7.48.030 MAINTENANCE REQUIRED.

(a) All vacant lots shall be improved and maintained at all times with landscaping and fencing; or in accordance with an approved maintenance plan; or by a third party through an agreement with the property owner, as follows:

(1) Landscaping and Fencing.

(A) A minimum five-foot wide landscaped buffer area must be maintained along the perimeter of a vacant lot, between all sidewalks, streets, alleys, or other public rights-of-way and the fence required by subsection (a)(1)(B). Buffer areas must be landscaped with native plants, low-water use plants, or no-water use plants, as defined in Chapter 23.72.

(i) If necessary for stormwater or runoff control, the City may require that the entire site be planted and maintained with a drought-tolerant ground cover that will fully cover all exposed soil within six months of planting, or covered to a minimum depth of two inches with crushed rock.

(ii) The vacant lot must be improved with an operable automatic irrigation system for the landscaping which must be installed and maintained in good condition by the property owner at all times.

(B) A fence must be installed behind the landscaped buffer area.

(i) Fences shall have a gate to allow for maintenance and emergency access.

(ii) Fence materials and colors shall be compatible with the streetscape and surrounding environment. Chain link and barbed wire fences are prohibited.

(iii) Fence height shall not exceed the applicable limits set forth in Chapter 27.84.

(2) Maintenance Plan. The maintenance plan shall be subject to the approval of the Director of Community Development, or designee, and shall contain the following information:

(A) The street address and APN(s) of the vacant lot.

(B) The name, address, and telephone number of the property owner.

(C) The name, address, and telephone number of any local agent or representative of the property owner who shall be authorized and responsible for undertaking any activities required by the maintenance plan.

(D) The effective date and term for the maintenance plan.

(E) A time schedule and description of any aesthetic enhancements, such as landscaping, lighting, or other features to be installed upon the property.

(F) A time schedule and description of ongoing maintenance activities to be performed on the vacant lot.

(3) An agreement between the property owner and a third party, such as a community group or non-profit entity, wherein the property owner permits the third party temporary use of the vacant lot for community purposes. Any proposed use under this paragraph is subject to the approval of the Director of Community Development. The agreement between the property owner and third party is subject to the review and approval of the City Attorney.

(b) General Requirements. Vacant lots must be maintained free of litter, weeds, graffiti, debris, storage units, and the stockpiling of any material at all times. The property owner, or designee, must inspect the property at reasonable intervals and take other steps to reasonably ensure that no litter, weeds, graffiti, debris, storage units, or materials are stockpiled, collect, or are maintained on the lot. Any dead or dying vegetation, as well as any broken, malfunctioning irrigation components on the lot must be replaced by the property owner, or designee, within 72 hours of discovery or notification by the city.