Fire access roads shall be labeled and dimensioned. Plans shall note that fire access roads shall be maintained clear 13’-6” high and required width based upon project type. • If you cannot meet the requirements of the fuel modification guideline for the total distance of the zones, alternate plant species, or horizontal spacing/grouping distances, an Alternative Materials and Methods (AM&M) request letter shall be drafted and submitted with the plans.
If an alternative means of protection is approved by the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM), copy the OFM signed AM&M request letter onto the plans. You will be required to resubmit the plans again for review and final approval with the letters incorporated into the plans
Section 2: Precise Fuel Modification Plans
Plans shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect or other design professional with equivalent credentials. If you are not using a licensed Landscape Architect, contact the City of Wildomar prior to submittal for approval.
Final/Precise fuel modification plans shall include all information required for conceptual fuel modification plans in addition to the information listed below Note: Plans shall be submitted electronically to the City of Wildomar in PDF format. Paper plans will not be accepted.
The following information shall be included on the Precise Fuel Modification Plan:
• Provide a legend for all trees, tree-form shrubs, shrubs, and ground cover in irrigated zones showing the maximum mature width and height of plants and proposed spacing in accordance with the Horizontal Spacing and Vertical Separation Requirements. • All plants and trees shall be shown as individual symbols representative of the mature size so that the plan reviewer is able to verify sufficient spacing between plants and trees is provided. • Irrigation plans indicating a permanent and automatic irrigation system is being designed and installed and that irrigation has been provided for all irrigated zones. • Indicate and provide details of the method used to identify and delineate the fuel modification zones. If the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal approved an alternative means of protection at the conceptual level, a note shall be added to the plans summarizing them. 1138
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• Specify on the plans that the property owner shall be responsible for maintaining the fuel modification in the approved condition.
• Locations of fire access ladder pads, demonstrating tree canopies shall not interfere with access from required ladder pads and ladder shall be of an acceptable material such as non-combustible mulch or very low, fire-resistant groundcover that would not inhibit access, growing 3” – 12” high maximum.
• The final construction landscape fuel modification plan set shall also include all the general information normally required for construction landscape and irrigation plans. See the Landscape Plan Check Review Comments form in the Appendix, Section 10.3.
Section 3: Plant Palette Information
The Climate Appropriate Plant List has been compiled from various resource agencies responsible for environmental protection.
All plants installed shall be selected from the plants identified as appropriate for fuel modification zones and be grouped and spaced in accordance with “Horizontal Spacing and Vertical Separation Requirements for Installation and Maintenance in All Fuel Modification Zones” document. All plants shall be fire-resistant and drought-tolerant.
All plant species must be submitted in a legend on the plans containing both the botanical and common names. Retained species shall also be identified within the legend.
Plant Palette Legend:
Provide a separate plant palette legend for each plant category below:
• Trees
• Shrubs
• Groundcover (max. natural growth height shall be no taller than 24 inches) • Grasses
Each legend shall include the following:
• Plant Symbol (separate symbol for each plant, shown at mature width) • Plant Form – tree, tree-shrub, shrub, groundcover, grasses, succulents • Botanical Name
• Common Name – including varietal name (if any)
• Expected Max Growth Height
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• Expected Max Growth Width
• Container Size
• Spacing
• Water Use Classification
Proposing Alternate Species:
If alternate plant species are proposed, the project Landscape Architect shall provide information on the size and fire-resistive characteristics for review to the City Landscape Architect and Fire Marshal.
Plant selections shall be highly fire-resistant and similar in characteristics to the plants listed as appropriate for fuel modification in the City’s Climate Appropriate Plants list. The City Fire Marshal and City Landscape Architect will make a case-by-case determination as to the acceptability of the proposed species.
Prohibited Species
Applicant shall not use the following prohibited species including:
• Species listed in Appendix 10.7 Fuel Modification – Undesirable Species • Species identified as invasive by the California Invasive Plant Council • When adjacent to MSHCP Conservation areas, no species listed on Table 6-2 of the Conservation Plan
• Species and varieties of shrubs known to grow taller than 6 feet at maturity Required Plan Notes
Applicant shall include the following notes on the fuel modification plans:
• All landscaping shall comply with Wildomar Fire Department landscape fuel modification requirements including horizontal spacing and vertical separation requirements depending upon type and height of plants, spacing and slopes.
• Existing vegetation shall comply with Wildomar Fire Department landscape fuel modification requirements.
• All vegetation within the 100-foot defensible space / fuel modification zone shall be maintained year-round in accordance the current California Fire Code (CFC), Chapter 49, City of Wildomar Municipal Code, Chapter 8.28 Fire Code, City of Wildomar Municipal Code, Chapter 8.48 Hazardous Vegetation, and California Code of Regulations, Title 14 Natural Resources – Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Articles 1-5 and any other applicable local and State laws. Any State regulation more restrictive than local ordinances will apply. This may require thinning and or removal of plants, trees, and vegetation, to meet State Law. 1140
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• No combustible mulch shall be provided within the Ember-Resistant Zone (five feet from any structure).
• All plants and trees are selected from the City’s Climate Appropriate Plant List and have been designated as appropriate for fuel modification zones.
• Fuel Modification Covenant and Agreement shall be recorded prior to final Wildomar Fire Department inspection.
• All zone requirements shall be listed on the fuel modification plans.
Sample Fuel Modification Plan
Above sample fuel modification plan shows some of the minimum required components and information to be included on both conceptual and precise fuel modification plans.
Plans shall also include all items required per the City’s Plan Review Checklists. 1141
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Section 4: Plan Revisions
Revisions to previously approved fuel modification zones or plans shall be submitted to the Wildomar Fire Marshal and City Landscape Architect for review. The applicant shall provide a copy of the original, stamped approved plan for reference during the review.
Some minor field changes may not need a plan submittal revision. Minor field changes shall be sent to the Fire Marshal and City Landscape Architect in writing and approved before the field changes occur.
Alternate Materials & Methods, Construction Features, and Fire Protection Plans
If there are limits to areas in which you cannot meet fuel modification width distance requirements a reduction in the minimum requirement shall be based upon practical reasons and will be reviewed by the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal on a case-by-case basis and shall provide for an alternative method to reduce Structure-to-Structure, Structure-to-Vegetation, and Vegetation-toStructure ignition. Methods to achieve this are described briefly below.
Performance Based Design:
a. A detailed technical fire behavior analysis report by a qualified wildland fire behavior professional is required (qualifications of the professional must be approved by the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal prior to their design). The report shall include BehavePlus fuel modeling outputs at a minimum.
b. A one to two-page Alternative Materials & Methods (AM&M) request letter to the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal must be submitted with the detailed technical report. The report and letter shall be drafted by the fire behavior professional and submitted with the plans. c. The applicant shall propose compensating factors to demonstrate equivalency to the distance required (see also building construction feature and fire protection plans described below). d. Contact the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal for a copy of the Alternative Materials & Methods (AM&M) application. Use the information within the application as a model for drafting your letter. If an alternative means of protection is approved by the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal, copy the OFM signed AM&M request letter onto the plans. You will be required to resubmit the plans again for review and final approval with the letters incorporated into the plans.
Building Construction Features and Fire Protection Plans:
a. Building Construction Features designed in accordance with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (CBC)/Residential Code Section 337 are required for all structures.
b. Additional compensating factors will also be required. These include but are not limited to: additional building construction features, solid block wall or block wall with 1142
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tempered glass measuring a minimum of 6 feet on both sides of the wall, increased structure setbacks, special planting designs, rockscapes and plant restrictions, and reduced planting and increased hardscape areas. If a maintenance/ fire access gate is being shown along a solid block wall or block wall with tempered glass, a gate detail shall be provided on the plan that demonstrates the same applied effect as the solid wall.
c. A Fire Protection Plan shall be submitted with or prior to the conceptual FMZ plan and does not take the place of the Fire Master Plan. Approved Fire Protection Plans are provided to the applicant and to the Building Department by the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal, for design and plan review approval of the construction features.
Offsite Landowner Recorded Easements (for Extreme Cases):
a. All fuel modification should be located within the property or tract of the protected structure(s).
b. Proper on-site Fuel Modification design should be set back from the tract or property boundary lines for a distance of 200 feet.
c. When the required distance is not within the property, as a last option, a legally recorded easements shall be signed by the adjoining property owner and integrated into fuel modification plans, giving rights to the beneficiary to maintain the recorded area in perpetuity. The easement shall show the distance designed on the plans. d. The conceptual FMZ plans will not be approved until the legally recorded agreements are copied on the plans.
Additional Requirements
Additional fuel modification requirements may apply based on project-specific conditions and based upon recommendations from Wildomar Fire Department, project fire consultants, and other involved parties.
Structures in Fuel Modification Zones and Construction Requirements:
All structures in lots containing or adjacent to designated fuel modification zones shall incorporate special construction features per local and states codes. These construction features shall be shown and/r listed on the Fire Master Plan and are not required to be shown on the landscape fuel modification plans.
Contact the Wildomar Fire Department and Fire Marshal for more information on required construction techniques for structures and information on requirements for the Fire Master Plan. 1143
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APPENDIX 10.7
HORIZONTAL SPACING & VERTICAL SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS FOR
INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE IN ALL FUEL MODIFICATION ZONES Maximum shrub group
diameter of 10 feet
Vertical
Separation
Horizontal Spacing
10’ separation required between
trees and between edge of
canopy to shrubs taller than 24”.
Only groundcover 24” and less
below tree canopies
Shrubs located
below or within the
tree’s drip line shall
be 24” high
maximum and the
lowest tree branch
shall be 10’ above.
Trees shall be
standard form only
to help prevent fuel
ladders. No multi or
low branching.
24” max
10’ min
15 feet min.
from next
shrub groups
Shrub and Tree Form Shrub Horizontal Grouping and Spacing (when > 24” in height) as measured from the edge of the group.
Groundcover < 24” to be provided between shrub groupings.
Vegetation
Underneath
6’
max
Horizontal Spacing
Vegetation 24 inches or less in Height:
• No horizontal spacing or vertical separation is required in all zones. Ground cover in Zone 2 should cover the entire ground between groups of shrubs, trees, or grasses. Ground cover shall not exceed 24 inches in height.
• Shrubs over 24” in height are not allowed within 5 feet of a structure. • Shrubs located below or within the tree’s drip line shall be 24” high maximum. • Groundcovers shall be provided between shrub grouping to ensure planters appear fully infilled at plant maturity.
Vegetation greater than 24 inches in Height:
Shrub Group Size & Spacing:
• Shrubs shall not exceed 6 feet in height. Single shrubs 2’–4’ allowed within Zone 1 beyond Zone 0. • Groupings of shrubs are limited to a maximum aggregate diameter of 10 feet. • Groups of shrubs shall be separated a minimum of 15 feet from the next shrub or grouping of shrubs.
Shrub Height
CITY OF WILDOMAR
HORIZONTAL SPACING & VERTICAL SEPARATION
REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION &
MAINTENANCE IN ALL FUEL MODIFICATION ZONES 1144
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Tree Spacing
• Trees shall be spaced by a distance of 10 feet from mature crown to mature crown minimum. • Trees shall be a minimum of 10 feet from all structures measured from mature crown. • No low-branching or multi-trunk trees allowed to reduce fuel ladders.
Vertical Separation
• Where shrubs are located below or within a tree's drip line, the lowest tree branch shall be 10 feet above at maturity.
• Shrubs and groundcover below tree drip lines shall be 24” in height maximum. 1145
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A PPENDIX 10.8
FUEL MODIFICATION – UNDESIRABLE PLANT SPECIES LIST
Certain plants are considered undesirable in the landscape due to characteristics that make them highly flammable. These characteristics can be either physical or chemical. Physical properties contributing to high flammability include large amounts of dead material retained within the plant, rough or peeling bark, and copious amounts of litter. Chemical properties include the presence of volatile substances such as oils, resins, wax, and pitch. Certain native plants are notorious for containing these volatile substances.
Plants with these characteristics shall not be planted in any fuel modification zone. Should these species already existing within these areas, they shall be removed because they pose a potential threat to structures.
These fire-prone plant species include but are not limited to:
CITY OF WILDOMAR
FUEL MODIFICATION
UNDESIRABLE PLANT SPECIES LIST 1146
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1148
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE
DESIGN STANDARDS
February 2025
1149
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
Section 10.9.1
Section 10.9.2
Section 10.9.3
Section 10.9.4.A
Section 10.9.4.B
Section 10.9.4.C
Section 10.9.4.D
Section 10.9.4.E
Section 10.9.4.F
Section 10.9.4.G
Applicability
Purpose & User Guide
Site Design & General Objective Landscape Standards
Single-Family Residential Landscape Standards
Multi-Family Residential Landscape Standards
Commercial Landscape Standards
Industrial Landscape Standards
Manufacturing Landscape Standards
Medical Landscape Standards
City-Maintained Landscape Standards
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LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
10.9.1 APPLICABILITY
This checklist is intended to apply to the following:
• All new construction projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review. • Rehabilitated landscapes projects with an aggregate
landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review.
• Modification to existing structures and uses, requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review. Whenever an existing building is modified, or a use is expanded such that it creates an increase of more than 10% in the number of existing dwelling units for residential projects or more than 10% in the existing square footage of commercial or industrial projects, all new and rehabilitated landscape shall be subject.
10.9.2 PURPOSE & USER GUIDE
Objective design standards are standards that have no subjective judgement and are easily measurable, quantifiable, and verifiable by both reviewer and the applicant.
This checklist is intended as an overview of the minimum objective requirements for landscape development projects in the City of Wildomar. A copy of this list will be used to check your application for completeness after it is submitted, to ensure all projects reviewed by the City have met a minimum consistency in landscape design. Applications not containing the necessary information on this checklist will not be accepted for landscape review.
The checklist does not relieve applicants and designing Landscape Architects from complying with applicable codes and shall be used in conjunction with City of Wildomar Landscape Design Standards and the City’s Plan Review checklists after the landscape submission is deemed complete and ready for consistency review. Additional information and plans may be required to evaluate your application following initial review by staff.
To use the checklist correctly, follow the steps below:
• Step 1: The general landscape standards apply to all projects regardless of zone. Complete the General Standard Checklist section first.
• Step 2: Next, identify the project type zone and/or maintaining entity. Use and complete only the checklist for the zone & entity type of your project.
• Step 3: Finally, submit the fully completed checklist with your entitlement application.
As you go through the checklist, check each “Complete” box under “Applicant” to indicate that the information has been provided, and sign below once the checklist is complete.
If you believe an item is not applicable to your application, check the “N/A” box under “Applicant” and provide justification why the standard does not apply.
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LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
As you go through the checklist, check each “Complete” box under “Applicant” to indicate that the information has been provided, and sign below once the checklist is complete. If you believe an item is not applicable to your application, check the “N/A” box under “Applicant” and provide justification why the standard does not apply.
If you have any questions regarding this form or are uncertain if a specific requirement applies to your project, please contact the Planning Division at (951) 677-7751. A copy of the checklist with applicant section fully completed shall be provided with your application to the City. Once deemed complete by the Planning Department and the City’s Landscape Architect, the entitlement review will begin and the applicant may received additional correction comments and redlined.
Please note requirements related to open space and recreation, fencing, building coverage, and similar requirements shall be per the applicable Wildomar Municipal Code and City Design Standards and are checked by Planning as part of their review. 1152
GENERAL LANDSCAPE
STANDARDS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
1. All landscape areas are clearly identified by label, hatch or symbol.
2. All landscape areas shall include a combination of trees, shrubs, and groundcover.
3. A legend is provided that includes Botanical & Common name for all proposed plants and water usage as identified by WUCOLS for Region 4.
4. Water quality features are shown, labeled, and planted – if any.
5. Special Landscape Areas (SLAs) are labeled on plan and total area is shown in the preliminary water calculation -– if any.
7. Sloped areas are labeled and identified.
8. A preliminary water budget is provided.
A. Site Design & General Standards
9. For projects in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, a preliminary fuel modification plan has been provided.
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
6. Existing trees to remain and to remove are identified in the planting legend.
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
10. Hardscape areas have been shown and labeled.
11. Buildings and structures are shown and labeled.
12. Utilities, fire hydrants, light standards, vehicle chargers, and signs are shown and labeled.
13. At fire utilities including hydrants and double-detector checks, a minimum of three feet clear shall be indicated on plans. Screening for fire hydrants and detector checks are shown on plan.
14. A summary of project data that includes square footage of project, new landscape area, rehabilitated landscape area, and turf area is included.
16. All easements shall be shown, labeled, and dimensioned on the landscape plans.
17. Hardscape shall not be used to meet minimum required landscape area.
A. Site Design & General Standards
18. Transformers are shown and shall show the required clearance area as identified per SCE’s Landscaping around Residential and Commercial Pad-Mounted Transformers documents. Screening for transformers is shown and placed outside of the clear area.
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
15. All required setbacks shall be shown, labeled, and dimensioned on the landscape plans.
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
19. Sidewalks and pedestrian walkways shall be a minimum of 5 feet in width.
20. A minimum of 5-foot-wide landscaping shall be incorporated around the base of all buildings (except for areas of required ingress and egress such as for walkways and driveways) to soften the edge between parking, drive aisles, and sidewalks.
21. Turf areas are identified on plan and are only utilized in functional/play areas.
22. Artificial turf is identified on plan and not shown in any areas of landscape visible from public streets.
23. Turf shall not be more than 30% of the total landscape area unless the project includes playing fields. A calculation has been provided on plans demonstrating compliance.
25. All planter areas shall be a minimum of 5 feet interior width. Areas of exception include trash enclosure screening planters and planters between garages for tuck-under parking for residential developments.
Any planters less than the required 5 feet shall be identified and dimensioned on plan.
A. Site Design & General Standards
26. All setback areas required by code, areas between the curb and setback, public frontage areas, or portions of the site with any street frontage, shall be landscaped except where an area of a required setback is improved with a required paved surface such as a sidewalk or driveway.
Areas without landscape are labeled on plan as to their intended use.
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
24. Turf shall not be used in any planter areas less than 10 feet wide.
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
27. All manufactured slopes shall be indicated on plans and provided with landscaping and irrigation.
28. Limited sight corner areas are identified on plan and provided for all entries into the site.
No obstructions are shown located within the limited sight area over 30” high.
29. All publicly visible walls shall be screened and softened with landscape. A minimum 5-foot-wide planter shall be provided at the base of the wall to provide the required screening and screening shown on
30. All landscape lighting fixtures shall be focused, directed, and arranged to prevent glare or direct illumination on streets or adjoining property. Light fixtures on the preliminary lighting plans are shown in compliance or a note has been added to the plan stating it shall follow the above requirement.
A. Site Design & General Standards
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
31. Decorative, non-living landscape materials are shown on plan and identified.
Adopted: February 2025
32. Decorative, non-living landscaping materials, including but not limited to sand, stone, gravel, wood, or water, may be used to satisfy a maximum of 20 percent of the required landscaping area. This may be increased in areas designated as within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone that are subject to Fuel Modification 1157
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
33. All temporary slopes shall be indicated on plan and provided with landscaping and temporary
34. All temporary pad areas shall be indicated on plan and provided with landscaping and temporary irrigation.
35. Zoning for all adjacent lots is shown on plan.
Zoning for proposed project is identified on plans.
36. Parking, loading, trash, outside storage, and service areas shall be screened from view with a combination of structures, walls, fences, and landscaping. These areas are clearly labeled on plan and provided with a minimum 3 to 5-foot-wide landscape planter with screening shrubs and/or vines.
Trash enclosures shall be screened on 3 sides. All others shall be screened on sides visible from public view.
38. Root barriers are to be provided for all trees within 6 feet of hardscape and the public right-of-way.
Root barriers shall be 24” deep and 16 feet in length minimum. A root barrier note shall be provided on the plan.
A. Site Design & General Standards
39. A minimum 3-inch layer of wood bark 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. For low growing groundcovers, a 1 ½ inch layer shall be applied. A mulch note shall be provided on the plan.
For Fuel Modification projects, non-combustible mulch is provided adjacent to all structures.
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
37. Palm trees shall only be used at main focal points and in community pool areas.
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
1. All trees shall be a minimum of 15 gallon size.
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)
2. Street trees shall be a minimum of 24” box size.
3. Shrubs shall be a minimum of at least 5 gallon size. Plants growing 30” or taller shall follow this requirement.
4. Tree palette shall be balanced between evergreen and deciduous trees. Tree quantities shall be included on the plan set and a calculation showing balanced distribution of evergreen and deciduous species shall be included on the plans.
6. Trees located along building facades at a rate of 1 per 30 linear feet minimum. Trees used to satisfy this requirement shall be within 20 feet of the building being screened. A calculation shall be provided at each building noting perimeter linear footage and required and provided trees.
Tree count may be deficient in areas subject to fuel modification.
B. Planting Quantities & Qualities & General Standards
7. Trees located onsite at a minimum of rate of 60 trees per gross acre. This may be modified in fuel modification areas. A calculation of required and provided trees per area shall be provided on the plans, as well as the site area in both square feet and acres. Tree count may be deficient in areas subject to fuel modification.
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
5. Street trees shall be provided at 1 per 30 linear feet of frontage area, excluding driveways, average. Where fuel modification is required, street tree spacing may extend to 1 per 40 linear feet and shall provide 10 feet clear between canopies at maturity. A calculation of perimeter linear footage required and provided trees shall be included on the plans.
Adopted: February 2025
8. Tree located in pedestrian areas such as plazas, patios and similar are provided with accessible tree grates and identified on plans.
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ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
1. A note shall be included on the plans stating that no overhead irrigation is allowed within 24” of a non- permeable surface.
2. All planting shall be grouped and hydro-zoned with similar water demands to facilitate efficient irrigation and prevent water waste. Plant palettes are organized based on water use and unique symbols or hatch symbols identify hydro-zoned areas.
3. All publicly visible walls shall be screened and softened with landscape. A minimum 5-foot-wide planter shall be provided at the base of the wall to provide the required screening and screening shown on plans.
4. The estimated applied water use allowed for the landscaped area may not exceed the maximum applied water allowance calculated. A calculation shall be provided demonstrating compliance and uses the City’s Appendix 1.01 Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet.
6. Native plant material shall be utilized for a minimum of 25% of the required landscape area. Native plants shall be identified in the planting legend or a note shall be provided stating the final mix of plants shall satisfy this requirement.
C. Water Efficiency & General Standards
7. All landscaping shall be irrigated and provided with an automatic smart weather-based irrigation system that includes a rain sensor, automatic rain-shut-off and may include soil, wind, or other sensors that improve irrigation efficiency. A note is included on the plan describing the irrigation control and proposed water-efficient irrigation method.
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
5. Low water plant material shall be utilized for a minimum of 50% of the required landscape area, based on the square footages included in the preliminary water calculation.
Adopted: February 2025
8. High water use plants with a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0 can only be used in the common open space or areas identified as a Special Landscape Area such as recycled water use areas. High water use areas shall be identified clearly on plan and in the planting legend. 1160
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
1. All landscaping shall be separated from parking area by means of a 6” concrete curb.
Curb cuts for LID purposes are acceptable exception.
2. Trees shall be provided at a rate of 1 tree per every 3 uncovered parking stalls. A calculation shall be included on plans demonstrating minimum tree quantity has been provided. Parking lot trees to count towards this requirement shall be within 5 feet of the parking lot area.
3. Trees for parking lot shade shall grow a minimum of 30 feet at maturity and mature canopy width shall be indicated in the planting legend.
4. Double-loaded rows of parking shall include tree wells at a rate of 1 per every 4 stalls.
6. Parking lot screening shrubs shall be a minimum of 15-gallon size and shall be spaced on-center 36”- 48”.
D. Parking Lot Landscaping & General Standards
7. Trees shall provide a minimum of 30%-50% shading over parking stalls at maturity, based on the number of uncovered parking spaces per code 17.188.070. Where solar carports are provided to satisfy state energy requirements, 30%-50% of the uncovered parking stall area shall be covered by trees at maturity.
A shading plan shall be included within the plan set as required per code 17.188.070.
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
5. Landscape fingers are provided within parking rows every 10 consecutive spaces.
Adopted: February 2025
8. At the end of all parking stall rows, landscaped planters shall be provided. End-aisle planters shall not less than 5 feet in width in all interior dimensions and shall include step-outs where abutted by parking stalls.
End aisle planters shall be the length of the adjacent parking stall. 1161
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
9. Bumper over-hang areas shall be shown and labeled on plans.
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)
10. Adjacent to Side or Rear property lines: Parking areas shall provide a perimeter landscaped strip at least five (5) feet wide interior width, exclusive of any bumper overhang areas.
11. Adjacent to Buildings: Parking spaces shall be separated from buildings by a pedestrian sidewalk (minimum 5 feet) and/or a landscape strip (minimum 5 feet).
12. Adjacent to Streets: Parking areas shall provide a perimeter landscaped strip at least 5 feet wide between the street right-of-way and parking area, exclusive of any bumper overhang areas.
D. Parking Lot Landscaping & General Standards
14. A minimum of ten percent of the total off-street parking area shall be landscaped with trees, shrubs, and appropriate ground cover. The parking area shall be computed by adding the areas used for access drive aisles, stalls, maneuvering, and landscaping within that portion of the premises that is devoted to vehicular parking and circulation. The parking lot landscape area that counts towards this requirement shall be clearly delineated on the plan or a separate diagram may be provided to demonstrate compliance. A calculation demonstrating compliance shall be provided that includes total parking lot area, required parking lot landscape area, and provided parking lot landscape area.
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
13. Step-outs shall be provided wherever parking stalls are adjacent to landscape planters.
Step-outs shall be provided as either 12” x 12” integral pour or as a 4-6” x 12” doweled step-out. This step-out area shall not reduce the minimum inside dimension of the 5-foot-wide landscape planter.
A minimum of one step-out per sheet shall be labeled and dimensioned on the landscape concept plan(s).
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
15. No trees shall be allowed within the bumper overhang area.
16. Bumper overhang total square footage identified in project data section.
17. Parking lot screening shrubs shall be evergreen to provide year-round screening. Note provided in legend identifying screening shrubs as evergreen.
D. Parking Lot Landscaping & General Standards
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
18. All open parking areas shall be screened from view of adjacent properties and streets using walls, berms, and/ or evergreen landscaping and shall be 36” - 48” high. On projects requiring fuel modification, screening shall be provided by a low decorative wall in combination with plant material appropriate for the applicable fuel modification zone.
Screening elements are graphically shown on plan and labeled.
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
1. Right-of-way shall clearly be identified on plans.
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)
2. Street trees are centered within their assigned planter and a minimum of 30” front edge of sidewalk and back-of-curb to trunk.
3. No loose rocks or boulders proposed in right-of-way.
4. Plans shall include a note stating that landscaping will conform with the current version of City of Wildomar’s Standards and Specifications for Public Improvements (Road Standards).
E. Right-of-Way & Median Landscaping & General Standards
7. All right-of-way landscaping including parkways shall be maintained by the adjacent property owner, with the exception of right-of-way landscape located within a city-maintained City Facilities District or Landscape Light Maintenance District.
A note is included on the plans identifying the maintenance entity or entities.
