Valley Center board approves landscaping plan for new elementary school at 1500 East Tanner Trail

The Valley Center Planning and Zoning Board on Feb. 25 approved SP 20 25 0 2, a landscaping plan submitted by Bob and Company for a new elementary school at 1500 East Tanner Trail at the northwest intersection of Seneca and Tanner Trail in Valley Center.

City planning staff reviewed the landscaping plan and concluded it meets the city’s zoning code requirements for screening. During the public hearing, a board member asked whether the plan’s use of fescue is appropriate for a drought-tolerant planting scheme; the board member said fescue typically is "not typically drought tolerant and takes more water than just about any other grass." Staff and other board members observed that the plan may include blends of grass types and that the landscape architect was not present to provide technical detail.

No members of the public spoke at the hearing on this item. After staff confirmed the plan met screening requirements, a board member moved to approve SP 20 25 0 2 "based on city staff recommendations, public comments, and discussion by the planning and zoning board." The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The approval means the submitted landscaping plan may be implemented as presented, subject to any administrative follow-up by city staff and final construction and permitting requirements. The board’s questions about turf selection were noted on the record for follow-up with the landscape architect if additional clarification is needed.