For the purposes of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

   AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION CONTROLLER. An automatic timing device used to remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system.

   CHECK VALVE (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.

   DRIP IRRIGATION. Any non-spray low volume irrigation system specifically designed to apply small volumes of water slowly at or near the root zone of plants utilizing emission devices with a flow rate measured in gallons per hour.

   EMITTER. A drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the system to the soil.

   GARDEN. A plot of ground where herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables are cultivated.

   HYDROZONE. A portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs.

   LANDSCAPING. The planting, configuration and maintenance of trees, ground cover, shrubbery and other plant material, decorative natural and structural features (walls, fences, hedges, trellises, fountains, sculptures), earth patterning and bedding materials, and other similar site improvements that serve an aesthetic or functional purpose.

   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.

   MULCH. Any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, and decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature, and preventing soil erosion.

   NATIVE. Of indigenous origin to California.

   OVERHEAD IRRIGATION. Systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., spray heads and rotors).

   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.

   RAIN SENSOR. A component which automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains.

   RECYCLED WATER OR RECLAIMED WATER. Nonpotable water meeting all public health codes and standards that has been derived in any part from sewage through wastewater treatment so that it is suitable for beneficial reuse in landscape irrigation and decorative water features and is no longer considered wastewater. RECYCLED OR RECLAIMED WATER may also mean reusable wastewater from residential, commercial and industrial bathroom sinks, bath tub shower drains, and clothes washing equipment drains that is reused on site for landscape irrigation and decorative water features. Such RECYCLED OR RECLAIMED WATER is sometimes referred to as GRAY WATER .

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

   SOIL MOISTURE-BASED CONTROLLER. A device that measures the amount of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an irrigation event.

(Ord. 601-C.S., passed 3-4-14; Am. Ord. 622-C.S., passed 11-17-15)

   The applicant shall, first and foremost, follow the California Code of Regulations, Title 23. Waters, Division 2. Department of Water Resources, Chapter 2.7. Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The specific purposes of the landscape regulations are to:

   (A)   Improve the appearance of the community by encouraging aesthetically pleasing landscape on public and private sites;

   (B)   Aid in energy conservation by providing shade from the sun and shelter from the wind;

   (C)   Soften the appearance of parking lots and other development through the use of planting;

   (D)   Encourage conservation of water resources through the use of native and drought-tolerant plants with water-conserving irrigation practices;

   (E)   Minimize or eliminate conflicts between potentially incompatible but otherwise permitted land uses on adjoining lots through visual screening;

   (F)   Provide areas for residential gardening and raising of food crops;

   (G)   Preserve, maintain and provide new trees for the health and welfare of the city in order to preserve the scenic beauty, provide shade, enhance habitat, and promote the general welfare and prosperity of the city;

   (H)   Help restore the lost environmental value of the Los Angeles County flood control channels (Alhambra Wash, Rubio Wash) and enhance the washes as scenic community amenities;

   (I)   Enhance pedestrian use by encouraging shaded sidewalks and accessible passageways;

   (J)   Enhance the ability of water to soak into soil or drain through surfaces to reduce impacts on storm drain infrastructure and risks of flooding;

   (K)   Replenish the local aquifer by providing increased ground water recharge;

   (L)   Increase use of permeable and porous materials;

   (M)   Utilize the street and its ability to capture, treat and convey stormwater;

   (N)   Minimize heat island effect through the use of tree canopies and light colored materials for paving; and

   (O)   Provide and restore habitat for the local wildlife.

(Ord. 601-C.S., passed 3-4-14; Am. Ord. 622-C.S., passed 11-17-15)

(Ord. 601-C.S., passed 3-4-14)

   A landscape and irrigation plan shall be submitted with the permit application for all new buildings.

      (1)   Proposed plant locations, species, sizes, and water use needs (i.e., ample, moderate, or minimal as identified in the latest edition of the Sunset Western Garden Book or low, medium, or high as identified on the California Department of Water Resources study, Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS). All water features shall be identified as high water use.

