HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes No 2037PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2037
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, TO ESTABLISH DESIGN CRITERIA AND
SPECIFICATIONS FOR PARKING LOT TREES.
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, does resolve as
follows:
WHEREAS, present parking lot tree design criteria do not provide sufficient current information
to adequately shade parking lots; and
WHEREAS, said lack of standards can be remedied; and
WHEREAS, said new standards would be in the furtherance of health, safety and public welfare;
and
WHEREAS, studies and investigations made by the Landscape Manager and Department of
Community Development reveal that:
1. The revised standards for parking lot tree planters will better allow trees to reach their full
potential and thus allow the goal of 50% shading of parking Tots to be met; and
2. The reduced size for parking spaces to facilitate larger tree planters is consistent with the
general downsizing of automobiles.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert,
does hereby approve Design Criteria and Specifications for Parking Lot Trees as attached hereto as
Exhibit "A".
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert Planning
Commission, held on this 5th day of December, 2000, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: CAMPBELL, FINERTY, JONATHAN, LOPEZ, BEATY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
PAUL R. BEATY, Chairperson
PHILIP DRELL, S cretary
Palm Desert Plann ng Commission
EXHIBIT A
PARKING LOT TREE DESIGN CRITERIA
AND SPECIFICATIONS RESOLUTION
(PERTAINING TO ORDINANCE 25.58)
Parking Lot Tree Requirements
The intent of this section shall be to improve and maximize landscaping within the
off-street open parking areas including, but not limited to, providing fifty percent (50°/0) or
more of shade coverage in parking lot areas within ten years. Parking lot trees in a single
row of parking stalls shall be provided and maintained at the ratio of one (1) medium or
large-scale tree for every three (3) stalls. For a double row of parking stalls trees shall be
planted and maintained at the ratio of one (1) medium or large-scale tree for every six (6)
parking stalls. A diversity of tree species is required. The minimum size tree planted shall
be no Tess than a twenty-four (24") inch box tree, sized to specifications according to the
American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1) and Arizona Nursery Association
Grower's standards. Low water use and "native" plant materials shall be encouraged and
used to the greatest extent possible. Problematic trees having shallow or invasive roots or
having brittle or weak branching structure shall be prohibited. All trees shall be planted and
maintained according to the City of Palm Desert's "Landscape Guidelines" and in such a
manner to maximize the growth, health and longevity of the plantings. Parking lot trees
adaptable to the Coachella Valley environment shall be selected and planted according to
the recommended parking lot tree list in Exhibit "A" of the ordinance codified in this chapter,
on file in the City Clerk's office and/or approved by the City's Landscape Manager.
Plan Review Process
Landscape and irrigation plan submittals shall be subject to approval by the City's
planning department, Landscape Manager, and additional requirements per City -Ordinance
24.04 (water -efficient landscape). All drawings shall clearly identify tree and shrub species,
sizes, locations, and spacing; location of street signs, lights, utilities, and driveways;
irrigation layout design; and maintenance schedule for the care of plants and the irrigation
system.
Tree Selection
Multiple tree species are required when six (6) or more parking stalls require
landscaping. The number of tree species is based on the total amount of parking spaces.
PARKING LOT TREE DESIGN CRITERIA AND
SPECIFICATIONS RESOLUTION (pertaining to ordinance 25.58)
Page 2 of 7
When required to plant one (1) or two (2) tree species, use evergreen trees only. Semi -
evergreen trees and deciduous trees may be used when selecting three (3) or more tree
species, as noted herein:
Parking Spaces
Required
Number
Of
Trees*
Number of Tree
Species Required
Tree Type
1- 6
1- 2
1 tree type
Evergreen
7 - 30
2 — 10
2 tree types
Evergreen
31 — 90
11 — 30
3 tree types
Evergreen/Semi-
Evergreen/Deciduous
more
more than 91
31 +
4 or more tree types
Evergreen/Semi-
•
Deciduous trees may be used in substitution for semi -evergreen trees. Limit the use of deciduous/semi-
evergreen trees to no more than one-third (1/3) of the total tree quantity.
•
Native and small-scale trees need room to develop low spreading branch structure and may interfere with
pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Compared to other tree species, native and small-scale trees will require
more maintenance and a higher replacement ratio. Therefore, if these species are used in planters, they must
have a single trunk, trained as a standard, and limited to no more than one -quarter (1/4) of the total tree
quantity.
•
One (1) tree for every three (3) parking spaces in single stall row and one (1) tree for every six (6) parking
spaces in double row.