Projects with more than one maintenance entity shall identify areas of maintenance on plan or by separate maintenance diagram included with the submission.
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
5. A separate palette in the legend is provided for parkways and right-of-way landscaping with mature plant widths less than the width of the parkway/planter.
Adopted: February 2025
6. Landscape medians are treated with approved materials which may consist of landscaping and stamped concrete or river rock between landscaped areas. 1164
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CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
8. Power poles identitified and no combustible landscaping within 10 feet.
9. Where overhead lines occur, no trees taller than 15 feet are proposed and mature height is noted in the planting legend.
10. Medians less than five feet have enhanced paving only.
11. All right-of-way landscaping shall be irrigated with low volume drip and bubbler irrigation.
An irrigation design statement is included on the plans that includes this requirement.
12. A minimum of two tree species are proposed – the street theme tree and a flowering accent tree flanking entry corners. No palms within right-of-way planters and medians.
14. Where medians occur next to turn pockets, planting proposed shall be a maximum of 24” inches high.
A note shall be added to plans where this occurs.
E. Right-of-Way & Median Landscaping & General Standards
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
13. Medians greater than five feet shall have an 18” wide maintenance walk adjacent to the 6” curb at planting areas. A dimension is shown on plan demonstrating compliance.
Adopted: February 2025
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
1. The front yard setback and all graded slopes over 3 feet high shall be landscaped and irrigated.
Except for areas of required ingress and egress such as driveways and pedestrian paths.
2. A note has been added to the plans indicating the front yard and right-of-way landscaping including the street trees shall be maintained by the property owner or property owner’s Homeowner’s Association.
3. Model home complexes shall use low water planting for 75% to 100% of the landscape area and this reflected within the Preliminary Water Calculations.
4. Each lot shall have a minimum of 3 front yard trees consistent of 1 – 15 gallon front yard tree, 1 – 24” box front yard tree, and 1 – 24” box street tree. Additional street trees shall be provided for corner and wide lots at a rate of 1 per 30 lineal feet.
5. Tract conceptual submittals (FSPOD) shall include the following concepts: Typical front yards, Model home complex, Slopes, Parks, HOA / Common Area, CFD / LLMD – if applicable, Wall & Fence A. Single Family Residential Landscaping & Single Family Tract Housing
10.9.4 SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
6. Where reverse frontages occur, a meandering sidewalk has been provided.
7. Tract projects with 50 lots and greater shall provide an entry statement. A tract entrance designation shall consist of a neighborhood identification sign on a decorative wall or monument, with at least a twelve-foot depth of landscaping (measured from the right-of-way line) surrounding the wall or monument (Exhibit “B”). No element of the tract entrance designation shall be placed within the public right-of-way. Plans shall identify tract entrance signage location and locate them outside of any limited sight area at the corner.
A. Single Family Residential Landscaping & Single Family Tract Housing
10.9.4 SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Adopted: February 2025
Note: Street sections, trails, bikeways, parkway widths, corner cutbacks, and median location requirements are reviewed by the Planning Department and Engineering Department. This checklist does not waive other more stringent requirements identified by other reviewing departments and does not waive any applicable requirements per the Wildomar Municipal Code and the City’s Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines. 1168
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OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
1. Where projects are adjacent to public streets, the first 10 feet of this setback must be landscaped.
2. The minimum required recreational-leisure areas (RLA) shall be identified clearly shown, labeled, and dimensioned on plan.
3. RLAs shall be identified as passive or active and shall show and label proposed facilities, landscape areas, and hardscape areas.
4. A maximum of 25 of the required RLA area shall be hardscape. A calculation shall be provided on the landscape plans demonstrating compliance and shall include the total RLA area, total landscape area and percentage and total hardscape area and percentage.
6. Enhanced, textured paving shall be provided at primary project entrances.
B. Multi-Family Residential Landscaping
10.9.4 SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
5. Enhanced, textured paving or striping shall be included where pedestrian crossing occurs in parking, driveway, and drive-thru areas.
Adopted: February 2025
7. For buildings over 3 stories, all fire ladder pads and access points shall be indicated on plans. No tree canopy shown over required ladder pad area.
Note: Open space requirements and calculations are reviewed for sufficiency by the Planning Department.
This checklist does not waive other more stringent requirements identified by other reviewing departments and does not waive any applicable requirements per the Wildomar Municipal Code and the City’s Multi-Family Design Guidelines. 1170
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LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
8. Site elements are labeled including benches, pots, trash and recycling receptacles, drinking fountains, water features, and lighting.
9. A minimum of 35% of the onsite trees shall be 24” box or greater. All others shall be at least 15 gallon size.
10. A minimum of (2) 36” box or 48” box upsized specimen trees are provided flanking each entry drive into the site, located outside of the limited sight areas at the corners.
B. Multi-Family Residential Landscaping
10.9.4 SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Adopted: February 2025
COMMERCIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
1. A minimum of 15% of the site proposed for development shall be landscaped and irrigated.
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)
2. Hardscape for required open space areas shall be permeable.
3. A safe pedestrian path has been provided from parking areas to the entry of buildings and is identified by enhanced, decorative paving and/or striping.
4. Bicycle parking is located adjacent to the safe pedestrian route(s).
5. A safe pedestrian path has been provided from the right-of-way and adjacent bus stop and is identified by enhanced, decorative paving and/or striping.
7. Enhanced paving is identified at site entries to accent the entry drives.
8. Plans shall identify any proposed stormwater BMPs and LID features and provide a brief sustainability statement describing these items.
C. Commercial Landscaping
9. All areas not utilized by structures, storage, paved walks, plazas, driveways or parking shall be landscaped.
10.9.4 SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
6. A minimum of (2) 36” box or 48” box upsized specimen trees are provided flanking each entry drive into the site, located outside of the limited sight areas at the corners.
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
10. All pads for future development shall be labeled and provided with temporary landscaping and
11. Projects shall incorporate trellises or pergolas to support vines and climbing plants – except for projects subject to fuel modification.
12. A minimum of 5% on the onsite area shall be provided as recreational and/or leisure open space areas that are publicly accessible by pedestrian path. A calculation of required and provided area shall be provided on the plans and areas shall be appropriated dimensioned and annotated with square footage sub-total per area.
C. Commercial Landscaping
10.9.4 SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Adopted: February 2025
INDUSTRIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
1. A minimum of 15% of the site proposed for development shall be landscaped and irrigated.
2. Proposed non-screened exhibit of products shall be identified on plan and shall be set back at least 10 feet from the property line.
3. A minimum 10-foot strip adjacent to the street right-of-way lines shall be appropriately landscaped and maintained, except for designated pedestrian and vehicular accessways. The remainder of the setback may be used for off-street automobile parking, driveways or landscaping.
D. Industrial Landscaping
10.9.4 SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Adopted: February 2025
4. A minimum of 20 feet of the rear and side setback shall be landscaped adjacent to resident and commercial zoned properties, unless a tree screen is approved, in which case the setback area may be used for automobile parking, driveways or landscaping.
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MANUFACTURING
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
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LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
1. A minimum of 10% of the site proposed for development shall be landscaped and irrigated.
2. A minimum 10-foot strip adjacent to street right-of-way lines shall be appropriately landscaped and maintained, except for designated pedestrian and vehicular access way. Said landscaping strip shall not include landscaping located within the street right-of-way.
E. Manufacturing Landscaping
10.9.4 SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Adopted: February 2025
3. A minimum 20-foot strip adjacent to lots residentially zoned lots or W-2-M or separated by a street from a lot with said zoning, shall be landscaped and maintained, unless a tree screen or other buffer treatment is approved by the hearing officer or body. However, in no case shall the landscaping be less than 10 feet wide excluding curbing.
1178
MEDICAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
1. A minimum of 15% of the site proposed for development shall be landscaped and irrigated.
2. Inland Valley Drive Street Setback. A minimum 10-foot landscape strip adjacent to the street property line shall be landscaped and maintained.
3. West Property Line Setback (Along I-15 Freeway). A minimum 10-foot landscape strip adjacent to the property line shall be landscaped and maintained.
4. North Property Line Setback. A minimum 10-foot landscape strip adjacent to the property line shall be landscaped and maintained.
5. East Property Line Setback (South of Prielipp Road). A minimum five-foot landscape strip adjacent to the south property line shall be appropriately landscaped.
F. Medical Landscaping
10.9.4 SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Adopted: February 2025
CITY-MAINTAINED PROJECTS
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
1. Street trees shall be provided at 30 feet on center. A calculation shall be provided on plans that includes the length of the frontage along the public street, the required tree quantity, and the provided tree quantity.
2. Street trees at corners shall be a flowering variety and shall be 36” box minimum. The corner tree will be the closest to any given corner, located outside of the limited sight area. A note shall appear in the legend indicating the tree as flowering. All other trees shall be a minimum of 24” box.
3. Street tree species shall be selected from the City’s approved street trees, located within Section 10 Appendix of the City’s Landscape Standards within the Climate Appropriate Plant List.
4. Shrubs shall be of 5 gallon size minimum. Appropriate on-center spacing for all plants shall be reviewed during the consistency review.
6. Vines shall be 5 gallon size minimum.
7. Planters for street trees shall be a minimum of 5 feet interior width and shall be dimensioned on plan.
Where street sections provide less than 5 feet width within the right-of-way for planting, the difference shall be provided onsite to ensure the 5 feet minimum plantable space is provided for required street trees.
Planter widths are dimensioned on plans demonstrating compliance.
G. City-Maintained Landscaping
10.9.4 SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
5. Groundcover shall be a minimum of 1 gallon. Flatted groundcover allowable on slopes at 12” on center spacing. Appropriate on-center spacing for all plants shall be reviewed during the consistency review. 1182
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8. A maintenance exhibit or diagram is provided detailing the location of all proposed City-maintained areas. For tract projects, the maintenance exhibit details all applicable maintenance entities including at a minimum but not limited to: LLMD, CFD, HOA, and Private.
9. The maintenance exhibit includes quantities and square footages of the following: landscape areas, trails, basins, concrete channels, slopes, easement areas and notes the proposed maintenance entity for each.
10. A note is indicated on the plans stating: “All landscaping improvements shall be maintained by the property owner and the property owner’s landscape contractor until final acceptance of the work by the City.”
11. A note is indicated on the plans stating “Final landscape construction document plans will comply with County of Riverside standard plans/details.”
13. All streetscape plantings shall be low water with the exception of vines and accent planting at street corners and focal moments such as signage and public art.
14. A note is indicated on the plans stating “All landscape construction materials & methods for public works and city-maintained projects shall conform with the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (Greenbook), latest adopted editions including modifications and supplements”.
G. City Maintained Landscaping
10.9.4 SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
12. An irrigation design statement stall be provided on the concept noting that that project will utilize an automatic irrigation controller manufactured by Calsense and that all city-maintained areas shall include separate water and electrical meters and services.
Adopted: February 2025
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE DESIGN STANDARDS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
SECTION 1. PURPOSE 5
SECTION 2. GOALS 5
SECTION 3. QUALITY LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT 6
SECTION 4. APPLICABILITY 7
SECTION 5. PLAN SUBMITTAL AND APPROVAL PROCESS 8
5.1 Phase 1 Discretionary Development 8
5.2 Phase 2 Post Entitlement 10
5.3 Phase 3 Landscape Construction and Final Inspection 11 SECTION 6. LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS 12
6.1 Title Sheet and General Design Plan 12
6.2 Landscape Construction Design Plan 13
6.3 Planting Design Plan 13
6.4 Irrigation Design Plan 15
6.5 Soil Management Report 16
6.6 Grading Design Plan 17
6.7 Certification of Completion 17
SECTION 7. LANDSCAPE DESIGN STANDARDS 20
7.1 Landscape Standards 20
7.2 Irrigation Standards 29
7.3 Landscape Maintenance 33
7.4 Landscape Standards by Land Use 34
7.5 Residential Landscape Standards 34
7.6 Non-Residential Landscape Standards 38
7.7 Street Tree and Right-of-Way Landscape Standards 39
7.8 Landscape Standards for Public Projects 42
SECTION 8. PUBLIC WORKS LANDSCAPE STANDARDS AND 43
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
8.1 Preliminary Landscape Plans 44
8.2 Construction Landscape Plans 44
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8.3 Systems and Material Requirements 45
8.4 Landscape Maintenance 45
8.5 Inspection and Acceptance of Improvements 54
SECTION 9. GLOSSARY 59
SECTION 10. APPENDICES AND REFERENCES 62
10.1 Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet 62
10.2 Preliminary Landscape Review Comments 63
10.3 Landscape Plan Check Review Comments 66
10.4 Certificate of Completion 71
10.5 Climate-Appropriate Plant List 73
10.6 Landscape Fuel Modification Standard 87
10.7 Fuel Modification – Spacing Guide 101
10.8 Fuel Modification – Undesirable Plant List 103
10.9 Landscape Objective Design Standards 106
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1. PURPOSE
The goal of this document is to provide standards for the design and installation of landscaping and irrigation systems for the various development projects in the City of Wildomar. The intent is to guide applicants, qualified landscape professionals, and residents in creating water efficient landscapes that visually enhance the City through quality design, installation, and maintenance.
They will also provide guidance in implementing the City’s landscape related Municipal Code Chapters and the State’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) which outlines the minimum requirements for landscape construction documentation packages and the maximum water allowance for residential and non-residential landscape projects. If any conflict arises between these standards and the most current mandates of the State’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, the stricter of the two shall apply.
The Landscape Design Standards shall supersede all requirements of Chapter 17.276 Water-Efficient Landscapes and City Of Wildomar Water Efficient / Conservation Landscape Standards Manual. In accordance with Ordinance No. 212, as applicable, all persons and/or entities subject to the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (23 CCR, Division 2, Chapter 2.7) shall comply with Sections 492.6(a)(3)(B), (C), (D), and (G), of the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, as amended September 15, 2015, as it may be amended in the future.
2. GOALS
• To promote environmental conservation, recognizing that beautiful and water efficient landscape designs are integral to the City’s character and community's quality of life. • To incorporate the main principles of water conservation in landscape design with the:
o use of water conserving plants
o reduction of turf area
o grouping of plants according to watering needs
o application of irrigation methods to meet plant needs • To provide guidance and standards to create beneficial landscape designs, that can also be utilized as criteria to evaluate design proposals.
• To ensure well designed
harmonious landscapes
that strengthen and
unify residential and
commercial
developments.
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3. QUALITY LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT
Local arid conditions and unique characteristics of Wildomar create landscape design challenges and possibilities within our community. The City is located along Interstate 15 freeway in Riverside County and is nestled in a valley bordered by the Santa Rosa Plateau to the west and rolling hills to the east.
Wildomar has a diverse mix of developments and land uses that blend the older rural design character with the newer more modern commercial and residential communities. This region requires carefully designed landscapes that are both water efficient and that respond to this blended environment to create connections, enhance function, beautify, and strengthen the City’s strong sense of community. 1189
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4. APPLICABILITY
These landscape design standards shall apply to the following:
• All new construction projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review. • Rehabilitated landscapes projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review. • Modification to existing structures and uses. Whenever an existing building is modified, or a use is expanded such that it creates an increase of more than 10% in the number of existing dwelling units for residential projects or more than 10% in the existing square footage of commercial or industrial projects, landscaping shall be provided as required under these standards to the greatest extent feasible.
• For existing landscaping and irrigation, the requirements for removal and replacement of required landscaping and maintenance within this document shall apply to all landscaping and irrigation within the City. When a homeowner replaces landscape and irrigation on projects with less than 2,500 square feet of landscape area, these design standards are encouraged to be used but are not mandatory.
• In the event of a declared water shortage or mandatory water conservation measures imposed by the State of California or other government agency having such authority, a development project shall comply with all water allocations programs adopted by the state or agency. 1190
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5. PLAN SUBMITTAL AND APPROVAL PROCESS
This section is intended to outline the phases and general requirements from plan preparation to final landscape inspection.
• A licensed landscape architect shall prepare all landscape submittals in fulfillment of this document’s requirements. The landscape architect must consult with City staff and the City’s landscape architect at the earliest possible stage of site development for a coordinated and wellprepared landscape plan submittal. • For projects greater than one (1) acre in land area, a landscape architect with a current California license shall certify to the preparation of all landscape plans. A certified irrigation designer may prepare the irrigation plans.
• Most landscape design proposals will require at leasttwo rounds of review to complete the review process. The Planning Department will provide plan review or plan check fee information prior to the submittal of each phase in the process.
• Upon submission to the City, the landscape concepts will be checked for the minimum required per Landscape Objective Design Standards, provided in Section 10. Appendix. The applicant will submit as part of their application package the applicant-completed Landscape Objective Design Standard checklist verifying all the of the minimum requirements have been provided. The City reviewer will then complete the City’s section of the checklist, confirming all items are provided and will deem the submission as “Complete” or “Incomplete” and notify the applicant of any deficient items. Applications without the checklist and those deemed incomplete will not be reviewed further until verified “Complete” by the City’s reviewer. • Once the landscape concept is verified as “Complete”, the concept(s) will then be reviewed for consistency with the Landscape Standards described in this document, Wildomar Municipal Code, and industry best practices. Applicant may receive corrections in both written and redlined plan format as part of the discretionary, entitlement process. • Review comment checklists for the Preliminary Landscape Plan and Landscape Documentation Package are provided in Section 10. Appendix. The checklists will be used by the City to review landscape plans for fundamental items, industry-standard best practices, required sheet elements, requirements per the State’s Model Water Landscape Ordinance, and similar. The designing landscape architect is strongly encouraged to use the checklists as a self-review tool when preparing landscape plans for city submittal.
5.1 Phase 1 - Discretionary Development
A Preliminary Landscape Plan is required as part of a development project application (i.e., Plot Plan, CUP, etc.) and with applications subject to design review or land use entitlement. After the preliminary plans are deemed “Complete” and ready for review, the City will review the plan for compliance with these standards, landscape related ordinances, and with special landscape requirements of any applicable master plan, specific plan or overlay area, as well as cohesiveness and compatibility with adjacent existing development.
The Preliminary Landscape Plan shall convey a fully developed landscape program. Irrigation plans are not required at this phase; however, a preliminary water budget calculation shall be included to show that 1191
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the proposed landscape program is compliant and preliminary hydrozoning for water efficiency should be evident.
The City's design review process represents the basis for approval or denial of a landscape design proposal, and no grading, building, or use permit can be issued until a project has received approval from the required approval authority.
The Preliminary Landscape Plan shall be developed to construction drawing level and at a minimum, include the following items:
• Identify all landscape planting material, including trees, shrubs, groundcover, and turf. The proposed planting layout shall be clearly communicated with hatches or symbols. Proposed plant quantities and sizes to be noted by estimated number or percentages. • List botanical name, common name, and water use classification (per current WUCOLS found at ucanr.edu/sites/WUCOLS/) for each plant.
• Identify any Special Landscape Areas (SLA) to be included in the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet such as, reclaimed water use areas, edible landscape areas, or recreational turf fields. • Locate and identify all biofiltration or detention basin areas and provide a specialized plant palette for basin bottom (Zone A, periodic inundation) and slopes (Zone B, above inundation). • Locate and identify all existing protected trees, noting biological name, common name, and trunk diameter. Note trees proposed to be removed,
relocated on-site, or maintained in place. For
additional information, refer to Section 7.1.4
Existing and Protected Trees.
• Illustrate sloped areas, include slope ratio,
topographic lines, and elevations. Provide a
specialized plant palette that demonstrates
material suitable for slope stability.
• Provide a preliminary water efficient landscape
worksheet that reflects the proposed landscape
program (MAWA and estimated ETWU).
• For projects located within the Very High Fire
Severity Zone, provide a Conceptual Fuel
Modification Plan complete with zone
delineation, description, and restrictions and limit plant palette to fire resistive material.
Refer to Appendix 10.6 Landscape Fuel Modification Guidelines for requirements. • Locate and identify all decorative paving and hardscape material. Note if any materials are permeable.
• Locate and identify all buildings and structures, including the height and material of all walls, fences, and gates.
• Locate and identify all utilities, light standards, vehicular charging stations, and signs. • Locate and identify all outdoor amenity features, including, but not limited to pools, spas, various water features, trellises, gazebos, play equipment, bike racks, picnic tables and benches. 1192
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• Special design attributes may require elevations, detail drawings and/or the submittal of manufacturer's literature.
• Note required setback for landscaping. Minimum requirement by land use zones can be found in Title 17 (Zoning) of the Wildomar Municipal Code.
• Note the total square footage of the project, new landscape area, rehabilitated landscape area, turf area.
• Note the shade percentage required and provided for the parking space area. • Note the proposed irrigation method for each hydrozone or plant type.
These minimum items are included on the City’s Landscape Objective Standard checklist and plans. Again, without the required minimum information shall not proceed to consistency review.
It is the responsibility of the designing landscape architect to be aware of and comply with the requirements and standards of this document, all landscape related chapters of the Wildomar Municipal Code, the City’s current policies, and current State of California water efficient landscape requirements.
Revisions to the Preliminary Landscape Plan may be necessary until it complies with city standards and project requirements. Once complete, an approval letter with conditions of approval will be prepared and provided to applicant and the project’s design team as part of the discretionary review process for the project.
5.2 Phase 2 - Post Entitlement
A Landscape Documentation Package to be reviewed and approved during the grading and building plan check process.
Once a discretionary development project is approved by the Planning Commission or City Council, full landscape and irrigation construction drawings must be submitted to the Planning Department for plan check review. The Landscape Documentation Package shall be in substantial conformance with the approved Preliminary Landscape Plan, while incorporating the conditions of approval and any necessary revisions communicated at the conclusion of the discretionary design review phase. Clearly note if there are any changes or deviations from the approved Preliminary Landscape Plan.
The Landscape Documentation Package (required concurrently with submittal of the project grading plans) shall include the following elements:
• Stamped Approved Preliminary Landscape Plan.
• Landscape Construction Design Plan.
• Planting Design Plan.
• Irrigation Design Plan.
• Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet.
• Soil Management Report.
• Grading Design Plan.
• Details and specifications to fully support all elements of the design plans 1193
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• Project located within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone of the Local Responsibility Area (LRA), a Precise Fuel Modification Plan will be required. Refer to Appendix 10.6 Landscape Fuel Modification Guidelines for information.
The above items are further outlined in Section 6. Landscape Documentation Package Requirements and Section 7. Landscape Design Standards.
The elements of the Landscape Documentation Package listed above will be thoroughly reviewed by City Staff for compliance with the criteria contained in these standards and the project’s conditions of approval. City Staff will provide detailed plan review comments after each review. Plans shall be revised and resubmitted along with correction response comments from the designing landscape architect. City Staff will review the revised plans and responses and continue this process until the construction landscape plans are approved to the satisfaction of the Planning Department.
5.3 Phase 3 - Landscape Construction and Final Inspection The designing landscape architect is required to monitor the installation of all irrigation and landscaping with site inspections after the completed review phases to ensure quality of work and adherence to the approved landscape documentation package.
All projects requiring approval of landscape plans must install and maintain the landscape in a manner which substantially conforms to the approved plans. Any changes to the approved landscape plans, prior to or during installation, must be approved by the City in advance. Any changes must be submitted to the Planning Department for review and must include a checklist detailing all changes.
Once the landscape installation is complete and the irrigation system is fully operational:
• Fully execute Parts 1-6 of the Certificate of Completion with all necessary plans, reports, and documentation to planning staff. Refer to Section 6. Landscape Documentation Package Requirements, as well as Appendix for certificate and outline of all required parts. • Submit the Certificate of Completion to the assigned planner with request for a final landscape inspection. Assigned planner will facilitate an inspection appointment with the City’s Landscape Consultant or Inspector. Fuel modification landscapes shall also be inspected and approved by the Fire Inspector / Fire Marshall for conformance with the approved Precise Fuel Modification Plan, prior to occupancy.
• For the inspection appointment, the owner’s representative, site superintendent, and landscape contractor shall be on site for questions and coordination. • Prior to Planning Department sign-off of certificate of occupancy, all landscape requirements and conditions must be fulfilled and verified during the final inspection. 1194
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6. LANDSCAPE DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS
6.1 Title Sheet and General Design Plan
The following project information shall be provided on the title sheet of the Landscape Documentation Package:
• Date
• Project applicant name and contact information
• Project address (if available, parcel and/or lot number(s)) • Project type (e.g., new, rehabilitated, public, private, cemetery, homeowner-installed). Projects that include multiple maintenance entities (private homeowner, homeowner’s association, municipality, etc.) are to be separated into different plan sets. • Total project area, new landscape area, rehabilitated landscape area in square feet, as well as the area and percentage of turf area.
• Provided parking space shade area in square foot and percentage. • Water supply type (e.g., potable, recycled, well) and identify the local water purveyor • Project contacts to include information for the project applicant, property owner, landscape architect, architect, engineer, etc.
• Applicant signature and date with statement, “I agree to comply with the requirements of the water efficient landscape ordinance and submit a complete Landscape Documentation Package.” Each design plan sheet of the package shall provide the following information:
• North arrow
• Graphic scale, preferably an engineer's scale of 1"=10' or 1"=20', the same scale shall be used for all design
plans
• Delineated property lines and easements, including
utility easements
• Adjacent streets, including location, dimension, and centerline • Existing and proposed public improvements, including right-of-way and street dedications • All existing and planned buildings and structures on site with delineated architectural features such as, doors, windows, awnings, and attached trellis. • The stamp and signature of a licensed landscape architect. The City may allow other licensed or certified landscape design professionals to prepare a landscape documentation package, but approval must be obtained prior to package submittal.
Construction level details and specifications shall be provided for all proposed construction, planting, irrigation, and grading elements.
Plan reference information is to be noted for elements that impact the landscape documentation package but are included under separate submittals.
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It is the responsibility of the designing landscape architect to be aware of and comply with the requirements and standards of this document, as well as all landscape related chapters of the Wildomar Municipal Code, the City’s current policies, and current State of California water efficient landscape requirements.
6.2 Landscape Construction Design Plan
When a project has complex site improvements that cannot be clearly described on the planting plan, a landscape construction design plan is required.
The landscape construction design plan shall include, but not be limited to the following:
• General landscape construction notes and specifications. • Construction legend or schedule including item description, material, model, finish, manufacturer, etc.
• Construction details for all landscape features, including enhanced hardscape elements, fences, walls, gates, walkways, trails, landscape lighting, arbors, trellises, signs, and water features. • If any aspects of the landscape construction elements (including those items listed above) are to be constructed according to the architect’s or engineer’s plans, a general description of the element is to be included and a reference provided to other plans. • If signage is proposed on the landscape plans, include a note that all project signs and/or monument signs require a separate permit.
6.3 Planting Design Plan
With the approval of the Preliminary Landscape Plan, the proposed planting design program has been reviewed and revised to the satisfaction of the City. However, the applicant’s landscape architect is responsible to incorporate any outstanding City comments or conditions of approval.
Further revisions may be necessary during the Landscape Documentation Package phase if plans are found to be noncompliant with any State or City ordinances, standards, guidelines, policies, or if modifications have been made to site layout or planting design program.
