Glendale City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 30
31 LANDSCAPING
§ 30.31.010 Regulations for the ROS, R1 and R1R zones.
Projects subject to the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance in the California Code of Regulations, Title 23. Waters, Division 2. Department of Water Resources, Chapter 2.7. Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Section 490 et seq., as may be amended, shall comply with those regulations in addition to all of the regulations in this chapter. In the case of a conflict between the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and this code (including mandates of Title 13), the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance shall prevail, except that in the case of a conflict whereby this code imposes a requirement intended to be more effective in conserving water than the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, this code shall prevail. For all properties and all other projects not subject to the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, the following regulations shall apply in the ROS, R1R and R1 zones.
A.
All street setback areas shall be landscaped with plant materials or a combination of plant materials and permeable surfaces and shall be permanently maintained in a neat and orderly manner. Non-living materials may be used as ground cover, including, but not limited to: wood chips, bark, decorative rock, and stone. Plant materials shall compose a majority (more than 50%) of the street setback areas, exclusive of permitted driveways. Other than permitted hardscape, all areas not planted shall be covered (top dressed) with materials such as wood chips or approved alternative. Top dressing beneath tree canopies shall be to the satisfaction of the director of community development, and shall be calculated as area of live plant material.
Permeable surface allows the movement of water through the surface material and include materials such as pavers, decomposed granite or grasscrete. Permeable surfaces are encouraged wherever possible in lieu of impermeable hardscape.
B.
Artificial turf may be used in the single family zones (ROS, R1R, and R1) as follows:
1.
Artificial turf shall be calculated toward the total lot area requirement for landscaping, but shall not be calculated toward the live plant material requirement.
2.
Artificial turf shall not be permitted beneath the drip line of tree canopies. For purposes of this section, “drip line” is defined as the area beneath the extent of the tree canopy at mature growth plus two feet.
3.
A minimum three foot wide live plant material landscape border shall be required at the street front and street side property line.
4.
A minimum three foot wide live plant material landscape border shall be required at the base of a building facing a street front or street side setback.
5.
Artificial turf shall only be permitted on sloped areas less than 25%.
6.
Artificial turf shall imitate a natural turf-like appearance and require the following:
a.
A minimum blend of three colors, predominately green.
b.
A minimum blade length of one and one half (1-1/2) inches, with spines and uneven tops.
c.
Infill material shall be a natural material, such as coconut fiber, cork, and sand. No crumb rubber shall be permitted.
7.
Artificial turf shall be installed by a qualified state-licensed contractor with a valid landscaping contractors or synthetic products contractors license.
8.
Artificial turf shall be directed to drain on-site to a permeable area.
9.
Artificial turf shall be maintained in a clean and orderly condition and shall not contain holes, tears, stains, discoloration, seam separations, uplifted surfaces, heat degradation, or excessive wear.
C.
A minimum of 40% of the total lot area shall be permanently landscaped open space. Decorative design elements such as swimming pools, spas, fountains, sculptures, planters, rock gardens or other similar elements may be permitted where they are integral parts of a landscape plan composed of a majority (more than 50%) of live plant materials. Neither the interior nor the street setback areas shall be completely paved or covered with gravel. Any live plant material or permeable surface located in a required driveway shall not count toward required landscaping.
D.
When drought tolerant landscaping is used, the live plant material requirement shall be calculated at mature growth of the drought tolerant plants. However, the live plant material calculation for tree canopies shall only include the canopy area as it exists at the time of planting.
E.
All plant materials shall be maintained for a period of at least five years when planted in conjunction with a landscape plan for a project approved by the design review board.
F.
In the R1R zone only, the building official shall not issue a permit for construction of a dwelling or accessory buildings on a lot which has a slope greater than two horizontal to one vertical (2:1) unless the plans are accompanied by a landscaping plan which shall accurately show the location of all existing trees to be retained or removed and the type and extent of proposed landscaping including provisions for irrigation thereof. Said plan shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, and approved by the director of community development. This requirement shall not apply to a lot having either a split-level pad of not less than 4,000 square feet, or a single-level pad of not less than 5,000 square feet.
G.
No painting of turf or dirt shall be allowed.
(Ord. 5747 § 29, 2011; Ord. 5399, 2004; Ord. 5642 § 1, 2009; Ord. 5684 § 3, 2010; Ord. 5747 § 29, 2011; Ord. 5867 § 1, 2015; Ord. 5879 § 1, 2016)
§ 30.31.020 Regulations for all multi-family, commercial, industrial, and mixed use zones, and the CE, MS and TOD zones.
A.
Projects subject to the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance in the California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Waters, Division 2, Department of Water Resources, Chapter 2.7, Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Section 490 et seq., as may be amended, shall comply with those regulations in addition to all of the regulations in this chapter. In the case of a conflict between the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and this code (including mandates of Title 13), the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance shall prevail, except that in the case of a conflict whereby this code imposes a requirement intended to be more effective in conserving water than the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, this code shall prevail. For all properties and all other projects not subject to the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, the following regulations shall apply in the R-3050, R-2250, R-1650, R-1250, C1, C2, C3, CPD, CR, CH, CA, IND, IMU-R, SFMU, MS, and CE zones.
