrator. When the zoning administrator determines the application is complete, the zoning administrator shall review the application and prepare a staff report Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1632 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.145 MEASUREMENTS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. recommending approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval of the application based on the criteria in subsection E of this section. A copy of the staff report shall be mailed to the applicant before the public hearing on the application.

3. Public hearing before the architectural review commission. After due notice in accordance with PHMC §

18.80.010, the architectural review commission shall conduct a public hearing on the application. At the public hearing, the architectural review commission shall consider the application, the relevant support materials, the staff report, and public testimony. Within a reasonable period of time after the close of the public hearing, the architectural review commission shall defer action on the demolition permit for 180 days, or approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove the application based on the criteria in subsection E of this section.

4. Notice of decision. The zoning administrator shall provide a copy of the decision of the architectural review commission to the applicant by mail within a reasonable period of time after the decision is made.

E. Criteria. To defer action, or approve, or approve with conditions an application for a demolition permit, the architectural review commission shall consider the proposed demolition in the context of the standards governing demolition that are included in the appropriate historic district conservation plan, the architectural or historic significance and the value of the structure or site, and take any of the following actions:

1. Deferral of action on application. If it is determined that the structure or site has historical, architectural or cultural interest or value as determined in the appropriate historic district conservation plan, the architectural review commission may defer a final decision on an application for demolition for 180 days from the date that the application for a demolition permit is accepted as complete. Upon determining that action is to be deferred, the architectural review commission shall direct the zoning administrator to consult with recognized historic preservation organizations and other civic groups, public agencies, and interested citizens and report back to the commission within such 180-day period as to the feasibility of:
a. Public or civic acquisition of the structure or site; b. Relocating one or more of the structures or features of the site so as to preserve its historic or architectural value; or
c. Any other reasonable means of preserving the structure’s or site’s historic or architectural value.

2. If at the end of the 180-day period it is demonstrated that the structure or site cannot be preserved through acquisition, relocation or any other reasonable means, the demolition permit shall be issued.

3. Immediate action. A demolition permit shall be issued if the architectural review commission determines that the structure or site has no substantial historical, architectural, or cultural interest or value identified in the appropriate historic district conservation plan.

F. Conditions. The zoning administrator may recommend, and the architectural review commission may impose, such conditions in a demolition permit that are necessary to accomplish the purposes and intent of this section, and prevent or minimize adverse impacts upon the public and neighborhoods. These conditions shall run with the land and shall not be affected by a change in ownership.

G. Appeal. Any interested person may appeal the decision of the architectural review commission on an application for a demolition permit to the planning commission in accord with the provisions of PHMC Chapter 18.130.

H. Amendment to demolition permit. A demolition permit may be amended, extended, or modified only in accord with the procedures and criteria established for its original approval. (Ord. 890 § 27, 2015; Ord. 710 § 35-12.22, 1996; 1991 code § 35-12.22)
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1633 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Title 18 PLANNING AND LAND USE

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Title 18

PLANNING AND LAND USE
Chapters:

Part 4. Regulations Applying in All Districts [Part 4]

18.50 Additional Site Development Regulations [n/a]

18.52 Water-Efficient Landscaping [18.105]

18.55 Off-Street Parking and Loading Regulations [18.80]

18.60 Signs [18.95]

18.65 Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Signs [18.200]

18.67 Wireless Telecommunications Facilities [18.110]

18.70 Adult Uses [18.60, 18.115]
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1634 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.50 ADDITIONAL SITE DEVELOPMENT

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Chapter 18.50 [n/a]

ADDITIONAL SITE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
Sections:

18.50.010 Repealed. [n/a]

18.50.020 Building projections into yards and courts. [18.55.040]

18.50.030 Development on substandard lots. [18.200.030]

18.50.040 Development on lots divided by district boundaries. [18.55.020]

18.50.050 Exceptions to height limits. [18.55.030]

18.50.060 Performance standards. [18.85]

18.50.070 Refuse storage areas. [18.55.050]

18.50.080 Relocated buildings. [18.55.060]

18.50.090 Screening of mechanical equipment. [18.75.040]

18.50.100 Sight obstructions at intersections and driveways. [18.55.070]

18.50.110 Tree preservation. [18.100]

18.50.120 Underground utilities. [18.55.090]

18.50.130 Repealed. [n/a]

18.50.140 Marijuana/cannabis. [18.65]

18.50.150 Creek setbacks. [18.70]

18.50.160 Solar energy systems. [18.85 (relocated)]

18.50.170 Repealed. [n/a]

18.50.010 Wireless communication facilities. [n/a]
Repealed by Ord. 910. (Ord. 768 § 2, 2003; 1991 code § 35-16.1)

18.50.020 Building projections into yards and courts. [18.55.040] A projection into a required yard setback is permitted as follows:

A. Fireplace or chimney: 18 inches;
B. Cornice (no vertical ground support or foundation), eave (no vertical ground support or foundation), mechanical equipment, and ornamental feature: two feet;
C. Balcony, stairs, canopy, and awning: five feet into a front or rear yard, and two feet into a side yard, all except stairs shall have no vertical ground support or foundation; D. Bay windows: when installed on either a wall with a foundation or cantilevered, and do not extend to the top of the wall, and not exceeding eight feet in width, are allowed a projection of two and one-half feet, except that a minimum five-foot side yard shall be maintained; and
E. Decks (attached or detached): front and side yard requirements shall be the same as those applicable to the primary residence.

Rear yard setbacks as specified below:

Deck height, measured from finished
grade Minimum rear yard setback
Up to 6 inches None
6 to 18 inches 5 feet
Over 18 inches up to 3 feet 10 feet
More than 3 feet
Setback applicable to structures in the
zoning district
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1635 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.50 ADDITIONAL SITE DEVELOPMENT

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. (Ord. 949 § 11, 2021; Ord. 928 § 9, 2019; Ord. 906 § 7, 2016; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 710 § 35-16.2, 1996; 1991 code § 35-16.2)

18.50.030 Development on substandard lots. [18.200.030] A legally created lot having a width or area less than required for the base district in which it is located may be occupied by a permitted or conditional use if it has a width of 25 feet or more and an area of 2,500 square feet or more; provided, that on the effective date of regulations that made it substandard, it was in single ownership separate from any abutting lot. No substandard lot may be further reduced in area or width, and a substandard lot is subject to the same yard and density requirements as a standard lot. One dwelling unit may be located on a substandard lot that meets the requirements of this section. (Ord. 710 § 35-16.4, 1996; 1991 code § 35-16.4)

18.50.040 Development on lots divided by district boundaries. [18.55.020] The regulations applicable to each district shall be applied to the area within that district, and no use other than parking serving a principal use on the site shall be located in a district in which it is not a permitted or conditional use. Pedestrian or vehicular access from a street to a use shall not traverse a portion of the site in a district in which the use is not a permitted or conditional use. (Ord. 710 § 35-16.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-16.6)

18.50.050 Exceptions to height limits. [18.55.030]
The following items may exceed the maximum permitted height in a district by eight feet with no discretionary review, if the items do not cover more than 20% of the top floor roof area of the structure to which they are accessory: a tower, spire, cupola, chimney, elevator, penthouse, water tank, monument, theater scenery loft, and similar structures and necessary mechanical appurtenances. (Ord. 710 § 35-16.8, 1996; 1991 code § 35-16.8)

18.50.060 Performance standards. [18.85]
The following performance standards shall apply to all use classifications in all zoning districts:

A. Noise. All uses and activities shall comply with the Pleasant Hill noise regulations (PHMC Chapter 9.15), and no use shall create ambient noise levels measured at the property line which exceed the standards in Schedule

18.50.060. Where noise is measured at the property line of abutting districts, the noise standard for the more restrictive district applies.

SCHEDULE 18.50.060

MAXIMUM NOISE STANDARDS BY ZONING DISTRICT
Zone of Property Receiving Noise Maximum Noise Level Ldn or CNEL, dB R, NB
Residential and Neighborhood Business
Districts 50
RB, C Commercial and Retail Business Districts 60
PAO Office District 65
LI Industrial District 70
PUD, PPD Planned Development/Precise Plan District Study Required

1. Duration and timing. The noise standards above shall be modified as follows to account for the effects of time and duration on the impact of noise levels:
a. In residential zones, the noise standard shall be five dB lower between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. b. Noise that is produced for no more than a cumulative period of five minutes in any hour may exceed the standards above by five dB.
c. Noise that is produced for no more than a cumulative period of one minute in any hour may exceed the standards above by 10 dB.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1636 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.50 ADDITIONAL SITE DEVELOPMENT

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

2. Zoning administrator may require acoustic study. The zoning administrator may require an acoustic study for any proposed project which could have or create a noise exposure greater than that deemed acceptable. For any study required, noise shall be measured with a sound level meter which meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Section S1.4-1979, Type 1 or Type 2). Noise levels shall be measured in decibels from the property line. The unit of measure shall be designated as dB. A calibration check shall be made of the instrument at the time any noise measurement is made.

3. Noise attenuation measures. The zoning administrator may require the incorporation into a project of any noise attenuation measures deemed necessary to ensure that noise standards are not exceeded.

B. Vibration. No use, activity, or process shall produce vibrations that are perceptible without instruments by a reasonable person at the property lines of a site.

C. Odors. No use, process, or activity shall produce objectionable odors that are perceptible without instruments by a reasonable person at the property lines of a site.

D. Hazardous and extremely hazardous materials. The use, handling, storage, and transportation of hazardous and extremely hazardous materials shall comply with the provisions of the California Hazardous Materials Regulations and any other applicable laws.

E. Heat and humidity. Uses, activities, and processes shall not produce any unreasonable, disturbing, or unnecessary emissions of heat or humidity, at the property line of the site on which they are situated, that cause significant distress, discomfort, or injury to a reasonable person.

F. Electromagnetic interference. Uses, activities, and processes shall not cause electromagnetic interference with normal radio or television reception in R districts, or with the function of other electronic equipment beyond the property line of the site on which they are situated. (Ord. 710 § 35-16.14, 1996; 1991 code § 35-16.14)

18.50.070 Refuse storage areas. [18.55.050]
A refuse storage area screened on all sides by a six-foot high solid wood or masonry wall, or located within a building, shall be provided before occupancy for all uses other than a single-family residence or duplex. Locations, horizontal dimensions, and general design parameters of refuse storage areas shall be as prescribed by the architectural review commission. (Ord. 710 § 35-16.16, 1996; 1991 code § 35-16.16)

18.50.080 Relocated buildings. [18.55.060]
A minor use permit is required for relocation of any building except a single-family dwelling. The design of all relocated buildings shall be approved by the architectural review commission to ensure compatibility with its surroundings in terms of architectural character, height and bulk, and exterior appearance. (See also PHMC Chapter

14.45, House Moving.) (Amended during 2005 recodification; Ord. 710 § 35-16.18, 1996; 1991 code § 35-16.18)

18.50.090 Screening of mechanical equipment. [18.75.040] A. General requirement. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, all exterior mechanical equipment shall be screened from view on all sides. Equipment to be screened includes, but is not limited to, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration equipment, plumbing lines, ductwork, and transformers. Screening of the top of equipment may be required by the zoning administrator, if necessary to protect views from an R district.

B. Utility meters. Utility meters shall be screened from view from public rights-of-way, but need not be screened on top or when located on the interior side yard of a single-family dwelling. Meters in a required front yard or in a corner side yard shall be enclosed in subsurface vaults.

C. Screening specifications. Screening materials may be solid concrete, wood, or other opaque material and shall effectively screen mechanical equipment so no portion is visible from a street or adjoining lot. Screening material may have evenly distributed openings or perforations not exceeding 50% of the surface area. (Ord. 710 § 35-16.20, 1996; 1991 code § 35-16.20)
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1637 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.50 ADDITIONAL SITE DEVELOPMENT

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

18.50.100 Sight obstructions at intersections and driveways. [18.55.070] A. Intersections. Visibility at street intersections shall not be blocked above a height of two and one-half feet or greater above the top of the curb or three feet or greater above the edge of pavement by vegetation or structures, including but not limited to fences and walls. For standard, flat lots on local streets, where the corner forms a 90-degree angle, this restriction applies to all land within a triangular area bounded by the edge of pavement 35 feet back from the point of their intersection (see diagram) subject to review and approval by the director of public works and community development. For corner lots which are not flat, are irregularly shaped, or are adjacent to a collector street, arterial, or expressway, the director of public works and community development may impose a stricter standard in order to provide adequate visibility, comparable to that on a standard, flat lot.

B. Driveways. See PHMC § 18.55.130.

SIGHT DISTANCES
Provided for illustrative purposes only
(Ord. 949 § 12, 2021; Ord. 906 § 8, 2016; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 745 § 5, 2000; Ord. 710 § 35-16.22, 1996; 1991 code § 35-16.22)

18.50.110 Tree preservation. [18.1000]
The following supplemental regulations are intended to encourage the preservation of trees throughout the community by establishing reasonable provisions for protecting heritage trees and other protected trees and establishing procedures for review and approval of tree removal and replacement. Unrestricted removal of trees without replacement will detrimentally affect the city’s health, safety and welfare. Specifically, removal of or damage to heritage and other protected trees will interfere with the city’s natural and scenic beauty, diminish the tempering effect of these trees on extreme temperatures and adversely impact the city’s unique character and identity.

A. Permit required. No person, firm, corporation, private or public utility or governmental entity shall remove, relocate, excessively trim, damage or demolish a protected tree or heritage tree prior to obtaining a tree removal permit from the zoning administrator or approval from another applicable city decision-making body pursuant to Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1638 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.50 ADDITIONAL SITE DEVELOPMENT

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. subsection C, I or J of this section. City initiated projects shall also be subject to all of the provisions of this chapter unless specifically exempted by the city council.

1. Protected trees. The term “protected tree” means any of the following:
a. Any native oak tree with a trunk diameter measurement of nine inches or larger. b. Any indigenous tree with a trunk diameter measurement of nine inches or larger. Indigenous trees include but are not limited to: Alnus Oregona (Red Alder), Acer Macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple), Aesculus Californica (California Buckeye), Arbutus Menziesii (Madrone), Umbellularia Californica (California Bay or Laurel), Juglans Hindsii (California Black Walnut), Platanus Racemosa (California Sycamore), or Sambucus Mexicana (Elderberry).

Note: The California Native Plant Society list of indigenous/native trees for the Bay Area can also be referenced to determine whether a tree is considered native or indigenous to the region. c. A nonnative tree (not including Eucalyptus) with a trunk diameter measurement of 18 inches or larger.

