§ 9-32.160. Landscaping Standards

All hillside property subject to the performance standards set forth in this Article shall be landscaped in such a manner as to reduce fire hazards, stabilize cut/fill slopes, reduce erosion, retain moisture, and enhance the natural scenic beauty of the valley.

A.

Retention of vegetation. Wherever possible, well adapted drought resistant natural flora shall be retained.

B.

Major tree planting. The planting of major trees in areas to remain in natural open space should include, but not be limited to, the following native species:

1.

Juglans California hindsi (California Black Walnut);

2.

Platanus racemosa (California Sycamore);

3.

Quercus agrifolia (California Live Oak); and

4.

Quercus lobata (Valley Oak).

C.

Landscaping in developed areas. Landscaping in developed areas, such as in parkways or in group recreation areas, should be integrated with other elements of the proposal and comply with other guidelines for the preservation of natural topographic features, the view of ridge lines, and the preservation of vistas.

D.

Preliminary landscape plans. A preliminary or conceptual landscaping plan prepared by a registered landscape architect and acceptable to the Director shall be submitted at the time of an application. Such a plan shall outline all proposed planting in graded and non-graded areas, the means of irrigation, the proposed timing of the landscape installation, and the manner in which landscaping will be maintained. A precise landscape plan shall be submitted prior to the issuance of a grading permit.

E.

Landscape maintenance. Plans and proposed programs for the ongoing maintenance of landscaped areas shall be submitted at the time of an application. Such plans shall include, but not be limited to, the responsible parties or agencies, the nature and extent of each agency's and party's responsibility, and the financial arrangements for maintenance. The Director, or his designee, shall review such plans for completeness, adequacy, and conformance with applicable standards. The Director, or his designee, may waive such submissions in the event a determination is made that such submissions are not required due to the scope or scale of the subject application.

(§ 5, Ord. 1085, eff. January 6, 2006)