City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: 05/28/2013 Item Number: A-1
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM: (1) Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapter
9.08, Streets and Sidewalks, and Chapter 9.10, Parks, Public Buildings, and
Property, of the Culver City Municipal Code, by Repealing and Replacing Section
9.08.005, Amending Section 9.08.010, Adding a New Subchapter 9.08.200 et seq.,
and Repealing and Reserving Sections 9.10.025 Through 9.10.040, Relating to
Parkway Planting Standards and Tree Removal Regulations; and (2) Adoption of a
Resolution Establishing Residential Parkway Standards.
Contact Person/Dept.: Helen
Kerstein/PW
Phone Number: (310) 253-5618
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Public Notification: (E-mail) Meetings and Agendas – City Council (05/21/13);
(Published) Culver City News (05/16/13; 05/23/13); (E-Mail) Environmental Listserv
(05/14/13); (E-mail) Audubon Society (05/14/13); (E-mail) Ballona Creek Renaissance
(05/14/13).
Department Approval:
Charles D. Herbertson 05/16/2013
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (05/21/13)
Chief Financial Officer Approval:
Jeff Muir (by M. Noller) (05/21/13)
City Manager Approval:
John M. Nachbar (05/21/13)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Introduce an Ordinance amending Chapter 9.08, Streets and Sidewalks, and
Chapter 9.10, Parks, Public Buildings, and Property, of the Culver City
Municipal Code, by repealing and replacing Section 9.08.005, amending
Section 9.08.010, adding a new Subchapter 9.08.200, et seq., and repealing
and reserving Sections 9.10.025 through 9.10.040, relating to parkway
planting standards and tree removal regulations (Attachment 1); and
2. Adopt a resolution establishing Residential Parkway Standards (Attachment
2).
`
BACKGROUND:
Tree Removals
There are approximately 15,500 trees in the City of Culver City, which contribute
significantly to the quality of life of the community. These trees raise property City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
values, encourage economic development, reduce the heat island effect, contribute
to storm water infiltration, and reduce the particulates and greenhouse gases in the
air. However, there are times when the City’s trees pose hazards or create
hardships and thus their removal is in the best interest of the City and the public
health, safety and welfare.
The Public Works Director is charged with overseeing the City’s trees and
determining whether a tree should be removed. The Director’s decision is based on
the criteria outlined in the Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC). The existing
provisions of the CCMC specify that the applicant for a tree removal bears the
burden of proof to demonstrate the reasons for removal by a preponderance of
evidence. It also requires that the following factors shall be considered, amongst
other things, when evaluating tree removal requests:
1. Whether the tree or trees pose a potential for safety problems despite a sound
maintenance program;
2. Whether the roots from adjacent parkway trees are interfering with sewers or utility
lines servicing the abutting property to the extent that the property owner requires
frequent repairs of sewers or utility lines (Damage to sewers alone, however, does
not constitute major damage);
3. Whether the tree is dead, dying or incurably diseased;
4. Whether the tree is diseased and weakened by age, storm, fire or other injuries so
as to pose a danger to persons, properties, improvements and other trees;
5. Whether the tree(s) is of an undesirable species;
6. Whether the tree poses a hardship to the adjacent property owner such as, but not
limited to, damage to the foundation of house or garage, or in the case of a
handicapped person, special circumstances which cause the location of the tree, or
evenness of pavement to become a hindrance for vehicle or handicapped access;
7. Whether removal is necessary for construction of a street improvement project or
other public improvement/repair work.
Furthermore, the CCMC also states that the applicant must show by demonstrable
evidence that the alleged damage to private property caused by the tree in question
is at least $5,000. The $5,000 requirement is especially burdensome as it often
precludes the Public Works Director from recommending removal of a tree that may
otherwise merit removal.
It has become clear in recent years that these provisions are in need of updating in
order to ensure that the CCMC provides clear guidance to the Public Works Director,
but also provides some flexibility so that the Director can exercise his judgment and
expertise.
Parkways
A parkway is defined as the land area between the street curb and the sidewalk. In
non-residential parts of the City, the parkway has generally been filled in with City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
concrete. In residential parts of the City, the parkway has historically been planted
with grass.
With the increasing need for water conservation, there has been growing interest in
replacing water-hungry grass in the City’s residential parkways with more water-
efficient turf or other drought-tolerant alternatives. Along with this interest have
come requests from property owners for clear guidance on what plantings and other
improvements can be made to the parkway.
Existing provisions of the CCMC:
• Require a permit from the Department of Public Works prior to planting any
flowers, grass, vines, vegetables, or other vegetation or removing and
planting trees or shrubs in the parkway (§ 9.10.035). However, neither the
CCMC nor formal Department policies provide direction on what types of
plantings or other types of improvements are acceptable for a permit to be
issued.
• Prohibit any obstacle that will interfere with the free passage of pedestrians or
vehicles in the sidewalk or street (which is defined to include the parkway for
the purposes of the referenced section) (§9.08.010). This could be
interpreted to preclude the installation of many types of plants and other
improvements.
