Hanford, CA Zoning Ordinance

The purpose of this chapter is to:

Enhance the appearance of all development by providing standards relating to the quality, quantity, and functional aspects of landscaping and landscape screening;

Protect 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 existing residential neighborhoods, and enhancing pedestrian and vehicular traffic and safety; and

Decrease the use of water for landscaping purposes by requiring the efficient irrigation system design, appropriate plant materials, and regular maintenance of landscaped areas.

Meet the requirements of the latest adopted Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. If the provisions of this chapter conflict with the then-current Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, the more stringent provisions shall apply.

(Ord. 17-04, 2017; Ord. 24-11, 12/3/2024)

All projects shall provide and maintain landscaping in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

Landscape plans, and plans for the ornamental use of water, including fountains and ponds, shall be submitted for review for compliance with the requirements of this chapter. Landscaping shall not be installed until the applicant receives approval of the final landscape plan. Changes to the approved landscape plans that affect the character or quantity of the plant material or irrigation system design are required to be resubmitted for review and approval before installation.

(Ord. 17-04, 2017; Ord. 24-11, 12/3/2024)

Through the site plan review process, the City may require a landscape concept plan as part of an application for a site plan review permit, conditional use permit, tentative subdivision map, or other permit or plan.

A landscape concept plan shall meet the intent of this chapter by exhibiting a design layout that demonstrates the desired landscaping program in terms of function, location, size/scale, and similar attributes. The concept plan shall provide the applicable review authority with a clear understanding of the landscaping program before the preparation of detailed construction landscape and irrigation plans.

(Ord. 17-04, 2017; Ord. 24-11, 12/3/2024)

When construction landscape and irrigation plans for on-site landscaping are required, they shall be submitted in conjunction with a building permit or subdivision improvement plans.

Landscape and irrigation plans shall be prepared by a State Licensed Landscape Architect, Licensed Landscape Contractor or a landscape professional determined to be competent by the Community Development Director.

Construction landscape and irrigation plans shall comply with the latest State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

(Ord. 17-04, 2017; Ord. 24-11, 12/3/2024)

Landscaping shall be provided in the locations specified in this section:

All building setback areas and open space areas required by this title that are visible from a public right-of-way shall be landscaped.

All areas of a project site not intended for a specific use, including pad sites held for future development shall be landscaped.

Parking areas shall be landscaped in compliance with Chapter 17.54.

(Ord. 17-04, 2017; Ord. 24-11, 12/3/2024)

Landscape areas and materials shall be designed, installed, and properly maintained in compliance with the following:

General design standards. The following features shall be incorporated into the design of the proposed landscape and shown on the required landscape plans.

Publicly maintained landscape areas shall be separated from privately maintained landscape areas with, at a minimum, a four inch wide concrete mow strip.

Pedestrian access to sidewalks and structures shall be integrated with the design of landscaped areas.

Landscape adjacent to driveways and parking areas shall be protected from vehicle damage through the provision of a minimum six inch high and six inch wide concrete curb.

Concrete mow strips, when used, shall be a minimum of four inches in width.

Trees and shrubs shall be planted so that at maturity they do not interfere with utility lines and traffic safety sight areas.

Trees and shrubs shall be planted and maintained in a manner that protects the basic rights of adjacent property owners, particularly the right to solar access.

Trees planted within five feet of sidewalks or curbs shall have an 18 inch by 10 foot long linear root barrier placed at each edge of the sidewalk or face of curb, centered on the tree.

Plant Materials. Plant materials shall be selected and installed in accordance with the following requirements:

The size of 10% of the trees to be planted shall be 24 inch box or larger. The remaining trees shall be sized 15 gallons or larger.

The size of 70% of plants and shrubs shall be at five gallon or larger. The remaining plants and shrubs shall be sized one gallon or larger.

The size of groundcover at planting shall be one gallon or larger.

Groundcover shall be designed to have 100% coverage within two years.

Drought tolerant plant material and climate appropriate species shall be emphasized in the design.

(Ord. 17-04, 2017; Ord. 24-11, 12/3/2024)

A required landscaped area shall be planted with live and healthy plant materials suitable for screening and/or ornamenting the site. Landscaped areas established after the adoption of this section shall be watered by automatic systems and designed and developed in accordance with Chapter 12.08 and the most recent State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.