The planting design plan, at a minimum, shall:
• Identify all landscape planting material, including trees, shrubs, groundcover, and turf. The proposed planting layout shall be clearly communicated with hatches or symbols. • List botanical name, common name, container size, on center spacing, quantities and water use classification (per current Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) found at ucanr.edu/sites/WUCOLS/) for each plant. The plant region for WUCOLS IV 2014 is Region 4 South Inland Valley.
• Limit palette to fire resistive plant material.
• Identify type of mulch, application depth, and supplier • Identify soil amendments, type, and quantity as referenced from the soil report
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• Identify any Special Landscape Areas (SLA) to be included in Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet such as, reclaimed water use area, edible landscape areas, or recreational turf fields. • Locate all existing protected trees, noting biological name, common name, and trunk diameter.
Note trees proposed to be removed, relocated on-site, or maintained in place. Refer to Section
7.1.4 Existing and Protected Trees for additional information regarding protected trees. • Locate and identify all paving and hardscape material. Note if any materials are permeable. • Locate and identify all buildings and structures, including the height and material of all walls, fences, and gates.
• Locate and identify all utilities, light standards, vehicular charging stations, and signs. • Locate and identify all outdoor amenity features, including, but not limited to pools, spas, various water features, trellises, gazebos, play equipment, bike racks, picnic tables and benches.
• Delineate and label each hydrozone by number, letter, or other method
o Identify each hydrozone as low,
moderate, high water or mixed water
use.
o Identify recreational areas
o Identify areas permanently and solely
dedicated to edible plants
o Identify areas irrigated with recycled
water
o Identify areas of temporary irrigation
• Identify type and surface area of water
features
• Illustrate location, construction details, and cross-sections of any stormwater best management practices that facilitate on-site retention and infiltration of stormwater. Stormwater best management practices are encouraged, and examples include but are not limited to:
o Biofiltration beds, swales and basins that allow water to collect and soak into the ground o Constructed wetlands and retention ponds that retain water, handle excess flow and filter pollutants
o Pervious or porous surfaces (e.g., permeable pavers or blocks, pervious or porous concrete, etc.) that minimize runoff • Identify any applicable rain harvesting or catchment
technologies
• Identify any applicable graywater discharge piping system components and area(s) of distribution
Refer to Section 7. Landscape Design Standards for a more detailed explanation of planting design principals, requirements, and restrictions.
Edible plants can be used throughout the landscape.
Purple Basil, Raspberry, and Lemongrass
Decorative rain barrel
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6.4 Irrigation Design Plan
The irrigation design plan, at a minimum, shall contain the following:
• Point of connection to the public water supply, and location and size of separate water meters for landscape. Provide reference information when point of connection is to be installed or specified on a separate plan.
• A note to clearly identify the water source(s) as potable or recycled water. • Location, type, size, and manufacturer of all components of the irrigation system, including controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain sensors, quick couplers, pressure regulators, backflow prevention devices, and emitter products. • Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply and maximum flow rate for the irrigation system.
• Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour) and design operating pressure (pressure per square inch) for each station.
• Recycled water irrigation systems as specified in Section 7.2.3 Recycled Water below. • The signature of a licensed landscape architect or certified irrigation designer. • Refer to Section 7.2 Irrigation Standards for a detailed explanation of irrigation design principals, requirements, and restrictions.
6.4.1 Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet
A project applicant shall submit the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet, see Appendix, which contains information on the plant factor, irrigation method, irrigation efficiency, and area associated with each hydrozone. Calculations are to show that the evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) for the landscape project does not exceed a factor of 0.55 for residential areas and 0.45 for non-residential areas, exclusive of Special Landscape Areas. The Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) is calculated based on the maximum ETAF allowed and expressed as annual gallons required. The Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU) is calculated based on the plants used and irrigation method selected for the landscape design. The ETWU must be below the MAWA. In calculating the MAWA and ETWU, the ETo values from the CIMIS Reference Evapotranspiration Table, Department of Water Resources, 1999, City of Elsinore shall be used and is as follows:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Annual
ETo
2.1 2.8 3.9 4.4 5.9 7.1 7.6 7.0 5.8 3.9 2.6 1.9 55.0
Water budget calculations shall adhere to the following requirements:
• The plant factor used shall be from the most current publication of the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS). The plant factor ranges from 0 to 0.1 for low water use plants, from 0.4 to 0.6 for moderate water use plants and from 0.7 to 1.0 for high water use plants. • All water features shall be included in the high water use hydrozone and temporarily irrigated areas shall be included in the low water use hydrozone. 1198
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• All Special Landscape Areas shall be identified. The ET Adjustment Factor for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0. • For determining Estimated Total Water Use, the average irrigation efficiency is assumed to be
0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip system devices.
Refer to the Section 7.2.2 Hydrozone for additional information.
The above information is subject to change with the most current State’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance or updated City’s Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet.
6.5 Soil Management Report
To reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, a soil management report shall be completed by the project applicant, or his/her designee, as follows:
Submit soil samples to an accredited agronomic soil testing laboratory for analysis and recommendations.
Soil sampling shall be conducted in accordance with laboratory protocol, including procedures for adequate sampling depth for the intended plants.
Samples shall be taken from enough locations on the site to represent an adequate cross section of conditions. In projects with multiple landscape installations or a large landscape project of more than 10,000 square feet, a soil sampling rate of 1 in 7 lots or 15% shall serve as an adequate cross section.
The soil management report shall include, as applicable:
• Soil texture
• Infiltration rate determined by laboratory
test or soil texture infiltration rate table
• pH
• Total soluble salts
• Sodium
• Percent organic matter
• Amendment recommendations
• Maintenance soil treatment and/or amendments
The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall comply with one of the following:
• If significant mass grading is not planned or is completed, the soil analysis report shall be included on the landscape plans as part of the Landscape Documentation Package. • If significant mass grading is planned but not completed, the soil analysis report shall be submitted as part of the Certificate of Completion. All notes, details, and specifications on the landscape plans shall refer to the soil management report for amendments and irrigation scheduling.
Sand Silt Clay
Water infiltration with varying soil textures
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The soil management report shall be made available, in a timely manner, to the professionals preparing the landscape and irrigation design plans to make any necessary adjustments to the planting and irrigation design plans.
The project applicant, or his/her designee, shall submit documentation (photos, dated receipts, etc.) verifying implementation of soil analysis report recommendations with Certificate of Completion.
6.6 Grading Design Plan
For the efficient use of water, grading of a project site shall be designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff, and water waste. A grading plan, prepared by a licensed civil engineer, shall be provided as reference as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
The project applicant shall include grading information on the landscape plan that indicates finished configurations and elevations of the landscape area including all the following:
• Height and ratio of graded slopes
• Flow lines and drainage patterns
• Pad and finish floor elevations for buildings
• Finish surface and finish grade elevations as necessary • Stormwater retention improvements, if applicable
To prevent excessive erosion and runoff, the following are required:
• Grade so that all irrigation and normal rainfall remains within property lines and does not drain on to non-permeable hardscapes.
• Avoid disruption of natural drainage patterns and undisturbed soil. • Avoid soil compaction in landscape areas. Compacted soils should be ripped or scarified to a minimum depth of 12 inches.
6.7 Certificate of Completion
Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or at the request for final landscape inspection a Certificate of Completion (Parts 1-6) shall be submitted to the City, refer to Appendix.
The completed Certificate shall supply the following:
• Part 1 - Project information
• Part 2 - A statement that the landscaping and irrigation system have been installed in substantial compliance with the approved Landscape Documentation Package. It acknowledges the evaluation of the landscape and irrigation system by a California licensed landscape architect, landscape contractor or other individual deemed qualified by the Planning Director. o Record drawings or “as-builts” are required where there have been significant changes made to the approved plans or field modifications during construction • Part 3 - Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the controller. A diagram of the irrigation plan showing hydrozones shall be kept with the irrigation controller for subsequent management purposes. See Section 6.7.1 Irrigation Scheduling below 1200
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• Part 4 - Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule. See Section 6.7.2 Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule below
• Part 5 - Irrigation audit report prepared by a certified irrigation auditor. See Section 6.7.3 Irrigation Audit Report below
• Part 6 - Soils analysis and amendment report and evidence of amendment implementation. See Section 6.5 Soil Management Report above.
The developer shall also submit approved copies of the Certificate of Completion to the local water purveyor and property owner or his or her designee.
6.7.1 Irrigation Scheduling
For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules shall be developed, managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the following criteria:
Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless weather conditions prevent it. Verify watering window with Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District’s most current guidelines or restrictions. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is only allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
For implementation of the irrigation schedule, particular attention must be paid to irrigation run times, emission device, flow rate and current reference evapotranspiration, so that applied water meets the Estimated Total Water Use. Total annual applied water shall be less than or equal to Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Actual irrigation schedules shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers using current reference evapotranspiration data (e.g., CIMIS) or soil moisture sensor data.
Irrigation scheduling parameters used to set the automatic controller shall be developed and submitted for each of the following:
• The plant establishment period
• The established landscape
• Temporarily irrigated areas.
A valve data table that provides the following for each station:
• Irrigation interval (days between irrigation)
• Soil infiltration rate as provided by the soil analysis report to restrict the following to avoid runoff
o Irrigation run times (hours or minutes per irrigation event) o Number of cycle starts (daily irrigation run times divided into shorter cycles with rest periods in between to allow for infiltration)
• Amount of applied water scheduled to be applied monthly • Application rate setting
• Root depth setting
• Plant type setting
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• Soil type
• Slope factor setting
• Shade factor setting
• Irrigation uniformity or efficiency setting
The valve data table shall be included on the irrigation plans as a reference to properly program the automatic irrigation controller.
6.7.2 Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule
Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency.
A regular maintenance schedule shall include, but not be limited to routine inspection, auditing, adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components, aerating and dethatching turf areas, topdressing with compost, replenishing mulch, fertilizing, pruning, weeding in all landscape areas, and removing obstructions to emission devices. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
Repair of all irrigation equipment shall be done with the originally installed components or their equivalents or with components with greater efficiency.
A project applicant is encouraged to implement established landscape industry sustainable Best Practices for all landscape maintenance activities.
6.7.3 Irrigation Audit Report
All landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by a third party certified landscape irrigation auditor.
Irrigation audits shall not be conducted by the person who designed or installed the landscape or irrigation system. An irrigation audit report to include, but is not limited to inspection, system tune-up, system test with distribution uniformity, reporting overspray or run off that causes overland flow and preparation of an irrigation schedule, including configuring irrigation controllers with application rate, soil types, plant factors, slope, exposure, and any other factors necessary for the accurate programming.
In large projects or projects with multiple landscape installations (e.g., residential developments, multi-tenant commercial complexes, mixed-use sites) a rate of one audit per landscape phase shall be required unless otherwise approved by the City.
The city may require an irrigation water use analysis, irrigation audits, or irrigation surveys to ensure ongoing compliance with the Maximum Applied Water Allowance.
Irrigation performance testing kit including pressure gauge, catchment cups, anemometer, and marking flags to be used by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. 1202
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7. DESIGN STANDARDS
Together, the landscape and irrigation shall provide beautiful water efficient, low maintenance landscapes that utilize materials and equipment that are well suited for Wildomar’s unique conditions, climate, and varied land uses.
In addition to these requirements, all right-of-way landscaping shall also conform to the current version of the City of Wildomar’s Standard Plans and Specifications for Public Improvements (Road Standards) on file with the Public Works/Engineering Department. These Road Standards may include more stringent requirements than those found in this plan. Where there appears to be conflicting standards for right-ofway landscaping between this plan and the Road Standards, the apparent conflict shall be brought to the attention of the City for review and decision regarding which standard(s) shall govern.
7.1 Landscape Standards
The landscape shall be an integral part of any project. The character of the community, site architecture, as well as the intended function and aesthetic concerns of the project shall be carefully considered. A well designed and executed landscape design will improve the value, appearance, and function of the site.
Refer to Section 7.1.0 and Appendix 10.9 Landscape Objective Design Standards for the minimum requirements for all projects in the city Wildomar, as well as specific requirements based on the projects zone and maintenance entity.
Refer to Section 7.5 Residential Landscape Standards, 7.6 Non-Residential Landscape Standards, and 7.7 Street Tree and Right-of-Way Landscape Standards for additional project specific requirements such as minimum landscape areas and plant container sizes.
Refer to Section 8. Public Works Landscape Standards And Maintenance Requirements which outlines the requirements for City maintained Community Facilities District (CFD) improvements, as well as the Engineering Department Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).
7.1.0 Landscape Objective Design Standards
Objective design standards are standards that have no subjective judgement and are easily measurable, quantifiable, and verifiable by both the plan reviewer and the applicant.
All development projects in the City shall be required to meet the minimum objective landscape design standards. These standards ensure a baseline of consistent, quality landscape design within the City of Wildomar. Applications not meeting these minimum requirements will not be accepted for further review.
These standards are provided as a straight-forward checklist that applicants will complete and submit with their application to the City.
Refer to Appendix 10.9 Landscape Objective Design Standards for more information in regards to applicability, purpose, user guide, and the standards checklists.
7.1.1 Planting Design Principals
Plant selection shall consider water conservation through the appropriate use and groupings of plants that are well adapted to the project’s soil, have similar watering needs, and best suited for climatic, geological, and topographical conditions.
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Select plants that are from local and regional landscape program plant lists, such as Riverside County Guide of California Friendly Landscaping, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District’s and Western Municipal Water District’s Water-Wise Landscaping, as well as bewaterwise.com. Visit their websites for publications and resources.
Use the Sunset Western Climate Zone System which considers temperature, humidity, elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying degrees of continental and marine influence on local climate. Wildomar is in Sunset Western Climate Zone 18 and USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b.
The use of the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) publication can also help identify plants that are regionally appropriate and low or very low water use. The plant region for WUCOLS IV 2014 is Region 4 South Inland Valley.
Recognize the horticultural attributes of plants (i.e., mature plant size, invasive surface roots) to minimize disruption to pathways, property, or infrastructure (e.g., buildings, hardscape, power lines).
Each hydrozone shall have plant materials with similar water use, except for hydrozones with plants of mixed water use, as specified in Section 7.2.2 Hydrozone.
High water use shrubs shall be restricted to accent areas of high aesthetic value and is conditional to a compliant Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet. Refer to Section 6. Landscape Documentation Package Requirements.
Consider the solar orientation
for plant placement to
maximize summer shade and
winter solar gain.
Landscaping shall be designed
toward a goal of providing a
pleasing and safe vehicular and
pedestrian experience.
Where proposed development
adjoins existing landscapes, the
new plant material and layout
should coordinate or
compliment adjacent projects.
Low impact development features are to be incorporated to support the stormwater design approach.
Retention or biofiltration basins, vegetated swales, and pervious pavement that increase on-site water retention are to be shown and coordinated on the landscape plan. LID features are part of the Water Quality Management Plan and will be reviewed and approved by Public Works/Engineering.
Projects within fire-prone areas shall address fire safety and prevention. A defensible space or zone around a building or structure is required pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 4291(a) and (b). All vegetation and plants shall follow the requirements of California Fire Code Chapter 49, Vegetation Management. Avoid fire-prone plant materials (refer to Appendix for restricted plant list) and highly flammable mulches. Refer to Appendices 10.6 through 10.8 for information for Fuel Modification Requirements in areas identified as within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone within the Local Responsibility Area (LRA) and contact the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal for information and questions on requirements.
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Where decorative water features such as pools, ponds or waterfalls are used in landscaped areas, such features shall incorporate the recycling of water and where available, use of reclaimed water. Decorative water features shall be designed to minimize water loss.
Landscape surrounding pool enclosures shall adhere to the restrictions outlined in the California Health and Safety Code, Article 2.5. The Swimming Pool Safety Act.
The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which include community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments and stock cooperatives, shall not prohibit, or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a group.
The property owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of all landscaping, including parkways. The maintenance shall include, but is not limited to, watering, pruning, fertilizing, and replacing deteriorated plant materials.
If a portion of a project is to be developed in a future phase(s), these areas must be temporarily landscaped and irrigated. Specify drought-tolerant groundcovers and shrubs that complement the rest of the project’s landscape.
7.1.2 Planting Requirements and Restrictions
All new and rehabilitated landscape projects shall comply with the following landscape requirements.
Site areas not utilized for vehicular and pedestrian access, shall be landscaped with disease and pest resistant plant material that consists of trees, shrubs, and groundcover. Low water use plant material shall be used in at least 50 percent of the total planted area.
Invasive plant species are to be avoided, especially near parks, open space areas, greenbelts, and water bodies or water ways due to the potential to cause harm to environmentally sensitive areas. Visit cal-ipc.org for plants to avoid, as well their Don’t Plant a Pest substitution list.
Trees and shrubs shall be planted in a manner that protects the basic rights of adjacent property owners.
Decorative landscape material, such as exposed mulch,
rocks, or decomposed granite may be used but is to be an integral landscape design element and shall be limited to a maximum of 20 percent of the landscape area.
A minimum 3 inch layer of wood bark 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. For low growing groundcovers, a 1 ½ inch layer shall be applied. The mulch shall not be treated with dyes or harmful preservatives.
To the greatest extent possible, planter areas are to be a minimum of 5 feet wide. Undersized planter widths will be considered for projects with site constraints but is subject to the approval of Planning Director. 1205
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Provide plant material with varying characteristics to avoid monocultural landscapes. Carefully select plants for their diverse use and benefits such as screening, background and accent planting, color, form, etc.
Screening plant material shall be used for utilities,
fences, site walls, trash enclosures, and unadorned
structure walls.
Trees and shrubs shall be planted so that at maturity
they do not require trimming to keep growth to a
restricted height or width. This particularly applies for traffic safety sight areas such as, street corners, project entries, drive aisles, and parking lot island planters
where maximum plant height shall be limited to 30
inches.
Project entries and corner landscaping (i.e., for
residential communities, commercial centers, etc.)
should include enhanced design elements that reflect
the character of the proposed development. Design elements may include, but are not limited to, low decorative walls, signage, lighting, specimen trees (36” box and 48” box container sizes and larger), upsized accent plants, or water features. Any built features shall be outside of the City’s right-of-way and anything over 30 inches in height is to be outside of traffic safety sight areas.
For projects that allow turf, the maximum area permitted shall be 30 percent of the total landscaped area of the site. Higher percentages may be permitted when turf is an essential part of the development such as playing fields for schools or parks. Turf usage shall only be permitted for functional use areas and shall utilize warm season varieties over cold season varieties.
Turf shall not be permitted in areas difficult to irrigate, areas adjacent to walls, narrow planters less than 10 feet wide, medians, parkways, or parking lot islands to avoid runoff or overspray.
Turf is not allowed on slopes steeper than 25 percent where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape. A 25 percent slope or 4:1 slope means 1 foot of vertical elevation change for every 4 feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 = slope percent).
Landscape screening that consists of a variety of plantsthat are allowed to grow to their natural form.
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Any proposed hydroseeded applications are subject to
the review and approval of the Planning Director
and/or the City’s Landscape Consultant during
construction plan review. Hydroseed information shall
include square footage, seed mix, rate, purity,
germination, fertilization, binder, and mulch
components.
Plant material for vegetated swales or bio-filtration
basins shall be
carefully selected
for both dry and
wet conditions and
provide slope
stabilization where
necessary.
In general, corner and commercial driveway traffic
safety sight areas are within a triangular zone drawn
from two points that are measured 25 feet in both
directions from the beginning of curve or driveway
apron. Refer to Sight Distance Triangle illustrations at right. For private driveways, the two points are
measured 15’.
The following minimum distances are required from
the center of trees:
• 10 feet from light standards and power poles
• 5 feet from property lines, fire hydrants, water
or sewer lines, water meters, backflow
prevention systems, and sewer cleanouts
Fire apparatus access roads shall be shown on planting
plan. Trees are to be located so that mature canopies
do not encroach into access road clear zone.
Trees planted within 6 feet of hardscape improvements, including but not limited to streets, public sidewalks, or trails (regardless of surface material), shall be separated from those surfaces by a linear root barrier to promote deep rooting and prevent physical disruption or damage.
Tree root barrier at
parking lot planter
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Root barriers shall be installed adjacent and parallel to hardscape elements, not encircling root balls. Root barriers are to be 24 inches deep and a minimum of 16 feet long
centered on tree trunk, with increased length depending on tree species.
Trees that impact the City’s right-of-way shall also conform to the current version of the City of Wildomar’s Standard Plans and Specifications for Public Improvements (Road Standards) on file with the Public Works/Engineering Department.
For all 3:1 slopes or steeper that are 3’ or more in vertical height, low growing and low water use groundcovers are to be selected that provide a protective soil covering and stabilizing root system. The groundcover container size and on center spacing shall allow a solid cover within 2 years of installation.
For slopes 8’ or more in vertical height, shrubs and trees shall be added at the following minimum rates:
• One shrub per 100 square feet, that consists of 60% 1-gallon and 40% 5-gallon • One 15 gallon tree per 700 square feet
• Only the slope area over 8’ in height is to be used with the above rates to calculate the tree and shrub
quantities.
o For example, if the slope area over 8’ in height is
3,500 s.f., this would result in a minimum of (21) 1
gallon shrubs, (14) 5 gallon shrubs and (5) 15 gallon
trees.
• Distribute required trees, shrubs, and groundcover
over the entire slope area.
Costly and injureous damage to both hardscape and
tree may occur without the proper installation of
tree root barriers.
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7.1.3 Parking Lot Landscape
Parking lot design and minimum landscaping requirements shall be in accordance with Wildomar Municipal Code Chapter 17.188 Off-Street Parking. Only general guidance is listed below, refer the code chapter for more comprehensive requirements.
• All landscaping shall be separated from
parking areas by means of a raised six inch
concrete curb. Curb cuts that allow site
drainage to enter landscape areas and other
low impact development features are
encouraged. Refer to Section 7.1.8
Stormwater Management and Rainwater Retention for additional information.
• A landscape planter with a minimum width of 5 feet shall be provided between any parking area and abutting street right-of-way to screen vehicles with a combination of evergreen plants, berms, raised planters, or solid walls. All screening elements to be between 36 and 48 inches tall. • Where parking spaces are adjacent to planter areas, provide concrete step-out strips or widened curbs to allow drivers and passengers to safely exit parked vehicles. • Landscape fingers are required at the ends of parking rows, as well as within the rows to limit to approximately 10 consecutive parking spaces.
• A percentage of the total parking space area shall be shaded by broad canopy trees to promote energy conservation and reduce heat island effect, refer to Chapter 17.188.070, E. Shading Plan Requirements. This requirement is to be illustrated on the planting plan with tree diameters drawn at 15 year growth.
• Broad canopy shade trees shall be provided for every three parking spaces. The use of square tree planters at double-loaded rows and diamond tree planters where sidewalks are directly adjacent to head of parking rows are to be used to provide shade throughout the parking area.
Triangular ‘bump-out’ shall be used for unavoidably narrow planters. o Planting area for trees to be a minimum of 25 square feet. o Trees shall be a minimum of 15 gallon containers, although it is preferred to have parking lot trees installed from 24” boxes.
7.1.4 Existing and Protected Trees
The design of each project shall recognize the desirability of preserving existing and protected trees to the greatest extent feasible.
The following criteria is to be used to determine if an existing tree is a protected tree:
The Diameter at Standard Height (DSH) is to be used to include or exclude a protected tree from evaluation. DSH means the diameter of the main trunk measured at 4.5 feet above natural grade:
diameter = trunk circumference divided by 3.14
Mature native oak tree with a DSH of 4.0 inches or more, including, but not limited to, California or Coast 1209
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Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), Coastal Sage Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa), Engelmann Oak (Quercus engelmannii), Scrub Oak (Quercus berberidfolia), and the Valley Oak (Quercus lobata).
Mature native tree with a DSH of 4.0 inches or more, including but not limited to, the California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa), Western Cottonwood (Populus fremontii), California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia California), and California Black Walnut (Juglans California).
Mature tree, other than native oak or native tree, with a DSH of 9.5 inches or more.
Historically significant tree as designated by resolution of the City council.
Any tree required to be planted or preserved as environmental mitigation or condition of approval.
A protected tree shall not be cut down, removed, relocated, or otherwise destroyed without first obtaining the approval of the Planning Director. The director may require a tree report prepared by an arborist, horticulturist, or registered landscape architect.
A tree report shall identify and locate each protected tree by a unique number and list common name, botanical name, DSH, tree canopy diameter, and rating for health and aesthetic quality. The report will also note those trees to be preserved in place and those proposed for removal listing supporting evidence.
If a protected tree is approved for removal, the tree(s) shall be replaced at a 1:1 ratio with a container size to the satisfaction of the director.
Replacements for native oak trees or native trees shall be of the same species as those removed or a species acceptable to the director. Mature tree replacements shall be limited to drought tolerate, fireresistive tree species.
Detailed tree protection specifications shall be included on the landscape plan. The engineering plans shall note protected tree locations and reference the protection specifications on the landscape plans.
7.1.5 Artificial Turf
The use of artificial turf is discouraged. Its use and location is subject to the review and approval of the Planning Director and/or Landscape Consultant. It is not to be used in areas highly visible from public streets, such as front yards, commercial developments, or as part of the project’s perimeter landscape.
If artificial turf is found to be an appropriate substitute for living groundcover or turf, the combined square footage of artificial and living turf shall not exceed 30% of the required minimum landscape.
Artificial turf shall not be included as part of the landscape area when calculating the MAWA.
The quantity and quality of artificial turf will be evaluated on a case by case basis, and shall at a minimum:
• Consist of life-like individual blades of grass with varying lengths and color that emulate real grass. • Have a proper drainage system installed underneath the area to prevent excess runoff or pooling of water.
• Be installed and maintained, per manufacturer's
recommendations, to effectively simulate the appearance of a well-maintained lawn.
• Not be indoor or outdoor plastic or nylon carpeting
• Be installed in combination with natural plant materials (i.e., trees, shrubs, and groundcover) to soften or mask its use. 1210
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7.1.6 Water Features
Decorative water features such as pools, spas,
ponds, waterfalls, or fountains shall be designed to
minimize water loss and to use recirculating water
systems.
Where available, recycled water shall be used as a
source for decorative water features.
Surface area of a water feature shall be included in
the high water use hydrozone area of the water
budget calculation.
7.1.7 Mulch and Amendments
A minimum 3 inch layer of wood bark 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. For low growing groundcovers, a 1 ½ inch layer shall be applied.
Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes. Fire resistive mulching products shall be used in fire-prone areas and is required within 5 feet from structures for projects within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded applications shall meet the mulching requirement.
Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil management report and appropriately applied for each type of plant in the landscape.
Compacted soil should be ripped or scarified to a minimum depth of 12 inches.
All planted landscape areas are required to have friable soil to maximize water retention and infiltration.
7.1.8 Stormwater Management and Rainwater Retention
Stormwater management practices minimize runoff and increase infiltration which recharges groundwater and improves water quality.
Stormwater best management practices are to be
implemented into the landscape and grading design
plans to minimize runoff and to increase on-site
rainwater retention and infiltration.
Plant material for vegetated swales or bio-filtration
basins shall be carefully selected for both dry and wet conditions and provide slope stabilization where
necessary.
Stormwater best management elements are to be part
of the Water Quality Management Plan and will be
reviewed and approved by Public Works/Engineering.
