Planning commission recommends commercial landscape ordinance to city council

The Ridgecrest Planning Commission voted to recommend a draft commercial landscape ordinance to city council after staff described new maintenance and planting standards for commercial properties.

The proposal would clarify required maintenance, add definitions for hardscape materials and set minimum landscape coverage for commercial zones. Staff said the rules are intended to improve water efficiency while avoiding the dead, unmaintained landscaping seen at several commercial centers.

Staff described proposed numeric standards: 25% tree canopy coverage within 10 years and 50% canopy coverage within 20 years, a 5% shrub coverage at maturity, and remaining landscape requirements met by ground cover (including hardscape materials, synthetic turf and decorative boulders). Staff said canopy coverage is measured by the horizontal shade at summer solstice consistent with Title 24 (CalGreen) standards and that the full canopy diameter may be counted regardless of the ground it crosses.

Staff emphasized that the ordinance applies to commercial properties only, not to residences, and that the same plant species lists already used for new developments would apply. Staff also proposed that planning staff be authorized to grant exceptions for small or infill sites where the full standards would not be practical; staff said owners of sites with limited area (for example an Arby’s) would not be required to seek a variance.

Staff gave examples of recent code enforcement work and said the ordinance aims to move from enforcement of hazards (dead trees, unsafe plantings) to working cooperatively with property owners to bring sites into compliance. If the ordinance is adopted by city council, staff said noncompliant businesses would receive notice and 30 days to respond with a plan; larger centers may need up to six months and may be allowed to phase improvements.

Commissioners asked technical questions about how canopy coverage is measured and whether canopy overhang beyond planter boxes would count; staff responded that the measurement aligns with CalGreen methods. Commissioners expressed support for the ordinance as a tool to standardize maintenance and improve public safety and aesthetics. Commissioners and staff named local examples such as Wiener Schnitzel, Dollar Tree, Del Taco and Heritage Plaza as sites that have seen dead trees or removal and where improvements are needed.

A motion to approve the recommendation to city council passed on a voice vote with Commissioners Ferris, Mondragon, Foxes and Percival voting aye; the motion was seconded but the mover and seconder were not specified in the record.

If city council adopts the ordinance, staff said they will notify affected businesses and work with property owners on phased compliance plans.