      (2)   Location and species type of any existing trees over six inches in diameter, and whether each such tree is proposed to be kept or to be removed.

      (3)   Location of any existing and/or proposed native or protected tree including methods for protection.

      (4)   Location of any existing and/or proposed garden areas.

      (5)   Irrigation plan that at a minimum indicates the location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system and demonstrates compliance with the requirements of this section.

      (6)   Any additional proposed landscape elements and any other measures to facilitate plant growth or control erosion.

      (7)   Location and type of any existing and/or proposed paving or hardscape material.

      (1)   Minor modifications to approved landscaping, irrigation or grading plans which comply with the spirit and intent of this subchapter, including, but not limited to, revising or substituting plant varieties, container sizes, plant locations, irrigation specifications, hardscape components, berm heights, berm locations, slope features, and the like; and

      (2)   Modifications of planting, installation and/or soil preparation details.

(Ord. 601-C.S., passed 3-4-14; Am. Ord. 639-C.S., passed 10-3-17; Am. Ord. 638-C.S., passed 10-17-17)

   The following design principles are general standards to be used by city staff and decision-makers in evaluating whether landscape plans conform to the requirements of this section. The figures contained in this section are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply that the concept illustrated be implemented precisely as shown but rather in a manner consistent with the purpose of these regulations:

   (A)   Natural landscapes. Landscape designs should incorporate, build upon and complement existing natural landscapes using specimen trees, native vegetation (including canopy, understory, and ground cover) as well as habitat. Particular care should be given to preserve intact natural landscapes, if any.

   (B)   Responsive to local context and character. Landscape designs should build on the site’s and area’s unique physical characteristics, conserving and complementing existing natural features. Naturalistic design elements such as irregular plant spacing, undulating berm contours, and mixed proportions of plant species should be used to ensure that new landscaping blends in and contributes to the quality of the surrounding area. Selection and spacing of plant material should be reflective of the surrounding area’s character.

   (C)   Continuity and connection. Landscaping should be designed within the context of the surrounding area, provided that the landscaping is also consistent with these design principles. Where the design intent and the surrounding landscape is naturalistic, plant materials should blend well with adjacent properties, particularly where property edges meet, to create a seamless and natural landscape. Where the design intent and the surrounding landscape is formal, consistent or similar plant material and spacing should be utilized. Exceptions should be made when seeking to create a transition between uses and districts.

   (D)   Enhancing architecture. Landscape designs should be compatible with and enhance the architectural character and features of the buildings on site, and help relate the building to the surrounding landscape. Major landscape elements should be designed to complement architectural elevations and rooflines through color, texture, density, and form on both vertical and horizontal planes. Landscaping should be in scale with on-site and adjacent buildings. Plant material should be installed at an appropriate size and allowed to accomplish these intended goals. When foundation planting is required, plantings and window boxes should be compatible with a building’s architectural character and could incorporate artistic elements.

   (E)   Composition. The quality of a landscape design is dependent not only on the quantity and selection of plant materials but also on how that material is arranged. Landscape materials should be arranged in a manner as to provide the following qualities and characteristics:

      (1)   Texture. Landscape designs should provide a textured appearance through the use of a variety of plant material rather than a single species. Contrasting large leaf textures with medium and small leaf textures, and using a variety of plant heights supports a natural aesthetic and provides more ecological services. Spacing of key landscaping components, such as trees and shrubs, should be consistent with the overall design approach of the landscape plan. Formal landscape designs benefit from a uniform spacing of plants, whereas varied spacing and clustering of trees is more compatible with a naturalistic design.

      (2)   Scale. Landscape design should include plant material of an appropriate scale to the space and/or structure(s) at their mature sizes. Trees, shrubs, and hedges, especially those used for screening and buffering, should display a fullness at maturity that is typical of the species.

