Calimesa, CA Zoning Ordinance

§ 18.70.010 Purpose and intent.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish landscaping regulations that are intended to:

Enhance the aesthetic appearance of development in all areas of the city by providing standards relating to quality, quantity and functional aspects of landscaping.

Increase compatibility between residential and abutting commercial and industrial land uses.

Reduce the heat and glare generated by development.

Protect the public health, safety and welfare by minimizing the impact of all forms of physical and visual pollution, controlling soil erosion, screening incompatible land uses, preserving the integrity of neighborhoods and enhancing pedestrian and vehicular traffic and safety.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.01; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.020 Definitions.

Whenever the following words and phrases are used in this chapter, unless otherwise defined in this chapter, they shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:

“Application rate”

means the depth of water applied to a given area, usually measured in inches per hour.

“Applied water”

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

“Automatic control timer”

means a mechanical or solid state timer, capable of operating valve stations to set the days and length of time of a water application.

“Established landscape”

means the point at which plants in the landscape have developed roots in the soil adjacent to the root ball; the time in which this occurs is defined as the “establishment period.”

“Establishment period”

means the first year after installation of the plant(s) in the landscape.

“Evapotranspiration”

means the quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil surfaces and transpired by plants during a specific time.

“Homeowner”

means the individual that has title to the parcel and dwelling unit.

“Hydrozone”

means a portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs that are served by a valve or a set of valves with the same schedule.

“Landscaped area”

means the entire area served by an irrigation system, less the building footprint, driveways, nonirrigated portions of parking lots, hardscapes such as decks, patios, walkways and other nonporous areas. Water features are included in the calculation of the landscaped area. Areas dedicated to edible plants, such as orchards or vegetable gardens, are not included.

“Mulch”

means any material such as leaves, bark, straw or other materials left loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purpose of reducing evaporation.

“Overspray”

means the water which is delivered beyond the landscaped area, wetting pavements, walks, structures or other nonlandscaped areas.

“Parking lot entry”

means the main public entrance(s) to a commercial/industrial site where the entry is off of a publicly maintained street.

“Rain-sensing device”

means a system which senses rainfall and automatically shuts off the irrigation system.

“Recreational area”

means areas of active play or recreation such as sports fields, school yards, picnic grounds or other areas with intense foot traffic.

“Recycled water,” “reclaimed water,” or “treated sewage effluent water”

means treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable for nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation; not intended for human consumption.

“Runoff”

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

“Soil-moisture-sensing device”

means a device that measures the amount of water in the soil.

“Soil texture”

means the classification of soil based on the percentage of sand, silt and clay in the soil.

“Sprinkler head”

means a device which sprays water through a nozzle.

“Turf”

means a surface layer of earth containing mowed grass with its roots. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, red fescue and tall fescue are cool season grasses. Bermuda grass, kikuyu grass, seashore paspalum, St. Augustine grass, zoysia grass and buffalo grass are warm season grasses.

“Valve”

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

“Water-conserving plants”

means plants that can survive with little or no water other than available rainfall. Most water-conserving plants need water initially in order to become established. In addition, some water-conserving plants need occasional watering, infrequent but deep soakings to encourage a deep root system.

“Xeriscape”

means a combination of landscape features and techniques that in the aggregate reduce the demand for and consumption of water, including appropriate low-water-using plants, nonliving ground cover, a low percentage of turf coverage, permeable paving and water-conserving irrigation techniques and systems.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.02; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.030 Applicability.

Except as provided in CMC § 18.70.040, this chapter shall apply to all new and rehabilitated landscaping for public agency projects and private development projects in the city of Calimesa, including:

Developer-installed landscaping in single-family front yards and multifamily projects.

Common area landscaping in single-family projects.

Commercial and industrial projects.

Rehabilitated landscaping on existing development. As applied to landscaping, a rehabilitated project includes installation of new plants into existing landscape area, or the increase of existing landscape area.

Developer shall notify buyer of homeowner responsibility to maintain street trees and all land-scaping within public rights-of-way on home-owner’s lot of record.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.03; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.040 Exclusions.

This chapter shall not apply to:

Homeowner-provided landscaping at single-family residences and owner-occupied units at multifamily projects.

Registered historical sites.

Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system.

Mined land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system.

Any project with a landscaped area less than 1,500 square feet.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.04; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.050 Landscape plans.