• Do not specifically set forth maintenance responsibilities for the parkway.
While it has been the City’s policy that, except for Landscape Assessment
Districts and City-installed rain gardens for which the City has explicitly taken
maintenance responsibility, maintenance is the responsibility of the adjoining
property owner (a policy which is supported by Streets and Highways Code
§5610). This policy has not been expressly stated in the CCMC, but is
proposed to be included in the proposed amendments to the existing
provisions.
DISCUSSION:
Tree Removals
Staff recommends updating the CCMC to provide additional clarity and flexibility
regarding tree removals. The proposed updates have been recommended with the
recognition that the Public Works Director should have exclusive authority to remove
trees and that these removals may be either initiated by an applicant or by the
Director, articulating the process for each scenario. The changes to the criteria for
tree removal include eliminating the following requirements: 1) that the applicant
bear the burden of proof by preponderance of evidence, 2) that the Public Works
Director makes a declaration on the costs of alternatives, and 3) that $5,000 in City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
damage to private property be documented. The updates also add a procedure for
removals that are necessary for the construction of a private improvement project,
which was not included in the existing CCMC provisions, but is an important
addition. Finally, the alterations consolidate and simplify criteria, remove redundant
language, reorganize and relocate the relevant sections to improve clarity, and
specify which criteria are sufficient to merit removal individually and which should be
considered in combination. Together, these changes should provide the Public
Works Director the flexibility to determine holistically whether or not it is in the best
interest of the City to remove a tree, while simultaneously providing a sufficiently
well-defined framework for making these decisions.
Parkways
In order to provide clearer guidance on acceptable alterations to parkways, staff
recommends codifying broad requirements for parkways (through the Proposed
Ordinance – Attachment 1), which are not expected to change significantly over
time. These requirements include that permits only be issued if proposed changes
do not:
• Preclude the free passage of pedestrians along the sidewalk or from parking
spaces or ramps to the sidewalk
• Obstruct traffic signs or signals from view
• Reduce or obstruct traffic visibility
• Pose harm to the health or safety of persons or property
Staff also recommends that more detailed parkway standards be adopted by
resolution of the City Council (through the Proposed Resolution – Attachment 2) in
order to facilitate adjustments to them at a later date should conditions change.
Staff suggests that the standards include specific requirements aimed at promoting
water conservation, access, and visibility, as well as eliminating potential hazards
and nuisances. These requirements are summarized below and detailed in the
attached Residential Parkway Standards (Standards) (see Attachment 2):
In order to promote water conservation, the Standards:
• Require new plants and turf to be water-efficient, climate appropriate, or
native/indigenous, as well as non-invasive. Encourage low volume, non-
overhead irrigation systems or hand-watering when irrigation is necessary;
prohibit runoff outside the parkway area; and require compliance with the
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and other local, state, and federal laws.
Require that a minimum of 75 percent of the parkway area be permeable and
50 percent be planted.
In order to promote access, the Standards:
• Require a step-out strip (a uniform, firm walking surface such as turf, grass,
other walkable ground cover, pavers, brick, or decomposed granite) along the City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
length of the curb to allow passengers to enter and exit vehicles parked at the
curb. Prohibit overhang and encroachment on to the sidewalk or step-out
strip, and require at least one unimpeded path from the curb to the sidewalk
(accessway) per standard parcel.
In order to promote visibility of traffic signs, signals, and traffic, the Standards:
• Prohibit additions to the parkway (except trees) that exceed 30 inches in
height at maturity.
In order to eliminate potential hazards and nuisances, the Standards:
• Prohibit ivy or other dense ground covers that harbor or attract rodents; plants
with thorns, stickers, or edible fruit; objects such as statues, raised planters
and pots, benches, fences, other similar decorative items; artificial turf; and
pea gravel or other loose small rock that can easily be kicked out or otherwise
displaced onto the sidewalk. The Standards also ensure adequate access to
fire hydrants, compatibility with street trees and that materials such as bricks,
flagstone and pavers are maintained flush with the ground, so as not to pose
a tripping hazard.
The proposed Standards also allow for no-fee permits for the planting of walkable
planting material selected from the pre-approved list and establish a more involved
process for the installation of storm water capture systems (such as rain gardens or
bioswales) or other complex changes to the parkway. The proposed ordinance and
Standards will formally articulate the requirements for parkways for the first time,
thus enhancing consistency and clarity in the permitting process.
Finally, staff proposes clarifying that the prohibition on obstructions in CCMC
§9.08.010 does not apply when parkways are permitted pursuant to these
Standards, and also adding language to identify explicitly that, except in the case of
a Landscape Assessment District or City-installed rain garden for which the City has
explicitly taken maintenance responsibility, it is the owner of the adjoining property
(not the City) who is responsible for maintaining the parkway area and keeping it
free from anything that might pose a hazard to the public. This addition to the
CCMC should help make it clear that the adjoining property owner is responsible for
maintenance and provide stronger authority for code enforcement to cite those who
fail to maintain their parkways and thus create aesthetic and public safety concerns.