      (3)   Color. Landscape designs should include a variety of plants to provide contrasting color to other plants in the design. Designs are encouraged to include flowering plants and especially a mix of plants that display colorful flowers throughout the year and support local birds, butterflies and pollinators. For ease of maintenance and water conservation, emphasis should be placed on flowering perennials shrubs and not annual color.

      (4)   Form. Landscape designs should consider the complete three-dimensional form of the landscape, not simply the form of individual elements. The interrelationship of all landscape elements can be considered so that the final design presents a coherent whole. Principles of feng shui or occidental garden designs should be taken into consideration when planning the garden’s form and design.

   (G)   Buffering and screening. The placement of natural landscape materials (trees, shrubs, and hedges) is the preferred method for buffering differing land uses, for providing a transition between adjacent properties, and for screening the view of any parking or storage area, trash enclosure, utility enclosures, or other service area visible from a public street, alley, or pedestrian area. Plants may be used with fences or berms to achieve the desired screening or buffering effect. Plant material should be mature enough at the time of planting to provide an effective buffer or screen, and should be planted in an appropriate location to allow for desired growth within a reasonable period of time. When used to screen an activity area such as a parking lot, landscape shall not obstruct the visibility of motorists or pedestrians or interfere with public safety.

   (H)   Sustainable practices. Sustainable stormwater management creates a system of managing stormwater through retention, treatment or infiltration.

      (1)   Rainwater harvesting is the collection, storage and use of runoff which is captured in a collection system such as a rain barrel or cistern.

   FIGURE 153.534-(H)(1): RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM

      (2)   Permeable or porous paving allows rainfall and runoff to pass through the paving into the ground below. Permeable paving allows for infiltration, slows down runoff and improves water quality.

   FIGURE 153.534-(H)(2): PERMEABLE PAVING

      (3)   Rain gardens are small depressed areas that allow water to pool for a short amount of time and infiltrate into the ground. Rain gardens mimic terrain commonly found in natural landscapes. Rain gardens help to slow down runoff and improve water quality.

   FIGURE 153.534-(H)(3): RAIN GARDENS

      (4)   Bioswales are shallow basins that use vegetation and soils to filter, treat and infiltrate rainfall and runoff. Often used to capture runoff from parking lots, bioswales can remove pollutants and sediments from runoff water.

   FIGURE 153.534-(H)(4): BIOSWALE

(Ord. 601-C.S., passed 3-4-14; Am. Ord. 622-C.S., passed 11-17-15)

   The following areas shall be landscaped, and may count toward the total area of site landscaping required by zoning district regulations. The figures contained in this section are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply that the concept illustrated be implemented precisely as shown but rather in a manner consistent with the purpose of these regulations.

   (A)   Required setbacks. All required setbacks in all zones, except for areas used for exit and entry, shall be landscaped.

   (B)   Lot perimeters. Landscape buffers shall be installed and maintained along side and rear lot lines between differing land uses, in accordance with the following standards.

      (1)   Required landscape buffers. Table 153.535-(B)(1), Required Landscape Buffers, shows when a buffer treatment is required, and of what type, based on the proposed and the adjoining use. Only the proposed use is required to provide the buffer yard. Adjoining uses are not required to provide the buffer yard. The type of buffer yard required refers to buffer yard-type designations as shown in Table 153.535-(B)(2), Buffer Yard Requirements. “-” means that a buffer yard is not required unless required by another section of this title.

   TABLE 153.535-(B)(1): REQUIRED LANDSCAPE

 

 

      (2)   Buffer-yard types. Table 153.535-(B)(2), Buffer Yard Requirements, describes the minimum width, plant materials, and wall requirements for each type of buffer yard. The listed number of trees and shrubs are required for each 100 lineal feet of buffer yard. Trees shall be planted at least 40 feet on center. Natural areas with native vegetation or alternative planting materials which achieve equivalent buffering effects may be approved by the Community Development Director.