Landscape plans shall be submitted in accordance with CMC § 18.75.050.

A fee as set by resolution of the city council shall be charged for landscape plan review and inspections.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.05; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.060 Irrigation systems.

Irrigation systems operations and equipment shall be in accordance with CMC §§ 18.75.070 through 18.75.090.

A fee as set by resolution of the city council shall be charged for irrigation plan review.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.06; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.070 Procedural requirements.

Landscaping materials and irrigation systems shall be located, designed, installed and maintained as specified on the approved plans.

Any modification to an approved landscape or irrigation plan must be applied for in writing and approved by the community development department prior to installation of said landscaping or irrigation system.

No final inspection or certificate of occupancy will be granted until all the landscaping and irrigation is installed in accordance with approved plans and bonded for maintenance in an amount to be determined by the community development department in accordance with CMC § 18.70.160. Requests for final inspection and certificate of occupancy prior to completion of landscape installation may be considered by the community development department on a case-by-case basis. In these cases, a bond to guarantee installation in an amount equal to the cost of the landscape materials and installation labor, but not less than $500.00, shall be posted. Such installation bonds shall require that landscape installation be completed no later than 60 days from the date of posting.

All approvals of landscape and irrigation plans are subject to and dependent upon the applicant complying with all applicable ordinances, codes, regulations, adopted policies and the payment of all applicable fees and assessments. Such additional requirements shall include, where applicable, obtaining plumbing permits for irrigation systems.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.07; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.080 Landscape design requirements.

Landscape design shall be in accordance with CMC § 18.75.060 in addition to the following:

Landscape plant materials shall be primarily long-lived perennial varieties. Short-lived annual materials may be utilized but only as a supplement to longer-lived elements.

Appropriate trees, shrubbery and creeping vines shall be provided along all walls and fences adjoining public rights-of-way.

Appropriate shrubs and trees shall be provided along all walls and fences in residential tracts which face the public right-of-way.

All plants shall meet the minimum standards of the California State Department of Agriculture regulations and be uniform in growth habit and be either container-grown or field-grown material.

Mature Plant Material. Generally, the use of older, aging, mature specimen plant material or native plants shall not be permitted unless the developer can provide assurances/guarantees that such transplanted material will survive. Therefore, prior to city approval for use, native plant material, plant material in containers 48-inch box size or larger, bare root plant material, and individual specimen plants shall be certified by a licensed landscape architect or professional arborist/horticulturist that the plant is vigorous and in a healthy condition, capable of being successfully transplanted to the proposed site and likely to survive such transplanting.

Plant materials shall conform to the following spacing standards when planted near public utilities:

A minimum of 20 feet from the pavement edge at a street intersection to the center of the first large shrub in excess of four feet in height.

A minimum of 15 feet between center of trees and large shrubs for lighting standards.

A minimum of 15 feet between center of trees or large shrubs and fire hydrants.

A minimum of 10 feet between center of trees or large shrubs and edge of driveways and alleys.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.08; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.090 Plant materials.

Shrubs.

All shrubs shall be water-conserving varieties as specified in the “City of Calimesa List of Water-Conserving Plants.” Shrubs not listed may be utilized subject to the approval of the community development department upon recommendation by a licensed landscape architect and acceptance by city staff.

Shrub selection and planting methods shall be suitable for the soil and climatic conditions of the site. Shrub sizes shall be a minimum of five gallon; however, the use of smaller plants may be approved for areas where color or growth habits make it suitable.

Ground Covers.

All landscaped areas other than turf areas and hardscape areas shall be underplanted with living ground cover. Limited use of materials such as crushed rock, redwood chips, pebbles and stone is acceptable; however, in no case should the use of such materials exceed 15 percent of the total amount of ground cover area. Where possible, plants should be incorporated into nonliving ground cover areas. Artificial plants and painted surfaces are not acceptable under any circumstance.

All ground cover materials shall be water-conserving as specified in the “City of Calimesa List of Water-Conserving Plants.” Ground cover materials not listed may be utilized subject to the approval of the community development department upon recommendation by a licensed landscape architect and acceptance by city staff.

Turf.

Water-conserving varieties of turf grass shall be used. Warm season grasses are more water-conserving than cool season grasses. Bermuda grass, kikuyu grass, seashore paspalum, St. Augustine grass, zoysia grass and buffalo grass are warm season grasses. Bluegrass and ryegrass varieties (cool season) should be avoided.