Violations/Penalties
The Proposed Ordinance also includes provisions making it unlawful to violate the
provisions of Subchapter 9.08.200 et seq., relating to parkway plantings and tree
removal, and imposing certain fines and penalties. (See §9.08.230 of the Proposed
Ordinance)
City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
City Council Sustainability Subcommittee
Staff discussed these proposed changes with the City Council Sustainability
Subcommittee (Sahli-Wells and Cooper) on September 19, 2012. The
Subcommittee was generally supportive, but raised concerns and/or questions about
the following aspects of the Standards:
Benches
The proposed Standards prohibit benches, among other items. Vice Mayor Sahli-
Wells articulated the value of benches in public spaces such as parkways in
promoting place-making and community building. Staff raised concerns about
benches potentially creating hazards or nuisances, facilitating loitering, and
contributing to visual blight if not appropriately selected and maintained. For these
reasons, staff is not recommending allowing them in the parkways. If the City
Council wishes to allow them, staff recommends permitting them under a revocable
permit and requiring that the City be indemnified. If this is the direction of Council,
staff would also investigate the possibility and practicality of requiring the property
owner to cover the City under their homeowner’s liability policy.
Fruit Trees
The proposed Standards also prohibit plants that produce edible fruit. Although the
Standards do not specifically mention trees, this prohibition would include fruit trees.
Vice Mayor Sahli-Wells expressed a desire to allow fruit trees in parkways. There
has been a movement in some places around the country to allow fruit trees in
public places. Guerrilla Grafters have been grafting unauthorized fruit branches onto
street trees in the San Francisco Bay Area. Los Angeles County has incorporated
fruit trees as part of its renovation of Del Aire Park. However, cities have generally
resisted this movement, especially for street trees, for a variety of reasons, including:
these trees are typically not an appropriate size for the parkway, often drop fruit or
attract pests, and are not consistent with the trees that are already planted in the
parkways. In Culver City, the species of trees in the parkways are identified in the
adopted Street Tree Master Plan and are chosen based on a wide range of criteria
such as size, root invasiveness, hardiness, messiness, environmental sustainability,
and location appropriateness. Because the City maintains these trees and faces
complaints and claims that arise from them, it is important that they be appropriate
for the site and be controlled by the Master Plan rather than allowed through an
alternate process. Staff does not recommend that fruit trees be permitted.
Existing Non-Conforming Parkways
Another issue that was raised in the Sustainability Subcommittee meeting is the
treatment of existing non-conforming parkways. There are currently a significant
number of unpermitted alterations to parkways that will be out of compliance with
these proposed Residential Parkway Standards (and with the existing CCMC and
the Proposed Ordinance, if adopted, which require a permit). Code Enforcement
has not been aggressively pursuing these violations due to the lack of clear
Standards and a designated permit process. With the adoption of the proposed City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
Residential Parkway Standards, the Code Enforcement Division has indicated that it
intends to prioritize enforcement based on complaints received and the severity of
the violations, consistent with the current Council-approved approach.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
Staff does not believe that the proposed changes will result in a significant increased
burden on staff. The proposed changes to the criteria for tree removals will provide
the Public Works Director with more discretion to approve some tree removals, but
will not be likely to significantly change the number of requests that are received.
Additionally, while staff anticipates that the clarification of Residential Parkway
Standards may spur some additional property owners to seek permits, this increase
is anticipated to be relatively small and will be absorbable within existing resources.
The parkways that are out of compliance with the new Residential Parkway
Standards were not in compliance with the existing CCMC provisions. However, the
adoption of the new Residential Parkway Standards may spur some additional
enforcement actions. As described above, the Code Enforcement Division plans to
prioritize out of compliance parkways based on complaints and severity of violations
to make enforcement manageable given current staffing levels.
For a number of years, there have been fees in the City’s fee schedule for tree
removals applications and appeals (currently $75 each). Prior to the 2013/2014 fee
schedule, there were no established fees for parkway permits. However, the
following fees were added to the 2013/2014 fee schedule that the Council adopted
on May 13, 2013 (pending the passage of the proposed ordinance and Standards):
Parkway Permit Fees:
Processing Application - Walkable Plantings: $ 0
Processing Application and Inspection - Basic Permit: $ 151.50
Rain Gardens or Other Complex Parkway Changes:
Permit Review $175 per hour (1 hour min.)
Inspection, if required $128 per hour (1 hour min.)
These parkway fees were set to enable the City to cover the expected staff costs
associated with parkway permits. At the May 13, 2013 Council meeting, Vice Mayor
Sahli-Wells proposed reducing or eliminating the portion of the parkway fees
associated with the installation of rain gardens in recognition of their environmental
benefits. If the Council would like to direct staff to pursue this change to the
2013/2014 fee schedule, staff will bring the relevant resolution to the Council for
consideration when the proposed ordinance is adopted.