Nonnative trees include species such as Sequoia Sempervirens (Coastal Redwood), Pinus Canariensis (Canary Island Pine), Pinus Halepensis (Aleppo Pine), Pinus Pinea (Italian Stone Pine), Pinus Radiata (Monterey Pine), Ulmus Americana (American Elm), Ulmus Parvifolia (Chinese Elm), Ulmus Pumila (Siberian Elm), Liquidambar Styraciflua (American Sweet Gum), Cedrus Deodara (Deodar Cedar), Cedrus Atlantica (Atlas Cedar), Fraxinus Uhdei (Shamel Ash), Fraxinus American (White Ash), Fraxinus Augustifolia (Raywood Ash), Cupressus (Cypress species), Morus Alba (Fruit/Fruitless Mulberry), Chinese Pistache, Robinia Pseudoacacia (Black Locust), Pyrus Calleryana (Bradford Pear), Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor).
d. Any tree shown to be preserved on an approved tentative map, development or site plan or required to be retained as a condition of approval or environmental mitigation measure. e. Any tree required to be planted as a replacement for an unlawfully removed tree. f. Any tree designated as a “heritage tree” pursuant to subsection E of this section.

Note: See subsection G of this section for definition of trunk diameter measurement.

2. Arborist report required. Any application for a tree removal permit shall include a letter report prepared by a certified arborist addressing the health/condition of the tree, the rationale for removal, the feasibility of any alternatives to removal, and any recommendations for replacement trees.

3. Criteria for tree removal review. The zoning administrator, or other applicable city decision-making body, shall consider the following factors in determining whether to approve the removal of a tree or trees:
a. Health or physical condition of the tree;
b. Any potential hazard or any risk presented by the tree determined using the ANSI A-300, part 9 Standard for Tree Risk Assessment;
c. Whether the tree is causing a public nuisance and/or a public safety hazard; d. Potential for the tree to be a detriment to other protected trees due to its location, overcrowding, or its health;
e. Evidence of significant damage to property caused, or likely to be caused, by the tree; f. Any potential historic or cultural significance of the tree; g. Whether the tree substantially inhibits sunlight necessary for the operation of active or passive solar heating, cooling or energy generation and trimming or thinning is not a feasible alternative to removal; Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1639 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.50 ADDITIONAL SITE DEVELOPMENT

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. h. Whether the tree is obstructing proposed improvements that cannot be reasonably designed to avoid tree removal;
i. Whether the tree is located in close proximity to a structure in a high fire hazard area and removal is necessary to create defensible space per applicable fire safety laws, regulations or Fire District requirements;
j. Whether preservation of the tree(s) would render a site undevelopable and the planning commission or city council has determined that no economically viable use can be made of underlying or adjacent property if the tree is not removed and that every reasonable effort has been made to retain the tree; k. Feasibility of alternatives to removal of the tree (for example, depending on the circumstances, abandonment in place of a natural gas pipeline that is over 30 years old and relocation of the pipeline may be deemed a feasible alternative);
l. Any other circumstances deemed relevant by the zoning administrator or other city decision-making body based on site conditions, technical analyses, and/or the location of the tree.

4. Third-party peer review arborist. When deemed necessary by the zoning administrator or other applicable city decision-making body, a third-party peer review prepared by a certified arborist, board certified master arborist or registered consulting arborist may be required (at the cost of the applicant) to: (a) review the applicant’s arborist report and/or tree preservation and replacement plan, (b) physically inspect and evaluate the tree(s) proposed for removal, and (c) provide a written analysis to include the peer review arborist’s findings, and recommendations. The peer review arborist’s comments may also include recommendations regarding tree replacement.

5. Replacement trees required.
a. Replacement ratios. Unless otherwise specified by the zoning administrator or other applicable city decision-making body, the replacement ratios for tree removal shall be as follows:
i. A protected native or indigenous tree approved for removal shall be replaced by at least two 15-gallon trees on the project site.
ii. A protected nonnative tree approved for removal shall be replaced by at least one 15 gallon tree on the project site.
iii. In addition to the replacement requirements in subsections A.5.a.i and/or ii of this section, removal of any protected tree (native, indigenous or nonnative), as part of an area-wide program and/or discretionary development plan, that is located within or adjacent to the public right-of-way along Contra Costa Boulevard or within or adjacent to the Iron Horse Trail, may also be subject to additional mitigation requirements to address potential community-wide impacts of removals. Such additional mitigation, if required by the applicable city decision-making body, may include, but not be limited to, proportionate mitigation for adverse effects (individual and cumulative) on biological values, aesthetics, loss of shade, economic vitality, air quality, vehicle speed, community identity, and other similar factors, resulting directly or indirectly from tree removal, that have the potential to cause adverse community-wide social, economic or environmental effects due, in part, to the substantial length of time required for replacement trees to reach the same level of maturity and therefore provide the same functionality and benefits as the trees that are removed. b. Replacement tree species. The species of the replacement trees shall be approved by the zoning administrator or other applicable city decision-making body. c. Off-site replacement. Off-site tree replacement may be considered in the event that the project site already has a significant mature tree population, to prevent overcrowding or infringement on existing structures, provided adequate provisions for maintenance of the replacement tree are specified, subject to approval by the planning commission.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1640 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
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The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. d. Replacement infeasible. Where the planning commission or city council has determined that on-site or off-site replacement of trees is not currently feasible, the planning commission or city council may, at its discretion, allow the applicant to make an in lieu payment to the city for provision of off-site trees at the ratio recommended in subsection A.5.a of this section. The in lieu fee shall be based on the estimated value of the replacement tree(s) including any installation and maintenance costs. If the zoning administrator or other applicable city decision-making body determines that on-site or off-site replacement would not be feasible (due to lack of adequate space on site or lack of a suitable and available off-site location), the tree replacement requirement may be reduced or waived, as appropriate. For trees removed within or adjacent to Contra Costa Boulevard and/or within or adjacent to the Iron Horse Trail, additional mitigation for each tree removed may be required as specified in subsection A.5.a.iii of this section. e. Maintenance. Replacement trees shall be properly maintained by the permittee to ensure their survival.

Replacement trees on single-family residential sites shall be maintained for a minimum of two years after planting. Replacement trees on all other sites shall be maintained as noted in any landscape maintenance agreement and/or city approved landscape plan or tree preservation and replacement plan applicable to the site.

B. Exemptions. A tree removal permit is not required prior to removal of a protected tree under any of the following circumstances:

1. Removal is determined necessary by fire department personnel actively engaged in fighting a fire.

2. Immediate removal is required to prevent imminent danger to life or property, such as with a “hazardous tree” as defined in subsection G.4 of this section or if necessary to restore utility service within 48 hours of a storm, and the city manager or his/her designee has been notified of the removal at the earliest opportunity, and it is not feasible to obtain a permit prior to removal (in which case a tree removal permit shall be submitted within five days of removal to ensure that the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable provisions of the municipal code or applicable land use entitlements are satisfied).

3. The tree is held for sale as part of a licensed nursery business.

4. A subdivider or developer need not obtain a separate tree removal permit to remove, relocate or demolish a tree designated as “To Be Removed” on an approved subdivision map (tentative map or parcel map) or development plan provided that the tree removal has been reviewed and approved by the decision-making body for the subdivision map and/or development plan based on the criteria in subsection A.3 of this section and a tree preservation and replacement plan has been approved pursuant to subsection C of this section.

5. The zoning administrator determines that the tree is dead. The zoning administrator may require submittal of a report from a licensed arborist if deemed necessary to verify the condition of the tree. A fee shall not be required for a determination by the zoning administrator that a tree is dead. Dead trees that are removed shall not require replacement unless located on a site with a city-approved landscape plan or landscape maintenance agreement, in which case, the dead tree shall be replaced on a 1:1 basis.

6. Tree trimming that does not constitute “excessive trimming” as defined in this chapter.

7. If a governmental entity or a public or private utility believes it is exempt from this section by federal or state statute, regulation or administrative order, such entity shall provide a copy of such statute, regulation or order to the zoning administrator for approval.

C. Tree preservation and replacement plan. A tree preservation and replacement plan prepared by a state licensed or certified professional shall be submitted by the applicant in conjunction with any discretionary land use entitlement application that includes removal of protected trees (excluding an entitlement involving only one single-family residence where the zoning administrator may administratively require tree protection measures as needed if a proposed development has the potential to adversely impact a protected tree); in addition, a tree preservation and replacement plan may also be required by the zoning administrator or other applicable city decision-making body as a condition of tree removal permit approval. The tree preservation and replacement plan shall be subject to the review and approval of the zoning administrator or other applicable city decision making body and shall include:

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1641 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
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The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

1. A map and inventory showing the location, species, health rating, size, and a unique tree number for all trees on the site. The trees to be removed, relocated, or demolished shall be labeled “To Be Removed” or marked with an “X” and the inventory shall indicate by notation why removal of each tree is necessary based on the criteria included in subsection A.3 of this section.

2. A report from a certified arborist, board certified master arborist or registered consulting arborist describing the condition of all existing trees, the anticipated impacts of grading, trenching and construction on the protected trees and recommending specific protective measures to be implemented prior to commencement of grading or construction to minimize potential adverse impacts on protected trees. The report shall designate tree protection zones (TPZ) for each protected tree and/or group of protected trees that are proposed to remain on site and the additional measures such as protective fencing, staking and signage necessary to avoid inadvertent damage to protected trees during grading and construction The TPZ is a restricted activity zone where soil disturbance, storage or parking of vehicles, storage of any other materials or chemicals and/or alteration of drainage is not permitted, unless otherwise approved by the city. All required tree protection measures shall also be included with the grading and/or construction documents for the development.

3. A replanting plan prepared by a licensed landscape architect or other professional approved by the city for replacement of each tree removed as required by the zoning administrator or other applicable city decision-making body. The planting plan shall include replacement trees as required pursuant to subsection A.5 of this section and shall conform with ANSI A-300 Standard Part XXX (Planting).

4. Provisions to ensure ongoing maintenance of any required replacement trees.

D. Performance security. To ensure the safety and well-being of existing protected trees that may be impacted by grading or construction and/or any replacement trees required to be planted pursuant to this chapter, the zoning administrator or other applicable city decision-making body may, at its discretion, require an applicant to post a cash deposit or other performance security acceptable to the city guaranteeing that each such tree will be protected against harm from grading or construction and will be adequately maintained. The performance security must be posted with the zoning administrator prior to issuance of grading permits and shall be governed by the following provisions:

1. The zoning administrator shall establish the amount of the performance security which shall be equal to the estimated value of the protected trees.

2. The performance security shall remain in effect for a period of five years (or two years for single-family residential sites) following the date of final inspection and acceptance of the development project by the city.

3. The performance security shall provide that if the city determines that a protected tree has been removed, permanently damaged, or destroyed due to development activity during the effective period of the performance security, the city is entitled to recover the face amount of the performance security.

4. If, at the expiration of the effective period of the performance security the city determines that the protected trees have not been removed, permanently damaged, or destroyed due to development activity, the performance security shall be refunded or the surety bond terminated.

E. Heritage trees. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, a tree which is enrolled in the city’s heritage tree program may not be removed, relocated, damaged or demolished, and no permit or tree preservation and replacement plan authorizing such action may be issued, unless the zoning administrator or other applicable city decision-making body determines that there exists a hazard to property or danger of disease or infection to surrounding healthy trees.

1. Eligibility. Any tree in the city with a trunk diameter measurement of 16 inches or more or any tree grouping in the city with at least one tree of this diameter is eligible for enrollment in the heritage tree program, with the consent of the property owner.

Item 10.3
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2. Enrollment. The zoning administrator shall review and approve applications for enrollment in the heritage tree program unless an eligible tree or tree grouping is unhealthy and cannot be saved. Upon approval of an application, the zoning administrator shall:
a. Record the location and the plant number of each tree or tree grouping. b. Obtain a color photograph of the tree or tree grouping at the time of its enrollment. c. Affix a plaque on the tree or tree grouping identifying:
i. The scientific name of the tree(s);
ii. The common name of the tree(s);
iii. The plaque number (i.e., Heritage Tree No. ____); and iv. The name of the owner.
d. Award a certificate to each property owner enrolling a tree or tree grouping in the program, expressing the appreciation of the city and its citizens.

F. Conditions. The zoning administrator or other applicable city decision-making body may impose reasonable conditions of approval on a tree removal permit, consistent with the purposes of this chapter, to ensure safe and unobtrusive tree removal, replacement, relocation, and demolition; maintenance of replacement trees; and protection of trees not approved to be removed. It shall be a violation of this chapter for any property owner or agent of the owner to fail to comply with any condition of approval or other requirement pursuant to this chapter.

G. Definitions.

1. Damage means any intentional action or gross negligence, which causes injury, death or disfigurement of a tree. Actions include, but are not limited to, cutting, girdling, poisoning, overwatering, soil compaction, unauthorized relocation or transportation of a tree or trenching, excavating, altering the grade or paving within the dripline or tree protection zone (if specified) of a tree.

2. Dead tree means a tree that is dead or that has been damaged beyond repair or is in an advanced state of decline (where an insufficient amount of live tissue, green leaves, limbs or branches exist to sustain life) and has been determined to be such by the zoning administrator.

3. Excessive trimming means removing in excess of one-fourth (25%) or greater, of the functioning leaf, stem or root area within one year. Trimming in excess of 25% is potentially injurious to the tree and is a prohibited act that constitutes removal. Excessive trimming typically results in the tree appearing as a “bonsai,” “lion’s tailed,” or “lolly-popped,” or overly thinned. Excessive trimming also includes removal of the leaf or stem area predominantly on one side, topping, or excessive tree canopy or crown raising. Exceptions may be considered by the zoning administrator subject to review and approval of a tree removal permit pursuant to subsection A of this section when such trimming is determined by the zoning administrator to be the only feasible way to provide necessary clearance from overhead utilities or public improvements or to abate a hazardous condition or public nuisance, or when the trimming is recommended by a certified arborist due to the health and/or structure of the tree. Excessive trimming may also include the cutting of any root two inches or greater in diameter and/or severing in excess of 25% of the roots and/or pruning not in compliance with ANSI A-300, Part I pruning standard for trees, or the International Society of Arboriculture Pruning Best Management Practices (latest available revision of each).

4. Hazardous tree refers to a tree that possesses a structural defect which poses an imminent risk if the tree or part of the tree that would fall on someone or something of value (target). Structural defect means any structural weakness or deformity of a tree or its parts.

5. Tree removal means any of the following: (a) complete tree removal such as cutting to the ground or extraction of the tree; or (b) taking any action foreseeably leading to the death of a tree or permanent damage to Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1643 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
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The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. its health or structural integrity, including but not limited to excessive trimming, cutting, girdling, poisoning, over-watering, unauthorized relocation or transportation of a tree, or trenching, excavating, altering the grade, or paving within the dripline area of a tree.

6. Trunk diameter measurement means starting at 54 inches (DBH) above the existing ground surface adjacent to the trunk of the tree, measure the width of the tree from one side of the trunk to the opposite side, or alternatively, measure the circumference of the tree’s trunk (in inches) at that point and divide by Pi (3.14). For trees located on a slope, this measurement is taken from the midpoint between the lowest and highest point of existing grade adjacent to the tree trunk. For trees with more than one trunk, the combined diameter of all trunks measured at 54 inches (DBH) above the ground will determine the diameter of that individual tree (see diagrams below)
.