The method of installation (seeding, hydromulching or sodding) shall be noted on the landscape plans.

Turf areas shall not exceed 25 percent of the landscaped area. However, turf that is specifically intended for outdoor living/recreational uses shall be exempt from this limit. In order to qualify as a recreational-use turf area, the area in question must demonstrate usability with features such as, at a minimum, easy pedestrian access and a minimum dimension of 15 feet.

Nonrecreational turf should be located so as to maximize visibility.

The minimum dimension of any turf area should be determined by the minimum “throw” of the sprinkler head to be used for that area and in no case may be less than 10 feet. Landscape areas with dimensions of less than 10 feet should be planted with nonturf materials.

All turf areas shall be separated from other landscaped areas by concrete curb, a band of redwood or other acceptable material having a minimum above-grade height of four inches and a minimum thickness of three-quarters of an inch.

Turf areas should drain away from trees and shrubs except where runoff water is used to irrigate a nonnative/adapted plant species.

Turf areas should not exceed a 10 percent (one-in-10) slope. This standard may be relaxed where perimeter berms are to be used to screen project parking, or other undesirable project areas, from view of the public right-of-way.

Where turf is to be used on slopes greater than 10 percent, three square feet of turf will be subtracted from the total turf area allowed the project for each square foot of turf located above the 10 percent slope line.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.09; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.100 Trees – General requirements.

Trees for shade shall be provided for residential, commercial and industrial buildings, parking lots and open space areas.

Trees should be planted to shade turf, ground cover, shrub and parking areas, thereby reducing water evaporation from these areas.

Trees shall be water-conserving varieties as specified in the “City of Calimesa List of Water-Conserving Plants” included as Appendix A attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter. Trees not listed may be utilized subject to the approval of the community development department upon recommendation by a licensed landscape architect and acceptance by city staff.

Tree selection and planting methods shall be suitable for the soil and climatic conditions of the site. Unless otherwise stated in this chapter, tree sizes shall conform to the following mix:

Sixty percent, 15 gallon.

Twenty-five percent, 24-inch box.

Fifteen percent, mature specimen trees in 36-inch box.

The minimum tree size at time of planting shall be a 15-gallon tree.

All trees shall be double-staked and secured with a rubber or plastic strip, or other commercial tie material. Wire ties shall not be used. Refer to the city of Calimesa street tree staking and planting details (STD-L-050) of the city of Calimesa construction specifications and improvement standards.

Where trees are planted in paved pedestrian areas, they shall have a protective tree grate. Tree grates shall be recycled plastic, concrete or cast iron with a natural finish.

Trees and Turf.

Turf should be separated from new trees to prevent overwatering of the tree, surface rooting, crown-rot and “girdling” of the tree trunk by maintenance equipment.

The minimum separation should be from three to five feet. If the tree is located within a turf area, this separation should be five feet in diameter. Ground cover and/or shrubs may be planted within this area.

If trees are to be planted in a turf area, the following criteria should be met:

Only deep-rooted tree species should be used.

Turf area should be graded so that turf irrigation water drains away from the tree.

Turf irrigation should be directed away from the tree. The tree should be watered by a combined bubbler/deep waterpipe fixture.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.10; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.110 Street trees.

Street trees shall be planted on the entire length of all existing and planned extensions of designated city streets, commercial/industrial streets, residential streets or other established thoroughfares.

The designated street trees for each affected street shall be selected from the approved street tree list included in Appendix A attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter, except that in the case of designated specific tree areas where only trees which provide fall foliage may be planted, as decided by the city (refer to CMC § 18.70.140(D)). The developer may select any tree species from the approved list and utilize those species on the designated street. Mixing deciduous and evergreen trees is desirable.

The size of street trees shall be 24-inch box specimens.

Street trees shall be clean, fruitless, require little maintenance, be structurally strong, insect-and disease-resistant and require little pruning.

Street Trees for Designated Streets. All development adjacent to the following major corridors[1] or historical community routes (to be determined by the city) shall incorporate within the development plan a designated street tree/parkway theme with selected trees from Group “A” of the approved street tree list included in Appendix A attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter. Designated corridors/routes:

Calimesa Boulevard.

Avenue L.

California Street.

County Line Road.

Singleton Road.

Bryant Street.

Fifth Street.

[1]

All new streets with a width of 88 feet or greater are classified as major corridors, including all appropriate corridors within the Oak Valley specific plan.

