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Council introduces landscape maintenance ordinance for commercial sites; first reading waived
Summary
Ridgecrest city council on Aug. 6 waived full reading and introduced an ordinance amending the municipal code on commercial landscape maintenance, establishing minimum coverage standards, a hardscape definition, and phased compliance for existing sites.
Ridgecrest — The City Council on Aug. 6 unanimously voted to waive full reading and introduce by title an ordinance amending the Ridgecrest Municipal Code to add standards for commercial landscape maintenance.
Planning staff explained the ordinance targets commercial properties (not residential) and establishes a definition for "hardscape" (decomposed granite, rock, decorative surfacing) and minimum landscape coverage standards for commercial sites. Staff said the ordinance sets target coverage percentages at maturity: approximately 25% tree canopy coverage (measured at 10 years), about 5% shrub coverage, and ground-cover that accounts for the remaining required coverage, with an overall minimum landscape-area requirement for commercial zoning.
Planning staff said the ordinance retains the Indian Wells Valley Water District's approved plant list and is written to be drought- and water-efficiency conscious. The ordinance includes an exceptions process to address sites where utilities, lot size or other constraints make strict compliance infeasible.
Staff emphasized the ordinance is intended to be phased in and educational rather than punitive: property owners with dead or neglected landscaping will be notified and given time to submit phased plans. Planning Commission recommended adoption and the council unanimously waived full reading and introduced the ordinance for future adoption.
Council discussion covered implementation timing, examples of problem sites, and whether existing commercial sites would face immediate work requirements. Staff repeatedly said the intent is to notify owners and allow time for phased compliance; staff said new commercial development already must provide formal landscape plans under current site plan review rules.
The council vote to waive reading and introduce the ordinance carried 5-0; a second reading and final adoption are scheduled per the municipal code process.
