HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution 15-2935RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE
DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE
DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF LANDSCAPING USING DROUGHT - TOLERANT
PLANTS AND NATIVE PLANTS THAT REQUIRE MINIMAL USE OF WATER, AND
STANDARDS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SYNTHETIC TURF
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey does hereby find,
determine and declare that:
California has been in a drought for the last 4 years, which has caused significant
concern among water experts as to whether there will be sufficient water
resources available for drinking water; agricultural production; commercial and
residential uses; wildlife habitat; and wildfire responses; and,
2. On April 1, 2015 the Governor issued an Executive Order (B- 29 -15) mandating
various conservation points be achieved, primarily that a 25% aggregate
statewide reduction in potable urban water usage be achieved by February 2016,
as compared to the amount used in 2013; and,
3. Section 9520 of the Downey Municipal Code, which provides requirements and
development regulations for planting areas for all zones of the City, mentions that
plant materials shall be selected for energy efficiency and drought tolerance, and
adaptability and relationship to the City's environment, but offers minimal
guidelines and standards for drought - tolerant landscapes; and,
4. Consequently, it was determined that an amendment to Section 9520 is
necessary to establish drought - tolerant landscaping requirements to achieve the
Governor's goals for water conservation; and,
5. On July 28, 2015, the City Council initiated a zoning text amendment of Section
9520.04 of the Downey Municipal Code regarding minimum standards for the
design and installation of landscaping using drought - tolerant plants and native
plants that require minimal water, and standards for the installation of synthetic
turf, and directed staff to prepare an ordinance that adds regulations for drought —
tolerant landscaping; and,
6. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on September 2,
2015, and, after fully considering all oral and written testimony and facts and
opinions offered at aforesaid public hearings, adopted Planning Commission
Resolution 15 -2935, thereby recommending the City Council approve the
Drought - Tolerant Landscaping Ordinance; and,
7. On August 21, 2015, notice of the pending zoning text amendment was published
in the Downey Patriot.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares that the
requested Zone Text Amendment has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Upon completion of this review, it has been determined that
this request is exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15305 (Minor Alterations in
Land Use Limitations) because the proposed zoning text amendment to establish drought-
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 2
tolerant landscaping requirements will not result in any changes in land use or density. The
proposed zoning text amendment is intended to promote water conservation measures to avoid
further depletion of this limited resource.
SECTION 3. Having considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to it at said
public hearing, the Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares
that:
The requested amendment is necessary and desirable for the development
of the community and is in the interests of furtherance of the public health,
safety, and general welfare.
California has been in a drought for the last 4 years, which has caused significant
concern among water experts as to whether there will be sufficient water
resources available for drinking water; agricultural production; commercial and
residential uses; wildlife habitat; and wildfire responses. The Governor of
California has established water conversation as a critical goal for the state by
mandating that a 25% aggregate statewide reduction in potable urban water
usage be achieved by February 2016, as compared to the amount used in 2013.
The proposed zoning text amendment is necessary to establish drought - tolerant
landscaping standards to achieve the Governor's goals for water conservation.
2. The proposed amendment is in general conformance with the General Plan.
The General Plan, Downey Vision 2025, serves as a guide to address the long-
term physical development and growth of the community. It identifies issues
confronting the community and outlines goals to address them, with policies and
programs to accomplish the goals of the plan. The Conservation Element of the
General Plan establishes the policies for preserving natural resources as well as
other limited resources for the continued use of current residents and future
generations. Issue 4.1 of the General Plan recognizes that Downey exists in a
semi -arid desert environment, with a limited supply of surface and groundwater
available to the region. The General Plan also recognizes that water conservation
is most successful when the consumer realizes the benefits of reducing demand.
Consequently, General Plan Goal 4.1 entitled "Provide an adequate water supply
for the needs of residents, workers, and visitors to the City" includes policies and
programs geared toward water conservation methods. Policy 4.1.1 seeks to
promote conservation of water resource, while Program 4.1.1.6, promotes
drought - tolerant plants and other water conservation methods for plant
landscaping projects. As a result, the proposed amendment is in conformance
with the General Plan because it puts measures in place that will promote water
conservation through drought - tolerant landscaping.