Trees in planters shall have a single -trunk and shall have a minimum trunk size of
no less than one and one-half (1-% ") inch diameter. The canopy shall be an average of
eight to ten (8' to 10') feet in height and shall be three to four (3' to 4') feet in width.
Multi -trunk trees are generally considered accent trees and shall be permitted in
planting areas provided the area permits the natural spread and development of the tree
canopy. Multi -trunk trees shall be no less than a twenty-four (24") inch boxed tree. The
average trunk diameter of each major branch shall be no less than one (1") inch in
diameter. Under no circumstance shall the pruning of multi -trunk trees be allowed to
constrict the development of the canopy.
PARKING LOT TREE DESIGN CRITERIA AND
SPECIFICATIONS RESOLUTION (pertaining to ordinance 25.58)
Page 3 of 7
Substitutions
Substitutions may be approved or rejected by the City's Landscape Manager and
may be referred to the Architectural Review Commission for approval or rejection. All
substitution requests must be submitted in writing to the City's Landscape Manager and
shall be agreed to or rejected in writing.
Planting Requirements.
All planting shall conform to the City of Palm Desert's "Landscape Installation
Guidelines". When planting small-scale and columnar trees, plant no less than fifteen (15')
feet apart and no greater than twenty-five (25') feet apart. Native and medium -scale trees
shall be spaced no closer than twenty-five (25') feet apart and large-scale trees spaced a
minimum of thirty-five (35') feet apart. Planting of non -desert, deciduous, and evergreen
trees is not recommended when daily air temperatures exceed 100° Fahrenheit.
Stockpiling of plant material is only permitted by approval. Approval for stockpiling may be
obtained by submitting a written request to the City's Landscape Manager and it shall be
agreed to or rejected in writing. Approved, stockpiled plant material shall be properly
watered, protected from the sun, and inspected and approved by the City's Landscape
Inspector prior to installation. Approval of stockpiled plant material shall be granted by
written notice.
Planter Requirements.
New or retrofitted tree planters shall be a minimum of nine (9') feet by seven (7')
feet, measured to the outside perimeter of the planter, and shall have no less than forty-
eight (48) square feet of permeable planting area.
Parking Lot Irrigation Requirements.
Irrigation systems within parking lots are required. The irrigation system shall be
automated with use of an irrigation control timer. Irrigate trees with drip emitters, bubbler
heads, or sub -terrain low volume drip system approved by the Landscape Manager. Trees
shall be irrigated separately from shrubs and ground covers. Irrigation systems must
thoroughly saturate all exposed soil in planters to a depth of twenty-four (24") inches and/or
PARKING LOT TREE DESIGN CRITERIA AND
SPECIFICATIONS RESOLUTION (pertaining to ordinance 25.58)
Page4of7
the lower boundary of the tree rooting zone. All systems shall conform to the City of Palm
Desert's "Landscape Installation Guidelines".
Installation and Inspection of Plant Material and Irrigation System.
Install all plants and irrigation systems according to the City of Palm Desert's
"Landscape Installation Guidelines". The owner shall guarantee the quality of work, health,
and condition of plants and installation of materials including, but not limited to, plant types,
size, spacing, and irrigation systems. The landscape architect or the designer of record
shall be responsible for periodically inspecting and approving to specification the
installation of all landscape elements. Prior to final acceptance of the project, the City shall
accompany the landscape architect or designer of record to inspect and certify that the
installation is in compliance with the approved plans and specifications. All corrections,
adjustments, and/or replacement of landscape elements shall be made prior to final
approval by the City. Execution of a "Landscape Maintenance Agreement" shall also occur
prior to final approval by the City. In the event corrections cannot be made or an
installation cannot be completed prior to issuance of a "Certificate of Occupancy", the City
shall require a cash deposit equal in value to the amount of landscaping not completed.
Failure to complete the project in a timely manner may result in the City using the cash
deposit to complete said work. A cash deposit is returned only when the city gives final
approval of the project.
Landscape Maintenance Agreement and Requirements
A "Landscape Maintenance Agreement" shall be required and executed prior to
issuance of a "Certificate of Occupancy". The agreement insures that the long term care
of all landscape elements is properly conducted to the highest arboricultural and
horticultural standards. The City shall conduct periodic inspections to ensure that the
property owner is complying with the agreement. The property owner is ultimately
responsible for the quality of all plant material and irrigation systems and is responsible to
maintain all landscape and irrigation systems in perpetuity. If the landscape or irrigation
system fails to pass inspection, the owner shall be responsible for making corrections
PARKING LOT TREE DESIGN CRITERIA AND
SPECIFICATIONS RESOLUTION (pertaining to ordinance 25.58)
Page 5of7
and/or replacing materials to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations
within thirty (30) days notice by the City. A Landscape Maintenance Agreement shall
contain, but not be limited to, landscape maintenance requirements and a set of "as built"
irrigation and landscape plans.
Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to; proper pruning, watering, and
fertilization of plants; periodic replacement of mulch; irrigation system repairs and
adjustments; removal, adjustments and/or replacement of tree stakes and/or guy wires;
and weed removal. Organic mulch and compost shall be utilized periodically as a top
dressing wherever practical. The removal of weeds is required. All missing, dead, dying or
injured tree(s) shall be replaced within 30 days. Unless otherwise approved, the
replacement tree(s) shall be the same size and type as removed. The minimum size
replacement tree(s) allowed shall be no less than a twenty-four (24") inch boxed tree.
All major tree pruning work for maintenance shall be supervised by an ISA Certified
Arborists. All pruning shall be performed with an overall goal of providing maximum tree
canopy development. The topping of trees is prohibited. Pruning to reduce the canopy
coverage of a tree is also prohibited unless approved by the City's Landscape Manager.
Request for approval of canopy coverage reduction shall be made in writing to the
Landscape Manager and shall be agreed to or rejected in writing. All significantly injured,
decayed or dead trees, and trees found to be significantly damaged by improper pruning
shall be removed and replaced at the property owner's expense. All maintenance
work performed shall be in accordance with the City of Palm Desert's "Landscape
Maintenance Guidelines".
PARKING LOT TREE DESIGN CRITERIA AND
SPECIFICATIONS RESOLUTION (pertaining to ordinance 25.58)
Page 6of7
GLOSSARY
Accent Tree: Includes multi -trunk, small-scale, and columnar trees whose
purpose is more for aesthetic or screening purposes rather
than for shading purposes.
Boxed Tree: A container -grown tree in a controlled nursery environment.
Canopy: The upper portion of a tree from the lowest branch on the trunk
to the top.
Certified Arborists: A person demonstrating and passing a technical competence
test showing knowledge in the growth, development and
management of trees and other woody plants in the residential,
commercial and public landscapes. Certification is obtained
through the International Society of Arboricultural.
Columnar: The form of a tree that grows more upright and narrow than
broad and spreading.
Deciduous: Trees or shrubs that seasonally lose their leaves.
Diameter: The width of the trunk of a tree or plant.
Diversity: A mix or variety of tree species in order to reduce the risk of
disease and insect infestations and to create variation in
growth rates and tree canopy development.
Evergreen: Trees or shrubs having foliage on branches throughout the
year.
Landscape: Includes elements such as trees, shrubs, groundcovers and
mulch.
Large-scale Tree: A tree whose average height is more than 50 feet tall.
Low -Water Use: A category of water consumption based upon local research
and usually applied to plant material..
Medium -scale Tree: A tree whose average height is between 35 to 45 feet tall.
PARKING LOT TREE DESIGN CRITERIA AND
SPECIFICATIONS RESOLUTION (pertaining to ordinance 25.58)
Page 7of7
Mulch: An organic or in -organic material loosely placed over soil
surface.
Multi -trunk Tree: A tree having three or more major branches originating from
the base of a tree.
Native: Originating naturally in a particular region or part of an area.
Organic Mulch: None to moderately composted woody organic material in
larger to medium particles most often used as a ground cover.
Organic Compost: Organic material that has been biologically and finely
decomposed under controlled conditions to a point of
stabilization. Most often used as a soil amendment.
Plantings: Includes appropriate shrubs, trees, ground covers and
mulches.
Planters: Designated confined planting areas located within a paved
area intended to support the growth and development of trees
and other plant materials.
Pruning: The cutting away of unwanted parts of a plant.
Semi -deciduous: A tree that loses a significant amount of leaves in the dormant
season.
Small-scale Tree: A tree whose average height is between 15 to 25 feet tall.
Species: A group of plants having similar origins but each plant having
individual and unique characteristics.
Standard: The training of a plant to have one single trunk. Origination of
branches may vary depending on plant type, size and intended
purpose.
Stockpiled: The temporary storage of plants or materials on a site.
Topping: A severe type of pruning involving the cutting back of branches
and the leaving of long stubs at branch ends, producing Tess
than desirable results with respect to the tree's natural form.
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