The provisions of this chapter shall apply to:

Exemptions.

Landscape design and construction shall emphasize water conservation through the appropriate use and groupings of plant materials that are adapted to particular sites and to particular climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. The use of turf should be limited to only those areas designated for active recreational use or where irrigated by reclaimed water. The practice of heavily mulching all shrub beds is strongly encouraged.

All landscape plan approvals are subject to and dependent upon the applicant complying with all applicable City ordinances, codes, regulations, adopted policies, and the payment of all applicable fees.

Should any provision of this chapter conflict with any other provisions of the development code or any adopted specific plan the more restrictive shall apply.

All landscaped areas shall be maintained in an attractive and healthy condition, as evidenced by proper pruning, mowing of turf areas, weeding, removal of litter, fertilization, replacement of plants when necessary, and the regular application of appropriate quantities of water to all landscaped areas.

All irrigation systems shall be maintained in proper operating condition. Water line breaks, head/emitter ruptures, overspray or runoff conditions, and other irrigation system failures shall be repaired immediately.

Landscape and irrigation plans shall be prepared in accordance with the specifications contained within the "Yorba Linda Guidelines and Specifications for Landscape Development" available from the Community Development and/or Engineering Departments.

All final landscape and irrigation plans shall be prepared by a Landscape Architect or other person licensed by the State to prepare such plans. Conceptual landscape and irrigation plans may be prepared by the property owner or any other person capable of producing drawings that accurately reflect the landscape concept.

Final landscape architectural plans, subject to all applicable plan check fees, shall be submitted for the review and approval of the City Landscape Architect per the Standard Plan Check process prior to the installation of exterior hardscape, landscape planting, and/or irrigation. All final landscape plans shall be completed and approved prior to issuance of grading permits or building permits, whichever occurs first. Final plans may also be subject to review and approval of the Community Development Department prior to the Engineering Department's approval, if specific conditions so warrant such action.

Final landscape and irrigation plans shall be in substantial compliance with the approved conceptual landscape and irrigation plans. When it is determined by the Community Development Director or the City Landscape Architect that the final plans are not substantially in compliance, the final plans shall be submitted to the Planning Commission for review and approval.

Any modification to an approved final landscape or irrigation plan must be approved by the City Landscape Architect, and may require the approval by the Community Development Director prior to installation, unless he or she determines that the plans are not substantially in compliance, in which case subsection D, shall apply.

The Community Development Department may verify installations are in compliance with the approved final landscape and irrigation plans prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Landscape design shall include a selection of plant materials based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the site. The protection, preservation, and enhancement of native species and natural areas are encouraged. The use and placement of native species and preservation of natural areas in close proximity to development, however, must comply with the "Orange County Fire Authority Fuel Modification Guidelines," and landscape plans are subject to review and approval of the Orange County Fire Authority.

Landscape design shall encourage the use of drought tolerant plant materials, drip irrigation systems, the use of reclaimed water, and minimal use of turf.

Landscape design shall address fire protection requirements in areas that are fire prone.

Landscape design shall provide for the grouping of plant materials that have similar water demands to facilitate appropriate and efficient water applications.

Landscape design shall illustrate a concern for aesthetic elements such as balance, scale, texture, form, and unity.

Landscape design shall address the functional aspects of landscaping such as grading, drainage, minimal runoff, erosion prevention, wind barriers, provisions for shade, reduction of glare, and to soften and/or add interest to massive building walls.

Landscape design shall demonstrate a concern for solar access including exposure and shading of window areas.

Landscape design shall address the retention of existing mature landscaping that is in good, healthful condition, incorporating such landscaping into the landscape plan where feasible.

Landscape design shall provide for the planting of all unpaved areas with an effective combination of trees, ground cover, turf, shrubbery, and/or approved alternative landscape materials.

Landscape design shall include provisions to protect plant materials from damage by the encroaching of overhang of motor vehicles.

Landscape design shall facilitate the implementation of landscape maintenance practices that foster long-term water conservation. Said practices may include, but not be limited to, scheduling irrigation based on established industry standards, conducting water audits and establishing a water budget to limit the amount of water applied per landscaped acre.

For areas requiring screening, landscape design shall consider plant species, size and spacing in order to foster screening in order to achieve a 75 percent effective screening within a five-year period following installation.

Landscape design shall include trees within paved parking areas and other large expanses of paved areas to reduce surface temperatures in order to improve air quality and to promote energy savings or conservation ("heat island" mitigation).

Landscape design shall limit the use of the Eucalyptus genus of trees within the overall design, due to the general unreliability of the genus in not hosting detrimental insect infestations.

Landscape design shall be sensitive to selecting plant material that matures to sizes compatible with space allocated; limiting the need for pruning and mature growth control. In addition, planting design shall be sensitive to clear sight visibility at all intersections of vehicular movement.

Trees should be maintained in a healthy, growing condition in accordance with the following guidelines:

Shrubs should be maintained in a healthy, growing condition in accordance with the following guidelines:

Dead plants and those in a state of decline should be replaced. Landscape planters and hardscape should be kept free of weeds, leaf build-up, garbage and other debris.

Where landscaping of portions of a project is to be publicly dedicated for landscape maintenance purposes, the landscaping and irrigation system shall be maintained by the property owner for a period of one full year from the date of City Council acceptance of the overall project improvements. A one-year cash value settlement may be substituted for the extended maintenance period.

Development projects which include existing Eucalyptus windrows or other significant trees or vegetation shall provide, whenever feasible, for the preservation and enhancement of those trees and plants.