SECTION 4. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this Resolution,
the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City Council
amend various Sections of Chapter (General Provisions and Definitions) of Article IX (Land Use)
of the Downtown Municipal Code to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 3
New Downey Municipal Code Amendments: All such language appears underlined and in italics.
Repealed text: All such text appears in strikeout.
Section 9128 ( "D" DEFINITIONS) of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code shall be amended
to add the following definitions:
Qroy ht- tolerant plant A native or non - native ,plant on the City's drought - tolerant plant
list that requires minimal use of water and is appropriate to the region's climate and the
nature of the proiect's use.
Drought - tolerant plant list: A list of native and non- native plant species approved by the
City Planner and maintained by the Planning Division that is organized by ecological
zones for use in landscaped areas within all proiects.
Section 9130 ( "E" DEFINITIONS) of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code shall be amended
to add the following definition:
Ecological zone: A geographic area where plants are indigenous or otherwise
appropriate.
Section 9136 ( "H" DEFINITIONS) of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code shall be amended
to add the following definition:
Hydrozone: A portion of a landscaped area that has plants with similar water and sun
needs that are served by an irrigation valve or set of valves operating on the same
schedule.
Section 9144 ( "L" DEFINITIONS) of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code shall be amended
to add the following definitions:
Landscaped Area: Any area planted with turf, shrubbery, flowers, or trees. Landscaping
may also include synthetic turf (as defined in this Section 916QJ, a limited amount of
stones, permeable pavers, decomposed granite, mulch, benches, ponds, and statuary..
Landscaped Area, Total: The cumulative landscaped area of a lot or parcel of land. For
single family residences, the total landscaped area shall be the front _yard not including
the City right -of -way parkway area, as defined by Section 9170 of this Code.
Section 9144 ( "L" DEFINITIONS) of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code shall be amended
to read as follows:
Landscaping: The planting and maintenance of a combination of live plant materials, to
which may include native or exotic trees, groundcover, shrubs, vines, flowers, and lawn.
Landscaping may also include synthetic tun`, a limited amount of stones, permeable
pavers, decomposed granite, benches, ponds, and statuary.
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 4
Section 9152 ( "P" DEFINITIONS) of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code shall be amended
to add the following definition:
Project: Any construction that requires discretionary or non - discretionary land use
approval from the City
Section 9160 ( "T" DEFINITIONS) of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code shall be amended
to add the following definitions:
Turf., A living single- bladed grass or sod.
Turf, Synthetic: A man -made, synthetic material manufactured from nylon,
polypropylene, polyethylene, or a blend of nylon, polypropylene and polyethylene fibers
which simulates the appearance of live turf, organic turf, grass, sod, or lawn.
SECTION 5. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that
the City Council amend Section 9520.02 (INTENT AND PURPOSE) of Article IX of the Downey
Municipal Code shall be amended to read as follows:
"SECTION 9520.02. INTENT AND PURPOSE.
The purpose of this section is to establish landscaping, lighting, and walls regulations that
are intended to:
(a) Create an atmosphere of orderly development and uniformly pleasant and attractive
surroundings in the City to enhance, conserve, and stabilize property values;
(b) Reduce the amount of heat, noise, and glare generated by development in the City;
(c) Minimize water use and energy consumption;
(d) Reduce the amount of urban storm water runoff generated by development in the
City;
(e) Preserve existing mature landscaping;
(f) Protect public health, safety, and welfare by minimizing the impact of all forms of
physical and visual pollution; screening incompatible uses; preserving and
enhancing the visual appearance of the City; and enhancing pedestrian, bicycle,
and vehicular traffic safety.
(g) Establish minimum standards for the design and installation of landscaping ush7g
drought- tolerant plants and native plants that repui're minimal use of water: These
standards will helix conserve water resources by requiring landscapigg that is
appropriate to the City's climate and to the nature of the use."
SECTION 6. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the
City Council amend Section 9520.04 (LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS) of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code shall be amended to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 5
"SECTION 9520.04. LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Requirements. Landscaping and required planting areas shall be installed in
accordance with the standards and requirements of this section for all zones. All
front and street side setbacks within all zones, excluding approved walkways and
driveways, shall be landscaped.