7. Tree protection zone (TPZ) means a restricted activity zone where soil disturbance, storage or parking of vehicles, storage of any other materials or chemicals and/or alteration of drainage is not permitted, unless otherwise approved by the city. The project arborist or a city arborist shall designate the area of the TPZ with a temporary fenced tree enclosure designed to protect the tree and its roots from disturbance. Within the TPZ, roots that are critical for tree survival are typically found in the upper three-foot soil horizon, and may extend beyond the dripline of the tree. Protecting the roots in the TPZ is necessary to ensure the tree’s survival.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1644 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
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The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

H. Penalties. In addition to all other remedies set forth in the municipal code or otherwise provided by law, the following remedies shall be available to the city for violation of this chapter:

1. For unlawful removal or damage of a native oak tree or heritage tree, a civil penalty may be imposed at the discretion of the city in an amount not to exceed $1,000 per tree unlawfully removed or damaged, or the replacement value of each such tree. Such amount shall be payable to the city. Failure to pay this penalty may result in imposition of a lien or special assessment on the property in the amount of the penalty and any additional costs incurred by the city in addressing the violation. Replacement value for the purposes of this section shall be determined utilizing “trunk formula method” as specified in the most recent edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal, published by the International Society of Arboriculture.

I. Referral to the planning commission or architectural review commission. The zoning administrator may, in his or her discretion, refer any tree removal permit application directly to the planning commission (or architectural review commission if the removal is on a site with a landscape plan previously approved by the architectural review commission).

J. Tree removal permit expiration. An approved tree removal permit shall be valid for a period of one year from the approval date, unless the tree is removed, or the permit is renewed by the zoning administrator or other hearing body that originally approved it.

K. Appeals. Any decision to approve or deny a tree removal may be appealed by the applicant or any interested party pursuant to the procedures specified in PHMC Chapter 18.130. (Ord. 964 § 11, 2023; Ord. 890 §§ 28, 29, 2015; Ord. 880 § 2, 2014)

18.50.120 Underground utilities. [18.55.090]
All electrical, telephone, cable television, and similar distribution lines providing direct service to a development site shall be installed underground within the site and within any public right-of-way or public easement directly adjacent to the site subject to review and approval by the final decision-making body (zoning administrator, planning commission, architectural review commission or city council) on the development project. (Ord. 906 § 9, 2016; Ord. 710 § 35-16.28, 1996; 1991 code § 35-16.28)

18.50.130 Water-conserving landscape design and development. [n/a] Repealed by Ord. 858. (Ord. 710 § 35-16.30, 1996; 1991 code § 35-16.30)

18.50.140 Marijuana/cannabis. [18.65]
A. Personal cultivation of marijuana/cannabis. Within the city of Pleasant Hill, the planting, growing, harvesting, drying, curing, grading, or trimming of marijuana/cannabis is prohibited. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is not a violation of this section for an individual, who resides in a private residence located on the same parcel as the plant(s), to cultivate for his or her personal use no more than six marijuana plants. Cultivation shall be subject to the following limitations:

1. No more than six marijuana plants per residence are allowed to be cultivated either indoors or outdoors, or a combination of both indoors and outdoors, regardless of the number of individuals residing at the residence.

2. The plants shall not be visible from a public right-of-way, other public place, or adjacent parcel(s).

3. For outdoor cultivation:
a. No part of a plant is within five feet of any property line. b. All plants must be kept within a locked space (e.g., enclosed within a locked gate).

4. For indoor cultivation:
a. All accessory structures shall comply with the locational and other requirements set forth in PHMC §

18.20.050 or 18.25.060 as applicable.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1645 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
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The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. b. Structures and equipment used for indoor cultivation, such as indoor grow lights, shall comply with all applicable building, electrical and fire code regulations as adopted by the city. c. The plants must be kept in a locked space within a fully enclosed and secure structure.

5. Nothing in this section is intended to preclude any landlord from limiting or prohibiting personal cultivation of marijuana/cannabis by tenants.

6. Nothing in this section is intended to authorize commercial cultivation of marijuana/cannabis.

7. Nothing in this section is intended to authorize any public or private nuisance due to odor or as otherwise specified in PHMC Chapter 7.05.

B. Commercial cannabis uses. All commercial cannabis uses are expressly prohibited in all base zoning districts and overlay zoning districts unless and until one or more such uses is expressly and affirmatively authorized by this code. The foregoing prohibition shall not apply to:

1. Conduct specified in Business and Professions Code sections 26054(c) and (d), 26080(b), or 26090(e).

2. Cannabis delivery originating from a cannabis retailer located outside of the city.

3. The activities of an individual qualified patient or an individual primary caregiver that are exempt from state licensure pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 26033, or a natural person’s personal use activities in accordance with Health and Safety Code sections 11362.1 and 11362.2, applicable state law and this code.

4. Cannabis temporary events. However, cannabis temporary events, as provided under Business and Professions Code section 26200, are prohibited in the city unless specifically authorized by separate resolution or ordinance of the city council. (Ord. 931 § 1, 2019; Ord. 918 § 2, 2017; Ord. 897 § 1, 2016; Ord. 893 § 2, 2015; Ord. 819 § 5, 2007)

18.50.150 Creek setbacks. [18.70]
A. Regulation. No person may place a structure (as defined in subsection B of this section), perform grading, or place fill material in a creek setback area unless:

1. The property is adjoining a concrete channel owned by a public agency; or

2. The structure, grading or fill was legally existing as of February 24, 2010. Such a structure, grading or fill may be replaced in kind if the property owner obtains a building permit within 18 months (within the same building footprint and without increasing the degree of nonconformity) without the requirement of a use permit under PHMC § 18.65.030.C; or

3. The property qualifies for an exception under subsection C of this section.

B. Definitions. In this section:

Creek means any one of the creeks in the city as shown on the “City of Pleasant Hill Creek System” map, on file in the public works division.

Creek setback area means a setback area measured from the top of the creek bank, as follows. This regulation applies whether or not the creek is on the property.

DEPTH OF CREEK CREEK SETBACK AREA, FROM TOP OF CREEK BANK Up to 5 feet 5 feet
Over 5 – 10 feet 10 feet
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1646 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
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The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

DEPTH OF CREEK CREEK SETBACK AREA, FROM TOP OF CREEK BANK Over 10 – 15 feet 15 feet
Over 15 feet subject to city engineer review
(The depth of the creek bed is measured at its deepest point to a point level with the top of creek bank.) Structure means: a structure as defined in PHMC § 18.140.010. Examples of structures include, but are not limited to: a house addition or second unit; garage; swimming pool or hot tub; arbor; shed; deck; retaining wall; and wall of concrete, masonry or stone.

For purposes of this section, structure does not include any of the following:

1. Structures not attached to the ground or needing a foundation (such as a play structure, dog house, bench or table);

2. A fence/wall not over six feet high (the fence/wall shall be constructed with at least 75% of the fence/wall open to allow the passage of light and air);

3. Flatwork (such as a patio or walkway) less than three inches thick and not used to support another structure;

4. Landscaping;

5. Existing structures legally built before the adoption of this section;

6. Structures prohibited by other regulations (see subsection D of this section).

If any uncertainty exists, the zoning administrator shall determine whether or not a structure is regulated. (PHMC §

18.10.040.A)
The top of the creek bank means the highest edge of the creek channel at the location where the structure, grading or fill is proposed, as determined by the director of public works and community development.

TOP OF CREEK BANK
C. Creek setback exceptions.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1647 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
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The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

1. City engineer determination. The city engineer shall approve an exception if all the following conditions exist:
a. The property is not located in either a 100- or 500-year floodplain as shown on the current FEMA flood insurance rate map;
b. The property is not a “repetitive loss property” as defined by FEMA; c. The depth of the water in the creek during an average winter storm is less than two feet; and d. The creek channel has sufficient capacity to carry storm water without flooding adjacent properties in the event of a creek bank failure.

The city engineer’s determination is ministerial, based on the facts of each case. It does not require a public hearing and there is no appeal. An applicant who disagrees with the determination may request a zoning administrator decision under subsection C.2 of this section.

2. Zoning administrator exception. The zoning administrator may approve an exception to the requirements of subsection A of this section, on the recommendation of the city engineer, under the following procedure:
a. General procedures – Application; fee; hearing; decision; appeal. An applicant for a creek setback exception shall file an application with the planning division, together with information required by the city engineer under subsection C.2.b of this section and an application fee in an amount established by city council resolution. The zoning administrator shall hold a noticed public hearing within 30 days after receiving a completed application. The zoning administrator shall render a decision in writing within five working days of the close of the hearing. The decision of the zoning administrator may be appealed as provided in PHMC § 18.130.010.
b. Application information. Information provided for an exception request shall include the following items at the discretion of the city engineer:
i. A topographical survey of the lot precisely showing the creek bed, creek bank, top of bank and proposed and existing structures;
ii. A soils report prepared by a licensed civil engineer specializing in soils analysis which describes the soils condition for the proposed structure and analyzes and makes recommendations as to the creek bank stability and erosion hazard;
iii. Certification by the engineer who prepares the soils report that in the professional opinion of the engineer there is no likelihood of a hazard to persons or property resulting from the proposed construction; and
iv. Structural calculations, hydraulic calculations, or other data as deemed necessary by the city engineer.
c. Zoning administrator findings – Conditions.
i. Findings. The zoning administrator may approve an exception to the creek setback requirement if he or she makes all of the following findings:
(A) The proposed structure does not violate any other city, state or federal regulations (see subsection D of this section);
(B) The proposed structure is not likely to be detrimental to creek stability; and (C) The property is not located within a special flood hazard area as defined in PHMC §

15.15.050, or, if the property is located within a special flood hazard area, the proposed structure Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1648 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
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The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. complies with the standards of construction set forth in PHMC Chapter 15.15 (Flood Damage Prevention).
ii. Conditions. In approving an exception, the zoning administrator may impose conditions deemed necessary for creek-side erosion protection and on-site drainage, including the requirement that the property owner enter into an agreement holding the city and other public agencies harmless in the event of flood or erosion damage to any property. The agreement shall be in a form acceptable to the city attorney, be recorded, and bind successors in interest.

D. Other regulations. Construction, development or work within a creek setback area may also be subject to other regulations and guidelines which could result in a larger setback, including but not limited to:

1. City regulations.
a. Zoning district side or rear yard setbacks from the property line, for structures and accessory structures (PHMC § 18.20.050 and Schedules 18.20.030 and 18.25.030); b. Design guidelines adopted by the city council;
c. California building codes under PHMC Title 14;
d. Grading ordinance (PHMC Chapter 15.10);
e. Requirements applicable in a special flood hazard area under PHMC Chapter 15.15 (Flood Damage Prevention);
f. Erosion protection and water quality requirements under PHMC Chapter 15.05 (Stormwater Management and Discharge Control); and
g. Mitigation measures under the California Environmental Quality Act.

2. Other agency requirements.
a. California Department of Fish and Game.
b. San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. c. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
d. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
e. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Ord. 844 § 2, 2010)

18.50.160 Solar energy systems. [18.85 (relocated)]
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to codify the procedures for reviewing applications for solar energy systems in compliance with California state law and the city’s governing documents.

B. Definitions. In this section:

Electronic submittal means the submission of materials via electronic mail.

Small residential rooftop solar energy system, in accordance with California Government Code section 65850.5, means a solar energy system that meets all of the following:

1. Is no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal;

2. Conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the city, and all state and city health and safety standards; Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1649 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
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The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

3. Conforms to all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability;

4. Is installed on a single or duplex family dwelling; and

5. The panel or module array does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the city.

Solar energy system has the meaning set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of section 801.5 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.

Specific, adverse impact means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

C. Solar energy systems, generally.

1. Applicability and purpose. This subsection C applies to the permitting of solar energy systems in the city, except those that qualify as small residential rooftop solar energy systems, which shall be governed by subsection D of this section. The purpose of this subsection C is to codify the review and permitting of solar energy systems in conformance with California Government Code section 65850.5, as it may be amended from time to time.

2. Review process. A building permit is required for the installation of any solar energy system within the city.

A use permit may be required in some circumstances, as set forth in subsection C.4 of this section.

3. Application review. The city shall administratively review applications for solar energy systems. Review shall be limited to whether the proposed system meets all health and safety requirements of the city, the state, and the federal government. The city requirements shall be limited to those standards and regulations necessary to ensure that the solar energy system will not have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety.

However, if the building official makes a finding, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety, the city may require the applicant to apply for a use permit.

4. Use permit.
a. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code to the contrary, the building official, in consultation with the zoning administrator, is authorized to issue use permits for solar energy systems. A public hearing on the application for the use permit shall be held and notice of the same shall be provided as set forth in PHMC Chapter 18.80.
b. If a use permit is required, the building official, in consultation with the zoning administrator, may deny an application for the use permit only if the building official makes written findings, based upon substantial evidence in the record, that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid, as defined, the adverse impact. Such findings shall include the basis for the rejection of the potential feasible alternative for preventing the adverse impact. Any such decision may be appealed to the planning commission.
c. Any condition imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost.
d. A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact includes, but is not limited to, any cost-effective method, condition, or mitigation imposed by the city on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a permit. The city shall use its best efforts to ensure that the selected method, condition, or mitigation does not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance in excess of the following:

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1650 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
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The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. i. For solar domestic water heating systems or solar swimming pool heating systems: an amount exceeding 10% of the cost of the system, but in no case more than $1,000, or decreasing the efficiency of the solar energy system by an amount exceeding 10%, as originally specified and proposed. ii. For photovoltaic systems: an amount not to exceed $1,000 over the system cost as originally specified and proposed, or a decrease in system efficiency of an amount exceeding 10% as originally specified and proposed.

D. Small residential rooftop solar systems.

1. Applicability and purpose. This subsection applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the city. The purpose of this subsection is to create an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act, as amended by AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014), to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This subsection encourages the use of small residential rooftop solar energy systems by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the city, and expanding the ability of property owners to install small rooftop solar energy systems. This subsection allows the city to achieve these goals while protecting the public health and safety.

2. Small residential rooftop solar system requirements. A solar energy system that qualifies as a small residential rooftop solar energy system, as defined in this section, shall be processed in accordance with the terms of this subsection D.
a. A small residential rooftop solar energy system must meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state and the city, local fire department or district. b. The city shall adopt an administrative, nondiscretionary expedited review process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems, which shall include standard plan(s) and checklist(s). The checklist(s) shall set forth all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems must comply with to be eligible for expedited review.
c. The small residential rooftop solar system permit process, standard plan(s), and checklist(s) shall substantially conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist and standard plans contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.

3. Applicant obligations. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall:
a. Verify, to the applicant’s reasonable satisfaction, through the use of standard engineering evaluation techniques that the support structure for the small residential rooftop solar energy system is stable and adequate to transfer all wind, seismic, and dead and live loads associated with the system to the building foundation; and
b. At the applicant’s cost, verify, to the applicant’s reasonable satisfaction, using standard electrical inspection techniques that the existing electrical system including existing line, load, ground and bonding wiring as well as main panel and subpanel sizes are adequately sized, based on the existing electrical system’s current use, to carry all new photovoltaic electrical loads.