All major intersections (88 feet or greater in width) and cross streets shall contain intersection enhancement improvements at the time of development of abutting properties. Refer to CMC § 18.70.140(D), Specific Tree Areas.

Street Trees for Nondesignated Streets. Required street landscaping for developments or uses not located adjacent to a designated street specified above shall select and incorporate street trees based upon Group “B” of the approved street tree list included in Appendix A attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter. The city may allow deviations from the list where it can be found that such tree will not adversely affect the public right-of-way.

Location.

All street trees shall be planted a minimum of 20 feet from the pavement edge at a street intersection to the center of the first tree.

All street trees shall be planted not further than 10 feet from the back of sidewalks. Deviations from this requirement may be permitted through development plan review.

Group “A” trees are permitted within the public right-of-way provided they are spaced at least 30 to 40 feet on center, are to be planted within a planting area which contains at least a six-foot minimum radius area around the tree trunk, and are trained and pruned to achieve and maintain a minimum eight-foot vertical clearance between the sidewalk grade and the tree branch structure above the sidewalk grade and a minimum clearance within the street travel-way of 15 feet between the street travel-way grade and the tree branch structure.

Group “B” trees are permitted within the public right-of-way provided they are spaced at least 25 to 35 feet on center, are to be planted within a planting area which contains at least a four-foot minimum radius area around the tree trunk, and are trained and pruned to achieve and maintain a minimum eight-foot vertical clearance between the sidewalk grade and the tree branch structure above the sidewalk grade and a minimum clearance within the street travel-way of 15 feet between the street travel-way grade and the tree branch structure.

Street tree locations for all residential subdivisions within the city shall be located such that at maturity the crown will not encroach across property lines. The trees shall be planted a minimum of 10 feet from all driveways and spaced according to Group “A” or “B” requirements or a minimum of one tree per lot. Corner lots are required to have street trees on both frontages. Reverse corner lots, side yards and rear yards facing a public right-of-way are required to have street trees spaced according to Group “A” or “B” requirements.

Deviations from the above spacing standards shall be permitted to accommodate driveways, utility appurtenances, sight distance requirements, public safety or other similar right-of-way constraints as deemed necessary by the city engineer and community development department.

Where street trees are required adjacent to larger development sites and meandering sidewalk alignments or configurations are proposed, designated street trees should be alternated between street curb and contiguous to sidewalk, provided adequate planting area and planting conditions are established to meet the growth requirements of the tree.

Where sidewalks are required adjacent to the street curbs, on-site development plans shall be designed in such a manner as to assure that street trees have adequate planting area (combined with the available public right-of-way) to assure proper tree root development, taking into consideration underground utility alignments. In certain cases, the city may require tree root guards to assure proper root development. Group “A” and Group “B” trees shall be installed with such root guard type devices where available planter areas are less than six feet in width from curb or sidewalk.

Tree Removal. No street tree shall be removed without the city’s consent. All destroyed or dying trees shall be replaced by the property owner.

Encroachment permits shall be obtained for all installations associated with this section to the satisfaction of the city prior to the commencement of any installation work.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.11; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.120 Tree preservation guidelines.

The following tree preservation guidelines shall be incorporated into approved grading, building and landscaping plans as appropriate and shall apply to all species of trees with the exception of oak trees, which are regulated by Chapter 18.80 CMC:

Removal of healthy, shade-providing, aesthetically valuable trees shall be discouraged. In the event that more than five trees are to be cut down, uprooted, destroyed or removed within a 36-month period, a permit shall first be issued by the community development department.

Prior to any permit issued for tree removal, all existing trees on-site shall be surveyed and plotted by the applicant.

Unless there is a preapproved tree replacement plan, granted with a development approval, any mature specimen that is removed in a new subdivision is considered to be of significant value by the community development department and shall be replaced with a 36-inch box specimen tree in addition to any other required landscaping. Such a plan does not necessarily require a tree for tree replacement provision. Commercial tree farms, city government projects and individual single-family lots less than one acre shall be exempt from this provision.

Repealed by Ord. 246.

Every effort shall be made to prevent encroachment of structures, grading, or trenching within the dripline or 25 feet of the trunk of any trees, whichever is greater.

If encroachment within the dripline is unavoidable, no more than one-third of the root area shall be disturbed, graded or covered with impervious materials. The root area is considered to extend beyond the dripline a distance equal to one-half the radius.