Bioretention features minimize onsite runoff while adding to the interest and beauty of the landscape
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Project applicants shall refer to the Regional Water Quality Control Board for information on any applicable stormwater technical requirements.
7.2 Irrigation Standards
This section applies to all landscaped areas requiring permanent irrigation, not areas that require temporary irrigation solely for the plant establishment period. For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system shall meet all the requirements listed in this section and the manufacturers’ recommendations.
Also refer to Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District’s website for additional irrigation guidelines, resources, and valuable incentive programs.
The irrigation system and its related components shall be planned and designed to allow for proper installation, management, and maintenance.
7.2.1 Irrigation Principals and Requirements
An irrigation design plan meeting the following design criteria shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Documentation Package.
Landscape water meters, defined as either a dedicated water service meter or private submeter, shall be installed for all non-residential irrigated landscapes of 1,000 sq. ft. and residential irrigated landscaped of 5,000 sq. ft. or greater.
A landscape water meter may be either:
• a customer service meter dedicated to landscape use provided by the local water purveyor; or
• a privately owned meter or submeter.
Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data and equipped with a non-volatile memory shall be required for irrigation scheduling in all irrigation systems.
If the water pressure exceeds the recommended pressure of the specified irrigation devices, the installation of a pressure regulating device is required to ensure that the dynamic pressure at each emission device is within the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range for optimal performance.
If the static pressure is below the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system, pressure-regulating devices such as inline pressure regulators, booster pumps or other devices shall be installed to meet the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system.
Static water pressure, dynamic or operating pressure and flow reading of the water supply shall be measured at the point of connection. These pressure and flow measurements shall be conducted at the design stage. If the measurements are not available at the design stage, the measurements shall be conducted during installation.
Include all support equipment
that qualifies the irrigation
controller as “smart”
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Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions shall be required on all irrigation systems, as appropriate for local climatic conditions. Irrigation should be avoided during windy or freezing weather or during rain.
Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve or butterfly valve) shall be required, as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply, at street crossings, and at branching mainline segments to minimize water loss in case of an emergency (such as a main line break) or routine repair.
Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the water supply from contamination by the irrigation system.
Flow sensors that detect high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction are required for all non-residential landscapes and residential landscapes of 5,000 sq. ft. or larger.
Master shut-off valves are required on all projects. The master valve shall be installed at the main water supply for the irrigation system and be connected to the automatic controller. A master valve is not required when the irrigation equipment makes 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.
The irrigation system shall be designed and maintained to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto non-targeted areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or structures.
Soil type and infiltration rate from the
soil analysis and recommendations
report shall be considered in designing
the irrigation systems and clearly noted
on the irrigation plan near valve
programming data table or controller
chart.
The design of the irrigation system shall
conform to the hydrozones of the planting design plan.
The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet, at a minimum, the calculated Maximum Applied Water Allowance. It is strongly encouraged that the irrigation system is designed to be far less than the calculated maximum allowance.
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 Council’s (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.
Sensor automatically adjusts
controller daily run times based on
local climate conditions to reduce
water usage
Wasteful overspray due to poor irrigation
design and maintenance
Runoff and soil erosion
caused by broken irrigation
equipment
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It is highly recommended that the project applicant obtains peak water operating demands (on the water supply system) or any water restrictions from the local water purveyor that may impact the effectiveness of the irrigation system.
In mulched planting areas, the use of low volume irrigation is required to maximize water infiltration into the root zone.
Subsurface dripline is preferred for all applications but is required where the planter is near pedestrian traffic. Subsurface irrigation shall also be used in planter areas that are less than ten (10) feet in width to not have runoff or overspray.
Irrigation heads and other emission devices operating from the same control valve shall have matched precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Irrigation devices shall provide head to head coverage. To achieve the required coverage, triangular spacing of irrigation devices is recommended. However, irrigation device spacing shall be designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Swing joints or other riser-protection components are required on all risers subject to damage that are adjacent to hardscapes or in high traffic areas of turf grass.
Check valves or anti-drain valves are required on irrigation devices where low point drainage could occur.
Overhead irrigation shall not be permitted within 24 inches of any nonpermeable surface. Allowable irrigation within the setback from nonpermeable surfaces may include drip, drip line or other low flow non-spray technology. The setback area may be planted or unplanted. The surfacing of the setback may be mulch, gravel, or other porous material. These restrictions may be modified if:
• The landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff occurs.
• The adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to an adjacent landscape area.
• The irrigation designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part of the Landscape Documentation Package, and clearly demonstrates strict adherence to irrigation system design criteria as outlined in this document or per State water efficiency standards that are stricter than those listed here. Prevention of overspray and runoff must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.
Slopes steeper than 25 percent shall not be irrigated with an irrigation system with an application rate exceeding 0.75 inches per hour. This restriction may be modified if the landscape designer specifies an alternative design or technology, as part of the Landscape Documentation Package, and clearly demonstrates no runoff or erosion will occur. Prevention of runoff and erosion must be confirmed during the irrigation audit.
All landscaped areas shall be provided with an automatic irrigation system, unless the Planning Director finds that such an irrigation system, due to the size, location, or configuration of the landscaped area, cannot be reasonably installed and maintained.
7.2.2 Hydrozone
On-surface dripline installed in typical grid
layout provides low volume irrigation to
plants without overspray
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Each control valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun exposure, soil conditions and plant materials with similar water use.
Irrigation heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on what is appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.
Where feasible, trees shall be irrigated from control valves separate from shrubs, groundcovers, and turf to apply the required amount of water to tree hydrozones. The mature size and extent of the root zone shall be considered when designing irrigation for trees.
Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water use, or moderate and high water use may be allowed. The plant factor of the higher water using plant shall be used for calculations.
Individual hydrozones that mix high and low water use plants shall not be permitted.
Special Landscape Areas (SLA) consist of landscape areas irrigated by reclaimed water, edible landscape areas, or recreational turf fields.
Temporarily irrigated areas shall be included in the low water use hydrozone. Temporarily irrigated means the period of time when plantings only receive water until they become established and then no further supplemental irrigation is provided.
On the planting design plan and irrigation design plan, hydrozone areas shall be designated by number, letter, or other designation. On the irrigation design plan, designate the areas irrigated by each valve, and assign a number to each valve. Use this valve number in the hydrozone information table which is required in the Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet. This table can also assist with the irrigation audit and programming the controller.
• Irrigation systems shall be designed to provide the optimum amount of water to the landscape for plant growth without causing soil erosion and runoff. • Irrigation plans shall promote the industry standard for public safety in all aspects of the irrigation system.
• Stormwater best management practices, such as infiltration areas and rain harvesting technologies are encouraged for on-site retention and infiltration of storm water.
7.2.3 Recycled Water
•The design and installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water. •Landscapes using recycled water shall have purple signs identifying and promoting recycled water usage.
•All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and State laws. Refer to Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District website for design and installation standards and requirements. • Landscapes using recycled water are considered Special Landscape Areas. The ET Adjustment Factor for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0. 1215
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7.2.4 Graywater Systems
• Greywater reuse offers substantial water
savings and is a consistent source of
water for dry areas.
• Any proposed graywater systems shall
conform to the current California
Plumbing Code and any applicable City
standards.
7.3 Landscape Maintenance
Landscaping and a permanent irrigation system shall be maintained in all areas visible to the public as follows:
• All landscaped areas shall be kept and maintained in a manner that does not detract from the appearance of the immediate neighborhood, and that protects the health, safety and welfare of the user, occupants, and the public.
• All landscaped areas shall be kept and maintained in a neat and clean condition, free of weeds, debris, litter, dead, diseased, or dying vegetation and broken or defective decorative elements. • Vegetation in landscaped areas shall be
mowed, groomed, trimmed, pruned, and
watered to maintain a healthy, growing
condition.
• Vegetative overgrowth shall not be
permitted in a manner that is likely to
harbor rodents, vermin, insects, or other
nuisances; or impedes, obstructs, or denies
pedestrian or other lawful travel on
sidewalks, walkways, or other public rightsof-way.
• Irrigation systems shall be kept in good
working condition and repair to prevent
leaks or public health hazards.
• All property owners shall water, prune, weed and otherwise maintain landscaping in the parkway portions of adjoining streets, including street trees.
• Parkway landscaping shall be maintained by the abutting property owner unless otherwise designated by the City.
Example of a common greywater system that can be easily installed during home construction or after by professional contractor or homeowner.
Good example of maintaining landscape growth off of
pedestrain pathways. However, it is also a good example of why it is important to chose plants with a suitable mature growth to avoid the need for maintenance.
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7.4 Landscape Standards by Land Use
Refer to Wildomar Municipal Code Title 17 Zoning for additional regulations, setback requirements, development standards, perimeter fence and wall requirements, and design guidelines for specific land use zones.
7.5 Residential Landscape Standards
In addition to the City’s Single Family Residential Design Standards, City’s Multi-Family Residential Objective Design Standards, and Section 7.1 Landscape Standards provided above, the following standards shall apply to residential projects:
7.5.1 Single Family Residential
Plant selection, container size and spacing shall be specified to achieve a filled in landscape within 2 years of installation and to allow sustained growth of planting materials.
Total turf area is dependent on gaining a compliant water efficient landscape worksheet but shall be restricted to a
maximum of 30% warm season turf varieties. Nomow turf alternative grasses that use less water are encouraged and can be installed from sod, plugs or
containers depending on availability and industry
recommendations.
Groundcovers are to be installed from a minimum of 1 gallon containers. Flatted groundcover material will be considered for approval with a maximum on-center spacing of 12 to 24 inches (depending on mature width and growth rate) primarily for slope areas for erosion control purposes.
In general, shrubs shall be installed from a minimum of 5 gallon containers. For required screening, 15 gallon shrubs shall installed and spaced a maximum of 36”-48” on center.
Each standard width lot to have a minimum of
three front yard streets. One of the three trees is
to be a 15 gallon minimum street tree. The two
remaining trees to be placed within the front
yard area and shall consist of (1) 15 gallon tree
and (1) 24 inch box tree. Corner lots shall have 15
gallon trees installed, on average, every 30 feet.
Exact spacing dependent on tree variety and
canopy width. Larger container sizes and/or
additional trees may be required, or fewer trees
may be allowed dependent on the lot width.
Refer to Section 7.7 Street Tree and Right-of-Way
Landscape Standards for additional
requirements.
Decorative landscape material, such as exposed
mulch, rocks, or decomposed granite may be
used but is to be an integral landscape design element and shall be limited to a maximum of 20 percent of the landscape area.
Turf alternatives, at left
Bouteloua gracilis (mowed)
and above Carex praegracilis
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Loose rocks or boulders shall not be used within the public right-of-way unless grouted in place.
In addition to the single family residential landscape standards, model home complex landscaping shall mainly consist of low water use shrubs and limit moderate water use plant materials or turf to 30% of the total lot area. Displayed information at the sales office and signs placed at each lot shall identify the water conserving aspects of the landscape design (low water use or native plant material, efficient irrigation methods, hydrozoning, rainwater retention systems, graywater systems, etc.). Signs shall be easily viewed from the roadway and main walkway into the model.
7.5.2 Multi-Family Residential
Minimum Required Outdoor Recreational-Leisure Areas (RLA) For additional information and context refer to City’s Multi-Family Residential Objective Design Standards.
Outdoor Recreational-Leisure Areas may consist of private areas, common areas, or a combination of both and shall be provided at a rate of 400 square feet per dwelling unit.
Minimum Dimensions (in either direction)
• Private areas - 7 feet
• Common areas - 20 feet
• Pedestrian walkway width - 6 feet
• Courtyard internal to a project, or enclosed on at least three sides - 40 feet Depending on the number of dwelling units, common outdoor recreational-leisure areas shall be provided to the meet the following criteria per dwelling unit:
• 10 to 50 dwelling units - minimum of 1 space at least 400 square feet total • 51 to 100 dwelling units - minimum of 1 space at least 900 square feet total • Over 100 dwelling units - minimum of 2 spaces of approximately of the same size, totaling 3,200 square feet
All common recreational-leisure
areas shall be improved as either
active (child play areas, pools,
recreation facilities, etc.) or
passive facilities (gardens,
barbeque facilities, seating areas,
etc.) with landscaping or
hardscape elements designed to
serve the residents.
All common open spaces shall
interface directly with adjacent
buildings through doors, windows, and entryways. Visual and physical connections are to be provided through enriched decorative pavements and signage.
Site elements such as benches, pots, waste receptacles, drinking fountains, site lighting, and water features are to be selected to complement the architectural theme. 1218
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No more than 25 percent of common recreational-leisure area can be hardscape.
Plant Material and Installation Standards
Plant selection, container size and spacing shall be specified to achieve a filled in landscape within 2 years of installation and to allow sustained growth of planting materials.
Turf shall be installed from sod. Lawn alternative grasses (mowed or no-mow) that use less water are encouraged and can be installed from sod, plugs or containers depending on availability and industry recommendations. Hydroseed applications may be considered but are subject to the review and approval of the Planning Director.
Groundcovers are to be installed from a
minimum of 1 gallon containers. Flatted
groundcover material shall be considered
for approval with a maximum on-center
spacing of 12 to 24 inches (depending on
mature width and growth rate) primarily for
slope areas for erosion control purposes.
In general, shrubs shall be installed from a
minimum of 5 gallon containers. For
required screening, 15 gallon shrubs shall
installed and spaced a maximum of 36”-48”
on center.
Trees to be installed at a rate of one every
30 feet of building frontage with 15 gallon
trees, minimum. Exact tree spacing dependent on tree variety, canopy width, and utilities. Larger container sizes and/or additional trees may be required. Refer to Section 7.7 Street Tree and Right-ofWay Landscape Standards for additional requirements.
The minimum container size for interior lot trees shall be 15 gallon. Tree sizes are to meet the following percentages, 24 inch box (or larger) at a minimum of 35% and 15 gallon at a maximum of 65% of the total trees.
Illustration showing larger specimen tree at focal point, with maximized exterior, interior, and street tree quantities. 1219
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Mature specimen trees in 36 and 48 inch boxes shall be provided for larger or prominent projects in sufficient quantity, subject to the approval of the director, to provide variety and emphasis at entries and main focal areas.
Tall narrow trees or small patio trees (both with restricted mature width) shall be used where larger canopy trees would interfere with buildings, signage, lighting, or fire equipment access.
Small scale landscaping at sidewalk edges is to be provided to allow unobstructed pedestrian traffic and to minimize plant maintenance and waste.
Background screening shrubs are to be provided at building foundations to soften the appearance of tall unadorned walls.
Parking lot landscaping shall be pursuant to Chapter 17.188 Off-Street Parking and Section 7.1.3 Parking Lot Landscape above. Example of planting for a narrow space that provides interest through
variety.
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7.6 Non-Residential Landscape Standards
In addition to Section 7.1 Landscape Standards provided above, the following non-residential standards shall apply to all new and rehabilitated landscaping plans undertaken in conjunction with any private development project on commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and other nonresidential properties, or those projects requiring a grading, building, use permit, or design review.
Plant Material and Installation Standards
Plant selection, container size and spacing shall be specified to achieve an immediate effect of a filled in landscape and to allow sustained growth of planting materials.
Groundcovers are to be installed from a minimum of 1 gallon containers. Flatted groundcover material shall be considered for approval with a maximum on-center spacing of 12 to 24 inches (depending on mature width and growth rate) primarily on slopes for erosion control purposes. Turf is not allowed for non-residential projects unless it provides a functional purpose vital to the project.
In general, shrubs shall be installed from a minimum of 5 gallon containers. For required screening, 15 gallon shrubs shall installed and spaced a maximum of 36”-48” on center.
Street trees to be installed at a rate of one every 30 feet of building frontage with 24” box trees, minimum.
Exact tree spacing dependent on tree variety and canopy width. Larger container sizes and/or additional trees may be required. Refer to Section 7.7 Street Tree and Right-of-Way Landscape Standards for additional requirements.
The minimum container size for interior lot trees shall be 15 gallon. Tree sizes are to meet the following percentages, 24 inch box (or larger) at a minimum of 35% and 15 gallon at a maximum of 65% of the total trees.
Mature specimen trees in 36 and 48 inch boxes shall be provided for larger or prominent projects in sufficient quantity, subject to the approval of the director, to provide variety and emphasis at entries main focal areas.
Tall narrow trees or
small patio trees (both
with restricted mature
width) shall be used
where larger canopy
trees would interfere
with buildings, signage,
lighting, or fire
equipment access.
Small scale landscaping at sidewalk edges is to be provided to allow unobstructed pedestrian traffic and to minimize plant maintenance and waste.
Background screening shrubs are to be provided at building foundations to soften the appearance of tall unadorned walls.
Parking lot landscaping shall be pursuant to Chapter 17.188 Off-Street Parking and Section 7.1.3 Parking Lot Landscape above.
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7.7 Street Tree and Right-of-Way Landscape Standards
Street trees and Right-of-Way landscape integrate new development into existing neighborhoods, visually buffer busy streets and enhance the visual qualities and experience of streetscapes. It is the intent of the City of Wildomar to promote the planting and long–term maintenance of street trees.
General Requirements
All right-of-way landscaping shall conform to the current version of the City of Wildomar’s Standard Plans and Specifications for Public Improvements (Road Standards) on file with the Public Works/Engineering Department. These Road Standards may include more stringent or updated requirements. Where there appears to be conflicting standards for right-of-way landscaping between this plan and the Road Standards, the apparent conflict shall be brought to the attention of the City for review and decision regarding which standard(s) shall govern.
Planting of street and parkway trees shall be in accordance with these standards, all appropriate City ordinances, and standard Conditions of Approval.
New street tree planting in older and developed areas of the City shall be compatible with plantings that currently exist. New street trees shall match with tree planting in adjacent existing residential and commercial developments.
If it is not possible to match due to site constraints or there is no nearby tree planting, tree shall be selected from the City’s Climate Appropriate Plant List in the Appendix which identifies street trees based on the type of street: arterial, collector or local.
Final street tree selection to be determined by the Public Works/Engineering Department.
Street tree planting in new developments shall generally require a theme tree for each street and a flowering tree flanking any project entries and drives. There should be a variety of tree types in neighborhoods to reduce potential for disease and pest problems.
Minimum acceptable size of street and parkway trees shall be 24” box container size, unless larger tree container sizes are required by Conditions of Approval or as determined by the City during the landscape plan review process. A variety of container sizes are appropriate for larger parkways and projects.
Spacing of street trees shall be 30 feet on center (average), and as appropriate to selected species.
Exceptions to the requirement shall be determined by the City of Wildomar Public Works/Engineering Department. Where fuel modification is required, trees may be required to provide 10 feet clear between mature tree canopies.
Street trees shall be planted in City–held or utility easements, only on approval by the Public Works/Engineering Department, and appropriate utility companies. • Street trees are required by the City as a condition of approval for development. Property owners/developers may be required to obtain from the City a Right–of–Way Permit or For residential developments, an overall street tree
plan will identify the tree species for each street, as well as the placement of front yard trees for each lot. 1222
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Encroachment Maintenance and Removal Agreement as determined by the Public Works/Engineering Department prior to the construction of any private improvements, including installation of required street trees, in the public rights–of–way and City–held easements.
Street trees in residential tracts shall be planted prior to issuance of occupancy permits. • Front yards: Street trees in front yards shall be planted at the rate of three (3) trees minimum per residential lot. Two trees shall be planted on property, and one tree planted in the right–of–way (three trees are to be planted on property if there is insufficient space in the right–of–way). • Required front yards trees, whether planted on property or in the right–of–way, shall be maintained by the individual property owner or Homeowner’s Association.
Tree wells shall have an interior planting area of 25 square feet, minimum. ADA approved tree grates are to be used when well area is within pedestrian path of travel or at the City’s direction.
Plant Placement and Location
Plant materials (natural mature height) and landscape improvements (boulders, fencing, walls, etc.) over 30 inches in height at street corners, in public rights–of–way, and CFD areas shall not be placed within landscape restricted zones per Sight Distance Triangle statement and illustration in Section 7.1.2.
Turf grasses (lawn) shall not be planted in right-of-way.
Trees shall be located and maintained to preserve clearance zones of at least ten feet from streetlights, fire hydrants, utility poles/meters and cable TV boxes, and backs of street and directional signs to tree trunks.
• Trees shall be planted a minimum of five feet horizontally from trunk to edge of underground utilities (verify clearances with utility companies).
• Tree placement shall be carefully determined to avoid limiting visibility of traffic control signals and signs.
• Comply with local utility companies’ requirements for vegetative management and clearances in utility easements and adjacent to utility structures/facilities. The more restrictive requirements (City or utility) shall apply.
The following minimum clearances shall be observed when planting:
• Trees: 30 inches from back–of–curb and edge of sidewalk to trunk. • Shrubs: three inches from back–of–curb and edge of sidewalk to outer spread of mature growth.
Trees planted within 6 feet of hardscape improvements, including but not limited to streets, public sidewalks, or trails (regardless of surface material), shall be separated from those surfaces by a linear root barrier to promote deep rooting and prevent physical disruption or damage. Root barriers shall be installed adjacent and parallel to hardscape elements, not encircling root balls. Root barriers are to be 24 inches deep and a minimum of 16 feet long centered on tree trunk, with increased length depending on tree species.
Plant Material Selection
Street and parkway tree species shall be approved by Public Works/Engineering Department.
Parkway widths and distance from hardscape elements shall be evaluated when selecting tree species. 1223
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The related mature growth of roots, trunk, and canopy shall be appropriate for these restricted situations.
Plant material selected for installation in rights–of–way and CFD–maintained areas shall have the following characteristics:
• trees shall be deep–rooting (no major surface roots)
• require minimal maintenance
• relatively free of diseases and pests
• low to moderate water requirements
Trees beneath overhead utility lines to have mature
canopies less than height of wires and shall be approved by the utility companies prior to planting. Generally, restrict height to twenty feet maximum.
Plant Material Installation
Trees and other plant material shall be installed in accordance with Section 8.4 Landscape Maintenance.
Required front and street side yard setbacks along streets and major roads (excluding sidewalks and driveway) shall be landscaped.
Areas not planted with groundcover or paved shall be covered with mulch at 3–inch depth minimum.
Trees planted in paved areas shall have adequate space for root growth through maturity. Planting area of 25 square feet minimum shall be provided for each tree.
Tree grates and trunk guards shall be utilized in paved areas with pedestrian traffic.
Plant Material Maintenance
Trees and shrubs shall be pruned to avoid
blocking walks, building entries, windows,
etc.
Mature trees shall be maintained to create
the following minimum vertical clearances
between sidewalks and streets, and lowest
lateral branches.
• eight (8) feet above sidewalks
• thirteen feet, six inches (13’-6”)
above streets
Trees shall not be topped. Tree pruning
shall be in accordance with ANSI A300, and other currently adopted, arboricultural industry standards.
Shrubs to be maintained three inches from edge of sidewalks and back of curbs.
Planting areas shall be kept free of weeds and litter.
Property owners/HOA and developers shall permanently and fully maintain landscaped areas within 1224
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adjacent public rights–of–way, which are not maintained by the City–wide CFD or L&LMD.
Irrigation Requirements
Street trees shall be irrigated with fully automatic systems utilizing low volume, low flow irrigation techniques and equipment such as bubblers, drip emitters, and drip tubing.
Drip or bubbler irrigation systems shall be installed in parkways.
Irrigation shall be scheduled and maintained to eliminate runoff onto sidewalks and pavement.
Additional irrigation requirements are outlined in Section 7 Landscape Design Standards and Section 8 Public Works Landscape Standards and Maintenance Requirements.
7.8 Public Projects
Projects that are maintain by the City’s Community
Facilities District (CFD) include, but are not limited to, parks, open spaces, medians, and selected rights of way.
Any project that includes landscape areas under the
jurisdiction of any other public agency such as California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) or California
Department of
Fish and Wildlife
(CDFW), shall
coordinate submittal, permit, and requirement expectations with those public agencies, as well as the City.
Site and landscape design for all public projects shall be fully coordinated and reviewed in the very early stages of planning.
Delays in early coordination is likely to have a negative impact on the applicant’s time and financial resources.
Section 7. Landscape Design Standards and Section 8. Public Works Landscape Standards and Maintenance Requirements shall be applied to CFD projects. In the case of conflicts between the sections, the City shall determine which is to take precedence.
Automatic irrigation controllers shall be as manufactured by Calsense, unless otherwise approved by the City. Consultants shall provide a Calsense Design Memo from the manufacturer’s representative prior to irrigation plan approval to verify that the controller assembly includes proper specifications to integrate into the City’s central irrigation control system.
All CFD maintained areas shall have separate water and electrical meters and services unless otherwise approved by the City.
PVC sleeves are required for irrigation pipes and control wires when crossing public streets.
The County of Riverside’s landscape standard details (landscape construction details) shall be utilized.
Additional design standards, requirements, or restrictions may be implemented at City’s direction.
Public projects shall be prepared on separate landscape plans with City’s engineering title block. 1225
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Medians
Drip or bubbler irrigation (low volume) shall be utilized.
Planting areas shall be within 100 feet of quick coupling valves.
Tree wells shall have an interior planting area of 25 square feet, minimum. ADA approved tree grates are to be used when well area is within pedestrian path of travel or at the City’s direction.
Turf grasses (lawn) shall not be planted in medians.
Medians shall have 18–inch wide (minimum) maintenance walks adjacent to six–inch wide curbs around planting areas. Paving material shall be approved by the Engineering Department.
Medians that are five feet in width and less, shall receive enhanced paving only (no planting). Enhanced paving shall be concrete paving with special finish treatment, such as color, pattern, texture, or a combination thereof, to enhance appearance of paved areas.
Plant material in medians adjacent to turning lanes and left turn pockets, and other areas where sight distance is critical, shall be 24 inches and less in height (or enhanced paving as approved by the City).
8. PUBLIC WORKS LANDSCAPE STANDARDS AND
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
This section outlines the requirements of the City of Wildomar for design and maintenance of landscapes created by new developments, the maintenance of which is financed through developer fees and assessments levied annually on property owners for Community Facilities District (CFD) improvements.
These standards shall also apply to Engineering Department Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).
Comprehensive landscape plans for CFD areas shall be reviewed by the City and shall conform to requirements in this section related to workmanship, materials, and equipment in public rights–of–way and other City–dedicated areas of public works landscape improvement projects.
Plans shall be prepared in conjunction with final approved Grading Plans and Conditions of Approval. CFD plans shall be completed and approved prior to issuance of building permits.
The City may authorize extensions of time schedules relating to Preliminary CFD plans, comprehensive landscape plans, and completion of landscape improvements due to extenuating circumstances.
CFD/Public Works landscape maintenance requirements can be found in Section 8.4 Landscape Maintenance below.
• The required landscape maintenance and plant establishment period for CFD areas (excluding parks and capital improvement projects) shall be one year, unless noted otherwise. The warranty period for all CFD and public projects shall be one year from date of City acceptance. • The Contractor shall continuously maintain landscaped areas within public rights–of–way and CFD areas during the progress of work and establishment period until final acceptance of work by the 1226
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City.