4. Electronic processing.
a. All documents required for the submission of an expedited small residential rooftop solar energy system application shall be made available on a publicly accessible city website. b. Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents by electronic means shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants. The city’s website must specify the permitted method of electronic document submission.

Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.50 ADDITIONAL SITE DEVELOPMENT

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. c. An applicant’s electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents in lieu of a wet signature.

5. Application review.
a. An application that city staff determines satisfies the information requirements contained in the city’s checklist(s) for expedited small residential rooftop solar system processing, including complete supporting documents, shall be deemed complete.
b. If an application is deemed incomplete, a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance shall be sent to the applicant for resubmission. c. After city staff deems an application complete, city staff shall review the application to determine whether the application meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements. d. Unless the building official determines a use permit is warranted, upon submission of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist, standard plans, and provisions of this section, city staff shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit in accordance with the timeframes adopted by the city council and in no event later than three days after submission. e. The building official may require an applicant to apply for a use permit if the building official finds, based on substantial evidence, that the applicant’s proposed solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety.
i. If a use permit is deemed necessary, the process set forth in subsection C.4 of this section shall apply.
ii. Any determination that a use permit is required because of a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety may be appealed to the planning commission. f. The city shall not condition approval of an application on the approval of an association, as defined in California Civil Code section 4080.

6. Inspections.
a. Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the building department for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review, unless the system fails such inspection. b. The inspection shall be done in a timely manner.
c. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized but need not conform to the requirements of this section. (Ord. 894 § 2, 2015)

18.50.170 Electric vehicle charging stations. [n/a]
Repealed by Ord. 961. (Ord. 934 § 5, 2019)
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1652 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Chapter 18.52 [18.95]

WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
Sections:

18.52.010 Purpose. [18.105.010]

18.52.020 Definitions. [18.215]

18.52.030 Applicability. [18.105.010]

18.52.040 Forms – Zoning administrator review. [18.105.020]

18.52.050 Submittal requirements. [18.105.030]

18.52.060 Water-efficient landscape standards. [18.105.040]

18.52.070 Landscape plan requirements. [18.105.050]

18.52.080 Landscape water irrigation audit. [18.105.060]

18.52.090 Certifications. [18.105.070]

18.52.100 Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule. [18.105.080]

18.52.110 Provisions for existing landscapes. [18.105.090]

18.52.120 Disclosures. [18.105.100]

18.52.130 Fees. [18.105.110]

18.52.140 Irrigation efficiency. [18.105.120]

18.52.150 Reporting. [18.105.130]
Appendices

18.52.010 Purpose. [18.105.010]
The regulations in this chapter govern landscape design and development which is efficient at conserving water, because water is a limited resource which must be managed and used efficiently. Efficient water use can be increased through proper landscape design and management. The right to use water is limited to the amount reasonably required for the beneficial use to be served and the right does not and shall not extend to waste or unreasonable method of use.

This chapter is a result of state law that requires all California jurisdictions to either adopt the state model water-efficient landscape ordinance or adopt a local ordinance that is at least as effective as the state ordinance. This chapter conforms to the requirements of the State Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (Gov’t Code §§ 65591 through 65599), and is at least as effective as the updated 2015 state model ordinance (23 Cal. Code of Regs. § 490 et seq.). (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016; Ord. 858 § 1, 2011)

18.52.020 Definitions. [18.215]
General terms used in this chapter shall have the same meaning as set forth in Appendix A (Definitions) to this chapter. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016; Ord. 858 § 1, 2011)

18.52.030 Applicability. [18.105.010]
This chapter applies to the following landscaping projects:

A. Projects in all zone districts. Water-efficient landscape plan approval is required for creation of 500 or more square feet of landscape area proposed in conjunction with a zoning approval, building permit, grading permit, plan check, or architectural review permit.

B. Projects in all zone districts. Water-efficient landscape plan approval is required for rehabilitation of 2,500 or more square feet of landscaping proposed in conjunction with a zoning approval, building permit, grading permit, plan check, or architectural review permit.

C. For projects using treated or untreated graywater or rainwater captured on site, any lot or parcel within the project that has less than 2,500 square feet of landscape and meets the lot or parcel’s landscape water requirement (estimated total water use) entirely with treated or untreated graywater or through stored rainwater captured on site is subject only to section E of the prescriptive compliance option maintained by the zoning administrator.

Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

D. Any project with an aggregate landscape area of 2,500 square feet or less, and proposed in conjunction with a zoning approval, building permit, grading permit, plan check or architectural review permit, may comply with the requirements of this chapter or with the prescriptive compliance option maintained by the zoning administrator.

E. Existing landscaping. PHMC §§ 18.52.110 and 18.52.120 apply to existing landscaping.

F. For subsections A through E of this section, for all nonresidential zoning districts, decorative hardscape, mulch and/or pervious pavement areas are to be treated as landscape areas (credited for up to 50% of required project landscaped area subject to architectural review commission or planning commission approval) as part of a proposed project.

G. Not applicable. This chapter does not apply to:

1. A landscaped area that is only temporarily irrigated for establishment purposes, or a landscaped area that is not irrigated with a permanent irrigation system.

2. Registered local, state or federal historical sites, as determined by the planning commission or city council.

3. Existing community garden, botanical garden or arboretum open to the public. (Ord. 934 § 6, 2019; Ord. 900 § 1, 2016; Ord. 858 § 1, 2011)

18.52.040 Forms – Zoning administrator review. [18.105.020] A. Forms. The zoning administrator shall develop detailed application and certification requirements consistent with 43 Cal. Code of Regs. § 490 et seq., including but not limited to:

1. Definitions (Appendix A to this chapter);

2. Water efficient landscape worksheet (Appendix B to this chapter);

3. Certificate of compliance: landscape design sheet (Appendix C to this chapter);

4. Certificate of compliance: landscape installation sheet (Appendix D to this chapter);

5. Certificate of compliance: landscape maintenance sheet (Appendix E to this chapter);

6. Prescriptive compliance option (Appendix F to this chapter).

B. Zoning administrator review. Water-efficient landscape plan approval, when applicable under PHMC §

18.52.030.A, B, C, D, or E, is reviewed in conjunction with a zoning approval, building permit, architectural review permit, development plan, planned unit development, use permit, or subdivision. The zoning administrator shall review each water-efficient landscape plan submittal for compliance with the provisions of this chapter and may withhold issuance of zoning approval for a building permit or grading permit for which its related landscape plan indicates an estimated total water use that exceeds the maximum applied water allowance for a proposed landscape, or does not otherwise comply with this chapter. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016; Ord. 858 § 1, 2011)

18.52.050 Submittal requirements. [18.105.030]
A. Submittal requirements. An applicant requesting zoning approval for any project that is subject to this chapter shall submit a water-efficient landscape application package prior to commencement of grading or construction. The landscape application package shall include:

1. Project information sheet, on a form prepared by the zoning administrator, identifying the applicant name and description of the project, including location, type of development, source of irrigation water, total landscape area, and area of landscape to be rehabilitated.

2. Certifications as required in PHMC § 18.52.090 on forms prepared by the zoning administrator.

3. Water efficient landscape worksheet with calculations of the maximum applied water allowance and estimated total water use of the proposed landscape plan on forms prepared by the zoning administrator.

Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

4. Landscape and irrigation plan prepared in accordance with PHMC §§ 18.52.060 and 18.52.070.

5. Maintenance schedule prepared consistent with the provisions of PHMC § 18.52.100.

6. Soil management report prepared consistent with the provisions of PHMC § 18.52.060.

B. Waiver for low water use landscapes. The zoning administrator may waive the requirement for submittal of the water efficient landscape worksheet required by this section; provided, that the landscape plan:

1. Does not include any water features with more than 100 square feet of total surface area.

2. Does not include any turf or other plants identified as medium or high water use in Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS), unless they qualify as special landscape area. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016; Ord. 858 § 1, 2011)

18.52.060 Water-efficient landscape standards. [18.105.040] The proposed landscape shall be creative and incorporate a variety of plantings to avoid uniformity and similar landscape designs. The landscape plan shall meet the following standards (the applicable best management practices):

A. Required elements. The landscape plan shall address:

1. Plant materials;

2. Irrigation system design;

3. Water features; and

4. Grading and soil preparation.

B. The landscape plan shall be subject to the requirements of the landscape design certification form maintained by the zoning administrator, which shall be in substantially the form as set forth in Appendix C hereto. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016; Ord. 858 § 1, 2011)

18.52.070 Landscape plan requirements. [18.105.050]
The water-efficient landscape plan shall demonstrate that all the water-efficient landscape standards of PHMC §

18.52.060 have been met. The plan shall include details and specifications reflecting best management practices for water-efficient landscape design.

A. Planting plan. The planting plan shall include information identified in the certificate of compliance: landscape design form as maintained by the zoning administrator.

B. Irrigation plan. The irrigation plan shall include information identified in the certificate of compliance: landscape design form as maintained by the zoning administrator.

C. NPDES. The proposed landscape plan shall comply with the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES; PHMC Chapter 15.05) intended to implement stormwater best management practices into the planting, irrigation, and grading plans to minimize runoff and to increase on-site retention and infiltration. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016; Ord. 858 § 1, 2011)

18.52.080 Landscape water irrigation audit. [18.105.060] A landscape water audit shall be completed as specified in this section to ensure that the installed landscape meets the requirements of this chapter.

A. Audit required. The city landscape irrigation auditor or an independent third party certified irrigation system auditor shall have an audit completed within 30 days after completion of the landscape installation. Landscape audits shall not be conducted by the person who designed the landscape or installed the landscape. Large projects or Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. projects with multiple landscape installations shall have an auditing rate of one in seven lots or approximately 15% of the project.

B. Repair or correction. The city or independent third party certified irrigation system auditor shall inform the applicant or owner of all the areas where the landscape project does not conform to this chapter. This shall include, but is not limited to, all items listed on the certificates of compliance required for the project. The applicant or property owner shall repair or correct the noncompliance issues and the site shall be re-audited for compliance within 30 days of receipt of report from certified irrigation system auditor. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016; Ord. 858 § 1, 2011)

18.52.090 Certifications. [18.105.070]
Prior to final permit inspection or issuance of a certificate of occupancy, as applicable, for the project, the applicant shall submit completed certificates of compliance, on forms prepared by the zoning administrator, that the landscape has been designed and installed in accordance with the approved water-efficient landscape plan submittal and the requirements of this chapter.

Required certificates of compliance shall include the following:

A. Design. The licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor or any other person(s) authorized by law to design a landscape, who prepared the landscape design, shall complete the certificate of compliance: landscape design sheet, certifying the landscape has been designed to comply with the criteria of this section. (See Appendix C.)
B. Landscape installation. Applicant shall complete the certificate of compliance: landscape installation sheet, certifying the landscape has been installed, as specified in the landscape plans, and complies with this section. (See Appendix D.)
C. Irrigation installation. The certified irrigation system auditor shall complete the certificate of compliance:
landscape installation sheet certifying the landscape and irrigation system have been installed, including configuring irrigation controllers with application rate, soil types, plant factors, slope, exposure and any other factors necessary for accurate programming, as specified in the landscape plans, and comply with the criteria of this section. (See Appendix D.)
D. Maintenance. The maintenance contractor/person for a landscape project(s) involving more than one single-family residence, or the property owner/resident for a landscape project for an individual single-family residence, shall complete the certificate of compliance: landscape maintenance sheet, certifying the landscape maintenance contractor/person responsible for maintenance agrees to manage the property using less water than the maximum applied water allowance. (See Appendix E.) (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016; Ord. 858 § 1, 2011)

18.52.100 Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule. [18.105.080] Applicant shall develop a landscape maintenance specification and schedule for the landscape project that is consistent with the most recent acceptable best management practices for landscape maintenance. Schedules shall be submitted with the certification of compliance specified pursuant to PHMC § 18.52.090 and shall specify, at a minimum:

A. An annual landscape maintenance schedule including at least the following: routine inspection; auditing, adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components; aerating turf areas; topdressing with compost, replenishing mulch; seasonal 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.

B. Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or their equivalents or with components of greater efficiency.

C. Project shall be irrigated so that total annual water applied is less than or equal to the maximum applied water allowance (MAWA), if applicable. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016; Ord. 858 § 1, 2011)

18.52.110 Provisions for existing landscapes. [18.105.090] Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1656 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

This section applies to all landscaped areas that were installed before December 1, 2015.

A. Each property owner in the city shall ensure the efficient use of landscape water and may utilize resources and services, such as irrigation surveys and landscape water use analysis, that are offered by the local retail or wholesale water utility.

B. Each property owner in the city is encouraged to prevent water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation by limiting landscape irrigation to the hours between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.; and by prohibiting runoff from the target landscape areas due to excessive irrigation run times, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto an adjacent property, sidewalk, roadway, parking lot, or structure. Irrigation water runoff from the owner’s property is prohibited.

C. For existing landscapes installed prior to December 1, 2015, and over one acre in size the following shall also apply:

1. For landscapes that have a water meter, the property owner shall submit to the city (or with agreement with the local water district) irrigation water use analysis/audits to evaluate water use and include recommendations to reduce landscape water use to a level that does not exceed the maximum applied water allowance currently in effect.

2. For landscapes that do not have a water meter, the property owner shall submit to the city (or with agreement with the local water district) irrigation water use analysis/audits to evaluate water use and include recommendations to prevent water waste. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016; Ord. 858 § 1, 2011)

18.52.120 Disclosures. [18.105.100]
A. Model homes. All new model homes for a single-family residential subdivision or phase of a subdivision shall have front and corner (street) side yards that are landscaped in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. At least one of the model homes shall include interpretive or informational signage highlighting for visitors the water-efficient landscape principles incorporated into the site landscaping. Signage shall include information about the site water use as designed per the city ordinance; specify who designed and installed the water-efficient landscape; and demonstrate low water use approaches to landscaping such as using native plants, graywater systems and rainwater catchment system. The developer shall make available to visitors brochures or other written or graphic media that informs visitors and potential buyers about the principles of water-efficient landscapes, including but not limited to those principles that are described in this chapter.

B. Architectural guidelines. This chapter and the State Water Conservation in Landscaping Act shall preempt any architectural guidelines or covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) of a common interest development which have the effect of prohibiting the use of low water use plants as a group. “Common interest development” includes a homeowner association, community apartment project, condominium, planned development, and stock cooperative.

C. Providing information. For a landscape project subject to this chapter under PHMC §§ 18.52.030.A through D, the property owner/resident is required to provide the following information to a subsequent site landscape maintenance company, new tenant or owner at transfer of ownership or maintenance responsibility:

1. Irrigation controller map;

2. Programming table; and

3. Annual maintenance schedules based on a water budget. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016; Ord. 858 § 1, 2011)

18.52.130 Fees. [18.105.110]
An applicant subject to this chapter (under PHMC § 18.52.030) shall pay submittal fees in the amount established by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016; Ord. 858 § 1, 2011)

18.52.140 Irrigation efficiency. [18.105.120]
For the purpose of determining estimated total water use, average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip system devices. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016) Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1657 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

18.52.150 Reporting. [18.105.130]
The city shall report by January 31st of each year to the Department of Water Resources and shall address the following:

A. Note whether a single agency ordinance or a regional agency alliance ordinance was adopted, and the date of adoption or anticipated date of adoption.