Building, grading or improvements shall not occur within 10 feet of any tree trunk.

Retaining walls shall be constructed where necessary to preserve the natural grade at least one-half the distance between the trunk and dripline. Walls shall be designed with a post or caisson footing rather than a continuous footing to minimize root damage.

Runoff channelled near trees shall not substantially change normal soil moisture characteristics on a seasonal basis.

Runoff shall not be directed towards the base of trees so that the base of the trees remain in wet soil for an extended period. Where natural topography has been altered, drainage away from trunks shall be provided where necessary to ensure that water will not stand at the crown.

Sedimentation and siltation in the drainage ways shall be controlled where necessary to avoid filling around the base of the trees.

Land uses that would cause excessive soil compaction within the dripline of trees shall be avoided. If the areas are planned for recreation, trails shall be provided so as to restrict compaction to a small area. Heavy use under trees shall be avoided unless measures to minimize compaction are undertaken.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.12; Ord. 94-4; Ord. 246 §§ 1, 2, 2006)

§ 18.70.130 Parking lots.

General.

All parking lots shall be screened from view in urban areas along the entire perimeter of the lot by the construction of either a three-foot-high earthen berm or a landscape buffer planted with shrubbery that can be maintained at a height of three feet. The minimum berm or buffer size shall be five feet in width. All landscaped islands shall have a minimum width of five feet excluding curbs.

The grading plans shall show the drainage of all planting areas and the heights of mounds. Mounds shall not exceed 3:1 slope, and no mound over 30 inches high shall be placed within 10 feet of any street and/or alley intersections.

Proposed treatment of all ground surfaces, including paving, turf and gravel, shall be shown.

Planters. Planters containing live landscaping shall be provided adjacent to and within parking lots in accordance with the following regulations:

All landscaping shall be within planters bounded by a curb at least six inches wide and six inches high. No parking island planters shall be smaller than 25 square feet, excluding curbing. Each planter shall include an irrigation system.

A planter at least five feet wide, excluding curbing, shall be provided adjacent to all street right-of-way. In addition, any area within the street right-of-way between the edge of the sidewalk and outer edge of the right-of-way shall also be developed as a planter or landscaped area in conjunction with the required five-foot planter, unless this requirement is waived by the community development department. A planter shall be increased to eight feet, excluding curb, for every development on a public street which is classified as a collector (44 feet/66 feet) or larger. The planter shall include trees, shrubs, hedges and other natural growth or other features such as berms, designed to form a partial visual screen at least three feet in height, except within 10 feet of street and driveway intersections where landscaping shall not be permitted to grow higher than 30 inches. Nothing in this section shall preclude the installation of additional landscaping and the planting of additional trees so long as such planting is consistent with the visibility regulations. At the discretion of the community development department, a barrier-free, four-foot-wide paved walkway may be provided through the required planter at street and driveway intersections to provide unencumbered access for the hand-icapped from the sidewalk to the parking lot. Such walkway shall be located so as to facilitate the most direct movement of persons using sidewalk curb ramps, if such are provided. Bus shelters may be located within this planter if approved by the community development department, but such shelters shall not be placed so as to reduce the number of trees which are otherwise required by this section.

A six-inch-high curb with a 12-inch-wide concrete walkway shall be constructed along planters on end stalls adjacent to automobile parking areas to facilitate access to parked vehicles.

A planter at least five feet wide, excluding curbing, shall be provided adjacent to all properties. Within this planter, one screen tree from the approved list shall be planted at an average of at least every 25 feet on center, in combination with other plants, to provide a dense visual screen. In addition, projects abutting residential uses shall incorporate additional trees and large shrubs between the trees to create an additional buffer.

In addition to the perimeter landscaping required by subsection (A)(1) of this section, parking lots of five spaces or more shall provide landscaped areas interior to the parking lot covering a percentage of the total parking area as follows:

Parking Spaces	Percent of Total Parking Area to Be Landscaped
5 – 24 spaces	6.0% minimum
25 – 49 spaces	8.5% minimum
50+ spaces	11.0% minimum

When the total uncovered area on the property (including adjoining parcels over which the property has parking privileges) exceeds 3,600 square feet, the following shall be required in addition to other provisions of this section of a landscape plan:

Trees, shrubbery and ground cover shall be provided at suitable intervals in order to break up the continuity of the parking area. Planting islands for such trees and shrubs shall be protected from automobile traffic by concrete curbs.