City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Proposed Ordinance
2. Proposed Resolution (including Exhibit A - Residential Parkway Standards)
MOTION:
That the City Council:
1. Introduce an ordinance amending Chapter 9.08, Streets and Sidewalks, and
Chapter 9.10, Parks, Public Buildings, and Property, of the Culver City
Municipal Code, by repealing and replacing Section 9.08.005, amending
Section 9.08.010, adding a new Subchapter 9.08.200, et seq., and repealing
and reserving Sections 9.10.025 through 9.10.040, relating to parkway
planting standards and tree removal regulations; and,
2. Adopt a resolution establishing Residential Parkway Standards.
MEETING DATE: 05/28/2013
AGENDA ITEM: (1) Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 9.08,
Streets and Sidewalks, and Chapter 9.10, Parks, Public Buildings, and Property, of
the Culver City Municipal Code, by Repealing and Replacing Section 9.08.005,
Amending Section 9.08.010, Adding a New Subchapter 9.08.200 et seq., and
Repealing and Reserving Sections 9.10.025 Through 9.10.040, Relating to
Parkway Planting Standards and Tree Removal Regulations; and (2) Adoption of a
Resolution Establishing Residential Parkway Standards.
ATTACHMENTS
Pages
1 Proposed Ordinance
1-11
2 Proposed Resolution (including Exhibit A – Parkway
Standards)
12-32
1 ro
le. 3 5 7 9 10 11 12
CITY OF CULVER CITY
PARKWAY STANDARDS
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
May 2013
13
Contents
I. INTRODUCTION
1. Definitions 1
2. Applicability 1
3. Amendments to Standards 2
4. Background 2
5. Applications and Permits 2
6. Goals for Standards 3
II. CATEGORIES OF PARKWAY MODIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR
THOSE MODIFICATIONS
1. Walkable Plantings – Permit May Be Waived 3
2. Standard Plantings and Other Modifications – Basic Permit Required 3
3. Rain Gardens or Other Complex Modifications – Additional Permit Requirements5
III. QUESTIONS
1. Tree Questions 5
2. Other Parkway Questions 5
EXHIBITS
1. Exhibit A: Application 1
2. Exhibit B: Examples of Dos and Don’ts 2
3. Exhibit C: Recommended Walkable Plants 3
4. Exhibit D: Recommended Plants 6
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I. INTRODUCTION
1. Definitions:
A. CCMC: Culver City Municipal Code.
B. Invasive: Non-native species that displace and crowd out native vegetation
and the wildlife that feeds on it. See http://www.cal-ipc.org/ for a list.
C. Parkway: The portion of the street right-of-way between the curb and the
sidewalk.
D. Pea gravel: A type of gravel/rock whose individual particles are approximately
the size of peas (approx. 3/8” or less in diameter).
E. Permeable: Containing pores or openings that permit liquids or gases to pass
through. For the purposes of these Standards, decomposed granite and
trees and tree roots are included in this definition.
F. Public Works Director: Includes the Public Works Director/City Engineer or
his/her designee.
G. Rain garden and bioswales: Shallow planted depressions that are specially
designed to capture and infiltrate storm water. Bioswales tend to slope to a
destination, while rain gardens do not.
H. Standards: The City of Culver City Parkway Standards.
I. Step-out strip: A uniform, firm walking surface that should extend along the
full length of the parkway (except where the presence of tree roots from
existing street trees makes it impracticable). Some examples of firm walking
surfaces include grass, decomposed granite, and walkable groundcover.
J. Street right-of-way: Includes all streets, parkways, sidewalks, highways,
avenues, lanes, alleys, courts, places, squares, curbs, or other public ways in
the City, which have been or may hereafter be dedicated and opened to
public use.
K. Turf or grass: Short plants with long slender leaves that can be walked on.
These terms are used interchangeably for the purposes of these Standards.
2. Applicability:
These Standards apply to all residential parkways of the City of Culver City.
Enforcement action related to existing non-conforming parkways will be
prioritized based on the severity of the deviation from these Standards and the
frequency of the complaints received.
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3. Amendments to Standards:
Substantive amendments to these Standards shall be made by resolution of the
City Council. Non-substantive changes to these Standards, such as
typographical or clerical errors, or modifications to the attached exhibits, may be
made by the Public Works Director.
4. Background:
Parkways are part of the street right-of-way. While parkways are not intended for
pedestrian passage, it is important that they allow vehicle passengers to safely
and easily open their car doors and reach a nearby sidewalk. It is also critical
that they not obstruct the visibility of traffic, traffic signals, and traffic signs or
otherwise cause hazards. Parkways often incorporate public infrastructure such
as parking meters, bus stops, trees, and street lights. Despite this, except in the
case of Landscape Assessment Districts or City-installed rain gardens for which
the City has explicitly taken maintenance responsibility, it is the adjacent property
owner, not the City, who is required to maintain all plantings and other items in
the parkway, including watering, as necessary. The property owner is also
responsible and liable for ensuring that the parkway is kept in a clean and neat
condition and free from obstructions, encroachments or obstacles which may
pose a hazard to persons or property, including tripping hazards (CCMC
§9.08.210 E.).
