Landscape Plans

The landscape design process includes street beautification master planning and landscape construction drawings.  Plans are prepared detailing plant types, irrigation systems, grading and drainage, decorative paving, and wall treatments.  Landscape design involves public input and consideration of community beautification objectives.  

Landscape Design and Tree Section staff also reviews developer designed site improvements and building permit plans for conformance with the landscape regulations below.

Land Development Site Improvement Review (LDSIR)

The Landscape Design and Tree Section assists the LDSIR division with plan check review of developer designed site improvement plans.  This plan review checks for conformance with landscaping improvement standards.  These standards include mulch containment curbing, irrigation supply, back flow prevention, pipe sleeves under pavement, street shade tree planter widths, tree preservation and protection.  For more information about LDSIR click here.

Parking lot landscape and shade are required under Zoning Code Chapter 30, Article 4.  The Landscape Design and Tree Section assists the Planning Department with obtaining conformance with Zoning Code requirements involving landscape planter width, tree spacing and type, percentage of shade cover, screening and visibility issues.

Water Conserving Landscape Ordinance

Landscaping plans for industrial, commercial, institutional, multi-family residential, model homes, parks, roads and median projects must comply with County Code Title 14, the Water Conserving Landscape Ordinance.  Included in the ordinance are requirements for water conserving landscaping through water use calculations, plant material types, turf regulations, soil amendment and mulching, irrigation control, and model home signage criteria.  The Landscape Design and Tree Section staff reviews and approves developer designed landscape and irrigation plans.  

Click here to download an application for Water Conserving Landscape Ordinance plan check review.

To download a copy of the Certificate of Compliance for final landscape installation click here.

Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance

The Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance, County Code Title 19, is enforced by the Landscape Design and Tree Section.  This ordinance requires the preservation and protection of native oaks and heritage and landmark size trees on private and public land.  All types of site improvements and building permit plans are reviewed and approved for compliance with the ordinance.  In addition, site review and issuance of tree pruning or removal permits are required for any protected private or public tree.  Click here for permit information.

Landscaping Care and Maintenance

The Landscape Design and Tree Section assists the Planning Department with enforcing Zoning Code Chapter 30, Article 6 requirements for landscaping care and maintenance on commercial, multi-family, industrial and institutional developments.  Replacement of damaged or dead landscaping is required.  Landscape replacement plans are subject to review and approval as well.  Tree pruning or removal permits are required for any tree on these types of developments.