All ends of parking lanes shall have landscaped islands. All landscaped islands shall have a minimum width of five feet excluding curbs.

Landscaped areas shall be distributed throughout the entire parking area as evenly as is appropriate in the design of the parking facility.

All landscaped areas shall be designed so that materials are protected from vehicle damage, encroachment or overhang.

Public parking areas shall be designed with a permanent curb, bumper, wheel stop or similar device so that a parked vehicle does not overhang required sidewalks, planters or landscaped areas. If such protection is provided by means of a method designed to stop the wheel rather than the bumper of the vehicle, the stopping edge shall be placed no closer than two feet from the edge of any required sidewalks, planters or landscaped areas, and from any building. The innermost two feet of each parking space, between the curb and any planter or sidewalk, may remain unpaved, be planted with low ground cover, or added to any required or proposed landscaping to allow for bumper overhang. This additional planting area is considered part of the parking space and may not be counted toward satisfying any landscaping requirement.

10.

All shrubs used within parking lot landscape shall be drawn to reflect the average specimen size at 15 years of age. Shrubs shall be a minimum five-gallon size; however, the use of smaller plants may be approved for areas where color or growth habits make it suitable.

Trees.

Trees shall be planted and maintained throughout the parking lot area to ensure that within 15 years after establishment of the parking lot at least 50 percent of the parking spaces will be shaded. The parking lot shading plan should be calculated by using the diameter of the tree crown at 15 years. Trees planted in order to comply with the regulations of this section shall be selected from the fast-growing tree list included in Appendix A attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter. The applicant may choose to select a tree outside this list provided the selected tree complies with the intent of this chapter. A mix of tree types is desired if more than five trees are proposed.

Parking lot trees shall be clean, fruitless, require little maintenance, be structurally strong, insect- and disease-resistant and require little pruning.

Tree sizes for parking lot planters shall be as follows:

Twenty-four-inch box minimum.

In addition to the above requirements, parking lot trees shall be planted in compliance with CMC § 18.70.100.

Parking Lot Entry Treatment Standards.

Parking lot entries, for commercial/industrial projects over five gross acres in size, shall include additional special design requirements, including but not limited to the following:

Monument walls identifying the project.

Enhanced landscape areas.

Specimen trees shall be a minimum of 36-inch box size.

Incorporate mounding within the overall design, with landscaped slopes not exceeding a 3:1 ratio, or three feet in height. No mound shall be within 10 feet of any street and/or alley intersections.

Enhanced paving at intersections within the parking lot area.

Use of enhanced paving at offset sidewalk crossings to alert drivers and pedestrians to the potential danger.

Trees which provide fall foliage shall be incorporated where appropriate.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.13; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.140 Special areas and features.

Buffer Planting/Screening Requirements.

An “incompatible land use” is defined as one that is more intensely developed than its neighbor. “Buffers” or “screens” consist of horizontal space (land) and vertical elements (plants, berms, fences or walls). The purpose of buffers is to physically separate and visually screen adjacent land uses that are not fully compatible.

All incompatible land uses shall provide a buffer area with a minimum width of 10 feet.

Buffer planting shall consist of a mix of large evergreen trees and shrubs as follows:

All trees must be a minimum of eight feet in height at time of planting, and must have an expected height of at least 35 feet at maturity. Spacing shall be 30 feet on center.

All shrubs must be a minimum of one and one-half feet tall when planted, with an expected mature height of at least six feet within five years.

Clustering or staggering of plant materials is preferred over uniform planting.

Fences or walls must be constructed of materials compatible with the principal building.

Buffer planting shall occur along all freeways and major arterials in order to visually screen uses and provide noise reduction.

Residential development must be buffered from collector streets and higher road classifications.

Setback and Parkway Treatment Standards.

All major streets (88 feet or greater in width) shall contain a setback for parkway areas eight feet from the public right-of-way.

Landscape plans for setback and parkway areas shall include but not be limited to the following:

Setback and parkway areas shall be properly designed and landscaped in order to establish a high level of development quality while providing for neighborhood identity where appropriate. The design shall utilize uniform street tree plantings with complementary landscape materials.

Provide a design which ensures the desired screening, shading, appearance and compatibility with established setback and parkway areas, including a sensitive transition between diverse landscape types and patterns.