5. Applications and Permits:
Applications for street tree plantings, removals, and tree trimming (including tree
roots) may be obtained from and must be submitted to the Maintenance
Operations Division of the Public Works Department. With an approved
application, tree plantings can be done by an approved contractor. However,
trimming and removal of street trees shall only be conducted by the City except
in the case of new development where the applicant may be authorized to
remove or transplant an existing tree subject to CCMC § 9.08.220.
Permits for all other plantings and other items in residential parkways (“Parkway
Permits”) shall be issued by the Engineering Division of the Public Works
Department. The application for a Parkway Permit may be obtained from and
must be submitted to the Culver City Engineering Division of the Public Works
Department. When submitted, the Parkway Permit application shall include all
necessary exhibits, including a labeled and dimensioned drawing of the proposed
plantings and other items to be placed in the parkway, specification sheets for
each species of plant or other material proposed to be used (if not on pre-
approved lists included as Exhibits C and D), and the permit fee as established
by resolution of the City Council. The approved application shall serve as the
required permit.
Notwithstanding any permitted modifications to the parkway, the City reserves
the right to remove any and all plantings in the modified parkway if it is
determined by the Public Works Director that the removal is necessary to
conduct maintenance, construct capital improvements, or further other
governmental purposes, and the City shall not be responsible for the costs or
work necessary to replace any removed planting. The property owner shall be
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allowed to restore the modifications allowed under the original permit at his/her
sole expense, so long as the restored modifications meet the City’s design
requirements and do not otherwise interfere with the public health, safety and
welfare. Furthermore, as practicable, the City will cooperate with the property
owner to preserve the plants that are being removed for possible replanting at
the conclusion of the project or for reuse by the property owner at another
location.
6. Goals for Standards:
In residential areas of the City, the parkway has historically been planted with
grass. However, given the increasing need for water conservation, there has
been growing interest in replacing water-hungry grass in the City’s parkways with
more water-efficient turf or other drought-tolerant alternatives.
The City has created the requirements outlined herein in order to facilitate the
conversion of existing grass to more water-efficient alternatives and ensure that,
as these modifications occur, parkways remain publicly accessible, safe, and
otherwise free from hazards. In order to achieve these goals, CCMC
§9.08.210.C requires that alterations to parkways must not:
A. Preclude the passage of pedestrians along the curb or from parking
spaces or ramps to the sidewalk
B. Obstruct traffic signs or signals from view
C. Reduce or obstruct the visibility of traffic
D. Pose harm to the health or safety of persons or property
The CCMC also references these Standards, which are intended to provide more
specific guidance regarding acceptable modifications to the City’s parkways.
II. CATEGORIES OF PARKWAY MODIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR THOSE
MODIFICATIONS
There are three categories of modifications to parkways:
1. Walkable Plantings – Permit Fee Not Required
The first category of modifications to the parkway is the planting of walkable plant
material not requiring the installation or modification of an irrigation system
(except for the replacement of sprinkler heads). If the walkable plant material is
selected from the recommended list (attached as Exhibit C), it has already been
found to meet the goals of these Standards and thus the permit fee is not
required as long as no installation or modification of an irrigation system is
requested.
2. Standard Plantings and Other Modifications – Basic Permit Required
The second category is the planting of other standard plants and non-vegetative
material (not walkable plants as described in 1 or complex changes such as rain
gardens as described in 3). These modifications to the parkway require a permit,
with a fee established by resolution of the City Council, and must comply with the
following requirements aimed at meeting the stated City goals:
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Goal: Promoting Water Conservation, Storm water Infiltration, and Other
Environmental Goals
In order to promote water conservation, new plants shall be water-efficient,
climate appropriate or native/indigenous. No invasive species are allowed.|1010| A
list of recommended plants is included as Exhibit D. When irrigation is
necessary, it must be installed and maintained to preclude runoff outside the
parkway area and must meet the requirements of the Model Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance|1010| and other local, state and federal requirements, if
applicable. Additionally, when such irrigation is necessary, low-volume, non-
overhead irrigation systems or hand-watering is recommended. At least 75
percent of the parkway area must be permeable and 50 percent must be
planted.|1010|
Goal: Promoting Access
To promote pedestrian access, step-out strip along the length of the curb shall be
provided for passengers to enter and exit vehicles parked at the curb, except
when there is a red curb or tree roots preclude it. The strip must be a uniform,
firm walking surface (such as turf, other walkable ground cover, pavers, brick, or
decomposed granite) extending at least 18 inches from the back of the curb.