1.
Landscaping required.
a.
All setback areas and other areas not occupied by buildings, parking, driveways, walkways, and other incidental activities shall be landscaped with a majority (more than 50%) of plant materials or a combination of plant materials and permeable surfaces and shall be permanently maintained in a neat and orderly manner. The street setback area shall not be completely paved or covered with gravel. Permeable surfaces are encouraged wherever possible in lieu of impermeable hardscape.
b.
Decorative design elements such as fountains, sculptures, planters, rocks or other similar elements may be permitted where they are integral parts of a landscape plan composed of a majority (more than 50%) of live plant materials are permitted in the R-3050, R-2250, R-1650, R-1250, IMU-R and SFMU zones.
c.
Pedestrian walks and vehicular accessways shall be permitted in such landscaped areas. Such areas may not be counted as landscaped open space in the R-3050, R-2250, R-1650, R-1250, IMU-R and SFMU zones.
d.
Useable open space in the form of landscaped setbacks, walkways, patios and landscaped areas within parking lots may be considered in the computation of required landscaping in the CPD zone.
e.
When drought tolerant landscaping is used, the live plant material requirement shall be calculated at mature growth of the drought tolerant plants. However, the live plant material calculation for tree canopies shall only include the canopy area as it exists at the time of planting.
f.
No painting of turf or dirt shall be allowed.
2.
Percentage of lot with landscaping. Lots shall be developed with permanently landscaped open space, as follows:
Table 30.31-A | |
|---|---|
Zone | Minimum Percentage of Total Lot Area to Be Permanently Landscaped Open Space |
R-3050 | 30% (1) |
R-2250, R-1650, R-1250 | 25% (1) |
IMU-R, SFMU, CPD | 10% |
C1, C2, C3, CR, CH, CA, CE, CEM, IND, IMU, MS, PS Overlay | Not applicable, except as required for multi-family and mixed-use residential projects in accordance with Chapter 30.17.(1) |
P Overlay | The front and street-side setback and landscaping requirements for parking areas in the P overlay zone shall be subject to the provisions of the residential zone in which the property is located and/or Chapter 30.32 of this title, whichever is the most restrictive. |
Note: | |
(1) | See Chapter 30.17 for additional landscaping standards. |
3.
Permanent landscaping. For the purposes of this chapter, permanent landscaping shall consist of landscaped areas at the ground level or in planters having a minimum soil length, width, diameter and depth of 24 inches. In the R-3050, R-2250, R-1650, R-1250, IMU-R and SFMU zones and the PS overlay zone, the soil length, width and diameter shall be increased to a minimum of 42 inches and the soil depth to a minimum of 36 inches in the area where trees are to be planted.
4.
Irrigation. Permanent and automatic irrigation facilities shall be provided in all permanent landscaped areas except potted containers.
5.
Preparation of plans and installation of landscaping and irrigation.
a.
Prior to the issuance of any building permit, all landscape and irrigation plans shall be prepared and wet stamped by an individual who is licensed in the State of California to prepare such plans. All landscaping and irrigation facilities shall be installed and in proper working order according to approved plans prior to the final inspection. In the alternative, a cash bond may be deposited with the building official in an amount not less than the estimated cost of installing said landscaping and irrigation facilities. Should said estimated cost of installing such landscaping and irrigation facilities exceed $10,000, an instrument of credit may be deposited with the building official in lieu of a cash bond. Said cash bond or instrument of credit may be released only upon final inspection and approval of said building permit by the building official.
b.
Prior to the issuance of any temporary or permanent use and occupancy certificate, an individual licensed in the state of California to prepare landscape and irrigation plans shall file a certificate of compliance with the building official certifying that all landscaping and irrigation facilities have been installed in substantial compliance with the approved plans.
c.
In the event the developer fails to install the landscaping and irrigation facilities for any reason, after having had reasonable time to do so, the building official may notify the developer and thereafter cause said landscaping and irrigation facilities to be installed pursuant to the approved plans and to use the cash bond or instrument of credit to pay for the cost of such installation.
6.
Artificial turf. Artificial turf shall not be permitted in any portion of a property located in a commercial, industrial, or special purpose zones (C1, C2, C3, CPD, CR, CH, CA, IND, MS, CEM, SR and CE). Artificial turf shall be permitted on property located in a mixed use zone (IMU, IMU-R, SFMU and DSP) only when not visible from the public street immediately adjacent to the property. Artificial turf shall be permitted in the multi-family zones (R-3050, R-2250, R-1650 and R-1250) as follows:
a.
Artificial turf shall be calculated toward the total lot area requirement for landscaping, but shall not be calculated toward the live plant material requirement.
b.
Artificial turf shall not be permitted beneath the drip line of tree canopies. For purposes of this section, "drip line" is defined as the area beneath the extent of the tree canopy at mature growth plus two feet.
c.