(b) Development Regulations.
(1) Required planting areas shall be permanently maintained. As used in this
section, "maintained" includes proper watering, pruning, mowing of lawns, weed
abatement, removal of litter, fertilizing, and replacement of plants and other
landscape materials when necessary.
(2) Existing mature landscaping shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible.
(3) Landscape material shall not be located such that at maturity the landscaping:
(i) Interferes with safe sight distances for vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian
traffic;
(ii) Conflicts with overhead utility lines, overhead lights, or walkway lights; or
(iii) Blocks pedestrian and bicycle ways.
(4) All landscaping and trees shall be approved and installed prior to the issuance
of a certificate of occupancy.
(5) Trees shall be planted in the parkway or in approved tree wells as required by
the Department of Public Works. Property owners shall maintain trees and
landscaping in parkways.
(6) Except in the R -1 and R -2 zones, the total number of trees required shall be as
follows:
(i) One (1) tree for every five (5) parking spaces; and
(ii) One (1) tree for every twenty (20) linear feet of street (including street side)
frontage.
(7) Except in the R -1 and R -2 zones, the size of trees, at time of planting, shall be
as required in Table 9.5.4.
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 6
Table 9.5.4. Tree Size Requirements
Tree Size
48 inch box
Percentage of
Requirement
10
36 inch box
10
24 inch box
15
15 gallon
60
Other
5
Total
100
(c) Landscaping Plan. A landscaping plan showing the location of all turf, plant
materials, and irrigation systems shall be required for all uses that include
landscaping projects. Landscaping plans for projects within the R -1, R -2, and R -3
Zones shall be reviewed by the City Planner through a minor site plan review, in
accordance with Administrative Permit process and in accordance with Section
9814.04. LandscgRingprojects for all other zones shall be a0rovedby the Planning
Commission during Site Plan Review. LandscaDina Dlans for Droiects in all zones
require a building permit. Plans submitted for the issuance of a building permit or a
site plan may be used in lieu of a landscaping plan provided that compliance with all
of the requirements of a landscaping plan is achieved to the satisfaction of the
Commission during Site Plan Review. The Commission may reject such plans if
they determine that they are not consistent with the purpose of this chapter.
Landscaping plans shall demonstrate a recognizable pattern or theme for the
overall development through conformance with the following:
(1) Plant materials shall be selected for energy efficiency and drought tolerance
and adaptability and relationship to the City's environment. A minimum of seventy -
five (75) percent of non -turf material shall be drought resistant. All drought tolerant
plant materials shall comply with the list provided by the Planning Division.
(2) Plant materials shall be sized and spaced to achieve immediate effect.
Approved non -turf areas, such as shrub beds, shall be top- dressed with bark chip
mulch mixed into the topsoil or other approved alternative. Dressing material shall
be maintained within planter areas and shall not be allowed to migrate onto hard
surfaces, such as sidewalks and parking lots.
(3) Excluding the street setbacks, turf shall be limited to no more than twenty -five
(25) percent of the total landscaping area. No turf shall be permitted on slopes
exceeding ten (10) percent.
(4) All plantings other than trees shall provide a screen of not less than one and
one -half (l Y2) feet to three (3) feet at full growth, shall not be thorny or spiked, and
shall not project over the sidewalk.
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 7
(d) Irrigation. All planting beds and landscape areas shall be provided with a
permanent watering system consistent with the following:
(1) Turf. Sprinklers shall be installed with a separate irrigation valve from irrigation
valves used for other vegetation.
(2) Sprinklers. All new automatic irrigation systems shall have sprinkler heads
with application rates that do not exceed the infiltration rate of the soil. Such
systems shall be installed with dual or multiple program controllers that permit
cycles of five (5) to ten (10) minutes per hour. Landscaping requiring intensive
watering shall be watered by hand or drip irrigation.