B. Define the reporting period (calendar year).

C. Note if using a locally modified water-efficient landscape ordinance (WELO) or the MWELO. If using a locally modified WELO, how is it different than MWELO, is it at least as efficient as MWELO, and note any exemptions specified.

D. Note the entity responsible for implementing the ordinance.

E. Note the number and types of projects subject to the ordinance during the specified reporting period.

F. Note the total area (in square feet or acres) subject to the ordinance over the reporting period, if available.

G. Note the number of new housing starts, new commercial projects, and landscape retrofits during the reporting period.

H. Describe the procedure for review of projects subject to the ordinance.

I. Identify actions taken to verify compliance.

J. Identify enforcement measures.

K. Explain challenges to implementing and enforcing the ordinance.

L. Note educational and other needs to properly apply the ordinance. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016) Appendix A
Water-Efficient Landscaping Ordinance
Chapter 18.52
Definitions
As set forth in Pleasant Hill Municipal Code § 18.52.020, defined terms used in the Water-Efficient Landscaping Ordinance of the City of Pleasant Hill (Chapter 18.52 of Title 18 of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code) shall have the definitions set forth below.

A. Applicant means the individual or entity submitting a Landscape Project Application (LPA) required under Chapter 18.52, as part of a permit, plan check, or design review. A project applicant may be the property owner or his or her designee.

B. Applied water means the portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape.

C. Automatic irrigation controller means a timing device 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 data.

D. Backflow prevention device means a safety device used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system.

E. Certified irrigation system auditor (designer) means a person certified to design irrigation systems by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as the US Environmental Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Protection Agency’s WaterSense Irrigation designer certification program and Irrigation Association’s Certified Irrigation Designer program.

F. Check valve or anti-drain valve means a valve located under a sprinkler head, or other location in the irrigation system, to hold water in the system to prevent drainage from sprinkler heads when the sprinkler is off.

G. Common interest developments means community apartment projects, condominium projects, planned developments, and stock cooperatives per Civil Code Section 1351.

H. Compost means the safe and stable product of controlled biologic decomposition of organic materials that is beneficial to plant growth.

I. Conversion factor (0.62) means the number that converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year.

J. Distribution uniformity means the measure of the uniformity of irrigation water over a defined area.

K. Drip irrigation means any non-spray low volume irrigation system utilizing emission devices with a flow rate measured in gallons per hour. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.

L. Ecological restoration project means a project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.

M. Effective precipitation or usable rainfall (Eppt) means the portion of total precipitation which becomes available for plant growth.

N. Emission Device means any device that is contained within an irrigation system that is used to apply water.

Common emission devices in an irrigation system include, but are not limited to, spray and rotary sprinkler heads, bubblers, and drip irrigation emitters.

O. Emitter means a drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the system to the soil.

P. Established landscape means the point 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.

Q. Establishment period of the plants 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.

R. Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU) means the total water used for the landscape as described in the water allowance worksheet.

S. 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.

When applied to reference evapotranspiration establishes the upper limit (Maximum Allowable Water Allowance) of the amount of water that can be applied through the irrigation system to sustain landscape. The ETAF shall be 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for nonresidential areas. The ETAF for a new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0. The ETAF for existing non-rehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.

T. Evapotranspiration means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants and evaporated from the soil and plant surfaces.

U. Flow rate means the rate at which water flows through pipes, valves and emission devices, measured in gallons per minute, gallons per hour, or cubic feet per second.

Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

V. 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 an automatic irrigation controller, or flow monitor capable of receiving flow signals and operating master valves. This combination flow sensor/controller may also function as a landscape water meter or submeter.

W. Friable means a soil condition that is easily crumbled or loosely compacted down to a minimum depth per planting material requirements, whereby the root structure of newly planted material will be allowed to spread unimpeded.

X. Fuel Modification Plan Guideline means guidelines from a local fire authority to assist residents and businesses that are developing land or building structures in a fire hazard severity zone.

Y. Graywater 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. “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. Health and Safety Code Section 17922.12.

Z. Hardscapes means any durable material (pervious and non-pervious).

AA. Hydrozone means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs and rooting depth. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.

BB. 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).

CC. 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 at the California Invasive Plant Inventory and USDA invasive and noxious weeds database.

DD. 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 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.

EE. Irrigation efficiency (IE) means the measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices. The irrigation efficiency for purposes of this ordinance are 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip systems. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected from well-designed and well-maintained systems.

FF. 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.

GG. Irrigation water use analysis means an analysis of water use data based on meter readings and billing data.

HH. Landscape architect means a person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in the state of California Business and Professions Code, Section 5615.

II. Landscape area means all the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a landscape design plan subject to the Maximum Applied Water Allowance calculation. The landscape area does not include footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious or non-pervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for non-development (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).

Item 10.3
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Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

JJ. Landscape contractor/installer means a person licensed by the state of California to construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems.

KK. Landscape water meter means an inline device installed at the irrigation supply point that measures the flow of water into the irrigation system and is connected to a totalizer to record water use.

LL. Lateral line means the water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers from the valve.

MM. Local water purveyor means any entity, including a public agency, city, county, or private water company that provides retail water service.

NN. Low volume irrigation means the application of irrigation water at low pressure through a system of tubing or lateral lines and low-volume emitters such as drip, drip lines, and bubblers. Low volume irrigation systems are specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants.

OO. Main line means the pressurized pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the valve or outlet.

PP. 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 valve will greatly reduce any water loss due to a leaky station valve.

QQ. Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) means the upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area as specified in the “Water Allowance Work Sheets.” It is based upon the area’s reference evapotranspiration, the ET Adjustment Factor, and the size of the landscape area. The Estimated Total Water Use shall not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Special Landscape Areas, including recreation areas, areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants such as orchards and vegetable gardens, and areas irrigated with recycled water are subject to the MAWA with an ETAF not to exceed 1.0. MAWA = (ETo) (0.62) [(ETAF x LA) + ((1-ETAF) x SLA)].

RR. Median is an area between opposing lanes of traffic that may be unplanted or planted with trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses.

SS. 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.

TT. Mulch means any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, or decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature, and preventing soil erosion.

UU. New construction means, for the purposes of this ordinance, a new building with a landscape or other new landscape, such as a park, playground, or greenbelt without an associated building.

VV. Non-Permeable means any surface or material that will not allow the passage of water through that surface or material and into the underlying soil at a rate that ensures run-off will not occur.

WW. Operating pressure means the pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are designed by the manufacturer to operate.

XX. Overhead irrigation (overhead sprinkler irrigation systems or overhead spray irrigation systems) means systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors).

YY. Overspray means the irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.

ZZ. Parkway means the area between a sidewalk and the curb or traffic lane. It may be planted or unplanted, and with or without pedestrian egress.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1661 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

AAA. Pervious means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil.

BBB. 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 this ordinance, the plant factor range for very low water use plants is 0 to 0.1, the plant factor range for low water use plants is 0.1 to 0.3, the plant factor range for moderate water use plants is 0.4 to

0.6, and the plant factor range for high water use plants is 0.7 to 1.0. The plant factors for this ordinance are from the WUCOLS publication. 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).

CCC. Precipitation rate for this ordinance means the rate of application of water measured in inches per hour.

DDD. Rain sensor or rain sensing shutoff device means a component which automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains.

EEE. Recreational area means areas, excluding private single-family residential 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.

FFF. Recycled water, reclaimed water, or treated sewage effluent water means treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable for nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human consumption.

GGG. Reference evapotranspiration or ETo means a standard measurement of environmental parameters that affect the water use of plants.

HHH. Rehabilitated landscape means any re-landscaping project that requires a permit, plan check, or design review, or requires a new or expanded water service application or meets the requirements of Section 18.52.030, and the modified landscape area is equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet.

III. Retail water supplier means any entity, including a public agency, city, county, district or private water company that provides retail water service.

JJJ. Runoff means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the landscape area.

KKK. Smart irrigation controllers means controllers using weather information or soil moisture readings along with site information to automatically adjust the irrigation schedule on a daily basis.

LLL. Soil moisture sensing device or soil moisture sensor means a device that measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an irrigation event.

MMM. Special Landscape Area (SLA) means an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants, recreational (active play) areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, cemeteries, or water features using recycled water.

NNN. Sprinkler head or spray head means a device which delivers water through a nozzle.

OOO. Static water pressure means the pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not flowing.

PPP. Station means an area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.

QQQ. Storm Water Control Plan Requirements (C.3) means Provision C.3 of the City’s Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit, as approved by San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board on October 14, 2009 under Order No. R2-2009-0074, NPDES Permit No. CAS612008, which requires jurisdictions to include appropriate source control, site design, and stormwater treatment measures in new development and redevelopment projects to address both soluble and insoluble stormwater runoff pollutant discharges and prevent increases in runoff flows from new development and redevelopment projects. (See PHMC Chapter 15.05.) Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1662 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

RRR. 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.

SSS. Submeter means a metering device to measure water applied to the landscape that is installed after the primary utility water meter.

TTT. Turf means a ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses. Bermudagrass, Kikuyugrass, Seashore Paspalum, St.

Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses.

UUU. Valve means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.

VVV. Water conserving plant species means a plant species identified as having a very low or low plant factor.

WWW. 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.

XXX. Watering window means the time of day irrigation is allowed.

YYY. WUCOLS means the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species, published by the University of California Cooperative Extension, the Department of Water Resources 2014. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016)
Appendix B
Water-Efficient Landscaping Ordinance
Chapter 18.52
Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet
This worksheet is filled out by the project applicant and it is a required element of the Landscape Documentation Package.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1663 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1664 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016)
Appendix C
Water-Efficient Landscaping Ordinance
Chapter 18.52
Certificate of Compliance: Landscape Design Sheet
[Note: the Certificate of Compliance: Landscape Design Sheet used by the zoning administrator shall be in substantially the following form.]
Project Name: _______________________ Project Address/ Parcel No.: ____________________ Applicant Name: _____________________ Applicant Address: ___________________________ Landscape and Irrigation Plans Includes the Following:

Identify each hydrozone by number, letter or other method.

Identify each hydrozone as low, moderate, high water, or mixed water use. Temporarily irrigated areas of the landscape shall be included in the low water use hydrozone for the water budget calculation.

Identify recreational areas, areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants, and areas irrigated with recycle water.

Identify special landscape areas.

Identify plants by their common and botanical names.

Identify type of mulch and application depth.

Identify soil amendments, type and quantity.

Identify type and surface area of water features.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1665 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Show the location and size of the landscape irrigation water meter.

Show the location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system, including, but not limited to, controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, pressure regulators, and backflow prevention devices.

Identify hardscapes (pervious and non-pervious)
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.

Identify any applicable graywater discharge piping, system components and area(s) of distribution.

Identify the static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply.

Identify the flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design operating pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station.

Project Area Measurements (irrigated)
Total turf area: ____________ square feet
Total non-turf landscape area: ___________ square feet
Total water feature area: ___________ square feet
Landscape Design Requirements:

The plan shall protect and preserve native species and natural vegetation.

Plants selected shall be appropriate to the area’s climate suitability and the site’s soil conditions. ’ Select water-conserving plants, trees and turf species, especially local native plants.

Select plants from applicable local Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines (particularly to avoid fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches).

The proposed landscape shall be designed so that distinct hydrozones are irrigated separately by one or more irrigation valves. Refer to the WUCOLS report for plant water needs. (See definitions at PHMC 18.52.020, water efficient landscape.)
Plants shall be spaced appropriately based on their expected mature spread.

If the geometry of the planting area does not conform to the spray pattern of the sprinkler, resulting in overspray onto the adjacent pavement, then overhead irrigation shall not be used.

Plants shall be spaced so that at mature size they do not block sprinklers.

Turf shall not be planted on slopes steeper than 25%.

Turf shall not be planted in any medians or in areas narrower than 10'0" unless an alternative irrigation method, that does not incorporate overhead irrigation, is provided that does not result in overspray of adjacent surfaces or allow excessive evaporation prior to plant material utilization. " Plants selected shall emphasize water and energy efficiency; color, form and pattern; solar access for solar heat gain of buildings in winter and to allow photovoltaic (PV) facilities and plant shading for buildings in summer; reduction of the heat island effect, particularly in parking lots and on roadways; soil retention; and fire resistance.

The overall landscape plan must be integrated into all elements of the project, including but not limited to buildings, structures, parking lots and streets, so as to achieve a desirable microclimate and to minimize energy demands.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1666 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Use the Sunset Western Climate Zone system, recognize the horticultural attributes of plants to minimize damage to property or infrastructure, allow for adequate soil volume for healthy root growth.

High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, are prohibited in street medians.

At least 90% of the plants selected for planting in non-turf areas shall be drought resistant and require minimal water once established.

Plants selected shall be spaced so that, at maturity, they do not interfere with visibility of vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic; do not conflict with overhead utility lines, overhead lights or walkway lights; and do not block or interfere with pedestrian or bicycle right-of-way.

Planting areas shall be a minimum of three feet wide, excluding curbs or other hardscape, except for turf areas (turf shall not be planted in any medians or in areas narrower than 10'0" unless an alternative irrigation method, that does not incorporate overhead irrigation, is provided that does not result in overspray of adjacent surfaces or allow excessive evaporation prior to plant material utilization) and planter fixtures. " When shrub groupings are proposed without plant groundcover, the shrubs shall be spaced so that at maturity, they cover at least 90 percent of the landscaped area in which they are placed.

Deciduous trees proposed shall be planted 20' to 40' apart on the south and west sides of buildings to maximize energy efficiency.
' A minimum of 30% of all hardscape areas (including parking lots) shall be naturally shaded in the summer when plants are at maturity. Shading of 50% of the hardscape areas is preferred if feasible.

All water features shall have re-circulating water systems.

Water fountain(s) shall be designed so that no wind drift or overspray occurs.

Recycled water shall be used as the source for decorative water features, where available.

Swimming pools are not considered water features pursuant to this ordinance and are not subject to the requirements of this section.

Comply with Storm Water Control Plan requirements (C.3), if applicable.

Improve or maintain the infiltration rate of landscape soils typical of their soil texture and minimize soil erosion.

Avoid drainage onto non-permeable hardscapes within the property lines and prevent runoff of all irrigation and natural rainfall outside property lines.

The use of crushed rock or gravel to serve as landscaping for large area coverage shall be avoided, except for walkways.

The use of invasive plant species, such as those listed by the California Invasive Plant Council, is strongly discouraged.

Soil preparation, mulch and amendments (Landscape):

Only specify soil amendments if appropriate for the selected plants.