• The City reserves the right to assume maintenance of projects at the Developers’ or Contractors’ expense during the establishment period. Developers and Contractors may also request, at their expense, that the City assume maintenance responsibilities of the project.Bonding for CFD Improvements
• Bonds are required by the City of Wildomar in accordance with the approved bonding estimate submitted with the landscape plans. CFDs include recreational trails, parks, landscaped rights–of– way, landscaped easements, median as well as water quality BMPs and open space areas that are considered public improvements. Cash deposits and certificates of credit may also be used to bond projects. Bonds shall be posted with the Engineering/Public Works Department. If the City Engineer determines that maintenance work is not being performed to standards established within this manual, then the maintenance period shall be extended. Bonds held against projects shall not be released until CFD areas are satisfactorily maintained in accordance with these requirements, and City Council acceptance of all landscape improvements.
8.1 Preliminary Landscape Plans
Preliminary plans for each new CFD project require the review and approval by the City. Refer to Section
5. Plan Submittal and Approval Process, Section 6. Landscape Documentation Package Requirements, Section 7. Landscape Design Standards, and Section 8. Public Works Landscape Standards and Maintenance Requirements for guidance on plan preparation and design considerations.
Preliminary landscape plans shall identify CFD project boundaries including CFD, utility and City held easements, street medians, City dedicated open space and rights of way, creeks, parks, and recreational trails.
Preliminary landscape plans shall identify areas to be landscaped and display the landscape treatment of the development or project.
Preliminary landscape plans shall be approved as a condition of tentative tract maps, conditional use permits, and other discretionary actions.
Preliminary landscape plans shall be approved as a condition of tentative tract maps, conditional use permits, and other discretionary actions.
8.2 Construction Landscape Plans
Construction landscape plans for each new CFD project require the review and approval by the City. Refer to Section 5. Plan Submittal and Approval Process, Section 6. Landscape Documentation Package Requirements, Section 7. Landscape Design Standards, and Section 8. Public Works Landscape Standards and Maintenance Requirements for guidance on plan preparation and design considerations.
Construction landscape plan shall be in substantial conformance with approved preliminary landscape plans.
CFD and CIP projects shall be prepared under a separate landscape package with City’s title block. The County of Riverside’s landscape details shall be applied and included on plans, unless otherwise directed by the City.
The Title Sheet shall note the square footage of the combined CFD area and shall also list the CFD areas by street or subsection.
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8.3 Systems and Materials Requirements
All landscape construction materials and methods for public works/CFD projects in the City of Wildomar shall conform to the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (Greenbook), latest adopted edition including modifications and supplements.
8.4 Landscape Maintenance
Requirements for acceptance of CFD/public works landscape improvements are outlined in Section 8.5 Inspection and Acceptance of Improvements.
8.4.1 Objectives
The objectives of this section are general results to be specified by designers and achieved by Contractors in their methods of performing work. The purpose of these objectives is to allow Contractors to assist in interpreting requirements for long–term appearance of landscaped areas, and to ensure that design criteria and objectives established by the City are met. If specified methods are not adequate to meet general appearance requirements, or if additional work and special maintenance programs are required, Contractors shall adjust maintenance schedules accordingly, with approval of the City.
City of Wildomar has established the goal of CFD landscapes to visually unify various land uses, maintain high standards of quality for community appearance, lower urban temperatures, and reduce water used for landscape irrigation.
• The objective of these landscape plantings is to establish an informal, natural appearance. Pruning activities that create formal hedge and topiary effects shall be avoided. Lawns should be minimized and well groomed, and ground covers should be maintained to have sharply defined edges adjacent to hardscape improvements.
• Landscaped areas such as street median islands, and parkways and slopes adjacent to streets, trails, and sidewalks, shall have a well-maintained appearance. Trash, as well as dead branches, leaves and flowers, should be removed from plants and landscaped areas on a continuous and regular basis, with extra attention to the appearance of highly visible areas. • Plant masses (except groundcovers) shall be allowed to develop informal edges adjacent to structures, masonry, and other landscape elements.
• In general, plant material in CFD landscaped areas shall be selected for low water use characteristics, with a gradual transition made from normal water use during the plant establishment period, to a reduced water use situation once established. This transition shall take place over a three-to-four-month period. Irrigate only as required to allow water penetration through soil to maximum rooting depth, avoiding any run–off. After plant material is established, water only to maintain healthy plant growth.
8.4.2 Scope of Work—CFD Maintenance
Contractor shall furnish labor, equipment, materials, tools, services, and special skills to perform complete landscape maintenance of CFD areas. Scope of work shall include, but not be limited to irrigation, pruning, shaping, trimming, and training of trees, shrubs and ground cover plants; tree surgery; fertilization; cultivation; weed control; control of plant diseases and pests; mowing, thatching, and aeration of lawns; sweeping; maintenance and repairs of trails, pathways, irrigation, and drainage systems, including natural 1228
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drainage features; litter removal; removal of illegal dumping; plant replacement and other work required to maintain CFD and public landscaped areas in a safe, attractive, and usable condition. Plant material shall be maintained in healthy condition with horticulturally acceptable growth and color.
Maintenance standards in this manual shall apply to work of Developers and Contractors during the required maintenance period for CFD contract maintenance areas, City parks, and Capital Improvement Projects.
Contractor shall submit Maintenance Schedule Charts approved by the City. Schedule of maintenance operations shall include, but not be limited to, tree pruning; weed control; insecticide and herbicide application; fertilizer types and frequency of application; growth inhibitor application; thatching, mowing, and aeration of lawns. Contractor shall provide irrigation controller schedules with controller identification numbers (keyed to as–built irrigation plans), station numbers, cycles per day, total time per station per week, and comments to City for approval prior to start of the plant establishment period.
All work performed within the public right-of-way is required to provide traffic control approved by the Public Works/Engineering Department.
8.4.3 Irrigation System Maintenance
Irrigation systems shall be operated efficiently to conserve water and maintain healthy plant growth.
Application of water should consider soil types, topography, weather conditions, and be tailored to distinct planting areas (hydrozones). Refer to EVMWD’s guidelines for current irrigation schedule and other restrictions.
Slope irrigation shall be monitored and maintained to prevent soil saturation and run off. Contractor is responsible for replacing plant materials that die because of poor irrigation scheduling.
Contractor shall observe irrigation systems while functioning at least once every week to ensure proper and efficient operation.
Contractor shall maintain irrigation equipment to provide proper coverage and operating capability.
Adjust irrigation systems to prevent excessive run–off and overspray into streets, sidewalks, rights–of– way, and other areas not intended to be irrigated. Sprinkler heads shall be maintained and adjusted, clean, and free from plant growth that may obstruct normal operation. Valves and heads shall be adjusted to keep systems operating at design pressures. Pressure–regulating valves and pressure–compensating screens shall be employed to prevent heads from fogging.
Contractor shall check weather and rain sensors monthly throughout the year to verify that sensors function properly. Normal controller schedules shall be bypassed if rainfall is sufficient to meet landscape water requirements.
Areas where irrigation system is temporarily inoperable shall be hand watered by Contractor to ensure healthy and thriving plant material. Contractor shall be responsible for providing equipment, nozzles, hoses, and couplers to accomplish the task.
Contractor shall replace plants lost due to irrigation system malfunctions, except malfunctions caused by natural disasters. Contractor is responsible for, and shall prevent to the greatest extent practicable, irrigation water run–off and overspray that impacts surrounding properties and creates traffic hazards.
Remote control valves shall not be operated manually unless electrical power is unavailable or temporarily interrupted, except for testing and periodic valve maintenance.
Moisture sensors and weather stations/sensors shall be monitored and adjusted monthly (or as required) 1229
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by the Contractor to assure proper performance.
Repairs to irrigation systems shall be made in accordance with original contract documents. Contractor shall make required repairs and operate systems as originally intended.
Contractor shall submit copies of irrigation schedules for automatic controllers to City for approval.
Irrigation system repairs caused by conditions over which Contractor has no control shall be performed by others or paid for by the City. Repairs under this category shall be extra work and are noted below:
• Loss due to theft
• Storm damage and other natural occurrences
• Damage by vandalism, and accidents caused by other than Contractor and his/her employees.
Contractor shall adjust heights of sprinkler risers to compensate for growth of plant materials.
Strainers at backflow preventers shall be flushed out semi–annually as a preventative maintenance measure.
Drip and bubbler irrigation (low volume) systems
• Strainers and filters shall be cleaned monthly, or as required, to maintain efficient operation. • Manual flush valves shall be flushed monthly, or as required, to eliminate accumulated debris in irrigation lines.
• Plant growth and vigor shall be monitored closely for signs of stress due to lack of water, which may indicate clogged emitters and other system malfunctions. • System pressure shall be monitored periodically to ensure proper emitter operation.
8.4.4 Planting Maintenance
Trees
Trees are a vital element of community character and provide important environmental benefits. The City’s goal is to maintain trees in CFD areas, parks, and other public area facilities in a healthy, vigorous, and growing condition for current and future residents. The objective of the following guidance is to promote proper tree maintenance.
Pruning
Trees shall be pruned for safety and appearance, and to encourage sound structure, healthy growth, and good form. Pruning shall be supervised and performed by certified consulting arborists and qualified tree care personnel utilizing proper arboricultural practices.
Contractor shall provide pruning and tree care in accordance with professional tree care industry standards, including Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and National Arborist Association standards.
Evergreen trees shall be thinned out and shaped when necessary to prevent wind and storm damage.
Major pruning of deciduous trees shall be performed during the dormant season. Damaged trees, and those that constitute health and safety hazards, shall be pruned when necessary to improve poor appearance and structure, as directed by the City’s representative. 1230
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Pruning cuts shall be made just above lateral branches and buds, or just outside branch bark collars, utilizing natural target pruning practices. Stub cuts and topping shall not be permitted.
Tree pruning shall be performed in accordance with ANSI Safety and Tree Care Standards, latest published editions. Contractor shall observe adequate safety precautions for protection of tree workers and the public.
No more than 25 percent of a tree’s foliage shall be removed during pruning operations unless authorized by the City representative.
Trees shall be pruned periodically (through maturity) to achieve adequate vertical clearances for vehicles, overhead utilities, and pedestrians.
Lower branches of young trees shall not be removed except for safety purposes. Lower branches may only be tipped back to encourage caliper growth large enough to support trees without stakes and guys.
Surface tree roots that present maintenance and/or safety problems may be removed or pruned upon approval by the City, especially those adjacent to paved areas. Surface roots shall be properly pruned, treated, and covered without delay.
If necessary, trees shall be trimmed during the dormant season only (November 15th to February 15th) to reduce pruning shock, allow sufficient recovery time for maximum summer shade, and lessen possibility of insect infestation.
Watering and Mulching
Watering basins shall be maintained around tree root balls during plant establishment periods. Irrigate as needed to establish adequate moisture throughout plant root zones.
Deep–rooting of trees is desirable and can be encouraged with appropriate irrigation scheduling and frequency of irrigation cycles.
Mulches shall be maintained at least three (3) inches deep to reduce evaporation and weed growth. Do not apply mulch in contact with tree trunks (maintain 6 inches clearance minimum).
Soil moisture checks shall be made periodically at locations representing various climatic exposures and plant material types. Soil moisture probes shall be used to check moisture in root balls and surrounding soil. Moisture requirements of plants shall determine watering frequency and timing by automatic irrigation systems.
Fertilizer Application and Pest Control
Fertilizers shall be City–approved, balanced commercial types determined by soils testing. Fertilizers should be applied to entire root zones of trees. Gently cultivate and thoroughly water fertilized areas to prevent burning tree roots. Apply fertilizers at minimum rates required to keep trees healthy and vigorous.
Unhealthy and/or stunted trees that fail to meet horticulturally acceptable standards for growth and vigor shall receive appropriate supplements to correct nutrient deficiencies.
Plant pests and diseases, and weeds, shall be controlled with proper application of insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Tree wells shall be weeded monthly.
Pesticides and herbicides shall be applied by licensed and certified pest control applicators. 1231
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Staking and Guying
Tree stakes, ties, and guys shall be checked monthly and adjusted if necessary. Ties shall be adjusted to prevent girdling of tree trunks. Broken stakes and guy wires shall be replaced. Stakes, ties, and guys shall be removed as directed by the City Representative.
Re–stake trees as deemed necessary by the City with two–inch diameter by ten–foot long treated lodge pole stakes. Tree ties shall be flexible vinyl straps. Nail straps to sides of stakes with one–inch roofing nails.
Stakes on fast–growing tree species, such as Eucalyptus species, shall be removed one year after planting, or at the start of the next growing season, whichever comes first.
For trees other than fast–growing species, existing stakes and guys shall be removed after two years, or after trees attain a trunk caliper of four inches. If trees are unable to support themselves, removal of stakes shall be determined by the City.
In CFD areas, 15-gallon size trees shall be double–staked, 24– and 36–inch box size trees shall be double– staked or guyed, and trees larger than 36–inch box size shall be guyed, unless directed otherwise by City representative.
Shrubs
Shrubs shall be maintained to promote vigorous and healthy growth in accordance with standard horticultural practices. Utilize proper pruning techniques, fertilizer applications, and pest control procedures.
Pruning
Prune shrubs as required to maintain public safety, as well as general health and appearance of plants.
Shrubs shall not be clipped into topiary forms. Natural characteristics and branching structure of plants shall be retained.
Pruning cuts shall be made just above lateral branches and buds, and just outside branch bark collars.
Stubbing shall not be permitted.
Pruning shall be accomplished by removing woody stems from inside of shrubs at least twice yearly.
Heading back of shrubs shall be performed only after completion of interior selective branch pruning.
Shrubs shall not be sheared and hedged unless directed by the City.
Dead flower stalks and spent blossoms shall be removed regularly for a tidy, well–groomed appearance.
Fertilizer Application and Pest Control
City–approved balanced commercial fertilizers shall be applied to promote optimum growth and vigor.
Fertilizers shall be watered in after application to prevent burning of plant tissues.
Insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides shall be applied as necessary by licensed pest control applicators only.
Mulches shall be maintained uniformly at least three (3) inches deep to reduce evaporation and weed growth. Do not apply mulch in contact with shrub stems. 1232
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Vines
Vines shall be maintained to promote vigorous and healthy growth in accordance with best horticultural standards. Utilize proper watering, tying, fertilizing, and pest control procedures to promote optimum growth.
Deep water vines in planting pockets to assure optimum growth and root depth.
Prune and maintain espaliered vines properly. Nails shall not be used in masonry walls. Secure vines with epoxy vine ties to promote directional growth.
City–approved, balanced commercial fertilizers shall be applied to promote optimum growth and vigor.
Vines shall be watered after fertilizer application to prevent burning of roots.
Insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides shall be applied as necessary by licensed pest control applicators only.
Groundcover
Ground cover shall be maintained to promote vigorous and healthy growth according to best horticultural standards. Utilize proper trimming, fertilizing, pest control, and renovation procedures.
Trimming
Groundcover shall be maintained within intended planting areas. Maintain edges of planting so that groundcover does not encroach into lawns, shrub beds, sidewalks, and adjacent areas.
Groundcover shall be trimmed away from controller enclosures, valve boxes, quick couplers, other plants, structures and walls, and walks. Maintain well–edged beds adjacent to walks for best appearance and safety.
Fertilizer
Apply City–approved, balanced commercial fertilizers at minimum rates required to promote healthy and vigorous growth. One application should be in early spring after new growth begins.
Pest Control
Groundcover areas shall be cultivated regularly and kept free of litter.
Control weeds, insects, diseases, gophers and snails.
Chemical pest controls shall be applied only if necessary by licensed pest control applicators.
Renovation and Replacements
Groundcover shall be renovated by cutting and mowing to promote new vigorous growth. Apply City– approved, balanced commercial fertilizer after renovation of groundcover areas.
If replanting is required to replace dead groundcover areas, then replacements shall be determined by City, using cuttings from adjacent groundcover areas, or other approved sources.
Lawns
Lawns shall be maintained to promote vigorous and healthy growth in accordance with best horticultural standards. Utilize proper watering, mowing, renovation, fertilizing, and pest control procedures. 1233
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Watering
Lawns shall be irrigated to maintain healthy seasonal growth and to encourage deep rooting. Avoid daily irrigation in favor of every other day, or twice weekly. Additional irrigations may be scheduled if unusually hot and dry weather conditions prevail for extended periods of time. Lawn areas shall not be in soggy, saturated condition, especially before mowing and aeration operations.
Mowing and Edging
Lawns shall be mowed to an optimum height on a weekly basis during growing seasons. Frequency of mowing should decrease during cooler months. Rotary and reel (for Bermuda grass) mowers with sharp blades shall be used. Avoid removing more than one–third of grass blade length at one mowing.
Damage to trees, obstacles, and lawns caused by wheel ruts shall be repaired by Contractor. Grass clippings shall be mulched in place with mulching mowers.
Trimming and edging shall be performed weekly. Frequency of trimming and edging may need to be adjusted during cooler months.
Renovation
Lawn areas shall be renovated yearly when the least amount of stress to lawns is likely, usually in winter.
Scheduling shall be recorded on Maintenance Schedule Charts approved by the City.
Lawns shall be mechanically aerated with plug aerators (one–half inch tines minimum) at least yearly to reduce compaction and improve water penetration to roots. Hybrid Bermuda grass shall be verticut as required to remove thatch.
Shaded and well–worn areas of lawn shall be re–seeded with approved seed species.
Fertilizing
City–approved, balanced commercial fertilizers should be applied to keep lawns green and healthy.
Fertilizer types will vary seasonally in accordance with good turf management practices.
Pest Control
Lawn areas shall be inspected regularly for signs of diseases and pests. Contractor shall have licensed pest control applicators apply appropriate controls at recommended rates.
Contractor shall maintain weed–free lawns by approved means. Contractor shall exercise caution if applying chemicals to control weeds to avoid damage to lawns and adjacent areas. Before herbicide applications are made, lawns should be well–established and in vigorous condition.
Hydroseeded Planting
Hydroseeded areas shall be maintained in the same manner as ground cover areas.
Pest Control
Contractor shall provide complete and continuous control and eradication of plant pests and diseases, including weeds. Comply with City, County, State, and Federal regulations and laws regarding chemical controls.
Contractor shall assume liability and responsibility for use of chemical controls.
Procedures for chemical use shall follow those outlined by State of California Department of Food and Agriculture, and County of Riverside for safe handling of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. 1234
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Contractor shall obtain all necessary licenses for application of pesticides.
Weed Control
All planting areas, including basins, shall be free of weeds.
Open space areas adjacent to homes shall be kept free of weeds.
Weeds shall be removed in street median islands, including those growing in paved and unpaved areas.
Trees in lawn areas shall have 36–inch diameter mulched circle maintained around bases of trunks. Avoid damage to tree trunks and roots by machinery and excess water. Properly applied growth regulators may be used to control vegetation in open areas around trees. Use mulches to help prevent weed seed germination. Weeds that have germinated shall be eradicated (do not use string trimmers near tree trunks) within three weeks of germination, or before setting seed.
Weeds shall be completely removed from lawn and shrub areas, groundcover beds, and planters.
Remove weeds weekly from cracks in paved areas: sidewalks, curbs, asphalt, hardscape, and areas covered with ornamental rocks. For the purpose of these requirements, weeds will be considered as any undesirable or troublesome plants. Weeds shall be controlled by hand, mechanical, or chemical methods. The City may restrict use of chemical weed control in certain areas.
Groundcover and hydroseeded plants that occur within four feet of improved surfaces (sidewalks, service roads, and pathways) should be continuously trimmed so that height does not exceed 12 inches.
Invasive plants are unacceptable in CFD–maintained areas and shall be promptly removed.
Annual plants over six inches in height shall be mechanically controlled upon completion of growth cycle in areas deemed necessary by the City.
Fertilizer Application
Contractor shall inform City at least 48 hours before beginning fertilizer application. Contractor shall have previously submitted schedules showing sites, dates, approximate times of fertilizer application, type of fertilizer and quantity of fertilizer to be applied.
Fertilizers shall be delivered in original unopened containers bearing manufacturers’ guaranteed analysis.
Damaged packages will not be acceptable to the City. Contractor shall furnish the City with duplicate signed legible copies of certificates and invoices for fertilizer. Invoices shall state grade and quantity of fertilizer delivered to site. Copies retained by the City and Contractor shall be signed by the City’s Representative before materials may be used. Contractor shall not begin fertilizer application until requirements noted above have been met.
Fertilizers shall have City–approved guaranteed analysis. Contractor shall follow the amendment recommendations of the soils report for type and application rate.
Fertilizers shall be applied to lawns at times noted below. • Nitrogen: as needed to maintain health and appearance • Complete: October 1-15, March 1-15
Fertilizers shall be applied to shrubs, groundcover, and small trees (three-inch caliper and smaller) at times noted below.
• Complete: March 1-15, July 1-15, October 1-15
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Adequate irrigation shall precede and immediately follow applications to carry fertilizers into soil. After fertilizer applications, adjust irrigation schedules to eliminate runoff and leaching of fertilizers.
Weather conditions may require adjustments to fertilizer application schedules. If possible, avoid application of fertilizers prior to forecast of windy weather and heavy rains.
Precautions shall be taken during broadcast application of fertilizers with cyclone spreaders to avoid overthrow onto paved areas. Use of gravity flow spreaders is encouraged to keep fertilizers contained in planting areas, eliminating, or reducing sidewalk stains.
Fertilizer tablets shall be applied to new replacement trees and shrubs at manufacturer’s recommended rate of application. Tablets (21–gram) shall also be applied to trees and shrubs that require supplemental fertilization. Annual fall fertilization of trees and shrubs shall be at the rate of one 21–gram tablet for each one–half inch of trunk caliper. Place tablets six to eight inches into root zones with soil probes and water in thoroughly.
Replacement of Plant Material
To ensure vigorous, healthy growth and pleasant appearance of plantings in CFD areas, it may be desirable to replace plants periodically. Plant replacement shall be determined by the City. Plants may be provided and installed by City forces at no expense to Contractor (if plants are not under Developer’s or Contractor’s guarantee/warranty) or may be replaced by Contractor with cost negotiated prior to planting.
Contractorshall notify City representative within two days of plant material losses due to any cause. Dead plants that are not replaced within one week after notification will be replaced by the City at Contractor’s expense.
Contractor shall supply labor and materials to replace plants that are damaged or die resulting from Contractor’s faulty maintenance or negligence. Container sizes and species of replacement plant materials shall be determined by the City Representative.
Plants damaged due to storm events or other natural causes, vehicular damage, theft, or events not resulting from negligence or inadequate performance of work by Contractor shall be replaced–in–kind with sizes as approved by the City. At City’s request, Contractor may supply and install replacement plants selected by City’s Representative and shall bill total replacement costs separately from normal maintenance billing.
Replacement planting shall conform to the requirements herein.
8.4.5 Maintenance of Open Space Areas
Open space areas designated by easement or dedication are necessary to protect resources, relieve density of community development, and provide greenbelt buffers between built–up neighborhoods. • The City’s goal is to establish healthy native plant communities in designated open space areas, and to maintain these areas as close as possible to natural conditions prevailing in the region. • The City Engineer and/or Public Works Maintenance Operations Manager shall determine maintenance activities and practices in open space areas that best meet public works requirements for safety and appearance.
• Litter and trash removal shall be scheduled monthly, or more often as required. 1236
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8.4.6 Clean-Up
Contractor shall promptly remove landscape debris generated by pruning, trimming, weeding, edging, and other work required in CFD–maintained areas. Areas near public streets, walks, driveways, and paved areas shall be cleaned immediately with suitable equipment. Debris and green waste shall be removed and disposed of off–site in a legal manner. No debris will be allowed to remain in CFD public areas at end of workdays.
Contractor shall remove litter from CFD areas immediately. Litter shall include, but is not limited to, bottles, animal droppings, cans, paper, cardboard, metallic items and other debris, and illegally dumped materials.
Shrub areas not planted with ground cover shall be raked, weeded, and cultivated at least twice monthly.
Walks shall be kept clean and free of soil, debris, and hazards to foot traffic at all times during maintenance operations.
8.5 Inspection and Acceptance of Improvements
The purpose of inspections on landscape projects is to determine substantial conformance to approved landscape plans, and to verify project Conditions of Approval are met prior to acceptance of the project by the City.
Inspections by the City’s Representative are required during installation of landscape improvements on all projects. Inspections shall be made, and work accepted by the City’s Representative before projects can receive final acceptance from the City. Contractor shall request inspections by notifying the City at least 48 hours (two working days) in advance of scheduled inspection times. Notification should be made by Owner’s or Developer’s representative, and only when Contractor agrees that work is completed and ready for inspection. If scheduled inspection visits cannot be performed due to incomplete work or Contractor’s absence, then Owner/Developer will be charged for additional time for rescheduled inspections.
Changes
Revisions to approved landscape plans shall be reviewed and accepted by the City before work is performed, to verify that the revisions are consistent with original construction documents. Submit two sets of revised plans to the City for review. Refer to Submittal Requirements for additional information.
Changes in the field to approved landscape construction documents (materials and installation) shall be prohibited unless written approval of changes are provided by the City’s Representative. Approved field changes shall be reflected on record drawings submitted to City at project closeout.
8.5.1 Inspection Requirements
Work items listed below are subject to inspection by the City’s Representative. Inspection requirements are variable from project to project and shall be determined during the plan review and approval process.
However, additional inspections other than the following may be required during the course of work as determined by the City’s representative.
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Required inspections
Some may be combined into one site visit, if possible
Pre–construction meeting prior to start of work
Grading and Construction
• Finish grading.
• Staking of flatwork.
• Concrete formwork and reinforcement.
• Trail improvements.
• Boulder placement.
Irrigation
• Trenching for irrigation main lines and lateral pipe. • Installation and pressure testing of main lines and lateral lines prior to backfilling trenches. • Installation and testing of backflow prevention devices, remote control valves, control wires, and automatic controllers.
• Operation and coverage tests (prior to planting) after irrigation system completion.
Planting
• Soil preparation and application of amendments (supply delivery slips and invoices). • Completion of finish grading prior to planting.
• Approval of plant materials upon delivery to site.
• Tree and shrub locations, before excavation of planting pits. • Installation of plant material.
Completion and Maintenance
• Approval/acceptance of completed landscape installation, start of maintenance period. • Final site inspection at completion of maintenance period. • Additional inspections may be required as determined by the City’s Representative. 1238
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CFD Inspections
Initial inspections of completed CFD area landscape improvements shall be performed prior to start of the maintenance and plant establishment period. Work shall be complete and in accordance with City requirements as determined by the City representative.
• Upon completion of irrigation installation, the entire Calsense controller assembly(s) shall be inspected and tested for proper connections, and complete and full operation by the Calsense field service representative, including full and proper operation and interface with flow sensor, sensor data interface, master control valve, and other sensor components as installed. Written certification of installation and operation in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications shall be provided to the City’s representative.
Projects in CFD areas that have not been maintained to City standards during maintenance period shall be held without acceptance until requirements and conditions of the project and City have been met.
Final inspections of CFD improvements shall be performed at the end of the maintenance period. City representative will determine whether or not maintenance requirements have been met by Contractor prior final acceptance/notice of completion. Refer to Section 8.5.2 Acceptance of Improvements, Subsection CFD Public Works Acceptance Procedures below.