(e) Parking Lot Landscaping. Except for the R -1 and R -2 zones, all parking lot
landscaping shall comply with the following:
(1) All off - street parking areas of five (5) or more spaces shall be landscaped. All
parking areas of five (5) to twenty (20) spaces shall contain a minimum interior
landscaped area of five (5) percent of the total parking area, exclusive of
landscaping within a front or side setback. All parking areas of more than twenty
(20) spaces shall contain a minimum interior landscaped area of ten (10) percent of
the total parking area, exclusive of landscaping within a front or side setback.
(2) Required landscaping shall be evenly distributed throughout the parking area
and planted sufficiently to achieve complete coverage within one (1) year of the
initial planting. Islands at the ends of parking lanes shall be provided to help achieve
"orchard" parking lot landscaping.
Required landscaped areas shall be bounded by masonry or concrete curb, except
no curb shall be required when abutting a street property line. Required curbs shall
have a minimum width of four (4) inches and a height of six (6) inches.
(3) Where parking lots, parking structures, or other parking areas abut other
properties, the following standards shall apply:
(i) Where a vehicular parking or driveway area in a nonresidential zone
abuts property in a residential zone or a school, a minimum ten (10) foot
wide landscape strip shall be provided along the property line which is
adjacent to the residential zone or school. This landscape area shall be
maintained with trees or shrubs not less than six (6) feet in height at the
time of planting, and not less than fifteen (15) feet in height at maturity.
(ii) Where a parking lot or parking structure abuts any other property line, a
minimum five (5) foot wide landscape strip is required.
(4) Interior parking lot landscaped areas shall have a minimum dimension of five
(5) feet, exclusive of curbs and shall be so located as to interrupt parking rows.
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 8
(5) The end of each row of parking stalls shall be separated from driveways by a
landscaped planter, sidewalk, or similar means. Additionally, a minimum of one (1)
landscape island shall be provided between every ten (10) parking spaces (Figure
9.5.3) with irrigated understory and curbs. The islands shall have a minimum width of
five (5) feet exclusive of curbs.
Large Tree
ShnN
Alininuun Lmalscopc "y7d
Island dlh ...
Figure 9.5.3. Trees within Parking Lot Landscape Islands
(6) Landscaping shall be provided on the upper levels of parking structures, where
feasible, when these structures are visible from public streets, pedestrian pathways,
or adjacent buildings.
(7) Landscaping planters shall be used to control access to parking lots, to make
traffic diverters prominent, to direct the flow of traffic within the lot, and to enhance
the safety of parking lots by guiding the circulation of vehicles and people.
(8) Two (2) feet at the end of landscape islands shall be left unplanted when
adjacent to drive aisles and driveways to prevent plant materials from being run
over by vehicles. The use of cobbles, patterned concrete, or brick pavers shall
generally be installed in these end areas.
(9) In the M -1 and M -2 Zones, landscaping shall not be required for areas of a site
that are not visible (as determined by the City Planner) from a street or other public
area, and which are not a public parking area. In such areas the landscaping
requirements above may be waived at the discretion of the City Planner.
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 9
(f) Intersection Visibility. All landscaping material shall be maintained in accordance
with the intersection visibility requirements of Section 9534.16. See Figure 9.5.4.
—J
1=re�.�ttutding raid Pole; Sims tire
allowed within the 4��mcr cutback
✓ % am tt ith a minimum
vertical ck'Iu.ncc of 9 N.
I
r Pteilvrt% line
1w rr r�rr * r rr rrr
tiid4ut,lk 7
PR& ay o
Corner cutback area Irev
from vi,utd ol1, lle Botts: Curti
intiiittnmr ►ecdl, le�tcc, turd hc*e �
iand.cuping height r30 Inches
25 li.
Figure 9.5.4. Intersection Visibility
(g) Alternatives. The City Planner may allow alternative means of complying with the
requirements of this section provided the alternative achieves results comparable to
those achieved through strict application of the provisions of this section.
(h) Landscaping Design Standards.
(1) Landscaping and open spaces shall be designed as an integral part of the
overall site plan design. Landscaping and open spaces shall enhance the building
design, enhance public views and spaces, provide buffers and transitions, provide
for a balance of solar uses, and provide screening.
