§ 13-108. Landscape maintenance

(a) Responsibility of the property owner: The property owner is responsible for the maintenance of the landscaping on their property. Any dead, dying, or diseased trees, shrubbery, vines, groundcover, or turf, must be replaced within sixty (60) days of written notice from the development services or public services departments. Tree stakes shall be removed when no longer needed to support the tree. Landscaping shall be maintained in an orderly and healthy condition. This shall include proper pruning according to International Society of Arborists (ISA) standards, mowing of lawns, weeding, removal of litter, fertilizing, replacement of plants when necessary, and application of appropriate quantities of water to all landscaped areas. Compost and/or mulch used as a groundcover shall maintain a consistent two (2)-inch minimum layer over soil.

(b) Tree pruning: Topping or heading back of trees are unacceptable pruning methods because the severity of this type of pruning will ruin the natural shape of ornamental trees, and will generate weak new growth which is prone to breaking. The damage created by topping or heading back is difficult to correct. Topping or heading back shall not be used in-lieu of pruning or thinning.

(c) Tree removal: Trees shall not be destroyed or removed without prior city approval. Site plans which identify existing and replacement trees shall be submitted to the planning division for review, along with written request and justification for the removal. Additionally, the planning division may require a report prepared by a California licensed arborist. Where possible, and under the direction of the planning division, replacement trees shall be of a size consistent with that to be removed. Trees may be replaced upon approval of plans by the planning division.

(d) Water conservation required: Landscape maintenance practices shall be employed which foster long-term landscape water. The practices may include, but not be limited to, performing routine irrigation system repair and adjustments, scheduling irrigation based on the California Irrigation Management Information System, use of moisture-sensing or rain shut-off devices, conducting water audits and prescribing the amount of water applied per landscaped acre.

(e) Violation of subsections (a) through (d) of this section shall be enforceable under section 1-33 of this Code, irrespective of the negligence or intent of the violator to cause, allow, or facilitate the destruction, improper maintenance, or removal of any trees, landscaping or irrigation.

(Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97; Ord. No. 99-13, § 2, 9-20-99)