8.5.2 Acceptance of Improvements
Acceptance of CFD and public works landscape improvements by the City will be made after work is substantially complete in accordance with approved construction documents and City of Wildomar landscape standards.
Maintenance/plant establishment and warranty periods shall be for the following time periods unless otherwise approved by the City:
• Parks: Owner or agent in control of properties shall maintain planting and irrigation systems for ninety (90) calendar days. Warranty period shall be for one (1) calendar year. • CFD areas, except parks: Owner or agent in control of properties shall maintain planting and irrigation systems for one (1) calendar year. Warranty period shall be for one (1) calendar year. • All other public works projects: As specified in the approved construction documents After final inspection of improvements by City’s Representative at the satisfactory conclusion of maintenance and the plant establishment period, and City acceptance of improvements, the Community Facilities District will be available to service the area for continuing maintenance, formally relieving Contractor of maintenance responsibilities.
CFD Public Works Acceptance Standards
Landscape improvements, walls, walkways, curbs, utilities, trails, benches, public improvements, and special conditions required within Community Facilities District and public works project boundaries shall be provided in accordance with approved construction documents prior to initial inspection and City acceptance of improvements.
Standards outlined below shall be met prior to final inspection by the City’s Representative. 1239
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Lawn
Lawn areas shall be completely filled in with grass. Turf shall be green and healthy with no discolored and dead patches, weeds, and insect pests. Turf shall be mowed weekly for at least two consecutive weeks, and at correct mowing heights.
Hydroseeded areas (non–turf)
Plant material shall be at least three inches in height, with 90 percent coverage of hydroseeded areas. If hydroseed has not germinated within 30 days after application, then bare areas shall be re–seeded. At that time, all hydroseeded areas shall be free of weeds and litter.
Hand–planted groundcover
Planted areas shall be healthy, vigorous, and free of weeds and litter.
Shrubs, Vines, and Trees
Plant material shall be healthy, showing no signs of discoloration, injury, fungus, and insect infestation.
Plants shall be pruned, trimmed, and neat in appearance. Trees shall be staked as required with approved tree ties. Nursery tape shall be removed.
Irrigation
Irrigation systems shall be fully functional and operating in accordance with project construction documents and City landscape standards.
Trails
Decomposed granite trails shall be stabilized and include all items indicated per the relevant Riverside County TLMA details for trails and decomposed granite surfacing. Stabilizer specifications to be submitted for review prior to implementation.
CFD Public Works Acceptance Procedures
The City’s Representative will recommend acceptance of improvements in CFD—maintained areas after initial inspections are performed. Work shall be substantially complete as determined by the City’s Representative.
After initial inspection and approval of installation work by the City’s representative, and provided that project Conditions of Approval have been met, the Contractor shall begin the maintenance/plant establishment period.
After initial acceptance, bonds, cash deposits, and secured letters of credit held against Developer or Contractor may be reduced.
At end of the maintenance and plant establishment period, the project shall undergo final inspection by City’s representative for turnover to the CFD. Final release of bonds, cash deposits, and secured letters of credit will take place after satisfactory completion of maintenance/plant establishment period and upon approval by the City Engineer.
Acceptance of other public landscape improvements after construction and maintenance period are completed shall be based on condition of the project at final inspection. City’s Representative shall determine whether requirements have been met, procedures followed, and equipment installed satisfactorily before recommending acceptance of the project. 1240
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9. GLOSSARY
For purposes only of this document, the terms used have the following meaning:
Applied Water. The portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape.
Artificial Turf. A product manufactured from synthetic materials that simulate the appearance of natural turf, grass, sod, or lawn. Indoor or outdoor plastic or nylon carpet is not considered artificial turf.
Automatic Irrigation Controller. A timing device used to remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers self-adjust and schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based) or soil moisture data.
Backflow Prevention Device. A safety device used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system.
Certificate of Completion. The document required prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or at the request for final landscape inspection, refer to Appendix.
Certified Irrigation Designer. A person certified to design irrigation systems by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as the US Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense irrigation designer certification program or the Irrigation Association's Certified Irrigation Designer program Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor. A person certified to perform landscape irrigation by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as the US Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense irrigation auditor certification program or the Irrigation Association's Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor program.
Check Valve or Anti-Drain Valve. 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.
Compost. The safe and stable product of controlled biologic decomposition of organic materials that is beneficial to plant growth.
Conversion Factor (0.62). The number that converts acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year.
Distribution Uniformity. The measure of the uniformity of irrigation water over a defined area.
Drip Irrigation. 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.
Established Landscape. 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.
ET Adjustment Factor or ETAF. A factor of.55 for residential areas and .45 for non-residential areas, that, when applied to reference evapotranspiration, adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, two major influences upon the amount of water that needs to be applied to the landscape. The ETAF for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0. The ETAF for existing nonrehabilitated landscapes is 0.8.
Evapotranspiration. The process by which a quantity of water evaporates from adjacent soil and other surfaces and is transpired by plants during a specified time. Reference evapotranspiration for Wildomar is 55.0.
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Flow Sensor. 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 combination flow sensor/controller may also function as a landscape water meter or submeter.
Hardscapes. Any durable material (pervious and non-pervious). Concrete, asphalt, cobble, gravel, and decomposed granite are considered hardscape materials and therefore not included in the water budget calculation.
Hydrozone. A portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs and rooting depth that are served by one irrigation valve or set of valves with the same schedule. A hydrozone may be irrigated or non-irrigated.
Invasive Species. Non-indigenous species (e.g., plants or animals) that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally, or ecologically and includes those species listed within the Western Riverside County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan as such plan may be amended from time to time and any invasive species identified as such by the city. Lists of invasive plants are maintained at the California Invasive Plant Inventory and USDA invasive and noxious weeds database.
Irrigation Audit. 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.
Landscape Area or LA. 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 nondevelopment (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation). Landscape Area includes Special Landscape Areas as defined below.
Licensed Landscape Architect. A person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in the State of California pursuant to the California Business and Professions Code section 5615.
Licensed Landscape Contractor. A person licensed by the State of California to construct, maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems.
Local Water Purveyor. Any entity, including a public agency, city, county, or private water company that provides retail water service.
Low Volume Irrigation. 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.
Maximum Applied Water Allowance or MAWA. The upper limit of annual applied water for the established landscaped area.
Mulch. Any material placed on the soil to conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperature, prevent soil erosion and/or prevent weed growth, including such materials as bark, wood chips, rock, gravel, decomposed granite, or other suitable material.
Non-Residential Landscape. Landscapes in commercial, institutional, industrial and public settings that may have areas designated for recreation or public assembly. It also includes portions of common areas 1243
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of common interest development with designated recreational areas.
Overspray. The irrigation water which is delivered beyond the target area.
Pervious. Any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil.
Plant Factor. A value that, when multiplied by ETO, estimates the amount of water needed by plants. For purposes of this document, 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. Plant factors used shall be derived from the current publication of the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WULCOLS). 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).
Recreational Area. Areas, excluding private single family residential areas, designated for active play, recreation or public assembly in parks, sports fields, picnic grounds, amphitheaters or golf courses, tees, fairways, roughs, surrounds and greens.
Recycled Water. Any kind of treated, reclaimed, or recycled wastewater of a quality suitable for nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human consumption.
Reference Evapotranspiration or ETo. A standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants and is 55.0 inches per year for purposes of this document.
Rehabilitated Landscape. Any re-landscaping project that requires a permit, plan check, or design review, meets the applicability requirements of Section 16.28.020 and the modified landscape area is equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet.
Residential Landscapes. Landscaping surrounding single or multi-family homes.
Runoff. Water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the landscape area. For example, runoff may result from water that is applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is a slope.
Special landscape Area or SLA. An area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants, recreational areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using recycled water.
Water Feature. 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.
WUCOLS. The Water Use Classification of Landscape Species published by the University of California Cooperative Extension, and the Department of Water Resources. The plant region for WUCOLS IV 2014 is Region 4 South Inland Valley. The most current publication, region, and plant classification shall be used. 1244
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APPENDIX 10.1
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APPENDIX 10.2
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APPENDIX 10.2
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APPENDIX 10.2
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APPENDIX 10.3
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APPENDIX 10.3
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APPENDIX 10.3
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APPENDIX 10.3
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APPENDIX 10. 3
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APPENDIX 10.4
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APPENDIX 10.4
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APPENDIX 10.5 CLIMATE-APPROPRIATE PLANTS
Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' Bailey acacia L 20-30 ft. 20-40 ft. x x Acacia cultriformis knife acacia L 10-15 ft. 10-15 ft. x x Acacia longifolia Sydney golden wattle L 20 ft. 20 ft. x x Acacia pendula weeping acacia M 25 ft. 15 ft. x x x
Acacia stenophylla eumong/shoestring acacia L 30 ft. 20 ft. x x x Acacia willardiana palo blanco L 20 ft. 10 ft. x x x
Aesculus californica California buckeye L 10-20 ft. 30 ft. x x x Afrocarpus gracilior (Podocarpus) African fern pine M 40-60 ft. 20-30 ft. x x x Agonis flexuosa peppermint tree L 25-35 ft. 15-30 ft. x x x Albizia julibrissin silk tree L 40 ft. 40 ft. x x
Aloe spp. aloe L varies x x
Arbutus 'Marina' Marina arbutus M 25-30 ft. 25-35 ft. x x x Arbutus unedo strawberry tree L 8-35 ft. 8-35 ft. x x Bauhinia variegata (purpurea) purple orchid tree M 20-35 ft. 20-35 ft. x x Brachychiton acerifolius flame tree M 60-70 ft. 30 ft. x x Brachychiton discolor Queensland lace bark M 40-60 ft. 30 ft. x x Brachychiton populneus bottle tree L 30-50 ft. 30 ft. x x x Brahea armata blue hesper palm L 20-40 ft. 12-25 ft. x x x Brahea edulis Guadalupe palm L 30 ft. 15 ft. x x x
Butia odorata (Butia capitata) pindo palm L 10-20 ft. 10-15 ft. x x x Callistemon citrinus bottle brush L 10-15 ft. 10-15 ft. x x x Callistemon viminalis weeping bottle brush M 20-30 ft. 15 ft. x x x x Calodendrum capense cape chestnut M 20-40 ft. 20-40 ft. x x Cassia leptophylla gold medallion tree M 20-25 ft. 30 ft. x x Catalpa speciosa western catalpa M 40-60 ft. 20-40 ft. x x Cedrus atlantica Atlas cedar M 60 ft. 30 ft. x x
Cedrus deodora deodar cedar M 80 ft. 40 ft. x x
Ceiba speciosa (Chorisia) floss silk tree L 30-60 ft. 30-60 ft. x x Celtis occidentalis common hackberry M 40-50 ft. 40-50 ft. x Ceratonia siliqua carob L 20 ft. 20 ft. x
Cercis occidentalis western redbud L 10-18 ft. 10-18 ft. x x x Chamaerops humilis Mediterranean fan palm L 20 ft. 20 ft. x x x Chilopsis linearis desert willow L 15-30 ft. 10-20 ft. x x Chitalpa tashkentensis chitalpa L 20-30 ft. 20-30 ft. x x TREES
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Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Cinnamomum camphora camphor tree M 50 ft. 60 ft. x x
Citrus spp. orange, lemon etc. M x
Cordyline australis New Zealand cabbage tree M 20-30 ft. 10 ft. x Corymbia citriodora (Eucalyptus) lemon scented gum M 45-90 ft. 15-45 ft. x x Corymbia ficifolia (Eucalyptus) red flowering gum M 25-40 ft. 25-40 ft. x x x Cotinus coggygria smoke tree L 12-15 ft. 12-15 ft. x x
Cupaniopsis anacardioides carrotwood M 40 ft. 30 ft. x x x Cupressus arizonica ssp. arizonica Cuayamaca cypress L 40 ft. 20 ft. x x x x Cupressus sempervirens Italian cypress L 60 ft. 5-10 ft. x x x Dracaena draco dragon tree L 20 ft. 30 ft. x
Elaeocarpus decipiens Japanese blueberry tree M 30-60 ft. 20-30 ft. x x Eriobotrya deflexa bronze loquat M 15-30 ft. 15-30 ft. x x x Erythrina coralloides naked coral tree M 30 ft. 30 ft. x x x Erythryna x bidwillii Bidwell's coral tree M 24-30 ft. 24-30 ft. x x x Eucalyptus camaldulensis red gum L 60-100 ft. 40-60 ft. x x Eucalyptus nicholii Nichol's willow leaf peppermint M 30-40 ft. 20-30 ft. x x x Eucalyptus polyanthemos silver dollar gum L 30-75 ft. 15-45 ft. x x Eucalyptus sideroxylon red iron bark L 50-100 ft. 40-60 ft. x x Eucalyptus torquata coral gum M 18-36 ft. 15-30 ft. x x Eucalyptus viminalis manna gum M 40-120 ft. 50 ft. x x
Ficus carica edible fig M 15-30 ft. 15-30 ft. x x
Ficus microcarpa Indian laurel fig/ laurel fig M 25-30 ft. 35-40 ft. x x Ficus microcarpa 'Green Gem" green gem ficus M 20-30 ft. 20-30 ft. x x Ficus rubiginosa rusty leaf fig M 20-50 ft. 30-50 ft. x x Fraxinus augustifolia 'Raywood' raywood ash M 20-30 ft. 25 ft. x x x Fraxinus velutina Arizona ash M 30 ft. 30-40 ft. x x
Geijera parviflora Australian willow M 25-30 ft. 20 ft. x x Ginkgo biloba 'Princeton Sentry' maiden hair tree M 35-50 ft. 15-25 ft. x x Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shade Master' honey locust L 35-70 ft. 25-35 ft. x Handroanthus impetiginosus (Tabebuia) pink or lavender trumpet tree M 25-50 ft. 25-50 ft. x x Hymenosporum flavum sweet shade M 12-40 ft. 9-20 ft. x x x Jacaranda mimosifolia jacaranda M 25-40 ft. 15-30 ft. x x Jubaea chilensis Chilean wine palm M 50-60 ft. 25 ft. x x Juglans c. californica Southern California black walnut L 15-30 ft. 15-30 ft. x Juniperus scopulorum 'Tolleson's' Tolleson's juniper M 20 ft. 10 ft. x x x Koelreuteria bipinnata Chinese flame tree M 20-40 ft. 20-40 ft. x x varies
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Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Koelreuteria paniculata golden rain tree L 20-35 ft. 20-40 ft. x x x Lagerstroemia indica and hybrids crape myrtle M x x
Lagerstroemia fauriei Japanese crape myrtle M 20-30 ft. 20-30 ft. x x Laurus nobilis 'Saratoga' sweet bay L 12-40 ft. 12-40 ft. x x Leptospermum laevigatum Australian tea tree L 10-30 ft. 10-30 ft. x x Ligustrum lucidum glossy privet M 20-40 ft. 20-40 ft. x Lophostemon confertus Brisbane box M 35-40 ft. 25 ft. x x x x Magnolia grandiflora 'St. Mary' southern magnolia M 25 ft. 15-20 ft. x x Magnolia x soulangiana saucer magnolia M 25 ft. 25 ft. + x x Magnolia stellata star magnolia M 10 ft. 20 ft. x x x
Malus spp. (edible) apple M x
Maytenus boaria mayten tree M 30-50 ft. 30-50 ft. x x
Melaleuca linariifolia flax leaf paper bark L 20-30 ft. 20-25 ft. x x Melaleuca nesophila pink melaleuca L 15-20 ft. 15-20 ft. x x x Melaleuca quinquinervia cajeput tree M 20-40 ft. 15-25 ft. x x x Nolina recurvata (Beaucarnea recurvata) bottle palm L 12-15 ft. 9-12 ft. x x x Olea europaea olive L 25-30 ft. 25-30 ft. x x
Parkinsonia aculeata Mexican palo verde/ Jerusalem thorn L 15-30 ft. 15-30 ft. x Parkinsonia x 'Desert Museum' palo verde L 20 ft. 20-25 ft. x x Parkinsonia microphyllum (Cercidium) little leaf palo verde L 20 ft. 20 ft. x Parkinsonia praecox (Cercidium) palo brea tree L 20 ft. 20 ft. x Phoenix canariensis Canary Island date palm L 60 ft. 50 ft. x x Phoenix dactylifera date palm L 80 ft. 20-40 ft. x x x
Phoenix reclinata Senegal date palm M 20-30 ft. 20-30 ft. x x Phoenix roebelenii pigmy date palm M 6-10 ft. 6-8 ft. x x Pinus eldarica afghan pine L 30-80 ft. 15-25 ft. x x x
Pinus canariensis Canary Island pine M 50-80 ft. 20-35 ft. x x x Pinus coulteri Coulter pine L 30-60 ft. 25-40 ft. x x x Pinus halepensis Aleppo pine L 30-60 ft. 20-40 ft. x x
Pinus pinea Italian stone pine L 40-80 ft. 40-60 ft. x x Pistacia chinensis Chinese pistache M 30-60 ft. 30-50 ft. x x x Pittosporum undulatum victorian box M 30-40 ft. 30-40 ft. x x x Platanus racemosa California sycamore M 30-80 ft. 20-50 ft. x x Platanus wrightii Arizona sycamore M 80 ft. 55 ft. x
Platanus x acerifolia 'Bloodgood' London plane M 40-80 ft. 30-40 ft. x x Podocarpus henkelii long leaf yellow wood M 30-50 ft. 15-20 ft. x varies
varies
CITY OF WILDOMAR Landscape Design Standards
FEBRUARY 2025
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APPENDIX 10.5 CLIMATE-APPROPRIATE PLANTS
Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Populus fremontii western cottonwood M 40-60 ft. 30 ft. x x Populus nigra 'Italica' Lombardy poplar M 40-100 ft. 15-30 ft. x x Prosopis chilensis Chilean mesquite L 30 ft. 30 ft. x x Prunus spp. (ornamental) flowering plum M varies x x
Punica granatum pomegranate L varies x x x
Pyrus calleryana cultivars Callery pear M varies x x
Pyrus kawakamii evergreen pear M 15-30 ft. 15-30 ft. x x Quercus agrifolia coast live oak L 20-70 ft. 20-80 ft. x x Quercus douglasii blue oak L 30-50 ft. 40-70 ft. x x
Quercus engelmannii mesa oak L 40-50 ft. 70-80 ft. x x Quercus ilex holly oak L 30-60 ft. 30-60 ft. x x x
Quercus suber cork oak L 30-60 ft. 30-60 ft. x x
Quercus virginiana southern live oak M 40-80 ft. 60-100 ft. x x Rhaphiolepis 'Majestic Beauty' majestic beauty M 15-20 ft. 8-10 ft. x x Rhus lancea African sumac L 20-30 ft. 20-35 ft. x x Robinia x ambigua 'Purple Robe' locust L 40 ft. 30 ft. x x Sambucus spp. elderberry L varies x
Sapium sebiferum Chinese tallow tree M 30-40 ft. 25-30 ft. x Schinus molle California pepper tree L 25-40 ft. 25-40 ft. x x x Schinus terebinthefolius Brazilian pepper tree M 30 ft. 30 ft. x x Sequoiadendron giganteum giant sequoia M 60-100 ft. 30-50 ft. x Sophora japonica Japanese pagoda tree M 50-70 ft. 50-70 ft. x Strelitzia nicolai giant bird of paradise M 30 ft. 30 ft. x Syagrus romanzoffiana queen palm M 50 ft. 20-25 ft. x x Thevetia thevetioides giant thevetia M 12 ft. 12 ft. x x x Tipuana tipu tipu tree M 20-40 ft. 30-60 ft. x x
Trachycarpus fortunei windmill palm M 30 ft. 10 ft. x x x Tristaniopsis laurina Water gum M 45 ft. 30 ft. x x
Ulmus parvifolia 'True Green' Chinese evergreen elm M 40-60 ft. 50-70 ft. x x Umbellularia californica California bay M 20-25 ft. 20-25 ft. x Vachellia farnesiana (Acacia farnesiana) sweet acacia VL 20 ft. 15-25 ft. x Vitex agnus-castus chaste tree M 25 ft. 25 ft. x
Washingtonia filifera California fan palm L 60 ft. 20 ft. x x x Washingtonia robusta Mexican fan palm L 100 ft. 10 ft. x x x Zelkova serrata saw leaf zelkova M 60 ft. 60 ft. x x x
CITY OF WILDOMAR Landscape Design Standards
FEBRUARY 2025
PAGE 76
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APPENDIX 10.5 CLIMATE-APPROPRIATE PLANTS
Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Abelia x grandiflora glossy abelia M 8 ft. 5 ft. x x
Achillea millefolium & hybrids common yarrow L 2-3 ft. 2-3 ft. x x x Aeonium spp. Canary Island rose L x x
Agapanthus africanus lily-of-the-Nile M 1-2 ft. 2-3 ft. x x x Agapanthus orientalis lily-of-the-Nile M 3-5 ft. 2-3 ft. x x x Agave spp. agave L x x x
Aloe spp. aloe L x x x
Alyogyne huegelii blue hibiscus L 5-8 ft. 5-8 ft. x x
Anigozanthos flavidus & hybrids kangaroo paw L x x
Anisacanthus spp. desert honeysuckle L 4 ft. 4 ft. x
Anisodontea scabrosa false mallow M 2-3 ft. 2-3 ft. x x Anisodontea X hypomadarum South African mallow M 4-6 ft. 4-6 ft. x x Arbutus unedo 'Compacta' compact strawberry tree L 6-10 ft. 5-6 ft. x x x Arctostaphylos spp. manzanita L x x x
Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' Myers asparagus M 2 ft. 3-4 ft. x Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' Sprenger asapragus M 2-3 ft. 3-6 ft. x Aspidistra elatior cast iron plant M 2 ft. 2-3 ft. x x
Atriplex spp. saltbush VL x x
Baccharis 'Centennial' bentennial baccharis L 3 ft. 4-5 ft. x x x Baileya multiradiata desert marigold L 1-1 1/2 ft. 1-2 ft. x x x Bambusa spp. clumping bamboo M x x x
Berberis spp. barberry L/M x x
Bougainvillea spp. bougainvillea L 3-6 ft. 3-6 ft. x x x Bouteloua curtipendula sideoats gramma L 1-2 ft. 2 ft. x x Bouteloua gracilis blue gramma L 1 1/2-2 ft. 1 ft. x x Buddleia marrubiifolia wooly butterfly bush L 5 ft. 5 ft. x x Bulbine frutescens stalked bulbine L 1 ft. 2-3 ft. x x
Buxus microphylla japonica Japanese boxwood M 4-6 ft. 4-6 ft. x x Caesalpinea gilliesii desert bird of paradise L 10 ft. 8 ft. x x x Caesalpinea mexicana Mexican bird of paradise L 10-12 ft. 6-8 ft. x x x Caesalpinea pulcherrima dwarf poinciana M 10 ft. 10 ft. x x x Calamagrostis spp. feather reed M 2-3 ft. 2-3 ft. x x Calliandra californica Baja fairy duster L 5 ft. 5-6 ft. x Calliandra eriophylla fairy duster VL 3 ft. 4-5 ft. x varies
varies
varies
varies
varies
SHRUBS
varies
varies
varies
CITY OF WILDOMAR Landscape Design Standards
FEBRUARY 2025
PAGE 77
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APPENDIX 10.5 CLIMATE-APPROPRIATE PLANTS
Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Calliandra haematocephala pink powder puff M 10 ft. 10 ft. x x Calliandra tweedii Trinidad flame bush M 6-8 ft. + 6-8 ft. + x x Callistemon citrinus bottle brush L 10-15 ft. 10-15 ft. x x Callistemon 'Better John' dwarf bottle brush L 3 ft. 3 ft. x x Camellia sasanqua sasanqua camellia M x x
Campanula spp. bell flower M
Carex buchanani leatherleaf sedge M 3 ft. 2 1/2 ft. x x Carex conica snowline sedge M 2 ft. 2 ft. x x
Carex elata 'Aurea' Bowles golden sedge M 2 1/2 ft. 1 1/2 ft. x x Carex flagallifera New Zealand sedge M 3 ft. 2-2 1/2 ft. x x Carex morrowii expallida Japanese sedge M 1 ft. 1 1/2 ft. x x Carex pansa California meadow sedge M 6-8 in. 1 ft. x Carex tumulicola Berkeley sedge L 6-8 in. 1 ft. x Carissa spp. Natal plum M 2-4 ft. 3-6 ft. x x
Carpenteria californica bush anemone M 4-8 ft. 4-8 ft. x x x Ceanothus spp. California lilac L 3-15 ft. 3-15 ft. x x x Centaurea cineraria dusty miller (cineraria) M 1 ft. 1 ft. x Choisya ternata Mexican orange M 6-8 ft. 6-8 ft. x x x
Cistus spp. - low growing varieties rockrose L 2-5 ft. 2-5 ft. x x x Cistus spp. - taller varieties rockrose L 6-8 ft. 6-8 ft. x x x Clivia miniata Kaffir lily M 2 ft. 2 ft. x
Cocculus laurifolius laurel leaf cocculus M 25 ft. 25 ft. x x Convolvulus cneorum bush morning glory L 2-4 ft. 2-4 ft. x Coprosma x kirkii creeping coprosma M 1-3 ft. 4-6 ft. x x x Coprosma repens mirror plant M 10 ft. 6 ft. x x x
Cordyline stricta palm lily M 15 ft. 6 ft. x x
Cotoneaster congestus Pyrenees cotoneaster M 3 ft. 3 ft. x x Cotoneaster glaucophyllus bright bead cotoneaster M 5 ft. 5 ft. x x Cotoneaster parneyi Parney cotoneaster M 8 ft. 10 ft. x x Cotoneaster salicifolius willowleaf cotoneaster M 15-18 ft. 15-18 ft. x x Crassula spp. crassula L 1-4 ft. 1-4 ft. x x
Cuphea spp. cuphea M 1-3 ft. 1-3 ft. x x
Cycas revoluta sago palm M 2-3 ft. + 4-6 ft. x x
Dalea bicolor dalea (bicolor) L 8 ft. 5-6 ft. x x
Dasylirion spp. desert spoon L 3-5 ft. 4-5 ft. x x
Dendromecon harfordii island bush poppy L 8-20 ft. 8-20 ft. x x varies
varies
CITY OF WILDOMAR Landscape Design Standards
FEBRUARY 2025
PAGE 78
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APPENDIX 10.5 CLIMATE-APPROPRIATE PLANTS
Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Dendromecon rigida bush poppy L 4-8 ft. 4-6 ft. x x Deschampsia caespitosa tufted hairgrass L 1-2 ft. 2 ft. x x Dianella revoluta cultivars flax lily L varies varies x x x Dianella tasmanica Tasmin flax lily M 3-4 ft. 1-2 ft. x x x Dianthus spp. pink/carnation M 1-1 1/2 ft. 1-1 1/2 ft. x x Dietes bicolor fortnight lily M 2-3 ft. 3 ft. x x x
Dietes iridioides fortnight lily M 3-4 ft. 3-4 ft. x x
Dodonaea viscosa 'Purpurea' purple hopseed bush M 10-15 ft. 10-15 ft. x x Dudleya spp. dudleya, live forever L 1 1/2 ft. 1-2 ft. x x Echeveria spp. hens and chickens L 3-6 in. 1 1/2 ft. x x Echinocactus spp. barrel cactus L 4 ft. 2 1/2 ft. x x Echinopsis spp. torch cactus L 4-12 in. varies x
Echium candicans pride of Madeira L 5-6 ft. 6-10 ft. x x Elaeagnus pungens silverberry L 10-15 ft. 10-15 ft. x x Elymus magellanicus Magellan wheatgrass M 1 1/2 ft. 1 1/2 ft. x Encelia californica California encelia L 3 ft. 4 ft. x x Encelia farinosa brittle bush L 3 ft. 4 ft. x x
Epilobium californica 'Everett's Choice' Everett's choice California fuschia L 2-4 in. 3-5 ft.