(2) Landscape design shall accent the overall design theme through the use of
structures such as arbors and trellises that are appropriate to the particular
architectural style of adjacent structures.
(3) Landscaped areas shall incorporate plantings using a three (3) tier system:
(i) Grasses and ground covers;
(ii) Shrubs; and
(iii) Trees.
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 10
(4) Planting Design Concepts. The following are common planting design
concepts that shall be used whenever feasible:
(i) Specimen trees used in informal grouping and rows at major focal points;
(ii) Extensive use of flowering vines both on walls and arbors;
(iii) Pots, vases, wall or raised planters;
(iv) The use of planting to create shadow and patterns against walls;
(v) Large broadleaf deciduous trees to create canopy and shade in the
summer and sun in the winter, particularly in parking areas;
(vi) The use of flowering trees in informal groups to provide color;
(vii) Informal massing of colorful plantings;
(viii) Use of distinctive plants as focal points; and
(ix) Plantings and low walls to screen parking areas from view of public
rights -of -way while allowing filtered views of larger buildings beyond.
(5) Planting areas between walls and streets shall be landscaped with a hierarchy
of plants in natural formations and groupings. Solid walls over three (3) feet high
shall receive vines or hedge when adjacent to public streets.
(6) A colorful landscape edge should be established at the base of buildings.
Avoid asphalt edges at the base of structures as much as possible. Plant materials
located in containers are appropriate.
(7) Planting masses on -site should assume a simple, nonuniform arrangement.
The diversity of massing types should be great enough to provide interest, but kept
to a level that evokes a relaxed natural feeling.
(8) Where landscaped screening may be substituted for a required wall between
zones or uses, such screening shall consist of evergreen trees and shrubs, closely
spaced and maintained at a height equal to the height of the required wall. When
not otherwise specified, screening shall consist of trees and shrubs which shall not
be less than six (6) feet in height upon planting and which shall be maintained at a
height of from fifteen (15) feet to twenty (20) feet at maturity.
(9) Landscape planters shall be designed to retain water on -site within the planter
area.
(10) Artwork, benches, and other structural features may be included within
landscaping areas in residential zones if approved as part of a site plan (where
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 11
required). Decorative water features shall use recirculating water-
(i) Installation and Maintenance.
(1) Trees shall be adequate in trunk diameter to support the top area of the tree.
Trees, shrubs, and vines should have body and fullness that is typical of the
species.
(2) All ground cover shall be healthy, densely foliated, and well- rooted cuttings, or
one (1) gallon container plants.
(3) The spacing of trees and shrubs shall be appropriate to the species used. The
plant materials shall be spaced so that they do not interfere with the adequate
lighting of the premises or restrict access to emergency apparatus such as fire
hydrants or fire alarm boxes. Proper spacing shall also ensure unobstructed access
for vehicles and pedestrians in addition to providing clear vision of the intersections
from approaching vehicles.
(4) Plant material shall conform to the following spacing standards:
(i) A minimum of thirty (30) feet from the property corner at a street
intersection to the center of the first tree or large shrub;
(ii) A minimum of fifteen (15) feet between center of trees and ten (10) feet
between large shrubs to light standards;
(iii) A minimum often (10) feet between center of trees or large shrubs and
fire hydrants;
(iv) A minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the intersection of a driveway (for
commercial, mixed use, or public /semipublic and industrial uses) with a street
right -of -way to the center of any tree having a diameter larger than eighteen
(18) inches at maturity or large shrub and a minimum of ten (10) feet for
residential uses.
(5) Trees and shrubs should be planted as shown in Figures 9.5.5 and 9.5.6.
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 12
Slop.;
(13 hew
Slope I- itlish
(Ind:
(,., I►Lre gists )
— Shrub
z.. 1.u1 er Mulch
3" Wat ,-i I hi,u1 I M111
I utisll Grud4
Roothall
Amcil"I Ijack1ill
-
I'll"' till NI 2< Sin of
Roottv-11. Roaghcttcd Pit Sim,
Subgmt1i
ContlXrcIal
AntcndtA Backtill
Figure 9.5.5. Tree Planting
TAW
stakes - Clear of RwItmil
V LT • NiA Drace I or alt�mtativ e
aplwoved h %• City 1'laluucr
Provide fret CuaMs lit furt'Aturs
3" barer Mulch
3" Watcrum Rasin Benin
Fitu,h Grtde
Roottwrll
Amended Back ill
11hatting Pit 2x Sivc of Rookall.