Specify a minimum three-inch layer of mulch which shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas unless there is a horticultural reason not to use mulch in a portion of the planting area. Mulch, such as shredded bark, shall be specified in bioretention areas so that they will stay in place during rain events.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1667 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Soil sampling shall be submitted to a laboratory for analysis and recommendations and in projects with multiple landscape installations (ie. residential subdivisions) a soil sampling rate of 1 in 7 lots or approximately 15% will satisfy this requirement, and is required to include:
a. Soil texture;
b. Infiltration rate determined by the laboratory test or soil texture infiltration rate table; c. pH;
d. Total soluble salts;
e. Sodium;
f. Percent organic matter; and
g. Recommendations
Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted soils shall be transformed to a friable condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need meet this requirement.

Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of soil report and what is appropriate for the plants selected.

For landscape installations, compost at a rate of a minimum of four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of six inches into the soil. Soils with greater than 6% organic matter in the top 6 inches of soil are exempt from adding compost and tilling.

Specify a minimum three-inch layer of mulch which shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas unless there is a horticultural reason not to use mulch in a portion of the planting area. To provide habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife, up to 5% of the landscape area may be left without mulch. Designated insect habitat must be included in the landscape design plan as such.

Mulch, such as shredded bark, shall be specified in bioretention and on slope areas so that they will stay in place during rain events and meet current engineering standards.

Organic mulch materials made from recycled or post-consumer shall take precedence over inorganic materials or virgin forest products unless the recycle 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.

Stormwater Management and Rainwater Retention
Comply with storm water control plan requirements (C.3), if applicable.

Improve or maintain the infiltration rate of landscape soils typical of their soil texture and minimize soil erosion.

Avoid drainage onto non-permeable hardscapes within the property lines and prevent runoff of all irrigation and natural rainfall outside property lines.

All planted landscape areas are required to have friable soil to maximize water retention and infiltration.

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: the one inch, 24-hour rain event or (2) the 85th percentile, 24-hour rain event, and/or additional capacity as required by any applicable local, regional, state or federal regulation.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1668 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

It is recommended that storm water projects incorporate any of the following elements to improve on-site storm water and dry weather runoff capture and use:
i. Grade impervious surfaces, such as driveways, during construction to drain to vegetated areas. ii. Minimize the area of impervious surfaces such as paved areas, roof and concrete driveways. iii. Incorporate pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., gravel, permeable pavers or blocks, pervious or porous concrete) that minimize runoff.
iv. Direct runoff from paved surfaces and roof areas into planting beds or landscaped areas to maximize site water capture and reuse.
v. Incorporate rain gardens, cisterns, and other rain harvesting or catchment systems. vi. Incorporate infiltration beds, swales, basins and drywells to capture storm water and dry weather runoff and increase percolation into the soil.
vii. Consider constructed wetlands and ponds that retain water, equalize excess flow, and filter pollutants.

Landscape Irrigation Requirements:

Smart irrigation controller(s) using one of the below methods shall be required on all irrigation systems:
i. Daily evapotranspiration data utilizing non-volatile memory. ii. Daily soil moisture sensor data utilizing non-volatile memory.

A landscape water meter, defined as either a dedicated water service meter or private submeter, shall be installed for all non-residential irrigated landscapes of 1,000 square feet but not more than 5,000 square feet or greater.

The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water.

Recycled water shall be used for landscape irrigation if it is available at the project site.

Specify technology and practices to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other water waste.

Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 12" of any impervious surface (walkways, driveways, etc.). " Specify sprinkler heads and other emission devices that have matched precipitation rates within each irrigation zone. No irrigation zone shall specify a precipitation rate greater than 1.2 inches per hour. On slopes steeper than 25%, the specified application rate shall not exceed 0.75 inches per hour.

Specify irrigation controls so the dynamic water pressure at sprinkler head or other emission device is within manufacturer’s recommended optimal operating range. If the water pressure is below or exceeds the recommended pressure of the specified irrigation device, the installation of a pressure regulating device is required. ’ Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction are required for all non-residential landscapes and residential landscape of 5,000 square feet or larger.

No overhead irrigation shall be specified in planting areas less than 10'0" wide in any dimension. " Sensors, 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.

Specify a manual shut-off valve for each point of connection and specify that each shut-off valve be identified on the controller map.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1669 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

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.

Check valves or anti-drain valves are required on all sprinkler heads where low point drainage could occur.

Prepare a controller map and programming table and specify that this be stored in the controller cabinet. The controller map shall visually differentiate each controller zone. For each irrigation valve, the controller programming table shall list the plant water requirement (high, medium, low, or very low), the sun exposure, irrigation emission device type, precipitation rate, station flow rate, optimal pressure, soil type, infiltration rate, square foot area, and degree of slope.

Each irrigation valve shall control irrigation to only one distinct hydrozone. A hydrozone is an area with similar sun exposure, irrigation precipitation rate, soil conditions, slope, and plant material with similar water needs. Refer to the WUCOLS report for plant water needs.

Trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers, and turf 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.

Specify a separate irrigation valve and hydrozone for the top of a slope and the bottom of a slope.

All irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers/International Code Councils (ASABE/ICC) 802-2014 “Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard,” All sprinkler heads installed in the landscape must document a distribution uniformity low quarter 0.65 or higher using the protocol defined in ASABE/ICC 802-2014.

I/we certify that the landscape plans for the above-listed project comply with the Water-Efficient Landscape Standards and Landscape Plan Requirements of the City of Pleasant Hill Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

Designer’s Name Company Name Date
Address Telephone
Professional Stamp
Email Professional License Number
(Ord. 900 § 1, 2016)
Appendix D
Water-Efficient Landscaping Ordinance
Chapter 18.52
Certificate of Compliance: Landscape Installation Sheet [Note: the Certificate of Compliance: Landscape Installation Sheet used by the zoning administrator shall be in substantially the following form.]
Project Name: _______________________ Project Address/ Parcel No.: ____________________ Applicant Name: _____________________ Applicant Address: ___________________________ Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1670 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Installed Project Area Measurements match those of the Landscape Design and Irrigation Plans.

Plant material is the same as that specified in the plans and any substitutes are determined to be equivalent or less in water need, per Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS).

Installation incorporates most recent acceptable best management practices for water-efficient landscape design.

Any plant substitutes used are well suited to the local climate and soil conditions.

All plants are located per the design plans.

Plants selected shall be spaced so that, at maturity, they do not interfere with visibility of vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic; do not conflict with overhead utility lines, overhead lights or walkway lights; and do not block or interfere with pedestrian or bicycle right-of-way.

Irrigation hydrozones are the same as plans and any field-adjusted irrigation zones were installed so that distinct hydrozones are irrigated separately by one or more irrigation valves.

All irrigation equipment is the same as specified, and any substitutes are equivalent.

Point of connection (POC) is the same as specified in plans.

Installation complies with Storm Water Control Plan requirements.

Installation work minimized any soil erosion and maintained or improved the landscape soil’s infiltration rate. ’ A minimum of 3 inches of mulch was applied to all exposed soil surfaces in non-turf planting areas.

I/we certify that the landscape has been installed as specified in the landscape plans for the above-listed project to comply with the Water-Efficient Landscape Standards and Landscape Plan Requirements of the City of Pleasant Hill Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

Owner/Resident’s Name
(Individual single-family project) Signature Date
Installer’s Name
(All other projects) Company Name Date
Address Telephone
Professional Stamp
Email Professional License Number
(Ord. 900 § 1, 2016)
Appendix E
Water-Efficient Landscaping Ordinance
Chapter 18.52
Certificate of Compliance: Landscape Maintenance Sheet
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1671 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. [Note: the Certificate of Compliance: Landscape Maintenance Sheet used by the zoning administrator shall be in substantially the following form.]
Project Name: _______________________ Project Address/ Parcel No.: ____________________ Applicant Name: _____________________ Applicant Address: ___________________________ Landscape Maintenance Schedule Requirements:

The annual landscape maintenance schedule shall include the following:
o Routine inspection;
o Adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components; o Aerating turf areas;
o Replenishing mulch;
o Seasonal pruning;
o Weeding in all landscape areas; and
o Removing obstructions to emission devices.

Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or their equivalents.

Project shall be irrigated so that total annual water applied is less than or equal to the maximum applied water allowance (MAWA), if applicable.

A diagram of the irrigation plan showing hydrozones shall be kept with the irrigation controller for subsequent purposes.

Landscape Maintenance Requirements:

Maintenance practices incorporate most recent acceptable best management practices for water-efficient landscape maintenance.

Plants selected for replanting are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions.

Plants for replanting are spaced appropriately based on their expected mature size.

Any changes to overhead irrigation do not result in overspray.

Replacement plants are spaced so at mature size they do not block sprinklers.

Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or their equivalents or with components with greater efficiency.

Changes to irrigation system or plant material shall maintain distinct hydrozones that are irrigated separately by one or more irrigation valves.

Any irrigation change shall not be connected to the domestic meter.

Maintenance practices are incorporated to prevent run-off, low head drainage, and overspray.

No overhead irrigation can be moved within 12 inches of any non-permeable surface (walkways, driveway, etc.).

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1672 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Specify sprinkler heads and other emission devices that have matched precipitation rates within each irrigation zone. No irrigation zone shall specify a precipitation rate greater than 1.2 inches per hour. On slopes steeper than 25%, the specified precipitation rate shall not exceed 0.75 inches per hour.

Manual shutoff valves are maintained at each point of connection.

A copy of the controller map(s) and programming table(s) are kept in all irrigation controller cabinets.

Separate irrigation valves and hydrozones are maintained for the top of a slope and bottom of a slope.

Re-circulation system(s) is maintained for all water features.

Fountain(s) and their nozzles are maintained so that no wind drift or overspray will occur.

Maintenance practices comply with Storm Water Control Plan requirements (C.3), if applicable.

Infiltration rates for site’s landscape soils are maintained or improved with site maintenance practices. ’ Site is maintained to avoid drainage onto non-permeable hardscapes within the project and prevent run-off of irrigation and rainfall outside property lines.

Only use soil amendments that are appropriate for any replacement plants.

Maintain a minimum of 3 inches of mulch for all exposed soil surfaces in non-turf planting areas.

The use of crushed rock or gravel to serve as landscaping for large area coverage shall be avoided, except for walkways.

I/we certify that the landscape has been installed as specified in the landscape plans for the above-listed project to comply with the Water-Efficient Landscape Standards and Landscape Plan Requirements of the City of Pleasant Hill Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

Owner/Resident’s Name
(Individual single-family project) Signature Date
Designer’s Name
(All other projects) Company Name Date
Address Telephone
Professional Stamp
Email Professional License Number
(Ord. 900 § 1, 2016)
Appendix F
Water-Efficient Landscaping Ordinance
Chapter 18.52
Prescriptive Compliance
[Note: the Prescriptive Compliance sheet used by the zoning administrator shall be in substantially the following form.]
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1673 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

This appendix contains prescriptive requirements which may be used as a compliance option to the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

Compliance with the following items is mandatory and must be documented on a landscape plan in order to use the prescriptive compliance option:

A. Submit a Landscape Documentation Package which includes the following elements:

1. Date

2. Project applicant

3. Project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number(s))

4. Total landscape area (square feet), including a breakdown of turf and plant material

5. Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private, cemetery, homeowner-installed)

6. 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

7. Contact information for the project applicant and property owner

8. Applicant signature and date with statement, “I agree to comply with the requirements of the prescriptive compliance option to the MWELO”.

B. Incorporate compost at a rate of at least four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet to a depth of six inches into landscape area (unless contra-indicated by a soil test); C. Plant material shall comply with all of the following;

1. For residential areas, install climate adapted plants that require occasional, little or no summer water (average WUCOLS plant factor 0.3) for 75% of the plant area excluding edibles and areas using recycled water; For non-residential areas, install climate adapted plants that require occasional, little or no summer water (average WUCOLS plant factor 0.3) for 100% of the plant area excluding edibles and areas using recycled water;

2. A minimum three inch (3″) layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated.

D. Turf shall comply with all of the following:

1. Turf shall not exceed 25% of the landscape area in residential areas, and there shall be no turf in non-residential areas;

2. Turf shall not be planted on sloped areas which exceed a slope of 1 foot vertical elevation change for every 4 feet of horizontal length;

3. Turf is prohibited in parkways less than 10 feet wide, unless the parkway is adjacent to a parking strip and used to enter and exit vehicles. Any turf in parkways must be irrigated by subsurface irrigation or by other technology that creates no overspray or runoff.

E. Irrigation systems shall comply with the following:

1. Automatic irrigation controllers are required and must use evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data and utilize a rain sensor.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1674 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

2. Irrigation controllers shall be of a type which does not lose programming data in the event the primary power source is interrupted.

3. Pressure regulators shall be installed on the irrigation system to ensure the dynamic pressure of the system is within the manufacturers recommended pressure range.

4. 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.

5. All irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the ANSI standard, ASABE/ICC 802-2014. “Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard,” All sprinkler heads installed in the landscape must document a distribution uniformity low quarter of 0.65 or higher using the protocol defined in ASABE/ICC 802-2014.

6. Areas less than ten (10) feet in width in any direction shall be irrigated with subsurface irrigation or other means that produces no runoff or overspray.

F. For non-residential projects with landscape areas of 1,000 sq. ft. or more, a private submeter(s) to measure landscape water use shall be installed.

G. At the time of final inspection, the permit applicant must provide the owner of the property with a certificate of completion, certificate of installation, irrigation schedule and a schedule of landscape and irrigation maintenance. (Ord. 900 § 1, 2016)
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1675 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

Chapter 18.55 [18.80]

OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REGULATIONS
Sections:

18.55.010 Specific purposes. [18.80.010]

18.55.020 General requirements for off-street parking and loading. [18.80.020]

18.55.030 Off-street parking and loading spaces required. [18.80.030]

18.55.040 Shared parking facilities. [18.80.040]

18.55.050 Reduced parking for single uses. [18.80.050]

18.55.060 Parking spaces for the disabled. [18.80.080]

18.55.070 Electric vehicle (EV), bicycle and nonautomobile modes of transportation. [18.80.090]

18.55.080 Parking space dimensions. [18.80.100]

18.55.090 Application of dimensional requirements. [18.80.100]

18.55.100 Aisle and parking space dimensions and circulation. [18.80.100]

18.55.110 Parking access from street. [18.80.110]

18.55.120 Driveway widths and clearance. [18.80.110]

18.55.130 Driveways – Visibility. [18.80.110]

18.55.140 Parking area screening, lighting and landscaping. [18.80.120]

18.55.150 Driveways, garages and carport design and location in R districts. [18.80.110]

18.55.160 Additional design standards for parking lots and structures. [18.80.130]

18.55.170 Location and design of off-street loading spaces. [18.80.140]

18.55.180 Parking reductions allowed within priority development and transit uses. [18.80.060]

18.55.190 Minor adjustments to parking design standards. [18.80.070]

18.55.010 Specific purposes. [18.80.010]
In addition to the general purposes listed in PHMC § 18.05.020, the specific purposes of the off-street parking and loading regulations are to:

A. Ensure that off-street parking and loading facilities are provided for new land uses and for major alterations and enlargements of existing uses in proportion to the need for such facilities created by each use.

B. Establish parking standards for commercial uses consistent with need and with the feasibility of providing parking on specific commercial sites.