Plantings shall not overhang or encroach on the sidewalk or step-out strip. Also,
one unimpeded path from the curb to the sidewalk (accessway) is required per
standard parcel. Additional accessways may be required for large parcels at the
discretion of the Public Works Director.
Goal: Promoting Visibility
In order to promote the visibility of traffic signs, signals, and traffic, additions to
the parkway (with the exception of trees) shall not exceed 30 inches in height at
maturity.
Goal: Eliminating Potential Hazards and Nuisances
In order to prevent potential hazards or public nuisances, the following are not
allowed in the parkway: 1) ivy or other dense ground covers that harbor or attract
rodents; 2) plants with thorns, stickers, or edible fruit; 3) objects such as statues,
raised planters and pots, benches, fences, other similar decorative items; 4)
artificial turf; and 5) pea gravel or other loose small rock that can be easily kicked
out or otherwise displaced onto the sidewalk. Additionally, plantings or other
improvements shall not be placed or planted in such a way as to impede access
to fire hydrants or be incompatible with street trees. For the health of the street
trees, plantings shall be a minimum of 12 inches away from tree trunks (24
inches recommended, with the area covered in mulch) and shall not negatively
impact the existing tree root systems. Finally, bricks, flagstone, pavers, and
other similar materials are allowed if the minimum planting area requirement is
met and these materials are maintained flush with the ground, so as not to pose
a tripping hazard.
|1010| To find invasive species, please visit http://www.cal-ipc.org/. |1010|To view the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, visit
http://www.water.ca.gov/wateruseefficiency/docs/MWELO09-10-09.pdf. |1010|Step-out strips are included in the minimum permeable requirement, where applicable.
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3. Rain Gardens or Other Complex Modifications to the Parkway – Additional
Permit Requirements
Rain gardens and bioswales are storm water capture systems. They are
required to meet the criteria set forth in Section II of these Standards, outlined
above. However, because of their complexity, additional requirements may apply
and property owners wishing to install them must also present plans prepared by
a California registered landscape architect or Civil Engineer and must pay an
additional hourly plan check fee, as established by resolution of the City Council.
Notwithstanding compliance with Section II of these Standards, proposed
modifications to the parkway may nevertheless be denied if the Public Works
Director deems such modifications are not in the best interest of the City and the
public health, safety and welfare, or do not otherwise meet the objectives of these
Standards.
III. QUESTIONS
1. Tree Questions:
For questions regarding trees, please contact the Maintenance Operations
Division of the Public Works Department at: (310) 253-6420.
2. Other Parkway Questions:
For other parkway questions, please contact the Engineering Division of the
Public Works Department at: (310) 253-5600.
EXHIBIT A: APPLICATION
EXHIBIT B: DOS AND DON ’TS
EXHIBIT C: RECOMMENDED WALKABLE PLANTS
EXHIBIT D: RECOMMENDED PLANTS
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9770 CULVER BOULEVARD, 2ND FLOOR
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA 90232-0507
MATE GASPAR Phone (310) 253-5600
Engineering Services Manager
Engineering Division
FAX (310) 253-5626
RESIDENTIAL PARKWAY APPLICATION/PERMIT
PROPERTY OWNER (REQUIRED)
Name
Mailing Address
City/Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
Tenant (if applicable)
Address
Phone Number
Email Address
Contractor (if applicable)
Address
City/Zip
Phone Number
State License Number
City Business License Number
Applicant Date
Approved by Date
- Fees are adopted annually by City Council Resolution. Technology surcharge of 4% applies to all fees.
- Attach a labeled drawing of the proposed changes to the parkway, showing the location of all existing street trees, fire hydrants, etc. and any
proposed changes, along with the relevant dimensions. Also, attach specification sheets for each proposed material or planting.
- Notwithstanding any permitted modifications to the parkway, the City reserves the right to remove and all plantings in the modified parkway if it is
determined by the Public Works Director that the removal is necessary to conduct maintenance, capital improvements, or other governmental
purposes, and the City shall not be responsible for the costs or work necessary to replace any removed planting. The property owner shall be
allowed to restore the modifications allowed under the original permit at his/her sole expense, so long as the restored modifications meet the City’s
design requirements and do not otherwise interfere with the public health, safety and welfare. Furthermore, as practicable, the City will cooperate
with the property owner to preserve the plants that are being removed for possible replanting at the conclusion of the project or for reuse by the
property owner at another location.
- Proposed changes to the parkway must comply with CCMC §9.08.210 and the Parkway Standards approved by Council Resolution. Tree
removals/plantings require a separate application and must be approved by the Maintenance Operations Division, (310) 253-6420. For all
other questions, please contact the Engineering Division at (310) 253-5600.
ADDRESS
LIST PLANT SPECIES PROPOSED FOR
PLANTING:
LIST ANY OTHER PROPOSED CHANGES
TO THE PARKWAY:
Category 1 ? Category 2 ? Category 3 ?