RoagkmW Pit Side
Subpar a&
C'ompactLd Anicmd tt Mwk- ill
Figure 9.5.6. Shrub Planting
(6) The use of turf shall be minimized or substituted altogether with groundcovers. Turf
should generally be excluded from median or sidewalk strips and similar areas that
are difficult to irrigate. Low - water -using grass varieties are encouraged.
(7) Water efficient irrigation systems, such as drip, low output sprinkler heads, zonal
systems and automatic timers, shall be provided. Planting shall be according to
water needs, and the irrigation system matched to these needs.
(8) Plant varieties shall predominately be low water consuming, suited to the local soil
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 13
and climate and grouped according to their water requirements.
(9) Mulches shall be used generously and reapplied as part of a regular maintenance
program to reduce evaporation, soil compaction and weeds."
SECTION 7. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that
the City Council amend Section 9520.04 (LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS) of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code shall be amended by adding Section 9520.04 0) to read as follows:
" fi1 Drought- Tolerant Landscaping Requirements (Private Property). In addition to
the Landscaping Plan re uirements of Section 9520.04 b 7 the total landscaped area of a lot
or parcel of land on which a project is located shall comply with the following:
(1) No less than seventy -five percent (75%) of such total landscaped area shall
contain plants from the drought - tolerant plant list.
(2) No more than twenty- five i2ercent (25% of such total landscaped area shall
consist of stones, permeable pavers, decomposed granite,. mulch, benches
ponds, and statuary if so desired, however, in no event shall turf, if used, be
Wanted in strips that are less than five feet wide and in no event shall the total
landscaped area contain more than five - thousand (5, 000) square feet of turf,
(3) The total landscaped area may be irrigated manually or through other water-
efficient methods such as weather -based irrigation controllers, soil moisture
sensors, rainfall shutoff devices, rain sensors, rotary spray sprinkler heads,
and micro -t ation (drip systems). Watering hours, duration and days on
which irrigation of landscaping is allowed, shall comply with Chapter 3.5
(WATER CONSERVATION Regulations and restrictions) of the Downey
Municipal Code,° specifically Section 7350 (Use Restrictions) and Section 7353
(Water Conservation).
(4) Drought- tolerant plants in such total landscaped area shall be grouped in
hydrozones in accordance with their respective water, soil, climate, sun,light
and maintenance requirements.
(5) The landscaped area shall incorporate drought-tolerant plants from a list of
native and non - native plant species approved by the City Planner and
maintained by the Community Development Department Planning Division.
L1 The landscaped area shall incorporate mulch around shrubs and garden
plants. The mulch shall be composed of wood bark chips wood grindings,
pine straws, nut shells, small gravel, and/or shredded landscape clippings,
/ants to help reduce eva oration inhibit weed gromdh, moderate soil
temperature. and prevent erosion. The amount of mulch used shall not exceed
25% of the total landscaped area.
M The landscaped area may incorporate permeable paving such as gravel,
river rock, sand, tumbled glass manufactured tiles, formed cement
blocks, pavers, or bricks to pave a walkway surface in which the water
can infiltrate."
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 14
SECTION 8. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that
the City Council amend Section 9520.04 (LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS) of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code shall be amended by adding Section 9520.04 (k) to read as follows:
"Lkj Drought- Tolerant Landscaping' Requirements (City Parkways) — City approved
drought tolerant trees, shrubs, ground covers, and other plants shall be used for new
developments and existing ro ert renovations when des4qninq and implementing drought-
tolerant landscaping_mprvvements within City parkway areas along the frontage of andlor
adjacent to the property. Design and installation of such parkway improvements shall be
reviewed and approved by the Pubfic Works Department."