C. Ensure that off-street parking and loading facilities are designed in a manner that will ensure efficiency, protect the public safety, and, where appropriate, insulate surrounding land uses from adverse impacts. (Ord. 710 § 35-17.1, 1996; 1991 code § 35-17.1)

18.55.020 General requirements for off-street parking and loading. [18.80.020] A. When required. At the time of initial occupancy of a site, construction of a structure, or major alteration or enlargement of a site or structure, off-street parking facilities and off-street loading facilities shall be provided in accord with the regulations prescribed in this section. For the purposes of these requirements, major alteration or enlargement means a change of use that would increase the number of parking spaces or loading berths required by 10% or more of the total number required before the alteration or enlargement or an addition that would increase the number of parking spaces or loading berths required by 10% or more of the total number required before the alteration or enlargement. A change in occupancy is not considered a change in use unless the new occupant is in a different use classification than the former occupant (e.g., retail vs. office). For any alteration or enlargement of a parking or loading facility that does not increase the number of parking spaces or loading berths by 10%, the altered or enlarged portion of the parking or loading facility shall be required to comply with this section.

B. Nonconforming parking or loading. No existing use of land or structure shall be deemed to be nonconforming solely because of the lack of off-street parking or loading facilities required by this section; provided, that facilities being used for off-street parking and loading as of the date of adoption of this chapter shall not be reduced in number to less than that required by this section.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1676 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

C. Spaces required for alteration or enlargement. The number of parking spaces or loading berths required for an alteration or enlargement of an existing use or structure, or for a change of occupancy, shall be in addition to the number of spaces or berths existing before the alteration, enlargement, or change of occupancy unless the preexisting number is greater than the number prescribed in this section. In this case, the number of spaces or berths in excess of the prescribed minimum shall be counted in determining the required number of spaces or berths.

D. Spaces required for multiple uses. If more than one use is located on a site, the number of off-street parking spaces and loading berths to be provided shall be equal to the sum of the requirements prescribed for each use, except in shopping centers where the standards in Schedule 18.55.030A apply (one space per 250 square feet).

E. Shared parking. Off-street parking and loading facilities required by this section for any use shall not be considered as providing parking spaces or loading berths for any other use except where the provisions of PHMC §

18.55.040, Shared parking facilities, apply or a joint facility exists.

F. Location and ownership. Parking required to serve a residential use shall be on the same site as the residence served. Parking required to serve a nonresidential use may be on a different site under the same or different ownership as the use served; the distance of parking from the use served shall be subject to review and approval by the planning commission.

G. Common loading facilities. The off-street loading facilities requirements of this section may be satisfied by the permanent allocation of the prescribed number of berths for each use in a common truck loading facility; provided, that the total number of berths shall not be less than the sum of the individual requirements. As a requirement of approval, a signed copy of a contract between the parties concerned setting forth an agreement to joint use of the common truck loading facility shall be filed with the application for a zoning permit. The city may record the contract. If the gross floor area of individual uses on the same site is less than that for which a loading berth would be required by Schedule 18.55.030B, but the aggregate gross floor area of all uses is greater than the minimum for which a loading berth would be required, the aggregate gross floor area shall be used in determining the required number of loading berths.

H. Computation of spaces required. If, in the application of the requirements of this section, a fractional number is obtained, one parking space or loading berth shall be required for a fraction of more than one-half, and no space or berth shall be required for a fraction of one-half or less.

I. Land banking. The planning commission may allow a portion of the required parking improvements to be deferred upon finding that all of the spaces are not needed immediately. (Ord. 949 § 13, 2021; Ord. 890 § 30, 2015; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 710 § 35-17.2, 1996; 1991 code § 35-17.2)

18.55.030 Off-street parking and loading spaces required. [18.80.030] Off-street parking and loading spaces shall be provided in accord with Schedules 18.55.030A and 18.55.030B. A limit on the number of parking spaces permitted for office uses is established to encourage carpooling and vanpooling, reduce traffic congestion, conserve energy and provide air quality benefits. For off-street loading, Schedule 18.55.030B sets space requirements and standards for different groups of use classifications and sizes of buildings, which correspond with group numbers shown in the “Off-Street Loading Spaces” column in Schedule

18.55.030A. References to spaces per square foot are to be computed on the basis of gross floor area unless otherwise specified, and shall include allocations of shared restroom, halls and lobby area, but shall exclude area for vertical circulation, stairs or elevators.

Where the use is undetermined, and/or if a use requires approval of a conditional use permit, the zoning administrator shall determine the probable use and the number of parking and loading spaces required, based on the operational characteristics of the proposed use. This may result in more off-street parking spaces being required than specified in Schedule 18.55.030A. In order to make this determination, the zoning administrator may require the submission of survey data or other applicable studies from the applicant or prepared at the applicant’s expense.

SCHEDULE 18.55.030A

OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING SPACES REQUIRED
Use Classification Off-Street Parking Spaces
Off-Street Loading Spaces: Schedule

18.55.030B Group Number
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1677 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.55.030A

OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING SPACES REQUIRED
Use Classification Off-Street Parking Spaces
Off-Street Loading Spaces: Schedule

18.55.030B Group Number
Residential
Accessory dwelling unit See PHMC § 18.20.095.

Bed and breakfast 1 per guest bedroom, plus 2 for the primary dwelling unit.

Care facility, small, licensed Same as single-family residential.

Care facility, small, unlicensed As specified by use permit.

Emergency homeless shelter Within the LI zone district, 1 space per 750 sq. ft. of gross floor area plus 1 space for every 2
employees, and 1 additional space for every
facility vehicle. Within other zone districts,
parking shall be as specified by use permit.

Family day care home, large See applicable single-family or multifamily residential parking requirements.

Family day care home, small See applicable single-family or multifamily residential parking requirements.

Group residential 1 per sleeping room plus 1 per 100 sq. ft. used for assembly purposes or common sleeping
areas.

Multifamily residential 1.5 per studio or 1-bedroom unit of which 1 must be covered or 2 spaces per 2-bedroom or
larger unit of which 1 must be covered; plus 1
guest parking space for every 2 units.

Multifamily senior 1 for each 2.5 units.

Single-family residential For new construction, 2 spaces per dwelling unit both of which must be fully enclosed.

Single-room occupancy Same as group residential.

Public and Semipublic
Care facility, large, licensed or unlicensed 1 per 3 beds, plus 1 for each employee during peak hours of operation, plus 1 visitor parking
space per 4 residents unless otherwise specified
by use permit (see PHMC § 18.55.030).
3 Clubs and lodges 1 per 100 sq. ft. used for assembly purposes. 3 Cultural institutions 1 per 300 sq. ft. gross floor area. 3 Day care, general 1 per 6 children; maximum enrollment based on maximum occupancy load.

Emergency medical care 1 per 200 sq. ft.

Government offices 1 per 250 sq. ft. 2
Maintenance and service facilities 1 per 500 sq. ft., plus 1 per 500 sq. ft. of outdoor storage area.
1 Park and recreation facilities
As specified by zoning permit or use permit for
private facilities.

Public safety facilities As specified by use permit. 3
Offender rehabilitation services As specified by use permit.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1678 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.55.030A

OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING SPACES REQUIRED
Use Classification Off-Street Parking Spaces
Off-Street Loading Spaces: Schedule

18.55.030B Group Number
Religious assembly
1 per 4 fixed seats, or 1 per 50 sq. ft. of seating
area if there are no fixed seats.

Schools, public or private
1 for each employee; plus 1 for every 100 sq.
ft. of classroom. 1
Utilities, major As specified by use permit. 1
Commercial
Adult businesses 1 per 250 sq. ft. 1
Ambulance services 1 per 500 sq. ft., plus 2 storage spaces. 1 Animal sales and services:

Animal boarding or grooming; animal hospital 1 per 400 sq. ft. 1 Animal day care 1 per 400 sq. ft. of indoor space
Animals, retail sales 1 per 250 sq. ft. 1
Riding academies As specified by the zoning administrator.

Artists’ studios 1 per 1,000 sq. ft. 1
Automobile maintenance, limited 2 per service bay plus queue for 2 cars per bay.

Automobile service stations 3 per service bay plus 1 per each employee.

Automobile, vehicle/equipment broker
1 per 300 sq. ft., but not to exceed 1 per 250 sq.
ft. 2
Automobile, vehicle/equipment repair
4 per service bay or 1 per 225 sq. ft.,
whichever is greater.

Automobile, vehicle/equipment sales and
rentals
1 per 250 sq. ft. of office and ancillary meeting
spaces; plus 1 per 1,000 sq. ft. of indoor
product sales and display areas; plus 1 per
1,000 sq. ft. of outdoor sales and product
display areas; plus 2 spaces per service bay for
any accessory service, repair and maintenance
facilities. Parking lot design standards (PHMC
§§ 18.55.080 through 18.55.170) shall apply to
employee and customer parking and loading
areas only. 1
Automobile, vehicle/equipment wholesaler 1 per 400 sq. ft. 1 Automobile washing
1 per 200 sq. ft. of sales, office, or lounge area;
plus queue for 5 cars per washing station.

Banks and savings and loans 1 per 200 sq. ft. 2
Drive-up service Queue space for 5 cars per teller.

Building materials and services
1 per 400 sq. ft.; plus 1 per 500 sq. ft. of
outdoor storage area. 1
Catering services 1 per 400 sq. ft. 1
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1679 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.55.030A

OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING SPACES REQUIRED
Use Classification Off-Street Parking Spaces
Off-Street Loading Spaces: Schedule

18.55.030B Group Number
Commercial recreation and entertainment:

Bowling alleys 6 per lane. 1
Electronic game centers 1 per 400 sq. ft.

Skating rinks
1 per 5 fixed seats, or 1 per 35 sq. ft. seating
area if there are no fixed seats; plus 1 per 250
sq. ft. floor area not used for seating.

Billiards/pool tables 2 per table, 1 per employee.

Tennis and racquetball clubs 4 per court. 1
Other commercial recreation As specified by the zoning administrator.

Communications facilities 1 per 500 sq. ft. 2
Eating and drinking
1 per 100 sq. ft. gross area; plus queue space as
determined by the zoning administrator for
drive-through service.

For uses with take-out service only
1 per 50 sq. ft. gross area; plus queue space as
determined by the zoning administrator for
drive-through service. 1
With outdoor seating
No additional spaces for the first 12 seats; 1
additional per 3 seats for more than 12 seats
except within the Downtown Specific Plan area
where parking requirements for outdoor
seating shall be as specified by the zoning
administrator or planning commission.

Equipment and appliance maintenance and
repair services
1 per 400 sq. ft.; plus 1 per 500 sq. ft. of
outdoor storage area. 1
Fitness studio 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Food and beverage sales 1 per 250 sq. ft. 1
Funeral and interment services 1 per 50 sq. ft. seating area. 1 Horticulture, limited 1 per 2 acres.

Hotels
1 per guest room plus 1 per 50 sq. ft. banquet
seating area.

Laboratories (general) 1 per 500 sq. ft. 1
Laboratories (medical and dental) 1 per 200 sq. ft. 1
Live entertainment (all types except karaoke) As specified by the zoning administrator.

Karaoke 1 per 4 karaoke seats, 1 per employee.

Maintenance services establishments 1 per 500 sq. ft. 1 Motels 1 per guest room.

Nurseries
1 per 500 sq. ft. of outside display lathe house
area, plus 1 per 250 sq. ft. gross floor area.

Offices, general
1 per 300 sq. ft. but not to exceed 1 per 250 sq.
ft. 2
Offices, medical and dental 1 per 200 sq. ft.

Pawn shops 1 per 250 sq. ft. 1
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1680 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.55.030A

OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING SPACES REQUIRED
Use Classification Off-Street Parking Spaces
Off-Street Loading Spaces: Schedule

18.55.030B Group Number
Personal improvement services 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Dance or music studio 1 per 600 sq. ft.

Personal services 1 per 250 sq. ft. 1
Pharmacy 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Non-retail/wholesale 1 per employee.

Research and development services 1 per 400 sq. ft.

Retail sales not listed under another use
classification 1 per 250 sq. ft. 1
Furniture/appliance stores, household
equipment store 1 per 400 sq. ft. 1
Shopping centers 1 per 250 sq. ft. 1
Theaters
1 per 4 fixed seats, or 1 per 40 sq. ft. seating
area if there are no fixed seats. 1
Vehicle storage facilities
1 per 500 sq. ft. (in addition to parking for the
vehicles stored on site as part of this use).

Travel services 1 per 300 sq. ft.

Industrial
Fuel storage and distribution As specified by the use permit.

Industry, custom and general 1 per 1,000 sq. ft.

Industry, limited 1 per 750 sq. ft.

Industry, research and development 1 per 500 sq. ft.

Warehousing and storage, limited 1 per 1,000 sq. ft. 1
Wholesale distribution and storage 1 per 800 sq. ft. 1
SCHEDULE 18.55.030B

OFF-STREET LOADING SPACES REQUIRED
Number of Spaces Required
Gross Floor Area (sq. ft.) 10' x 20' x 10' 12' x 25' x 14' Use Classification Group 1
0 to 3,000 0 0
3,001 to 15,000 1 0
15,001 to 50,000 2 0
50,001 and over 3 0
Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1681 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

SCHEDULE 18.55.030B

OFF-STREET LOADING SPACES REQUIRED
Number of Spaces Required
Gross Floor Area (sq. ft.) 10' x 20' x 10' 12' x 25' x 14' Use Classification Group 2
0 to 10,000 1 0
10,001 to 20,000 1 1
20,001 and over 1 1
Use Classification Group 3
0 to 30,000 0 1
30,001 to 100,000 0 2
100,000 and over 0 3
(Ord. 964 § 12, 2023; Ord. 949 § 14, 2021; Ord. 915 § 12, 2017; Ord. 902 § 8, 2016; Ord. 890 § 31, 2015; Ord. 874 § 6, 2013; Ord. 867 § 7, 2012; Ord. 865 § 6, 2012; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 710 § 35-17.4, 1996; 1991 code § 35-17.4)

18.55.040 Shared parking facilities. [18.80.040]
A. Use permit for shared parking facilities. A use permit may be approved by the zoning administrator or planning commission for shared parking facilities serving more than one use on a site or serving more than one property (see PHMC Chapter 18.95). A use permit for shared off-street parking may allow a reduction of the total number of spaces required by this section if the findings in subsection B of this section are made. No use shall be continued if the on-site or off-site parking is removed unless substitute parking facilities are provided.

The maximum allowable reduction in the number of spaces to be provided shall be reviewed and approved through a use permit. An applicant for a use permit for shared parking may be required to submit survey data substantiating a request for reduced parking requirements. A use permit for shared parking shall describe the limits of any area subject to reduced parking requirements and the reduction applicable to each use.