Standard fee:
Fee (Including Additional Inspection
Hours):
Exhibit A
20
2
Don’t
overhang the
step-out strip
or sidewalk
Don’t preclude
the passage of
pedestrians
from parking
spaces
Do provide a
step out strip
to enable
drivers to
open doors
and get from
the curb to
the sidewalk
Don’t use the
parkway as your
vegetable
garden or plant
ivy or other
rodent-attractors
Fail to
maintain the
parkway
adjacent to
your property
Do plant
drought-
tolerant
species
Do avoid
planting near
the base of
street trees
(this robs the
trees of
nutrition)
Don’t put in
plants that
grow to more
than 30
inches tall
Exhibit B: Examples of Dos and
Don’ts
21Exhibit C: Recommended Walkable Plants
Category Scientific Name Common Name Reference Photo
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Buchloe dactyloides
UC Verde™
UC Verde™ Buffalo
Grass
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Bouteloua gracilis
'Hachita'
Hachita' Blue Grama
Grass
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Carex pansa California Meadow
Sedge
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Achillea millifollium
cultivars
Achillea cultivars
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Chamaemelum nobile Chamomile
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Dymondia
margaretae
Dymondia
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
No mow grass Mix of bentgrass and
fescue
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Slope saver Mix of fescues|1010|22Exhibit C: Recommended Walkable Plants
Category Scientific Name Common Name Reference Photo
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Carex tumulicola Foothill sedge
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Carex caryophyllea The Beatles
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Carex praegracilis Field sedge
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Cynodon dactylon 'GN-
1', 'Santa Ana',
'Tifdwarf', 'Tifgreen',
'Tifway 419'
Hybrid bermuda
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Paspalum vaginatum
'Seaspray'
Sea Spray Paspalum
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Achillea tomentosa Woolly Yarrow
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Herniaria glabra Green Carpet
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Leptinella squalida
a.k.a. Cotula Squalida
(Shade)
Brass Buttons|1010|23Exhibit C: Recommended Walkable Plants
Category Scientific Name Common Name Reference Photo
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Phyla Nodiflora Texas frogfruit,
Turkey tangle fogfruit,
Frogfruit
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Sagina Subulata Heath Pearlwort or
Irish Moss
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Zoysia Tenufolia Korean Grass
Walkable Turf
Alternatives
Zoysia Tenufolia Emerald|1010|24Exhibit D: Recommended Plants
Category Scientific Name Common Name Reference Photo
Low-Growing Grasses
or Grass-like
Perennials (18" or
less)
Carex divulsa (C.
tumincola)
Berkeley Sedge
Low-Growing Grasses
or Grass-like
Perennials (18" or
less)
Festuca glauca
'Siskiyou Blue' & other
var.
Blue Fescue
Low-Growing Grasses
or Grass-like
Perennials (18" or
less)
Pennisetum
alopecuroides 'Little
Bunny'
Little Bunny Fountain
Grass
Low-Growing Grasses
or Grass-like
Perennials (18" or
less)
Sesleria autumnalis Autumn Moor Grass
Low-Growing Grasses
or Grass-like
Perennials (18" or
less)
Festuca Ovina Glavca Sheep Fescue
Low-Growing Grasses
or Grass-like
Perennials (18" or
less)
Achillea millifollium
'Terra Cotta'
Yarrow Terra Cotta
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Aptenia cordifolia/A.
cordifolia 'Red Apple'
Heartleaf Ice Plant
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Delosperma cooperi Trailing Ice Plant|1010|25Exhibit D: Recommended Plants
Category Scientific Name Common Name Reference Photo
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Drosanthemum
floribundum
Rosea Ice Plant
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Dudleya hassei Santa Catalina Live
Forever
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Erigeron
karvinskianus &
E.glaucus
Santa Barbara &
Seaside Daisy
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Gazania rigens
leucolaena
Gazania
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Gazania linearis
'Colorado Gold'
Colorado Gold
Gazania
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Hypericum calycinum Creeping St.
Johnswort
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Iris douglasiana &
'Pacific Coast Hybrids'
Douglas & Pacific
Coast Iris
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Lantana Patriot
cultivars
Dwarf Lantana|1010|26Exhibit D: Recommended Plants
Category Scientific Name Common Name Reference Photo
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Lessingia filaginifolia
'Silver Carpet'
Beach Aster
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Monardella villosa Coyote Mint
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Nepeta mussinii Catmint
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Osteospermum
fruitcosum
Trailing African Daisy
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Oenothera caespitosa Tufted evening
primrose
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Rosmarinus officinalis
'Huntington Carpet' or
other prostrate
varieties
Prostrate Rosemary
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Scaevola aemula
varieties
Fairy Fan Flower
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Senicio serpens, S.
