20.56.110 Landscaping.
A. Purpose. The city promotes the value and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to conserve water and other resources as efficiently as possible. This section establishes minimum landscape standards for all uses in compliance with applicable state standards and guidelines and to promote sustainable development. The purpose of this section is to establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining, and managing water-efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects.
B. Water-Efficient Landscaping. The city hereby incorporates by reference the California Code of Regulations Sections 490-495, Chapter 2.7, Division 2, Title 23, Model Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance. All construction projects involving landscape areas in the amounts established in state law shall comply with the submittal requirements and standards in state law.
C. Landscape Requirements.
1. Residential Zones. All areas of a site not devoted to structures, driveways, or walkways shall be landscaped with lawn, trees, shrubs, or other plant materials, and shall be permanently maintained in a neat and orderly manner. Hardscape materials, inclusive of driveways and pedestrian walkways, shall not cover more than 40 percent of the front setback.
2. Commercial, Mixed-Use, and Industrial Zones. All setbacks, parkways, open areas, plazas, paseos, and nonwork areas that are visible from a public street/alley or from a parking lot available to the general public shall be landscaped, including but not limited to required common open space established in Chapters 20.20 and 20.28 CMC, landscaping requirements for service stations established in CMC 20.52.490, and parking lot landscaping required by CMC 20.64.070(B).
D. Pervious Areas and Open Space. Pervious areas set aside as usable open space may also serve as areas for infiltration of stormwater runoff, subject to review and approval by the city engineer. Use of open space areas for stormwater control shall be incorporated into plans to comply with the provisions of Chapter 20.68 CMC that may be amended from time to time.
E. Irrigation. All landscaped areas in the Medium Density Residential, High Density Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Mixed-Use Zones shall be provided with a permanent irrigation system installed below grade except for sprinkler heads. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).