Chapter 17.76
LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION Revised 5/22
Sections:
17.76.020 Compliance with state standards. Revised 5/22
17.76.030 Preparation of plans.
17.76.070 Planning commission review.
17.76.010 Purpose and intent.
The purpose of this chapter is to prescribe standards for landscaping and irrigation for the conservation and protection of property, the assurance of safety and security, the enhancement of privacy, the control of dust, the abatement or attenuation of noise, and the improvement of the visual environment. All new development shall provide landscaping in conformance with the standards contained in this chapter. (Ord. 2016-10 § 3 (part): Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6004 (part))
17.76.020 Compliance with state standards. Revised 5/22
All landscaping installed in the city of Winters shall comply with the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (23 California Code of Regulations Section 490 et seq.), as may be amended, if applicable. Nothing in this chapter is intended to exempt or excuse compliance with applicable state standards. In the event of a conflict between the requirements of this chapter and the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, the more restrictive requirements shall apply. (Ord. 2022-01 § 1; Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6004 (A))
17.76.030 Preparation of plans.
A landscape and irrigation plan must be prepared by a landscape designer, a licensed landscape architect or other qualified person, as determined by the community development director or, where discretionary review is required, the planning commission. No substantial change to an approved landscaping or irrigation plan may be made without written approval by the original approving person or body. (Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6004 (B))
17.76.040 Standards.
A. Required planting areas must be permanently maintained. “Maintained” includes watering, weeding, pruning, insect control, and replacement of plant materials and irrigation equipment as needed to preserve the health and appearance of plant materials for a period at least five years from installation.
B. Landscape material may not be located such that, at maturity:
1. It interferes with safe distances for vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic;
2. It conflicts with overhead utility lines, overhead lights, or walkway light; or
3. It blocks pedestrian or bicycle ways.
C. Landscaping of parking lots shall provide for fifty (50) percent tree canopy coverage or shading of the entire lot within fifteen (15) years of tree installation.
D. The end of each row of parking stalls must be separated from an aisle or driveway by a landscape planter, sidewalk or other means. A concrete curb must separate the landscaped area from the parking area.
E. A landscape strip with a minimum two foot width must be installed once every ten (10) adjoining parking stalls to provide visual relief in large parking lots.
F. A minimum of one tree for each six required spaces must be distributed throughout the parking lot. (Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6004 (C))
17.76.050 Materials.
A landscape plan must demonstrate a recognizable pattern or theme for the overall development by choice and location of materials. To accomplish this, a landscape plan must conform to the following:
A. Plant and hydro seeding material must be selected for: energy efficiency and drought tolerance; water conservation; color, form and pattern; ability to provide shade; soil retention, etc. The overall landscape plan must be integrated with all elements of the project, such as buildings, parking lots and streets.
B. Plant material must be sized and spaced to achieve immediate effect.
C. The use of crushed rock, gravel or paving for large area coverage should be avoided (except for walks).
D. Non-turf areas, such as shrub beds, must be top dressed to a depth of two inches with a bark chip mulch or approved alternative.
E. Where shrubs or low-level vegetation are used, vegetative matter at maturity must cover at least seventy-five (75) percent of the landscaped area.
F. The combined turf and/or water area (e.g., pools, ponds and fountains) shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the total irrigated area except where drought-tolerant turf grass is used. Parks, golf courses and recreation areas are exempt from this limit.
G. Any other requirements or guidelines of the city, including, as applicable, the Winters design guidelines. The use of decorative trellises, arbors and water features may also be included. (Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6004 (D))
17.76.060 Irrigation Plans.
A. An irrigation plan must contain construction details for an automatic system including, but not limited to, the following:
1. Location, type and size of lines (including dual line piping for use of reclaimed water, if appropriate);
2. Location, type and gallon output of heads;
3. Location and sizes of valves;
4. Location of water main connection;
5. Location and type of controller;
6. Installation details;
7. Location and type of backflow prevention device;
8. Available water pressure and water meter outlet size;
9. Plans for seasonal changes in watering schedule.
B. Development of subdivisions for which a tentative map was approved before the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title shall be required to comply with streetscape requirements to the degree that adequate area has been provided in the subdivision for landscape setbacks. (Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6004 (E))
17.76.070 Planning commission review.
All projects requiring submittal of a landscape and irrigation plans shall be reviewed by the planning commission with specific attention given to shade coverage and water conservation. (Ord. 2003-16: Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6004 (F))