Epilobium californica varieties (Zauschneria) California fuschia L varies x Eriogonum fasciculatum California buckwheat L 1-3 ft. 4 ft. x x Escallonia 'Compakta' compact escallonia M 3 ft. 3 ft. x Escallonia 'Frades' Frades escallonia M 5-6 ft. 5-6 ft. x x x Euryops pectinatus shrub daisy L 3-6 ft. 3-6 ft. x x Feijoa sellowiana pineapple guava M 10-25 ft. 10-25 ft. x x Felicia amelloides blue marguerite M 1 1/2 ft. 4-5 ft. x x Ferocactus spp. barrel cactus L 8-9 ft. 3 ft. x x x
Festuca californica California fescue M 2-3 ft. 1-2 ft. x x Festuca glauca blue fescue M 1 ft. 10 in. x
Fouquieria splendens ocotillo L 8-25 ft. 5-10 ft. x x Frangula californicus 'Little Sur' & 'Eve Case' coffeeberry L 4-6 ft. 4-6 ft. x x Frangula californicus (Rhamnus) coffeeberry L 15 ft. 8 ft. x x Fremontodendron spp. flannel bush L 20 ft. 12 ft. x x Gaillardia x grandiflora blanket flower M 2-4 ft. 1 1/2 ft. x x Galvesia speciosa island bush snapdragon L 3 ft. 5 ft. x Gardenia spp. gardenia M varies x
Garrya elliptica coast silktassel M 10-20 ft. 10-20 ft. x x CITY OF WILDOMAR Landscape Design Standards
FEBRUARY 2025
PAGE 79
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APPENDIX 10.5 CLIMATE-APPROPRIATE PLANTS
Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' Johnson's blue geranium M 1 1/2-2 ft. 2 ft. x Geranium sanguineum bloody cranesbill M 8-18 in. 2 1/2 ft. x Grevillea 'Noellii' Noel's grevillea L 4 ft. 4-5 ft. x x Grewia occidentalis lavender star flower M 6-10 ft. 6-10 ft. x x Helictotrichon sempervirens blue oat grass M 2-3 ft. 2-3 ft. x x Hemerocallis spp. day lily M varies x x
Hesperaloe parviflora red/ yellow yucca L 3-4 ft. 3-4 ft. x Heteromeles arbutifolia toyon L 6-10 ft. 6-10 ft. x x Heuchera maxima island alum root M 1-2 ft. 3-4 ft. x x Heuchera sanguinea coral bells M 1-2 ft. 1-2 ft. x x
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Chinese hibiscus M 8-15 ft. 5-8 ft. x x x Ilex cornuta and varieties Chinese holly M varies x x
Ilex vomitoria and varieties yaupon L varies x
Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' Japanese blood grass M 1-2 ft. 1 ft. x Iris douglasiana Douglas iris M 1 1/2-2 ft. 1-1 1/2 ft. x x Iris spp. bearded iris M varies x x
Juncus effusus soft rush M 2 1/2 ft. 2 1/2 ft. x x
Juncus patens California gray rush M 2 ft. 2 ft. x x
Juniperus spp. juniper L varies x x x
Justicia brandegeana shrimp plant M 3-4 ft. 3-4 ft. x
Justicia californica chuparosa L 6 ft. 6 ft. x x x
Kalanchoe spp. kalanchoe, garden varieties L 1-2 ft. 1-2 ft. x x x Kniphofia uvaria and hybrids red hot poker L varies x x Lantana camara bush lantana L 6 ft. 6 ft. x x x
Lantana montevidensis and hybrids trailing lantana L varies x x Laurus nobilis sweet bay L 12-40 ft. 12-40 ft. x x
Lavandula spp. lavender L 2-4 ft. 2-6 ft. x
Lavatera assurgentiflora tree mallow L 12 ft. 12 ft. x x Lavatera maritima California tree mallow M 8 ft. 4 ft. x x Leonotis leonurus lion's tail L 6 ft. 6 ft. x x
Leptospermum scoparium New Zealand tea tree (shrub varieties) M 4-12 ft. 4-8 ft. x x Leucophyllum cvs. compact Texas ranger L varies x x Leymus 'Canyon Prince' canyon prince rye M 4 ft. 3 ft. x x Ligustrum japonicum and varieties Japanese privet M varies x Limonium vulgare Mediterranean sea lavender L 1-2 ft. 1-2 ft. x x x Liriope muscari varieties lilyturf M 1-1 1/2 ft. 1-2 ft. x x CITY OF WILDOMAR Landscape Design Standards
FEBRUARY 2025
PAGE 80
1263
APPENDIX 10.5 CLIMATE-APPROPRIATE PLANTS
Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Lobelia laxiflora Mexican bush lobelia VL 3 ft. 6 ft. x x Loropetalum chinense fringe flower M 6-10 ft. 6-10 ft. x x Mahonia aquifolium Oregon grape M 6 ft. 5 ft. x x x
Mahonia 'Golden Abundance' golden abundance mahonia M 6 ft. 5 ft. x x Mahonia nervosa longleaf mahonia M 2-3 ft. 3 ft. x x x x Mahonia nevinii Nevin mahonia L 6 ft. 6 ft. x x
Melaleuca armillaris bracelet honey-myrtle M 12-15 ft. 15-30 ft. x x Mimulus aurantiacus sticky monkey flower L 4 1/2 ft. 4 1/2 ft. x x Miscanthus sinensis varieties eulalia grass M varies x x Molinia caerulea Moor grass L varies x
Muhlenbergia capillaris hairy awn muhly M 3 ft. + 6 ft. x x x Muhlenbergia rigens deer grass M 4 ft. + 4 ft. x x x Myrsine africana African boxwood M 8 ft. 6 ft. x x x
Myrtus communis true myrtle M 5-6 ft. 4-5 ft. x x x
Nandina domestica heavenly bamboo M varies x x
Nandina spp. compact, upright heavenly bamboo M 4-6 ft. 3 ft. x x x Nandina spp. low growing heavenly bamboo M 1-3 ft. 1-3 ft. x x x Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis' Boston fern M 3 ft. 4 ft. x Nerium oleander oleander L 20 ft. 12 ft. x x
Nolina microcarpa bear grass VL 3 ft. 6 ft. x x
Ophiopogon japonicus mondo grass M 6-8 in. 6-8 in.
Opuntia macrocentra prickly pear cactus L 4 ft. 6 ft. x x Opuntia microdasys bunny ears L 2-3 ft. 4-5 ft. x x
Osmanthus fragrens sweet olive M 10 ft. 6-8 ft. x x
Pennisetum spp. fountain grass (no self sowing selections) L varies x x Penstemon hybrids border penstemon M 2-4 ft. 3 ft. x x x Penstemon heterophyllus varieties penstemon L/M 1 1/2-2 ft. 2-3 ft. x x x Phlomis fruticosa Jerusalem sage L 4 ft. 4 ft. x
Phormium hybrids flax M varies x x
Photinia x fraseri Fraser photinia M 15 ft. 15 ft. x x
Pittosporum crassifolium evergreen pittosporum M 25 ft. 20 ft. x x Pittosporum tobira mock orange M 15 ft. 15 ft. x x
Pittosporum tobira 'Wheelers Dwarf' dwarf pittosporum M 2-3 ft. 4-5 ft. x x Plumbago auriculata 'Monott' royal cape plumbago M 5 ft. 6-8 ft. x x x Podocarpus macrophyllus maki shrubby yew pine M 8-15 ft. 2-4 ft. x x Prunus caroliniana Carolina laurel cherry, compact varieties M 10 ft. 8 ft. x x CITY OF WILDOMAR Landscape Design Standards
FEBRUARY 2025
PAGE 81
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APPENDIX 10.5 CLIMATE-APPROPRIATE PLANTS
Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Prunus ilicifolia holly leaf cherry VL 10-25 ft. 10-25 ft. x x Prunus lyonii Catalina cherry L 15-20 ft. 15-20 ft. x x Punica granatum 'Nana' dwarf pomegranate M 3 ft. 6 ft. x x Pyracantha spp. firethorn M 4-10 ft. 4-10 ft. x x
Rhaphiolepis spp. Indian hawthorne M 5 ft. 6 ft. x x x
Rhapis excelsa lady palm M 5-12 ft. 5-12 ft. x x
Rhus integrifolia lemonade berry L 10 ft. 10 ft. x x
Rhus laurina laurel sumac L 15 ft. 15 ft. x x
Rhus ovata sugar bush L 10 ft. 10 ft. x x
Ribes aureum golden currant L 6 ft. 6 ft. x x x
Romneya coulteri Matilija poppy L 6-8 ft. 6-8 ft. x x x Rosa californica California wild rose L 3-9 ft. 3-9 ft. x x Rosa, bush hybrids rose M varies x
Rosa rugosa Ramana's rose M 3-6 ft. 3-6 ft. x x
Rosmarinus officinalis rosemary, upright varieties L 5-7 ft. 2-5 ft. x x Rudbeckia hirta and varieties Gloriosa daisy M 1-4 ft. 1 1/2 ft. x x Salvia spp. sage L varies x x x
Salvia 'Dara's Choice' Sonoma sage L 2-3 ft. 3-6 ft. x x Salvia 'Mrs. Beard' Mrs. Beard sage L 2-4 ft. 4-6 ft. x x Salvia clevelandii & hybrids Cleveland/Alan Chickering etc. L 5 ft. 8 ft. x x x Salvia greggii & hybrids autumn sage L 4 ft. 4 ft. x x
Salvia mexicana Mexican sage M 10 ft. + 3-5 ft. x x
Salvia sonomensis creeping/Sonoma sage L 1 ft. 3-4 ft. x x Salvia spathacea hummingbird/pitcher sage M 1-2 ft. 3-4 ft. x x Sambucus spp. elderberry L 30 ft. 20 ft. x x
Santolina spp. lavender cotton L 2 ft. 3 ft. x x
Senecio cineraria dusty miller L 2-3 ft. 2-3 ft. x x x
Senna artemesioides (Cassia artemesioides) feathery cassia/senna L 5 ft. 5 ft. x Senna spectabilis (Cassia excelsa) senna/cassia (spectabilis/excelsa) L 6 ft. 6 ft. x x Sesleria autumnalis autumn moor grass M 8-18 in. 8-18 in. x x Sesleria caerulea blue moor grass M 6-8 in. 6-8 in. x x Simmondsia chinensis 'Vista' dwarf jojoba VL 6 ft. 6 ft. x x Stachys byzantina lamb's ears M 1 1/2 ft. 2 ft. x x
Stipa pulchra purple feather grass L 3 ft. 2 ft. x x x Strelitzia reginae bird of paradise M 5-6 ft. 5-6 ft. x x Syzygium paniculatum varieties Australian brush cherry M varies x x CITY OF WILDOMAR Landscape Design Standards
FEBRUARY 2025
PAGE 82
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APPENDIX 10.5 CLIMATE-APPROPRIATE PLANTS
Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Teucrium cossonii majoricum Majorcan germander L 8 in. 1 1/2 ft. x Teucrium fruticans bush germander L 4-8 ft. 4-8 ft. x x Thevetia peruviana yellow oleander M 8 ft. + 8 ft. + x x Thuja occidentalis varieties American arborvitae, garden selections M varies x x Trichostema lanatum woolly/mountain blue curls L 3-5 ft. 4-8 ft. x x Tulbaghia violacea society garlic M 10-24 in. 1-2 1/2 ft. x x x Verbena stricta hoary vervian M 3 ft. 1 1/2 ft. x x
Viburnum japonicum Japanese viburnum M 15 ft. 12 ft. x x Viburnum tinus and varieties laurustinus M varies x
Westringia 'Morning Light' morning light westringia L 3 ft. 3 ft. x x x x Westringia 'Blue Gem' upright coast rosemary L 4-6 ft. 4-6 ft. x x x Westringia 'Wynabbie Gem' morning light westringia L 3-6 ft. 5-8 ft. x x x x Westringia 'Mundi' & 'Low Horizon' low coast rosemary L 1-2 ft. 3-4 ft. x x x Woodwardia fimbriata giant chain fern M 4-5 ft. 3 ft. x Xylosma congestum shiny xylosma M 10 ft. 10 ft. x x
Yucca spp. yucca L varies x x x
Zephryranthes spp. zephyr flower M 6-15 in. 1 ft. x x
GROUND COVERS
Abelia x grandiflora 'Prostrata' prostrate glossy abelia M 1 1/2-2 ft. 4-5 ft. x Acacia redolens prostrate acacia, low-growing forms L 2 ft. 12 ft. x x Achillea 'Moonshine' woolly yarrow L 6-10 in. 1 1/2 ft. x Agave 'Blue Glow' agave L 1-2 ft. 2-3 ft.
Agave 'Blue Elf' agave L 1-2 ft. 1-2 ft.
Arctostaphylos cultivars manzanita, ground cover cultivars L x Arctotheca calendula cape weed M 6-12 in. 1 1/2-2 ft. x x Armeria maritima sea pink M 6-10 in. 1 ft. x x
Artemisia caucasica silver spreader L 3-6 in. 2 ft. x x x Baccharis pilularis cvs. dwarf coyote brush L 8-24 in. 6 ft. x x x Bougainvillea spp. bougainvillea L 1 1/2-4 ft. 6-30 ft. x x Bouteloua curtipendula sideoats grama grass L 1-2 ft. 1-2 ft. x x x Bouteloua 'Blonde Ambition' hybrid grama grass L 1-2 ft. 1-2 ft.
Campanula portenschlagiana Dalmatian bellflower M 4-6 in. 2 ft. x x Campanula poscharskyana Serbian bellflower M 8 in. 2 ft. x x Carissa macrocarpa Natal plum, speading varieties M 1-2 ft. 4 ft. x x varies
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APPENDIX 10.5 CLIMATE-APPROPRIATE PLANTS
Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Ceanothus gloriosus 'Point Reyes' Point Reyes L 1-2 1/2 ft. 15 ft. x x Cerastium tomentosum snow in summer M 6-8 in. 2-3 ft. x x Convolvulus sabatius ground morning glory L 1-2 ft. 3 ft. x x Coprosma petriei 'Verde vista' verde vista coprosma M 1-3 ft. 4-6 ft. x Coreopsis auriculata 'Nana' dwarf coreopsis L 5-6 in. 2 ft. x x Cotoneaster spp. (ground covers) cotoneaster M 1-3 ft. 6-15 ft. x x Dalea capitata dalea (capitata) L 8 in. 3 ft. x x
Dalea greggii trailing indigo bush L 1 1/2 ft. 6 ft. x x Dianella revoluta cvs flax lily L 1-2 ft. 1-2 ft. x x x Dianella caerulea cvs flax lily M 1-2 ft. 1-2 ft. x x x Drosanthemum floribundum rosea ice plant L 6 in. 5 ft. x x Dymondia margaretae dymondia L 2-3 in. 20 in. x x
Erigeron karvinskianus fleabane M 10-20 in. 3 ft. x x
Euonymus fortunei euonymum, prostrate forms M 1/2-2 ft. varies x Fragaria spp. strawberry M 4-8 in. 1-1 1/2 ft. x
Gazania hybrids gazania M 6-10 in. 3-4 ft.
Graptopetalum spp. graptopetalum L 7 in. 1 ft. x
Helianthemum nummularium sunrose L 6-8 in. 3 ft.
Hypericum calycinum Aaron's beard M 1 ft. 3-4 ft. x
Iberis sempervirens evergreen candy tuft M 8-12 in. 8-12 in. x Iva hayesiana poverty weed L 1 ft. 3 ft. x
Lampranthus spp. trailing ice plant L 1 ft. 1 1/2-2 ft. x x Lantana spp. trailing lantana L 2 ft. 3-6 ft. x x
Lonicera japonica 'Halliana' Hall's honeysuckle L 2 ft. + 15-30 ft. x x Mahonia repens creeping mahonia M 1 ft. 3 ft. x x
Myoporum parvifolium & cvs. myoporum L 3-6 in. 9 ft. x x x Myoporum 'Pacificum' pacifica saltbush M 2 ft. 30 ft. x x Osteospermum spp. African daisy L 6-12 in. 2-4 ft. x x x Pelargonium peltatum ivy geranium M 1 ft. 5 ft. x x
Rosmarinus 'Huntington Carpet' trailing rosemary L 1-2 ft. 6-8 ft. x x Scaevola 'Mauve Clusters' fan flower M 4-6 in. 3-5 ft. x Santolina chamaecyparissus grey lavender cotton L 1-2 ft. 3-4 ft. x x x Santolina virens 'Lemon Fizz' lavender cotton L 1-2 ft. 3-4 ft. x x x Sedum spp. stone crop L 1 ft. 1 1/2-2 ft. x x x
Senecio mandraliscae kleinia M 1-1 1/2 ft. 2 ft. x x x
Teucrium x lucidrys germander L 1 ft. 2 ft. x
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Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Teucrium cossonii majoricum Majorcan germander L 9 in. 2 1/2 ft. x Trachelospermum asiaticum Asian star jasmine M 18 in. 5 ft. x Trachelospermum jasminoides star jasmine M 2 ft. 10 ft. x x Verbena gooddingii Goodding verbena L 1 1/2-2 ft. 3-4 ft. x Verbena lilacina lilac verbena L 1 ft. 3 ft. x
Verbena peruviana Peruvian verbena L 18 in. 3 ft. x Verbena rigida vervian M 1-2 ft. 3-4 ft. x x
Vinca minor periwinkle M 4-6 in. 1 1/2 ft. x x x
Zinnia grandiflora prairie zinnia M 1 ft. 1 1/2 ft. x
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APPENDIX 10.5 CLIMATE-APPROPRIATE PLANTS
Botanical Name Common Name
H - HighM - Moderate L - Low Classification Water Use Estimated Plant Native Species all species
select speciesLMD/CFD Street
Arterial Street
Collector Street Local Street
Mature HeightMature WidthPlanting AreaLarge AreaMedium Planting Planting AreaSmall High Fire AreasAllowed in High Fire AreasAvoid in Bignonia capreolata cross vine M x x
Bougainvillea spp. bougainvillea L x x
Campsis spp. trumpet creeper M x x
Cissus incisa Texas grape ivy M x x
Cissus rhombifolia grape ivy M x x x
Clytostoma callistigioides violet trumpet vine M x
Distictis buccinatoria blood red trumpet vine M x x x Ficus pumila creeping fig M x x x
Gelsemium sempervirens Carolina jessamine M x x
Hardenbergia violacea lilac vine M x x
Hedera helix English ivy M x x
Jasminum polyanthum pink jasmine M x x
Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle L x x x
Lonicera sempervirens trumpet honeysuckle M x x
Macfadyena unguis-cati cat's claw L x x x
Pandorea jasminoides bower vine M x x x
Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeper M x x
Parthenocissus tricuspidata Boston ivy M x x
Passiflora spp. passion vine M x x
Rosa banksiae Lady Banks rose M x x x
Rosa spp climbing roses M x x x
Vigna caracalla snail vine M x x
Vitis californica California wild grape L x x
Vitis girdiana desert grape L x x
Wisteria spp. wisteria M 15-30 ft. x x
30-50 ft.
20 ft.
20 ft.
20-30 ft.
20 ft.
varies
15-25 ft.
20-30 ft.
30 ft.
25-40 ft.
20-30 ft.
10-20 ft.
30 ft.
20 ft.
40-60 ft.
10-20 ft.
15-30 ft.
40 ft.
VINES
20 ft.
20 ft.
40-60 ft.
10 ft.
20 ft.
30 ft.
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APPENDIX 10.6
Introduction
Proper management of vegetation in areas at risk from wildfires has proven to be a major factor in reducing the chances of structures igniting and burning, especially when combined with construction techniques designed to further protect a structure from approaching flames and burning embers.
Wildomar is uniquely positioned between two wildland areas prone to wildfires and several areas of the city have been identified as within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity zone. This zone is commonly referred to as Local Responsibility Area (LRA). LRA areas are areas within the state in which the financial responsibility of preventing and suppressing fire is the primary responsibility of a city, county, city and county, or district.
Landscape for projects identified as within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity zone shall be designed with the principles of defensible space and meet all fuel modification requirements.
California State law requires landowners in areas at risk from wildfires to implement and maintain a defensible space landscape between buildings and potential approaching wildfires (Government Code 51175-51189).
Purpose
Managing the design and placement of vegetation in and around new structures will reduce the effects of a wildfire. For this reason, codes are adopted that require vegetation management and special construction features.
The Fuel Modification Program is a vegetation management code that requires landscaped areas adjacent to new structures be dedicated for permanent vegetation management activities.
The Fuel Modification Program brings fire-safe landscaping and construction features together to improve community safety and reduce property loss during wildfire emergencies. This guideline provides you with the information and steps needed to prepare a Fuel Modification Plan and maintain vegetation in Fuel Modification areas for a successful long-term outcome. Furthermore, it covers the timing of plans for construction, plan criteria needed for approval, plant lists for the zones, new construction inspection requirements, and introductory maintenance information.
Scope
All new single-family homes, multi-family residential, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), utility, and commercial structures built in, or adjacent to, a wildfire-risk area or such areas designated by the fire code official require a Fuel Modification Plan in conjunction with the 2022 California Fire Code (CFC), Chapter 49, and the City of Wildomar Municipal Code.
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE FUEL MODIFICATION STANDARD
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The plan requires permanent vegetation management in dedicated land areas and is used indefinitely to facilitate on-going maintenance requirements.
For new structures proposed within the Local Responsibility Area (LRA) - Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), as defined in the Government Code Section 51175 – 51189, and the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Articles 1-5, a 30-foot setback from the structures to the property line shall be required as described in the Fuel Modification Zones section of this guideline.
Requirements vary based on project specifics and in some cases a Fuel Modification Plan may not be required based on lot size, configuration, or your property’s connection and proximity to grass, brush, and ornamental vegetation.
Applicants should contact the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal at (951) 972-8090 Ext: 8216 to verify project specific Fuel Modification requirements and to obtain the most current Fuel Modification information. Any new or updated publications from these departments will take precedence over this guideline, along with the latest adopted codes, standards, and local municipal regulations.
Fuel Modification Overview & Sequencing
There are two types of Fuel Modification Plans: Conceptual and Precise.
Each type is submitted at a different time during the development and construction process.
1. Conceptual (see Fuel Modification Plans – Required Information for requirements) a. Infrastructure of the zone widths and program
b. Land use restrictions
c. Tract and property line information
d. When to submit:
o Concurrent with Pre-Application and Development Application o Concurrent with Environmental Impact Report (EIR) processing o Prior to the tentative tract map, parcel map, or final tract map approval o Prior to the fire master plan submittal
2. Precise (see Fuel Modification Plans – Required Information for requirements) a. Approval of planting plans
b. Final details
c. Inspection information
d. When to submit:
Prior to the approval of planting plans from other permitting agencies Prior to either the precise grading or building permit issuance, whichever comes first
Prior to the fire master plan approval
It is recommended that the Precise Fuel Modification Plan be submitted to the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal for review prior to submitting to the Planning Department and City Landscape 1271
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Architect for Landscape Plan Check review for permitting so that initial feedback can be obtained and incorporated before the plans reach the City Landscape Architect for review.
Starting the process with the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal will help to reduce the number of landscape plan check corrections related to fuel modification requirements, for a more efficient, streamlined plan check process.
Fuel Modification Zones
Fuel modification programs vary in complexity and depend upon the type, quantity, and spacing of vegetation, topography, degree/type of exposure, local weather patterns, and the construction, design, and placement of structures.
A typical fuel modification installation consists of four Zones:
Zone 0: Extends from 0 to 5 feet from the structure and is irrigated. Also known as the Ember-Resistant Zone.
Zone 1: Extends 30 feet from the structure and is irrigated – includes Zone 0.
Zone 2: Extends 100 feet from the structure. It is thinned by a minimum of fifty (50) percent so that the maximum coverage does not exceed fifty (50) percent. Land within this zone must be free of debris, dead wood, branches touching the ground, and other dry or dead vegetation.
Zone 3: Extends 200 feet from the structure. Zone 3 thinned by a minimum of thirty (30) percent. Land within this zone must be free of debris, dead wood, branches touching the ground, and other dry or dead vegetation. Zones are described in detail below.
Zones 0 & 1 – Irrigated Structure Setback Zone:
The purpose of the setback zone is to provide defensible space for fire suppression forces and to protect structures from radiant and convective heat. Zone 1 shall not be less than a 30- foot minimum width (with the first 5 feet as Zone 0 – the Ember Resistant Zone).
The entire zone is to be located on a level, graded area at the top or base of the slope.
Zone 0 – Ember-Resistant Zone (First 5 feet measured from the structure out, all directions) a. No combustible bark or mulch.
b. Plants in this area to be irrigated, naturally low growing (natural growth height shall be no taller than 24 inches), non-woody and shall not impede foot-traffic nor limit firefighter access. c. Automatic irrigation shall be provided for proposed planting. d. No combustible construction, fencing, gates, patio covers, etc., is allowed.
Note: Requirements for this zone may change in due to Assembly Bill 3074. Assembly Bill 3074 became law in 2021. Enforcement of this bill has not begun but shall begin when the State Fire Marshal approves the vegetation clearance requirements which may take place in 2025. 1272
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Applicant shall verify latest state requirements and design the landscape based on the latest required state code if more stringent than the above listed requirements.
Zone 1 – Specific Maintenance Requirements:
a. Automatic irrigation systems are used to maintain healthy vegetation with high moisture content and regularly irrigate it.
b. Pruning foliage to reduce fuel load, maintain vertical continuity, and remove plant litter and dead wood in accordance with the horizontal spacing and vertical separation requirements. c. Complete removal of undesirable plant species. There is also minimal allowance for the retention of selected native vegetation.
d. Plants in this zone shall be highly fire-resistant and selected from the City of Wildomar approved plant list.
e. Tree species are not allowed within 10 feet of combustible structures (measured from the edge of a full-growth crown).
f. The horizontal distance between tree crowns (at full growth) shall not be less than 10 feet. g. Existing trees shall comply with items E & F above. In some cases, existing trees may require removal.
h. No shrubs over 48” inches (4 feet) are allowed within 30 feet of a structure. i. Accent shrubs growing 30”-48” high shall be single shrubs, spaced 2x the height of the shrub at maturity. Accent shrubs are allowed in the 5’ – 30’ area outside of the Zone 0. j. Shrubs growing 24-29” high are limited to groupings with a max aggregate diameter of 10 square feet.
k. Groundcover shall be provided between shrub clusters (no taller than 24” high). l. Where shrubs are located below or within a tree’s drip line, the lowest tree branch shall be a minimum of three times the height of the understory shrubs or 10 feet, whichever is greater.