mandraeliscae
Blue Chalksticks,
Kleinia|1010|27Exhibit D: Recommended Plants
Category Scientific Name Common Name Reference Photo
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Thymus species Thyme
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Verbena peruviana &
hybrids
Verbena
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Vinca minor Dwarf Periwinkle
Low-Growing
Perennials/Succulents
(18" or less)
Senecio Jacobsensii Trailing Jade
Low-Growing Shrubs
(18" or less)
Ceanothus
'Centennial'
Wild Lilac
Low-Growing Shrubs
(18" or less)
Cotoneaster dammeri
'Lowfast'
Groundcover
Cotoneaster varieties
Low-Growing Shrubs
(18" or less)
Cotoneaster Kewensis Kew Broom
Low-Growing Shrubs
(18" or less)
Juniperus horizontalis Groundcover Juniper
varieties|10 10|28Exhibit D: Recommended Plants
Category Scientific Name Common Name Reference Photo
Low-Growing Shrubs
(18" or less)
Juniperus Chinensis
Parsonii
Prostrata Juniper
Low-Growing Shrubs
(18" or less)
Juniperus Virginiana Silver Spreader
Low-Growing Shrubs
(18" or less)
Baccharis Pilularis Dwarf Coyote Bush
Low-Growing Shrubs
(18" or less)
Heuchera Hybrids Coral Bells
Low-Growing Shrubs
(18" or less)
Ribes Viburnum Catalina Perfume,
Evergreen Currant
Low-Growing Shrubs
(18" or less)
Mahonia Repans Creeping Mahonia,
Creeping Oregon
Grape, Creeping
Barberry, or Prostrate
Barberry
Low-Growing Shrubs
(18" or less)
Teucrium
Chamaedrys
Wall Germander
Low-Growing Shrubs
(18" or less)
Myoporum Parvifolium Creeping Boobialla,
Creeping Myoporum
or Dwarf Native Myrtle
10
29Exhibit D: Recommended Plants
Category Scientific Name Common Name Reference Photo
18" to 30" Tall
Grasses
Helictotrichon
sempervirens
Blue Oat Grass
18" to 30" Tall
Grasses
Leymus condensatus
'Canyon Prince'
Canyon Prince Wild
Rye
18" to 30" Tall
Grasses
Nasella tenuissima
(Stipa tenuissima)
Mexican Feather
Grass
18" to 30" Tall
Grasses
Pennisetum orientale Oriental Fountain
Grass
18" to 30" Tall
Grasses
Pennisetum setaceum
'Eaton Canyon'
Dwarf Red Fountain
Grass
18" to 30" Tall
Perennials/Succulents
Anigozanthos 'Bush
Pearl', 'Bush Ranger'
& 'Bush Devil'
Kangaroo Paws
varieties
18" to 30" Tall
Perennials/Succulents
Limonium perezii Statice
18" to 30" Tall
Perennials/Succulents
Lomondra longifolia
'Breeze' & 'Little Con'
Lomondra cultivars
11
30Exhibit D: Recommended Plants
Category Scientific Name Common Name Reference Photo
18" to 30" Tall
Perennials/Succulents
Penstemon
heterophyllus
'Margarita BOP'
Foothill Penstimon
18" to 30" Tall
Perennials/Succulents
Phormium 'Tom
Thumb' & 'Jack Spratt'
Small Flax hybrids
18" to 30" Tall
Perennials/Succulents
Hippocrepis Comosa Horseshoe Vetch
18" to 30" Tall
Shrubs
Arctostaphylos
densiflora 'Pacific
Mist'
Pacific Mist'
Manzanita
18" to 30" Tall
Shrubs
Artemisia
pycnocephala 'David's
Choice'
David's Choice
Sandhill Sagebrush
18" to 30" Tall
Shrubs
Ceanothus gloriosus
'Anchor Bay'
Pt. Reyes Ceanothus
18" to 30" Tall
Shrubs
Cistus salvifolius Sageleaf Rockrose
18" to 30" Tall
Shrubs
Iva hayesiana Poverty Weed
12
31Exhibit D: Recommended Plants
Category Scientific Name Common Name Reference Photo
18" to 30" Tall
Shrubs
Lantana
montevidensis
Trailing Lantana
18" to 30" Tall
Shrubs
Lantana camara
'Monol'
Lantana 'Gold Rush',
'New Gold' & 'Cha- pel
Hill Yellow'
18" to 30" Tall
Shrubs
Mimulus 'Jelly Bean
Yellow'
Persoff Hybrid Yellow
Monkeyflower
18" to 30" Tall
Shrubs
Cistus Skanbergii Hybrid Rockrose
18" to 30" Tall
Shrubs
Coprosma Kirkii Mirror Plant
18" to 30" Tall
Shrubs
Coprosma “Verde
Vista”
Creeping Corposma
18" to 30" Tall
Shrubs
Correa ‘Carmine Bells’ Australian Fuscha
18" to 30" Tall
Shrubs
Salvia 'Bee's Bliss' Bee's Bliss Sage
13
32