Incorporate mounding within the overall design, with landscaped slopes not exceeding a 3:1 ratio, or three feet in height. No mound shall be within 10 feet of any street and/or alley intersections. A minimum of six feet of landscaping shall be placed on the exterior of perimeter walls and fences.

Incorporate walls and fences into the landscape design, including the special treatment of meandering walls, and wall breaks or openings where the design shall complement the interior landscaping of the adjacent development.

Street tree varieties shall be selected from the street tree list included in Appendix A attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter, and exact location shall be determined by the community development department. The community development department shall mark locations and inspect plant material on site, prior to planting. Sidewalks, curbs and gutters must be clean of debris prior to marking. A 24-hour notice is required for inspection. The size of street trees shall be 24-inch box specimens. The 24-inch box trees shall be planted as street trees fronting the public parkway of city property.

Corner Treatment Standards.

Landscape plans for any development (including residential subdivisions) on streets less than 88 feet in width involving corner lots shall include additional special design requirements, including but not limited to the following:

A minimum landscape area of 300 square feet for corner areas.

Incorporate significant landscape features, including specimen trees, coordination with wall breaks or openings and special “residential entry” image treatment wherever appropriate.

Specimen trees shall be a minimum of 24-inch box size.

Ensure that any corner landscape landscape plan will not interfere with safe sight distances for vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic.

Specific Tree Areas.

All major intersections (88 feet or greater in width) and cross streets shall contain intersection enhancement improvements at the time of development of abutting properties (refer to the city of Calimesa street tree policy intersection enhancement area (STD-L-060) of the city of Calimesa construction specifications and improvement standards). These areas shall utilize trees which provide fall foliage; these trees shall be selected from the fall foliage tree section in Appendix A attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter, and shall include additional special design requirements, including but not limited to the following:

A minimum landscape area of 1,250 square feet for corner areas.

Incorporate significant landscape features, including specimen trees, coordination with wall breaks or openings and special city entry image treatment wherever appropriate.

Incorporate signage which identifies the development; this signage shall be in the form of monument signs.

Specimen trees shall be a minimum of 24-inch box size.

Ensure that any corner landscape plan will not interfere with safe sight distances for vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic.

Clustering of fall foliage trees within specific tree areas.

Median Areas.

Landscape plans for median areas shall include additional special design requirements, including but not limited to the following:

Incorporate significant landscape features such as decorative rocks and enhanced paving.

Street trees from the approved street tree list included in Appendix A attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be used in median areas along with the other landscaping requirements of this chapter.

Turf areas shall not be allowed in median areas.

Irrigation systems shall be underground; no spray heads shall be utilized.

Ensure that any landscape plan for median areas will not interfere with safe sight distances for vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic.

Water Features.

Decorative Water Features. Decorative water features typically include reflective pools and ponds, spray and mist-type fountains. They function only as visual features, and are typically single water users in that they do not reuse or capture other irrigation water or stormwater runoff, nor is their wastewater reused for other project operations.

Functional Water Features. Functional water features provide a visual amenity or recreational feature which are integral to a required or desired project operation. Examples include: swimming pools or other recreational amenities for residential projects; water falls and puddling type fountains to create white noise; holding ponds for HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) equipment water.

Decorative water features, especially spray and mist-type fountains, are discouraged. Functional water features may be allowed; provided, that the water feature is an integral part of the operations of the new development.

Decorative water features will be counted as turf area in accordance with the turf provisions of this chapter.

Functional water features will not be included in the maximum allowed turf area.

Swimming pools and spas should be covered when not in use to reduce water loss due to evaporation.

Where possible, water features (excluding swimming pools and spas) shall use recycled or reused water.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.14; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.150 Landscape maintenance.

Landscape shall be maintained in accordance with CMC § 18.75.100 in addition to the following:

All development projects, as a condition of approval, shall annex to the existing city of Calimesa lighting, landscape and maintenance district.

Major development projects (commercial developments over 10 acres in size, industrial development over 15 acres and residential developments including 100 units or more) shall be required to establish a subarea of the existing lighting, landscape and maintenance district to cover the additional costs of lighting, landscape and maintenance of the new project.

Trimming of shrubs and trees should enhance the natural form and beauty of the species. Topping of trees shall be avoided unless necessitated for public health and safety.

Street Trees.