SECTION 9. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that
the City Council amend Section 9520.04 (LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS) of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code shall be amended by adding Section 9520.04 (1) to read as follows:
"(1) Site Plan Review. The City Planner shall review Drought- tolerant landscaping
proiects in the R -1. R -2 and R -3 zones for compliance with the drought- tolerant landscaping
requirements described in Section 9520.04 (i), through a minor site plan review, in accordance
with Administrative Permit process, in accordance with Section 9814.04.
(1) The landscaping plan for the project shall list all draught - tolerant and non -
drought- tolerant landscaping that will be incorporated into the pro, ject. In
addition the landsc@ping plan shall outline the areas of the omiect to be
landscaped with drought- tolerant lap nts, synthetic turf, andlor drought - tolerant
landscaping if applicable, and calculations shall be provided on the plan
showing the percent of landscaping devoted to each. Upon installation of the
landscaping. ,plants other than as originally shown on the latidscayirlu Wan
may be installed without additional approval from the Community
Development Department as long as the same relative percent of drought-
tolerant plants to non - drought- tolerant landscaping as originally designed is
maintained. The landscaping plan shall also depict the location of any trees
planted as required by Section 9520.04 (c)."
SECTION 10. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends
that the City Council amend Section 9520.04 (LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS) of Article IX of
the Downey Municipal Code shall be amended by adding Section 9520.04 (o) to read as follows:
"LoJ Modification of Landscapina ReQUirements. The City Planner may -grant a
modification to the landscaping reguir em_ents of Section 9520.04 (i) under the following
circumstances:
(1) When the topographical features, lot size, or other conditions make it
unreasonable, impractical, or otherwise creates an unnecessary hardship to
require compliance with these landscaping requirements: or
(2) When the nature of a large scale or multi -lot project necessitates flexibility
the project design that impacts the landscaping of the project."
SECTION 11. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that
the City Council amend Section 9520.04 (LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS) of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code shall be amended by adding Section 9520.04 (p) to read as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 15
"fpl Synthetic Turf Standards
(1) Synthetic tun` may be used in lieu of natural turf in front, side and rear yards
for up to 100% coverage or in combination with groundcover, shrubs, vines, flowers, or trees, for
properties in any land use zone.
(2) General Appearance. Synthetic tun` shall be installed and maintained to
effectivelZ simulate the natural aggearance of a well-maintained lawn. Synthetic turf shall
incorporate thatch fibers in light brown or tan colors. The Plannin g Department shall maintain
and make available for public inspection a sample of various synthetic turf products that meet
this standard of appearance.
(3) Synthetic turf installations shall comply with the standards and regulations
found in the California Building Code.
(4) Synthetic turf shall be separated from planter areas by a concrete mow strip,
bender board, or other barrier with a minimum 318" thickness, to prevent the
intrusion of living plant material into the synthetic turf areas.
(5) Materials. Synthetic turf shall be of a type known as cut gile infill and shall be
manufactured from polypropylene, polyethylene, or a blend of polypropylene
and polyethyLene fibers stitched onto a o! ro lene or Polyurethane meshed
or hole-punched permeable backing. Backings shall have holes spaced in a
uniform grid pattern with spacing not to exceed four inches by six inches on
center. The synthetic turf shall have a minimum 8-year "No Fade" warranty,
Svnthetic turf must consist of pile fibers a minimum height of 1 -314 ", a face
weight of not less than 65 oz.
(6) Installation. Synthetic tun` shall be installed over a compacted and porous
road base material and shall be anchored at all edges and seams. This
installation process shall consist of the following process:
(i) Existing grass or weeds shall be removed:
(ii) Excavate soil to a depth of at least two inches:
(iii) install a border (a concrete mow strip, bender board, or other barrier with
a minimum 318" thickness) along the perimeter of the synthetic tun` area
to prevent the intrusion of living plant material into the synthetic turf area:
(iv) Cap any existing irrigation lines;
(v) Add quarter -inch self - compacting gravel as the base material, about a
quarter inch above the pM ect area border and higher in the middle of
the proiect area:
(vi) Rake and compact the base material;
(vii) Add a weed mat over the compacted base material.