All trees must be of standard form, no multi-trunk trees are permitted. m. Maintenance includes thinning and removing overgrowth, replacing dead/dying fire-resistant plantings, and maintaining the operation of the irrigation system. n. Devices that burn solid fuels are prohibited in any fuel modification zone. o. No combustible construction shall be allowed within Zone 1.
Zone 2 – Reduced Fuel Zone (30 to 100 feet from Structure Irrigated, 50% Thinning):
This portion of fuel modification consists of irrigated landscaping. This irrigated zone is a minimum of 70 feet in width, extending 100 feet from the structure, and may be increased as conditions warrant.
The plans must delineate the portion of the fuel modification area that will be permanently and regularly irrigated. The landscape architect shall select plant species, design an irrigation system, and design a maintenance program that sensitively addresses water conservation practices and includes methods of erosion control to protect against slope failure.
All irrigation shall be kept a minimum of 10 feet from the drip line of any existing native Quercus (oak) species – exceptions to this may be submitted for approval to the Fire Marshal on a site-specific basis. 1273
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Zone 2 shall be cleared of all undesirable plant species, irrigated, and planted with species from the City of Wildomar Approved Plant List. Exceptions to save desirable species may be submitted for approval to the FM on a site-specific basis.
Zone 2 – Specific Maintenance Requirements:
a. Groundcover shall be installed and maintained at a height not to exceed 24 inches. b. Native grasses shall be allowed to go to seed to maintain proper coverage. They shall be cut after annual seeding, at a cut height of approximately 4 inches. c. Apply irrigation rates to maintain healthy vegetation with high moisture content based on plant species-specific needs.
d. All plant species designed for Zone 2 shall be selected from the City of Wildomar Approved Plant List. Existing fuel modification maintenance programs are limited to the plants listed on the approved plans unless a revision is requested. Native vegetation not on the undesirable list is allowed to remain, providing vegetation coverage does not exceed 50 percent. e. The horizontal distance between tree crowns at full growth shall not be less than 10 feet. f. Tree species are not allowed within 10 feet of combustible structures (Measured from the edge of a full-growth crown).
g. Shrubs shall not exceed 6 feet in height.
h. Groupings of shrubs are limited to a maximum aggregate diameter of 10 feet. i. Shrub groupings shall be separated from other groupings a minimum of 15 feet. j. Where shrubs are located below or within a tree’s drip line, the lowest tree branch shall be a minimum of three times the height of the understory shrubs or 10 feet, whichever is greater.
All trees must be of standard form, no multi-trunk trees are permitted. k. Tree-form shrubs and shrubs that naturally exceed 24 inches in height shall be vertically pruned and horizontally spaced in accordance with this guideline. l. Removal of dead and dying vegetation and undesirable plant species from the City of Wildomar Unapproved Plant List.
m. Devices that burn solid fuels are prohibited in any fuel modification zone. n. Combustible construction is not allowed within Zone 2.
Zone 3 – Reduced Fuel Zone (100 to 200 feet from Structure – 30% Thinning) This portion of fuel modification consists of irrigated landscaping. This irrigated zone is a minimum of 100 feet in width, beginning 100 feet from the structure and extending 200 feet from the structure and may be increased as conditions warrant.
The plans must delineate the portion of the fuel modification area that will be permanently and regularly irrigated. The design of an irrigation system and the design of a maintenance program that sensitively addresses water conservation practices and includes erosion control methods to protect against slope failure.
Native vegetation not on the undesirable list is allowed to remain, providing the coverage of vegetation does not exceed 70 percent.
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Zone 3 – Specific Maintenance Requirements:
a. Native grasses shall be allowed to go to seed to maintain proper coverage. They shall be cut after annual seeding, at a cut height of approximately 4 inches. b. If irrigation is used, apply irrigation rates to maintain healthy vegetation with good moisture content based on plant species-specific needs.
c. Existing fuel modification maintenance programs are limited to the plants listed on the approved plans unless a revision is requested. Native vegetation, not on the undesirable list, is allowed to remain, providing the coverage of vegetation does not exceed 70 percent. d. Removal of dead and dying vegetation and undesirable plant species from the City of Wildomar Unapproved Plant List.
e. Devices that burn solid fuels are prohibited in any fuel modification zone. 1275
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Fuel Modification Plant Spacing – Plan View Diagram
Above fuel modification diagram shows the general spacing of groundcover, shrubs, and trees relative to the Fuel Modification Zones. Different types of groundcover can be used in tandem provide an aestheticaly-pleasing design.
LEGEND
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Fuel Modification Plans: Required Information
Section 1: Conceptual Fuel Modification Plans
Plans shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect or other design professional with equivalent credentials. If you are not using a licensed Landscape Architect, contact the City of Wildomar prior to submittal for approval.
The Wildomar Fire Marshal must approve conceptual fuel modification plans, and this approval shall occur prior to and/or concurrent with the review and approval of any entitlement or conditions being set.
Note: Plans shall be submitted electronically to the City of Wildomar in PDF format. Paper plans will not be accepted.
The following information shall be included on Conceptual Fuel Modification Landscape Plans:
• Delineation of each zone (ember-resistant zone, setback, irrigated, and thinning) with a general description of each zone’s dimensions and character. • Copy the “Horizontal Spacing and Vertical Separation Requirements for Installation and Maintenance in All Fuel Modification Zones” document onto the plans indicating appropriate spacing requirements will also be incorporated into the design. See Appendix, Section 10.7. • Identify the removal of undesirable plant species in accordance with the “Fuel Modification Undesirable Plant Species List”. Copy document onto plans. See Appendix, Section 10.8. • Identify existing plant species within the required fuel modification area that are proposed to be retained and the proposed plant materials to be planted in the fuel modification area. • Identify the size of the proposed development by showing all tract and property lines and slope contour lines. Provide the proposed location of all structures. Show the location of any structures on adjacent parcels within 200 feet of the proposed onsite structures. • State on plans no combustible mulch shall be provided within the Ember-Resistant Zone (five feet from any structure). Identify general location and type of proposed combustible and noncombustible mulches. • State on plans that all plant species within the fuel modification zones will be selected from the approved options within the City’s Climate Appropriate Plant List. See Appendix, Section
10.5. • Show the location of all mulch areas and information on type, size, and depth. No combustible mulch within the first five feet from structures (Ember-Resistant Zone). 1277
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• The conceptual landscape fuel modification plan set shall also include all the general information normally required for conceptual landscape plans. See the Preliminary Landscape Review Comments form in the Appendix, Section 10.2.
• Slope contours and slope %. Indicate distance from structure to top of slope, 20 feet minimum.
• Location of all fire access roads for multi-family residential and commercial developments.
Fire access roads shall be labeled and dimensioned. Plans shall note that fire access roads shall be maintained clear 13’-6” high and required width based upon project type. • If you cannot meet the requirements of the fuel modification guideline for the total distance of the zones, alternate plant species, or horizontal spacing/grouping distances, an Alternative Materials and Methods (AM&M) request letter shall be drafted and submitted with the plans.
If an alternative means of protection is approved by the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM), copy the OFM signed AM&M request letter onto the plans. You will be required to resubmit the plans again for review and final approval with the letters incorporated into the plans
Section 2: Precise Fuel Modification Plans
Plans shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect or other design professional with equivalent credentials. If you are not using a licensed Landscape Architect, contact the City of Wildomar prior to submittal for approval.
Final/Precise fuel modification plans shall include all information required for conceptual fuel modification plans in addition to the information listed below Note: Plans shall be submitted electronically to the City of Wildomar in PDF format. Paper plans will not be accepted.
The following information shall be included on the Precise Fuel Modification Plan:
• Provide a legend for all trees, tree-form shrubs, shrubs, and ground cover in irrigated zones showing the maximum mature width and height of plants and proposed spacing in accordance with the Horizontal Spacing and Vertical Separation Requirements. • All plants and trees shall be shown as individual symbols representative of the mature size so that the plan reviewer is able to verify sufficient spacing between plants and trees is provided. • Irrigation plans indicating a permanent and automatic irrigation system is being designed and installed and that irrigation has been provided for all irrigated zones. • Indicate and provide details of the method used to identify and delineate the fuel modification zones. If the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal approved an alternative means of protection at the conceptual level, a note shall be added to the plans summarizing them. 1278
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• Specify on the plans that the property owner shall be responsible for maintaining the fuel modification in the approved condition.
• Locations of fire access ladder pads, demonstrating tree canopies shall not interfere with access from required ladder pads and ladder shall be of an acceptable material such as non-combustible mulch or very low, fire-resistant groundcover that would not inhibit access, growing 3” – 12” high maximum.
• The final construction landscape fuel modification plan set shall also include all the general information normally required for construction landscape and irrigation plans. See the Landscape Plan Check Review Comments form in the Appendix, Section 10.3.
Section 3: Plant Palette Information
The Climate Appropriate Plant List has been compiled from various resource agencies responsible for environmental protection.
All plants installed shall be selected from the plants identified as appropriate for fuel modification zones and be grouped and spaced in accordance with “Horizontal Spacing and Vertical Separation Requirements for Installation and Maintenance in All Fuel Modification Zones” document. All plants shall be fire-resistant and drought-tolerant.
All plant species must be submitted in a legend on the plans containing both the botanical and common names. Retained species shall also be identified within the legend.
Plant Palette Legend:
Provide a separate plant palette legend for each plant category below:
• Trees
• Shrubs
• Groundcover (max. natural growth height shall be no taller than 24 inches) • Grasses
Each legend shall include the following:
• Plant Symbol (separate symbol for each plant, shown at mature width) • Plant Form – tree, tree-shrub, shrub, groundcover, grasses, succulents • Botanical Name
• Common Name – including varietal name (if any)
• Expected Max Growth Height
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• Expected Max Growth Width
• Container Size
• Spacing
• Water Use Classification
Proposing Alternate Species:
If alternate plant species are proposed, the project Landscape Architect shall provide information on the size and fire-resistive characteristics for review to the City Landscape Architect and Fire Marshal.
Plant selections shall be highly fire-resistant and similar in characteristics to the plants listed as appropriate for fuel modification in the City’s Climate Appropriate Plants list. The City Fire Marshal and City Landscape Architect will make a case-by-case determination as to the acceptability of the proposed species.
Prohibited Species
Applicant shall not use the following prohibited species including:
• Species listed in Appendix 10.7 Fuel Modification – Undesirable Species • Species identified as invasive by the California Invasive Plant Council • When adjacent to MSHCP Conservation areas, no species listed on Table 6-2 of the Conservation Plan
• Species and varieties of shrubs known to grow taller than 6 feet at maturity Required Plan Notes
Applicant shall include the following notes on the fuel modification plans:
• All landscaping shall comply with Wildomar Fire Department landscape fuel modification requirements including horizontal spacing and vertical separation requirements depending upon type and height of plants, spacing and slopes.
• Existing vegetation shall comply with Wildomar Fire Department landscape fuel modification requirements.
• All vegetation within the 100-foot defensible space / fuel modification zone shall be maintained year-round in accordance the current California Fire Code (CFC), Chapter 49, City of Wildomar Municipal Code, Chapter 8.28 Fire Code, City of Wildomar Municipal Code, Chapter 8.48 Hazardous Vegetation, and California Code of Regulations, Title 14 Natural Resources – Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Articles 1-5 and any other applicable local and State laws. Any State regulation more restrictive than local ordinances will apply. This may require thinning and or removal of plants, trees, and vegetation, to meet State Law. 1280
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• No combustible mulch shall be provided within the Ember-Resistant Zone (five feet from any structure).
• All plants and trees are selected from the City’s Climate Appropriate Plant List and have been designated as appropriate for fuel modification zones.
• Fuel Modification Covenant and Agreement shall be recorded prior to final Wildomar Fire Department inspection.
• All zone requirements shall be listed on the fuel modification plans.
Sample Fuel Modification Plan
Above sample fuel modification plan shows some of the minimum required components and information to be included on both conceptual and precise fuel modification plans.
Plans shall also include all items required per the City’s Plan Review Checklists. 1281
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Section 4: Plan Revisions
Revisions to previously approved fuel modification zones or plans shall be submitted to the Wildomar Fire Marshal and City Landscape Architect for review. The applicant shall provide a copy of the original, stamped approved plan for reference during the review.
Some minor field changes may not need a plan submittal revision. Minor field changes shall be sent to the Fire Marshal and City Landscape Architect in writing and approved before the field changes occur.
Alternate Materials & Methods, Construction Features, and Fire Protection Plans
If there are limits to areas in which you cannot meet fuel modification width distance requirements a reduction in the minimum requirement shall be based upon practical reasons and will be reviewed by the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal on a case-by-case basis and shall provide for an alternative method to reduce Structure-to-Structure, Structure-to-Vegetation, and Vegetation-toStructure ignition. Methods to achieve this are described briefly below.
Performance Based Design:
a. A detailed technical fire behavior analysis report by a qualified wildland fire behavior professional is required (qualifications of the professional must be approved by the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal prior to their design). The report shall include BehavePlus fuel modeling outputs at a minimum.
b. A one to two-page Alternative Materials & Methods (AM&M) request letter to the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal must be submitted with the detailed technical report. The report and letter shall be drafted by the fire behavior professional and submitted with the plans. c. The applicant shall propose compensating factors to demonstrate equivalency to the distance required (see also building construction feature and fire protection plans described below). d. Contact the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal for a copy of the Alternative Materials & Methods (AM&M) application. Use the information within the application as a model for drafting your letter. If an alternative means of protection is approved by the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal, copy the OFM signed AM&M request letter onto the plans. You will be required to resubmit the plans again for review and final approval with the letters incorporated into the plans.
Building Construction Features and Fire Protection Plans:
a. Building Construction Features designed in accordance with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (CBC)/Residential Code Section 337 are required for all structures.
b. Additional compensating factors will also be required. These include but are not limited to: additional building construction features, solid block wall or block wall with 1282
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tempered glass measuring a minimum of 6 feet on both sides of the wall, increased structure setbacks, special planting designs, rockscapes and plant restrictions, and reduced planting and increased hardscape areas. If a maintenance/ fire access gate is being shown along a solid block wall or block wall with tempered glass, a gate detail shall be provided on the plan that demonstrates the same applied effect as the solid wall.
c. A Fire Protection Plan shall be submitted with or prior to the conceptual FMZ plan and does not take the place of the Fire Master Plan. Approved Fire Protection Plans are provided to the applicant and to the Building Department by the City of Wildomar Office of the Fire Marshal, for design and plan review approval of the construction features.
Offsite Landowner Recorded Easements (for Extreme Cases):
a. All fuel modification should be located within the property or tract of the protected structure(s).
b. Proper on-site Fuel Modification design should be set back from the tract or property boundary lines for a distance of 200 feet.
c. When the required distance is not within the property, as a last option, a legally recorded easements shall be signed by the adjoining property owner and integrated into fuel modification plans, giving rights to the beneficiary to maintain the recorded area in perpetuity. The easement shall show the distance designed on the plans. d. The conceptual FMZ plans will not be approved until the legally recorded agreements are copied on the plans.
Additional Requirements
Additional fuel modification requirements may apply based on project-specific conditions and based upon recommendations from Wildomar Fire Department, project fire consultants, and other involved parties.
Structures in Fuel Modification Zones and Construction Requirements:
All structures in lots containing or adjacent to designated fuel modification zones shall incorporate special construction features per local and states codes. These construction features shall be shown and/r listed on the Fire Master Plan and are not required to be shown on the landscape fuel modification plans.
Contact the Wildomar Fire Department and Fire Marshal for more information on required construction techniques for structures and information on requirements for the Fire Master Plan. 1283
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APPENDIX 10.7
HORIZONTAL SPACING & VERTICAL SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS FOR
INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE IN ALL FUEL MODIFICATION ZONES Maximum shrub group
diameter of 10 feet
Vertical
Separation
Horizontal Spacing
10’ separation required between
trees and between edge of
canopy to shrubs taller than 24”.
Only groundcover 24” and less
below tree canopies
Shrubs located
below or within the
tree’s drip line shall
be 24” high
maximum and the
lowest tree branch
shall be 10’ above.
Trees shall be
standard form only
to help prevent fuel
ladders. No multi or
low branching.
24” max
10’ min
15 feet min.
from next
shrub groups
Shrub and Tree Form Shrub Horizontal Grouping and Spacing (when > 24” in height) as measured from the edge of the group.
Groundcover < 24” to be provided between shrub groupings.
Vegetation
Underneath
6’
max
Horizontal Spacing
Vegetation 24 inches or less in Height:
• No horizontal spacing or vertical separation is required in all zones. Ground cover in Zone 2 should cover the entire ground between groups of shrubs, trees, or grasses. Ground cover shall not exceed 24 inches in height.
• Shrubs over 24” in height are not allowed within 5 feet of a structure. • Shrubs located below or within the tree’s drip line shall be 24” high maximum. • Groundcovers shall be provided between shrub grouping to ensure planters appear fully infilled at plant maturity.
Vegetation greater than 24 inches in Height:
Shrub Group Size & Spacing:
• Shrubs shall not exceed 6 feet in height. Single shrubs 2’–4’ allowed within Zone 1 beyond Zone 0. • Groupings of shrubs are limited to a maximum aggregate diameter of 10 feet. • Groups of shrubs shall be separated a minimum of 15 feet from the next shrub or grouping of shrubs.
Shrub Height
CITY OF WILDOMAR
HORIZONTAL SPACING & VERTICAL SEPARATION
REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION &
MAINTENANCE IN ALL FUEL MODIFICATION ZONES 1284
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Tree Spacing
• Trees shall be spaced by a distance of 10 feet from mature crown to mature crown minimum. • Trees shall be a minimum of 10 feet from all structures measured from mature crown. • No low-branching or multi-trunk trees allowed to reduce fuel ladders.
Vertical Separation
• Where shrubs are located below or within a tree's drip line, the lowest tree branch shall be 10 feet above at maturity.
• Shrubs and groundcover below tree drip lines shall be 24” in height maximum. 1285
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A PPENDIX 10.8
FUEL MODIFICATION – UNDESIRABLE PLANT SPECIES LIST
Certain plants are considered undesirable in the landscape due to characteristics that make them highly flammable. These characteristics can be either physical or chemical. Physical properties contributing to high flammability include large amounts of dead material retained within the plant, rough or peeling bark, and copious amounts of litter. Chemical properties include the presence of volatile substances such as oils, resins, wax, and pitch. Certain native plants are notorious for containing these volatile substances.
Plants with these characteristics shall not be planted in any fuel modification zone. Should these species already existing within these areas, they shall be removed because they pose a potential threat to structures.
These fire-prone plant species include but are not limited to:
CITY OF WILDOMAR
FUEL MODIFICATION
UNDESIRABLE PLANT SPECIES LIST 1286
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1288
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE
DESIGN STANDARDS
February 2025
1289
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
Section 10.9.1
Section 10.9.2
Section 10.9.3
Section 10.9.4.A
Section 10.9.4.B
Section 10.9.4.C
Section 10.9.4.D
Section 10.9.4.E
Section 10.9.4.F
Section 10.9.4.G
Applicability
Purpose & User Guide
Site Design & General Objective Landscape Standards
Single-Family Residential Landscape Standards
Multi-Family Residential Landscape Standards
Commercial Landscape Standards
Industrial Landscape Standards
Manufacturing Landscape Standards
Medical Landscape Standards
City-Maintained Landscape Standards
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CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
10.9.1 APPLICABILITY
This checklist is intended to apply to the following:
• All new construction projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review. • Rehabilitated landscapes projects with an aggregate
landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review.
• Modification to existing structures and uses, requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review. Whenever an existing building is modified, or a use is expanded such that it creates an increase of more than 10% in the number of existing dwelling units for residential projects or more than 10% in the existing square footage of commercial or industrial projects, all new and rehabilitated landscape shall be subject.
10.9.2 PURPOSE & USER GUIDE
Objective design standards are standards that have no subjective judgement and are easily measurable, quantifiable, and verifiable by both reviewer and the applicant.
This checklist is intended as an overview of the minimum objective requirements for landscape development projects in the City of Wildomar. A copy of this list will be used to check your application for completeness after it is submitted, to ensure all projects reviewed by the City have met a minimum consistency in landscape design. Applications not containing the necessary information on this checklist will not be accepted for landscape review.
The checklist does not relieve applicants and designing Landscape Architects from complying with applicable codes and shall be used in conjunction with City of Wildomar Landscape Design Standards and the City’s Plan Review checklists after the landscape submission is deemed complete and ready for consistency review. Additional information and plans may be required to evaluate your application following initial review by staff.
To use the checklist correctly, follow the steps below:
• Step 1: The general landscape standards apply to all projects regardless of zone. Complete the General Standard Checklist section first.
• Step 2: Next, identify the project type zone and/or maintaining entity. Use and complete only the checklist for the zone & entity type of your project.
• Step 3: Finally, submit the fully completed checklist with your entitlement application.
As you go through the checklist, check each “Complete” box under “Applicant” to indicate that the information has been provided, and sign below once the checklist is complete.
If you believe an item is not applicable to your application, check the “N/A” box under “Applicant” and provide justification why the standard does not apply.
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LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
As you go through the checklist, check each “Complete” box under “Applicant” to indicate that the information has been provided, and sign below once the checklist is complete. If you believe an item is not applicable to your application, check the “N/A” box under “Applicant” and provide justification why the standard does not apply.
If you have any questions regarding this form or are uncertain if a specific requirement applies to your project, please contact the Planning Division at (951) 677-7751. A copy of the checklist with applicant section fully completed shall be provided with your application to the City. Once deemed complete by the Planning Department and the City’s Landscape Architect, the entitlement review will begin and the applicant may received additional correction comments and redlined.
Please note requirements related to open space and recreation, fencing, building coverage, and similar requirements shall be per the applicable Wildomar Municipal Code and City Design Standards and are checked by Planning as part of their review. 1292
GENERAL LANDSCAPE
STANDARDS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
1. All landscape areas are clearly identified by label, hatch or symbol.
2. All landscape areas shall include a combination of trees, shrubs, and groundcover.
3. A legend is provided that includes Botanical & Common name for all proposed plants and water usage as identified by WUCOLS for Region 4.
4. Water quality features are shown, labeled, and planted – if any.
5. Special Landscape Areas (SLAs) are labeled on plan and total area is shown in the preliminary water calculation -– if any.
7. Sloped areas are labeled and identified.
8. A preliminary water budget is provided.
A. Site Design & General Standards
9. For projects in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, a preliminary fuel modification plan has been provided.
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
6. Existing trees to remain and to remove are identified in the planting legend.
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
10. Hardscape areas have been shown and labeled.
11. Buildings and structures are shown and labeled.
12. Utilities, fire hydrants, light standards, vehicle chargers, and signs are shown and labeled.
13. At fire utilities including hydrants and double-detector checks, a minimum of three feet clear shall be indicated on plans. Screening for fire hydrants and detector checks are shown on plan.
14. A summary of project data that includes square footage of project, new landscape area, rehabilitated landscape area, and turf area is included.
16. All easements shall be shown, labeled, and dimensioned on the landscape plans.
17. Hardscape shall not be used to meet minimum required landscape area.
A. Site Design & General Standards
18. Transformers are shown and shall show the required clearance area as identified per SCE’s Landscaping around Residential and Commercial Pad-Mounted Transformers documents. Screening for transformers is shown and placed outside of the clear area.
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
15. All required setbacks shall be shown, labeled, and dimensioned on the landscape plans.
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
19. Sidewalks and pedestrian walkways shall be a minimum of 5 feet in width.
20. A minimum of 5-foot-wide landscaping shall be incorporated around the base of all buildings (except for areas of required ingress and egress such as for walkways and driveways) to soften the edge between parking, drive aisles, and sidewalks.
21. Turf areas are identified on plan and are only utilized in functional/play areas.
22. Artificial turf is identified on plan and not shown in any areas of landscape visible from public streets.
23. Turf shall not be more than 30% of the total landscape area unless the project includes playing fields. A calculation has been provided on plans demonstrating compliance.
25. All planter areas shall be a minimum of 5 feet interior width. Areas of exception include trash enclosure screening planters and planters between garages for tuck-under parking for residential developments.
Any planters less than the required 5 feet shall be identified and dimensioned on plan.
A. Site Design & General Standards
26. All setback areas required by code, areas between the curb and setback, public frontage areas, or portions of the site with any street frontage, shall be landscaped except where an area of a required setback is improved with a required paved surface such as a sidewalk or driveway.
Areas without landscape are labeled on plan as to their intended use.
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
24. Turf shall not be used in any planter areas less than 10 feet wide.
Adopted: February 2025
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
27. All manufactured slopes shall be indicated on plans and provided with landscaping and irrigation.
28. Limited sight corner areas are identified on plan and provided for all entries into the site.
No obstructions are shown located within the limited sight area over 30” high.
29. All publicly visible walls shall be screened and softened with landscape. A minimum 5-foot-wide planter shall be provided at the base of the wall to provide the required screening and screening shown on
30. All landscape lighting fixtures shall be focused, directed, and arranged to prevent glare or direct illumination on streets or adjoining property. Light fixtures on the preliminary lighting plans are shown in compliance or a note has been added to the plan stating it shall follow the above requirement.
A. Site Design & General Standards
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
31. Decorative, non-living landscape materials are shown on plan and identified.
Adopted: February 2025
32. Decorative, non-living landscaping materials, including but not limited to sand, stone, gravel, wood, or water, may be used to satisfy a maximum of 20 percent of the required landscaping area. This may be increased in areas designated as within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone that are subject to Fuel Modification 1297
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS
CITY OF WILDOMAR
LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
33. All temporary slopes shall be indicated on plan and provided with landscaping and temporary
34. All temporary pad areas shall be indicated on plan and provided with landscaping and temporary irrigation.
35. Zoning for all adjacent lots is shown on plan.
Zoning for proposed project is identified on plans.
36. Parking, loading, trash, outside storage, and service areas shall be screened from view with a combination of structures, walls, fences, and landscaping. These areas are clearly labeled on plan and provided with a minimum 3 to 5-foot-wide landscape planter with screening shrubs and/or vines.
Trash enclosures shall be screened on 3 sides. All others shall be screened on sides visible from public view.
38. Root barriers are to be provided for all trees within 6 feet of hardscape and the public right-of-way.
Root barriers shall be 24” deep and 16 feet in length minimum. A root barrier note shall be provided on the plan.
A. Site Design & General Standards
39. A minimum 3-inch layer of wood bark 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. For low growing groundcovers, a 1 ½ inch layer shall be applied. A mulch note shall be provided on the plan.
For Fuel Modification projects, non-combustible mulch is provided adjacent to all structures.
10.9.3 GENERAL LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
APPLICANT CITY USE ONLY
Complete N/A Complete N/A
37. Palm trees shall only be used at main focal points and in community pool areas.
Adopted: February 2025