   TABLE 153.535-(B)(2): BUFFER YARD REQUIREMENTS

 

 

   FIGURE 153.535-(B)(2): BUFFER YARD REQUIREMENTS

      (3)   Width reduction for adjacent landscaped buffer. If an equivalent landscape buffer exists on the adjacent lot, the width of the required buffer may be reduced 50% provided that the abutting property owners have provided a written agreement ensuring the adjacent landscape buffer will be preserved and maintained.

   (C)   Building perimeters. The portions of a multi-family residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional building that front a public street shall have one or more landscape planters installed along a minimum 20% of that building face. The minimum width of the planter shall be three feet. This standard does not apply where a building is located on the front or corner side property line.

   FIGURE 153.535-(C): BUILDING PERIMETERS

   (D)   Flood control channels. A 15-foot wide landscape buffer planted with drought tolerant plants, including a 12-foot wide service road and bike path, shall be provided along the outer edge of flood channel easements. In those cases where a strict compliance with the landscaping requirements set forth in this division may be a hardship on the property owner or the developer thereof, an alternate plan accomplishing the objectives of helping restore the lost environmental value of the Alhambra and Rubio washes and enhancing the washes as scenic community amenities may be submitted for review by the Community Development Director. The Community Development Director shall be authorized to disapprove, approve, or conditionally approve the alternate plan.

   FIGURE 153.535-(D): RIVER CHANNEL EDGE CONDITIONS

   (E)   Parking areas. Parking areas as required by § 153.226, Parking Lot Landscaping and Screening.

   (F)   Parkways and street trees. Protect roots of street trees with engineered soil and provide sufficient space for above and below ground growth. Street trees form the canopy, provide shade, introduce seasonal color and define the street edge. The minimum installed street tree size should be 24-inch box to ensure long term survival of the tree and the ability for the tree to reach mature height rapidly.

   (G)   Unused areas. All areas of a project site not intended for a specific use, including areas planned for future phases of a phased development, shall be landscaped or left in a natural state.

(Ord. 601-C.S., passed 3-4-14)

   (A)   General. Landscaping may consist of a combination of groundcovers, shrubs, vines, trees, and garden areas. Landscape may also include incidental features such as stepping stones, benches, fountains, sculptures, decorative stones, or other ornamental features, placed within a landscaped setting.

      (1)   Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together.

      (2)   Except for garden areas, plant materials shall be selected from among those species and varieties known to thrive in the San Gabriel climate and where applicable, selected from an approved list maintained by the city.

      (3)   Installation of invasive plant species is prohibited as listed on the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) list of Exotic Pest Plants of Greatest Ecological Concern in California.

      (4)   Site drainage shall be directed toward landscaped areas wherever feasible.

      (1)   Exclusive of garden areas, at least 60% of all plants and trees must be native or low water use.

      (2)   A maximum of 25% of the required landscape areas shall be turf or planted with other high water use plants except for turf areas that comprise an essential component of a project (e.g., golf courses or playing fields), which are exempt from this limit.

      (3)   The installation of turf on slopes greater than 25% is prohibited.

      (4)   No portion of turf areas shall be less than eight feet wide. Landscaped areas less than ten feet wide shall be irrigated with sub-surface drip or other technology that produces no over spray or runoff.

   FIGURE 153.536-(E)(2): GROUND COVER AND SHRUB PLANTING

      (3)   Trees. Trees shall be provided as follows:

         (a)   One tree for every 1,000 square feet of net lot area for new commercial and residential development.

            1.   If the lot size or other site conditions make planting of the required trees impractical to comply with, the trees may be planted off-site in the public right-of-way or in public parks at twice the ratio with Director approval.

            2.   If the required number and size of trees already exist on the site, the applicant shall not be required to plant new trees on-site. Instead, the existing trees shall be shown on the site and landscape plans submitted to the Planning Division, and those trees shall be maintained in compliance with the standards of this section.

         (b)   At least one tree shall be located in the front yard of new residential development. If a tree does not already exist in the front yard, a tree shall be planted.