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 16
(viii) Install the synthetic tun` over the compacted base material and anchor
the synthetic turf at all edges and seams. Seams shall be glued and not
sewn; and
(ix) An infill medium consistrW of silica sand or acrylic coated sand or other
approved mixture shall be brushed into the fibers to insure that the fibers
remain in an upright position and to provide ballast that will help hold the
tun` in place and provide a cushioning effect.
(7) Prohibited uses. The use of indoor or outdoor plastic or nylon carpeting as a
replacement for synthetic turf or natural tun` shall be prohibited. The use of
crumb rubber as an in -fill material is prohibited.
(8) Maintenance. A regular schedule of maintaini►rp_the synthetic turf shall
include surface cleaning, debris removal, grooming, and infill redistribution and
de- compaction. Periodic brushing orgrooming of the synthetic turf surface by
a static (non - rotary) double brush shall conform to the written maintenance
guidelines provided by the installation company. The periodic use of a
vacuum, sweeper or blower shall be applied to keep the synthetic surface
clean, in conformance with the suggested maintenance guidelines provided by
the synthetic installation manufacturer."
SECTION 12. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that
the City Council amend Section 9814.04 Minor Site Plan Review) of Article IX of the Downey
Municipal Code shall be amended to read as follows:
"SECTION 9814.04 AUTHORITY OF THE CITY PLANNER.
The City Planner shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny an Administrative
Permit. The City Planner shall render a decision on an Administrative Permit on the following
applications, subject to specific findings and procedures:
(a) Minor Modification.
(1) In the R -1 and R -2 Zones, minor modifications of the size of linear
measurements may be permitted by the City Planner where the
nonconforming size or linear measurement was conforming at the time of its
creation;
(2) The reduction of lot area or lot dimensions by not more than one (1) percent of
that required in the zone;
(3) The modification of the width of required parking spaces by not more than
three (3) inches and the modification of other parking design standards when
such modification will accomplish the intent of this article;
(4) The modification of walls or fences which shall not exceed ten (10) percent of
the specified measurements where topography or structural measurements
require such modification;
(5) When landscaping requirements make it impractical to comply, a modification
not exceeding ten (10) percent may be approved;
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 17
(6) The modification of the side setback area to permit the extension of existing
building lines for additions or minor building modifications for alignment
purposes, except that no modification shall reduce the required setback closer
than three (3) feet to a property line;
(7) When additional dedications for street widening are required for lots of
recorded subdivisions, the front or street side setback requirements shall be
reduced the same distance as that required for street dedications; however, in
no case shall the allowed setback be less than the average depth of the
projecting building on either side of the subject property;
(8) Other minor modifications as may be delegated to the City Planner by
resolution of the Commission; and
(9) Minor changes to sign copy or materials not affecting the overall size of the
sign or sign copy area.
(b) Home Occupation Permit. Pursuant to the regulations identified in
Section 9408.
(c) Temporary Use of Land Permit. Pursuant to the regulations identified in
Section 9424.
(d) Special Event Permit. Pursuant to the regulations identified in Section
9420.
(e) Second Unit Development Permit. Pursuant to the regulations
identified in Section 9414.
(f) Minor Site Plan Review. Minor Site Plan review is for small additions
that increase the size of the existing building by no more than a ten (10)
percent within a five (5) year period, and where the addition does not
require a variance or on a residential property does not increase the
number of dwelling units. Minor Site Plan review is also for checking
drought- tolerant landsca ing projects in the R -1, R -2 and R -3 zones for
compliance with the drought- tolerant landscaping requirements
described in Section 9520.04 (i).
(g) Temporary Outdoor Display and Sales. Pursuant to the regulations
identified in Section 9420.10.
(h) Minor Conditional Use Permit. Minor Conditional Use Permits are for
large family day care homes in the residential zones and for outdoor
dining areas in the commercial zones."
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2935
PAGE 18
SECTION 13. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 2nd day of September, 2015.
rAuian. airman
City Planning Commission
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Downey at a regular meeting held on the 2nd day of September, 2015,
by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
COMMISSIONERS:
Lujan, Flores, Morales, Rodriguez and Owens
NOES:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
ABSTAIN:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary' -
City Planning Commission