B. Findings required. A use permit for shared off-street parking may allow a reduction of the total number of spaces required by this section if the following findings are made:

1. The spaces to be provided will be available as long as the uses requiring the spaces are in operation;

2. The peak hours of parking demand from all uses do not coincide so that peak demand is greater than the parking provided;

3. The adequacy of the quantity and efficiency of parking provided will equal or exceed the level that can be expected if collective parking is not provided; and

4. A written agreement exists between the landowner(s) and the city, in a form satisfactory to the city attorney, that includes:
a. A guarantee that there will be no substantial alteration in the uses that will create a greater demand for parking;
b. A guarantee among the landowner(s) for access to and use of the shared parking facilities in perpetuity.

However, if the landowner providing the shared parking facility is a public agency, then the minimum Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1682 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024. required time period for the agreement shall be as established by mutual consent of the city and the applicable public agency;
c. A provision that the city may require parking facilities in addition to those originally approved upon a finding by the planning commission that adequate parking to serve the use(s) has not been provided; d. A provision stating that: (i) the planning commission may for due cause and upon notice and hearing, unilaterally terminate the agreement at any time; (ii) the zoning administrator may terminate the agreement upon finding that substitute parking facilities meeting the requirements of this section are provided; and
e. A provision that the agreement will be recorded in the county recorder’s office upon issuance of the use permit. (Ord. 934 § 7, 2019; Ord. 890 § 32, 2015; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 710 § 35-17.6, 1996; 1991 code § 35-17.6)

18.55.050 Reduced parking for single uses. [18.80.050]
The zoning administrator may approve a use permit for up to a 10% reduction in the number of parking spaces and the planning commission may approve a use permit for more than a 10% reduction in the number of spaces to less than the number specified in Schedule 18.55.030A or 18.55.030B; provided, that the following findings are made:

A. The parking demand will be less than the requirement in the schedules; and B. The probable long-term occupancy of the building or structure, based on its design, will not generate additional parking demand.

In reaching a decision, the zoning administrator or planning commission shall consider survey data submitted by an applicant or collected at the applicant’s request and expense. The use permit issued pursuant to this section shall be recorded in the county recorder’s office. (Ord. 949 § 15, 2021; Ord. 710 § 35-17.8, 1996; 1991 code § 35-17.8)

18.55.060 Parking spaces for the disabled. [18.80.080]
All parking facilities shall comply with the requirements of the California Code of Regulations (Chapter 24, Part 2, Division 2-71) and with the sign requirements of California Vehicle Code section 22507.8. Parking lot modifications required to comply with these requirements shall be allowed, including reduction in required parking spaces or modification to provisions contained in this chapter, subject to review and approval of the city engineer and zoning administrator. (Ord. 890 § 33, 2015; Ord. 710 § 35-17.10, 1996; 1991 code § 35-17.10)

18.55.070 Electric vehicle (EV), bicycle and nonautomobile modes of transportation. [18.80.090] A. Electric vehicle (EV) parking – Number required.

1. Commercial use classifications. New development shall provide a minimum of one EV parking space (including charging facility) when the parking lot has 25 to 50 parking spaces, and one additional EV parking space (including charging facility) for every 50 additional spaces. Existing parking lots that are modified and subject to the provisions of PHMC § 18.55.020.A shall also be required to comply with this section.

2. All other use classifications: as specified by architectural review, use or development plan permit.

3. Development regulations: contained in PHMC Chapter 14.75.

B. Bicycle parking – Where required. Bicycle parking spaces shall be provided in every district as required by this section.

C. Bicycle parking – Number required.

1. Public and semipublic use classifications: as specified by use permit.

2. Commercial use classifications. Each development shall provide at least one bicycle space plus the equivalent of 2% of the requirement for automobile parking spaces.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1683 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

3. Residential use classifications. Each development shall provide the equivalent of one bicycle parking space for every 10 required automobile parking spaces, with a minimum of one bicycle parking space per development.

D. Bicycle parking design requirements. For each bicycle parking space required, a stationary object shall be provided to which a user can secure both wheels and the frame of a bicycle with a six-foot cable and lock. The stationary object may be either a freestanding bicycle rack or a wall-mounted bracket. The following alternative facilities may be provided, subject to approval of the zoning administrator:

1. An enclosed bicycle locker; or

2. A three-point bicycle rack which secures both wheels and the frame; or

3. A fenced, covered, locked or guarded bicycle storage area. Spacing of the bicycle units shall be figured on a handle width of three feet, a distance from bottom of wheel to top of handlebar, three feet, six inches, and a maximum wheel distance of six feet.

E. Motorcycle parking spaces. A commercial, office or industrial use having more than 10,000 square feet is required to designate at least one standard parking space as motorcycle parking. The designated spaces’ entrance shall be a concrete piece at least 36 inches long and affixed to a foundation by epoxy cement. The wheel stops shall have a two-foot separation to provide access from the aisle or driveway.

F. New development with more than 10 housing units or over 5,000 square feet of nonresidential uses shall include amenities that encourage active modes of transportation that reduce pollution or VMT as a benefit to the community (e.g., bicycle lockers/racks, showers, dedicated vanpool or carpool parking areas, dedicated shuttle services, e-bike charging stations, innovative bus shelter designs). (Ord. 967 § 9, 2024; Ord. 964 § 13, 2023; Ord. 934 § 8, 2019; Ord. 906 § 11, 2016; Ord. 710 § 35-17.12, 1996; 1991 code § 35-17.12)

18.55.080 Parking space dimensions. [18.80.100]
Required parking spaces shall have unobstructed access to the nearest driveway, thus, no tandem, mechanical lift, or other similar parking configuration is allowed to satisfy parking requirements. In addition, required parking spaces shall have the following minimum dimensions:

Use Type of Space
Width x Length in Feet
Large Car Small Car
Residential Spaces in a garage or carport See PHMC § 18.55.150 Uncovered 8.5 x 19 8 x 16
Nonresidential Perpendicular 8.5 x 19 8 x 16
All Parallel spaces 9 x 23 8 x 20
(Ord. 949 § 16, 2021; Ord. 906 § 10, 2016; Ord. 710 § 35-17.14, 1996; 1991 code § 35-17.14)

18.55.090 Application of dimensional requirements. [18.80.100] A. In general. For residential use, all required resident spaces and at least 50% of guest spaces shall be large-car spaces. For nonresidential use, up to 50% of the required spaces may be small-car spaces. Small-car spaces shall be clearly marked.

B. Relation to aisles.

1. Each parking space adjoining a wall, column, or other obstruction higher than 0.5 foot shall be increased by two feet on each obstructed side; provided, that the increase may be reduced by 0.25 foot for each one foot of unobstructed distance from the edge of a required aisle, measured parallel to the depth of the parking space.

Item 10.3
City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1684 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

2. At the end of a parking bay, the driveway aisle providing access to the parking spaces shall extend two feet beyond the end of the last parking space to allow adequate vehicle movement. (B) PARKING SPACES ADJOINING AN OBSTRUCTION
(The diagram is illustrative)
C. Vertical clearance. Vertical clearance for parking spaces shall be seven feet, except that an entrance may be 6.67 feet, and the front five feet of a parking space serving a residential use may be four and one-half feet.

D. Wheel stops. All spaces shall have wheel stops two and one-half feet from a fence, curb, wall, or landscaped walkway, unless the landscape walkway has adequate width to allow pedestrian access. When a parking space abuts a landscaped planter less than six inches high, the front two feet of the required length for a parking space may extend into the planter. (Ord. 938 § 8, 2020; Ord. 710 § 35-17.16, 1996; 1991 code § 35-17.16)

18.55.100 Aisle and parking space dimensions and circulation. [18.80.100] A. Aisle and parking space dimensions. Aisle widths adjoining parking spaces and parking stalls shall be pursuant to Schedule 18.55.100, Minimum Parking Dimensions, below:

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City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1685 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

PARKING FACILITY DIMENSIONS DIAGRAM
SCHEDULE 18.55.100

MINIMUM PARKING DIMENSIONS
Angle of Parking Parallel 20° 30° 40° 45° 50° 60° 70° 80° 90° A.

Curb
length
per car All 20′ 0′′ 22′ 10′′ 16′ 2′′ 12′ 8′′ 11′ 6′′ 10′ 9′′ 9′ 7′′ 8′ 10′′ 8′ 7′′ 8′ 6′′ B.

Stall
depth
Small 8′6 ′′ 12′ 6′′ 14′ 6′′ 16′ 0′′ 16′ 8′′ 17′ 0′′ 17′ 7′′ 17′ 7′′ 17′ 1′′ 16′ 0′′ Large 9′ 0′′ 15′ 0′′ 17′ 4′′ 19′ 2′′ 19′ 10′′ 20′ 5′′ 21′ 0′′ 21′ 0′′ 20′ 5′′ 19′ 0′′ C.

Aisle
width All 12′ 6′′ 12′ 0′′ 12′ 0′′ 12′ 0′′ 13′ 0′′ 15′ 0′′ 18′ 0′′ 20′ 0′′ 25′ 0′′ 25′ 0′′ D.

Depth of
two
stalls
Small – 18′ 0′′ 22′ 6′′ 26′ 4′′ 28′ 1′′ 31′ 3′′ 31′ 5′′ 32′ 8′′ 32′ 10′′ 32′ 0′′ Large – 21′ 5′′ 26′ 10′′ 31′ 4′′ 33′ 2′′ 34′ 11′′ 37′ 5′′ 38′ 9′′ 39′ 0′′ 38′ 0′′ E.

Depth of
two
stalls
plus aisle
Small 27′ 0′′ 36′ 0′′ 40′ 0′′ 44′ 0′′ 46′ 4′′ 49′ 0′′ 53′ 2′′ 54′ 2′′ 58′ 2′′ 56′ 0′′ Large 30′ 0′′ 42′ 0′′ 46′ 8′′ 50′ 4′′ 53′ 8′′ 55′ 10′′ 60′ 0′′ 62′ 0′′ 65′ 8′′ 63′ 0′′ B. Circulation.

1. Within a parking lot, circulation must be such that a car entering the parking lot need not enter the street to reach another aisle and that a car shall not enter a public street backwards. No backing into streets is permitted except for a single-family detached residence or a duplex residence where each unit is served by an individual driveway.

2. Each preschool or day care center, private educational, institutional, or public recreational land use located in an R district, or a commercial recreational facility shall include a drop-off area that may be adjacent to a primary access or aisle. Minimum widths for such areas combined with accesses are 12 feet for one-way traffic and 25 feet for two-way traffic.

3. Within a parking lot, a pedestrian walkway shall be provided for every four parking aisles. (Ord. 710 § 35-17.18, 1996; 1991 code § 35-17.18)
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City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1686 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

18.55.110 Parking access from street. [18.80.110]
A. Property with less than 200 feet of frontage on an arterial street is limited to one driveway. Property with 200 feet or more of frontage is limited to two driveways. Joint use of driveways with adjacent property may be required in all cases to reduce the total number of driveways along arterial streets, improve the flow of traffic and lower accident potential.

B. All spaces in a parking facility shall be accessible without reentering a public right-of-way unless it is physically impossible to provide for such access. An alley may be used as maneuvering space for access to off-street parking.

C. Where an area used for off-street parking does not abut a public street, there shall be provided an access drive not less than 20 feet in width for two-way traffic, connecting the off-street parking area with a public street. The access drive shall be paved in the manner required for off-street parking lots and may not traverse property in an R district unless the drive provides access to a parking area serving a use in an R district.

D. A dead-end access or service driveway with a length of 150 feet or greater shall provide a turnaround consisting of at least one specifically designated parking space, or an equivalent alternative, as determined by the zoning administrator.

E. Entrances and exits are subject to the approval of the city engineer.

F. An entrance to a parking area accommodating more than 25 automobiles shall include a landscaped median strip.

The design of the strip is subject to approval by the planning commission and the architectural review commission.

The strip shall be located to eliminate possible cross-traffic within the parking area within 50 feet of the public right-of-way. An applicant may request zoning administrator, architectural review commission or planning commission approval modifying this requirement based on the size of the parking area, the circulation plan, and sight and safety considerations. (Ord. 906 § 12, 2016; Ord. 710 § 35-17.20, 1996; 1991 code § 35-17.20)

18.55.120 Driveway widths and clearance. [18.80.110]
A driveway shall have the following minimum width at the gutterline, plus a minimum of one foot additional clearance on each side of a vertical obstruction exceeding 0.5 foot in height.

A. Serving a single-family or duplex use: Up to three required parking spaces – 10 feet minimum driveway.

B. Serving a multifamily or single-family residential use: four or more required parking spaces – 12 feet one-way or 20 feet two-way minimum driveway.

C. Serving a nonresidential use: 24 or fewer spaces (12 feet one-way, 20 feet two-way); 25 or more spaces (15 feet one-way, 26 feet two-way).

The zoning administrator in consultation with the city engineer may require driveways in excess of the above widths where unusual traffic, grade or site conditions prevail. The zoning administrator also may require driveways to be constructed with full curb returns and handicapped ramps as opposed to simple curb depression. Driveways serving the same parking facility shall be located at least 35 feet apart. (Ord. 710 § 35-17.22, 1996; 1991 code § 35-17.22)

18.55.130 Driveways – Visibility. [18.80.110]
The driveway visibility triangle for each side of the driveway shall be determined by measuring 15 feet (20 feet for non-single-family uses) along the front property line, away from the driveway, beginning at the intersection of the driveway with the front property line, and measuring 15 feet (20 feet for non-single-family uses) along the driveway beginning at the intersection of the driveway with the front property line. The triangular area formed by connecting the outer points of each line across the intervening property is the visibility triangle and shall not be blocked above a height of two and one-half feet or greater above the top of the curb, or three feet with no curb, to a height of seven feet.

For lots which are not flat, are irregularly shaped, or are adjacent to a collector street, arterial, or expressway, the director of public works and community development may impose a stricter standard in order to provide adequate visibility.

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City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1687 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS

The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 967, passed January 8, 2024.

DRIVEWAY VISIBILITY
(The diagram is illustrative representing a single-family residential driveway) (Ord. 906 § 14, 2016; Ord. 710 § 35-17.24, 1996; 1991 code § 35-17.24)

18.55.140 Parking area screening, lighting and landscaping. [18.80.120] A. Screening. A parking area for five or more cars serving a nonresidential use shall be screened from an adjoining R district or a ground-floor residential use by a solid concrete, solid wood, or masonry wall eight feet in height, constructed to withstand a 15-pound-per-square-foot wind load, except that the height of a wall adjoining a required front yard in an R district shall not exceed three feet. A carport or open parking area for five or more cars serving a residential use shall be screened from an adjoining lot in an R district or a ground-floor residential use by a solid wall or fence six feet in height, except that the height of a wall or fence adjoining a required front yard in an R district shall not exceed three feet.

B. Lighting. Outdoor parking lot lighting shall be designed, installed and maintained to prevent nighttime sky light pollution and use energy efficiently by lighting only those areas or objects necessary for safety and security. All outdoor parking lot lighting shall conform to the following:

1. Exterior light fixtures shall be full cutoff fixtures designed and installed so that no emitted light will break a horizontal plane passing through the lowest point of the fixture.

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City Council Meeting Agenda - Page 1688 of 2323 - Monday, October 20, 2025 Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.55 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING

REGULATIONS