         (c)   A minimum of 15% of the trees planted shall be 24 inch-box or greater in size. All other trees shall be a minimum of 15 gallons in size with a one-inch diameter at breast height (dbh).

         (d)   A minimum of 50% of trees shall be an evergreen type.

         (e)   Newly planted trees shall be supported with stakes or guy wires.

         (f)   Any tree to be planted along a lot line or adjacent to a structure shall be no closer to said lot line or structure than one-half the diameter of the particular species’ drip line at maturity, measured from the center of the tree.

   FIGURE 153.536-(E)(3): TREE LAYOUT AND STAKING

(Ord. 601-C.S., passed 3-4-14; Am. Ord. 622-C.S., passed 11-17-15)

   All new landscaping shall be irrigated with an irrigation system. The Director may waive this requirement based on plant water needs and site characteristics.

   (A)   The irrigation system and its related components shall be planned and designed to allow for proper installation, management and maintenance. An irrigation system shall meet or exceed 0.75 efficiency for overhead spray devices, and 0.81 for drip system devices, and be installed in compliance with the manufacturers' recommendations.

   (B)   All irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures.

   (C)   Automatic irrigation controllers and sensors are required. Controllers may either be able to self-adjust and schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based) or soil moisture-based controllers that automatically adjust irrigation in response to changes in plants' needs as weather conditions change.

   (D)   Proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including features such as repeat cycles, shall be used to closely match application rates to infiltration rates determined by a soil percolation test, therefore minimizing runoff.

   (E)   Low-volume irrigation shall be required in mulched areas, in areas with slope greater than 25%, and in any narrow or irregularly shaped areas that are less than ten feet in width in any direction.

   (F)   Overhead irrigation is prohibited within 24 inches of any non-permeable surface. Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. unless weather conditions prevent it.

   (G)   Irrigation systems and decorative water features may be designed to allow for the current and future use of recycled water, if water providers serving the city make it available.

   (H)   Recirculating water shall be used for decorative water features.

   (I)   All irrigation shall be subject to restrictions put forth by the City of San Gabriel or local water purveyor during periods of drought.

   (J)   Irrigation systems shall consist of low-volume emitters (i.e. drip emitters) or the following:

      (1)   Low volume rotary type heads, with check valves and pressure regulation for turf areas;

      (2)   Sprinkler heads and other emission devices with matched precipitation rates, unless otherwise directed by manufacturer's recommendations; and

      (3)   Separate valves for each plant hydrozone.

   (K)   Master shut-off valves are required on all projects except landscapes that make 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.

(Ord. 601-C.S., passed 3-4-14; Am. Ord. 622-C.S., passed 11-17-15)

   (A)   Consistency with approved plans. All landscaping shall be installed consistent with approved plans and specifications, in a manner designed to encourage and maintain healthy plant growth.

   (B)   Timing of installation. Required landscaping shall be installed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the associated project.

   (C)   Certification of substantial completion. Upon completion of the installation of the landscaping and irrigation system, a field observation shall be completed by the landscaping professional. The landscaping professional shall submit a certificate of substantial completion to the city, utilizing forms designated for this purpose. The certificate shall specifically indicate that the plants were installed as specified, that the irrigation system was installed as designed, along with a list of any deficiencies.

(Ord. 601-C.S., passed 3-4-14)

   (A)   General. All planting and other landscape elements shall be maintained in good growing condition. Such maintenance shall include, where appropriate, pruning, mowing, weeding, cleaning, fertilizing, and regular watering. Wherever necessary, plantings shall be replaced with other plant materials to ensure continued compliance with applicable landscaping requirements. A plan ensuring continued maintenance may be required.

   (B)   Trees. Trees shall be maintained by property owners to be free from physical damage or injury arising from lack of water, chemical damage, accidents, vandalism, insects and disease. Any tree showing such damage shall be replaced with another tree. At minimum, trees shall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 95: Trees and Shrubs; Weeds of the San Gabriel Municipal Code.

(Ord. 601-C.S., passed 3-4-14)