All trees and related improvements shall be maintained by the abutting property owner, developers’ landscape maintenance firm, homeowners’ association or individual homeowner. All trees shall be properly watered and fertilized to assure a healthy and normal growth pattern. All street trees shall be trained, trimmed or pruned to enhance and encourage the natural form, beauty and growth habit of the species. Any severe cutback or topping is prohibited. Any other specific pruning or shaping request must first be authorized in writing by the city. However, a minimum eight-foot branch clearance (measured vertically) shall be maintained along sidewalks. Branches/canopy structures above all vehicular travel-ways shall be maintained to achieve a minimum vertical 15-foot clearance. However, emergency trimming or removal will be authorized in the event of an emergency affecting public health and safety.

Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the landowner shall file a maintenance agreement or covenant and easement to enter and maintain, subject to the approval of the city attorney. The agreement or covenant and easement to enter and maintain shall ensure that if the land-owner, or subsequent owners, fails to maintain the required/installed site improvements, the city will be able to file an appropriate lien(s) against the property in order to accomplish the required maintenance.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.15; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.160 Landscape security/bonding requirements.

Bonding requirements for landscaping shall be in accordance with CMC § 18.75.100(C).

Bonding for Street Trees.

Prior to the issuance of building or grading permits, the developer shall enter into an agreement with the city for the planting of the trees and for the guarantee and warranty of the work for a period of one year following the acceptance of all improvements as against any defective work or labor done, or defective materials furnished. The amount of the security shall be $100.00 for each tree required. The security shall be released when the one-year warranty period has ended.

Funding/Timing of Improvement/Plan Preparation.

At the time of the street improvements, the developer shall fund and assure the installation of street trees and intersection enhancement (where applicable) as a condition of the development approval. The city shall also require the developer to deposit a $50.00 nonrefundable funding fee for future maintenance and care of each tree. Where the city engineer and city planner determine the installation of street trees is not feasible due to lack of ultimate improvements, right-of-way or proper grade, existing drainage or soils conditions, utility constraints or public safety, the developer shall deposit cash funds sufficient to cover the costs of installment of required improvements specified by this policy at a future date. Deposit shall be made prior to development permits being approved. Street tree plans shall be submitted in a form and manner satisfactory to the city. They may be a part of street improvement plans or plans for a concurrent development project. Street tree installation guarantees shall be submitted concurrently with public improvement guarantees.

Acceptable Forms of Security.

A bond or bonds by one or more duly authorized corporate sureties acceptable to the city;

A deposit with the city of cash;

An irrevocable instrument of credit from one or more financial institutions acceptable to the city, subject to the regulation by the state or federal government, pledging that the funds necessary to carry out the agreements are on deposit until released by the city;

An irrevocable letter of credit issued by a financial institution acceptable to the city, subject to regulation by the state or federal government, guaranteeing that all or any portion of the funds available pursuant to the letter of credit will be paid upon the written demand of the city manager, and that such written demand need not present documentation of any type as a condition of payment, including proof of loss.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.16; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.170 Erosion control.

Standards for erosion control shall be in accordance with CMC § 18.75.110 in addition to the following.

Temporary sediment control measures may consist of the placement of straw or hay bales, gravel or earth-filled sandbags, gravel or earthen berms, filter fabric-type fences and desilting basins with energy dissipators.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.17; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.180 Slopes.

Slopes exceeding three feet in vertical height shall be planted with an approved groundcover to protect the slope from erosion and instability.

Slopes exceeding eight feet in vertical height shall be planted with approved groundcover, shrubs, spaced at not more than 10 feet on center, and trees, spaced not to exceed 20 feet on center; any combination of shrubs and trees at appropriate spacings and on a ratio of five shrubs to every tree is acceptable. Shrubs shall be a minimum of five gallon and trees a minimum of 15 gallon in size. Jute netting shall be required to help prevent slope erosion while planting materials mature.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.18; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.190 Soils.

Soil preparation and testing shall be in accordance with CMC § 18.75.130.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.19; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.200 Compliance.

Compliance with and enforcement of these standards shall be in accordance with CMC §§ 18.75.150 and 18.75.160.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.20; Ord. 94-4)

§ 18.70.210 Severability.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this chapter is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decisions shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter. The city council of the city of Calimesa hereby declares that it would have adopted this chapter and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases or portions were to be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

(Code 1990 § 9.14.21; Ord. 94-4)

Calimesa City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 18