A minimum three-foot wide live plant material landscape border shall be required at the street front and street side property line.
d.
A minimum three-foot wide live plant material landscape border shall be required at the base of a building facing a street front or street side setback.
e.
Artificial turf shall only be permitted on sloped areas less than 25%.
f.
Artificial turf shall imitate a natural turf-like appearance and require the following:
i.
A minimum blend of three colors, predominately green.
ii.
A minimum blade length of one and one-half inches, with spines and uneven tops.
iii.
Infill material shall be a natural material, such as coconut fiber, cork, and sand. No crumb rubber shall be permitted.
g.
Artificial turf shall be installed by a qualified state-licensed contractor with a valid landscaping contractor or synthetic products contractors license.
h.
Artificial turf shall be directed to drain on-site to a permeable area.
i.
Artificial turf shall be maintained in a clean and orderly condition and shall not contain holes, tears, stains, discoloration, seam separations, uplifted surfaces, heat degradation, or excessive wear.
7.
Maintenance. All landscaping, as planted pursuant to approved landscaping plans, and related irrigation systems, shall be properly maintained in good condition. Dead or decaying plant materials and weeds shall be promptly removed and replaced as necessary to maintain the approved landscaping. This requirement shall apply at all times during the life of the project, and it shall be unlawful for any property owner or any person occupying or having charge or possession of any property to violate this provision.
8.
Additional requirements for the PS overlay zone. Planter boxes, with a minimum width of 24 inches, shall be incorporated into the design along the entire length of each tier of the parking structure facing the street, alley or residential zone. Clinging type vines shall be planted along any solid sheer exterior walls.
(Ord. 5399, 2004; Ord. 5416 § 23, 2004; Ord. 5536 § 8, 2006; Ord. 5541 § 18, 2006; Ord. 5642 § 2, 2009; Ord. 5747 § 30, 2011; Ord. 5765 § 9, 2012; Ord. 5803 § 88, 2013; Ord. 5807 § 9, 2013; Ord. 5867 § 2, 2015; Ord. 5879 § 2, 2016; Ord. 6012, 10/10/2023; Ord. 6052, 5/19/2026)
§ 30.31.030 Landscaping and walls adjacent residential zones.
A.
In the R-3050, R-2250, R-1650 and R-1250 zones, trees shall be planted along any interior property line abutting an ROS, R1R or R1 zone boundary to provide an effective screen of the multi-unit structure from the neighboring single family dwelling.
B.
In the C1, C2, C3, CH, CA, CPD, IND, IMU, MS zones and the PS Overlay zone, landscaping and walls shall be provided as follows:
1.
Trees shall be planted along any interior property line abutting a residential zone boundary to provide an effective screen, except where exempted by paragraph 2 below. An average of one tree shall be planted for each 20 feet of such interior property line, exclusive of trees required pursuant to the provisions of Section 30.32.110. Such trees shall be provided with sufficient tree well area for the tree type and surrounding area and shall be of a minimum size of 24 inches boxed. No tree screen is required where an alley separates a commercial or industrial zone from a residential zone;
2.
A minimum five and one-half (5-1/2) foot high decorative masonry wall shall be provided along the property line abutting any residential zone boundary line except where a semi-subterranean parking garage is located on such boundary line. In the CH zone, this decorative wall shall not exceed a maximum height of six feet where located on top of a retaining wall. In the CH zone, this decorative wall may also be located at some distance from the property line along a residential zone boundary if it is substantially parallel to the property line and provides an effective screen from commercial activities and parking areas. Where an alley separates a commercial or industrial zone from a residential zone, said masonry wall shall be erected along the commercial or industrial property line except for necessary driveways and access gates or doors to trash collection areas; and
3.
In the CH zone only, a minimum five foot wide landscaped area, unobstructed below the ground surface by any buildings, structures, walls, or portions thereof, including footings and foundations, shall be provided along the property lines where adjacent to residentially-zoned areas.
C.
Artificial turf shall not be permitted in any area where landscaping is required by this section.
(Ord. 5399, 2004; Ord. 5416 § 24, 2004; Ord. 5645 § 19, 2009; Ord. 5761 § 8, 2011; Ord. 5765 § 10, 2012; Ord. 5803 § 89, 2013; Ord. 5807 § 10, 2013; Ord. 5879 § 3, 2016)
§ 30.31.040 Landscaping in parking areas.
For landscaping in surface parking lots and parking structures, see Section 30.32.160 of this title, in addition to the requirements of this chapter.
(Ord. 5399, 2004; Ord. 5446 § 9, 2005)
§ 30.31.050 Maintenance of landscaping.
Where landscaping plans are required, all landscaping and irrigation facilities shall be permanently maintained in substantial conformance with the approved plan.
(Ord. 5399, 2004)
§ 30.31.060 Water conservation.
A failure to maintain landscaping as required by this title shall not be a violation of this code if such failure is a result of compliance with a mandatory phase of water conservation declared by the city council pursuant to Chapter 13.36 of this code.
(Ord. 5642 § 3, 2009)
