MULHOLLAND SCENIC PARKWAY SPECIFIC PLAN · design, so that the intended character of Mulholland...

Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan - Design and Preservation Guidelines

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MULHOLLAND SCENIC PARKWAY SPECIFIC PLANDESIGN AND PRESERVATION GUIDELINES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Section 1. Introduction................................................................ 3Section 2. Site Planning............................................................. 5Section 3. Architecture............................................................... 18Section 4. Landscape................................................................ 27Section 5. Utilities and Utility-related Structures

(Including above-ground telecommunications or cellular telephone facilities)................................. 33

AppendixA. Santa Monica Mountains Color Wheel.................... 36B. Preferred Plant List.................................................... 37C. Non-preferred Plant List............................................ 43D. Prohibited Plant List (Specific Plan Section 10.B) 44E. Additional Resources................................................ 45

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION


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MULHOLLAND SCENIC PARKWAY SPECIFIC PLANDESIGN AND PRESERVATION GUIDELINES

SECTION 1 . INTRODUCTION.

Mulholland Drive was conceived in 1913 by William Mulholland, Chief Engineer of the LosAngeles Water Department, as a great scenic road along the crest of the Santa MonicaMountains. Constructed in 1922, Mulholland Drive was designed to offer the public scenicviews of the terrain, open space, and natural character of its mountain setting. In 1992, theMulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan, Ordinance No. 167,943, was adopted by theLos Angeles City Council in response to public concerns that the majestic views andnatural character of the Mulholland Drive setting were threatened by unrestricteddevelopment. The ordinance created the Mulholland Scenic Parkway, including both theInner and Outer Corridors, which established land use controls and a design reviewprocess tailored to ensure that development within the Parkway is compatible with theunique character of the Santa Monica Mountains.

The Specific Plan encourages environmentally and aesthetically sensitive development inthe Scenic Parkway and seeks to ensure that all projects, both public and private, arecompatible with the Scenic Parkway environment. The Specific Plan provides regulationsregarding the design, landscaping, and placement of private projects in order to preserve,complement and enhance the views from Mulholland Drive, as well as preserve the natural,hillside character of the entire Parkway. The Specific Plan also includes standards thatapply to public projects along Mulholland Drive, such as utility construction and roadwaydesign, so that the intended character of Mulholland Drive as a low-density, low-volume,slow-speed roadway in a hillside parkway-type setting is preserved.

In general, the Specific Plan sets standards for projects proposed for the Scenic Parkway. These standards include environmental protection measures, grading limits, and buildingstandards applicable to the Inner and Outer Corridors of the Parkway, as well asregulations affecting landscaping, Mulholland Drive and its right-of-way, the Core Trail,major vista points, and utility construction.

In addition to these standards, the Specific Plan also provides for a design reviewprocess, sets forth general design criteria, and establishes a Design Review Board

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION


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(DRB). In the design review process, the DRB and the Director of Planning apply thestandards and criteria in the Specific Plan to ensure that all proposed projects within theParkway preserve the natural environment and terrain of the Santa Monica Mountains,protect the hillside character of the Parkway, are compatible with the Parkwayenvironment, and do not obstruct the views from Mulholland Drive.

These design guidelines, prepared pursuant to the Mulholland Scenic Parkway SpecificPlan, state the policies, interpretations, and precedents used by the DRB in implementingthe Specific Plan. The intent of this document is to guide applicants in designing projectsthat will be compatible with the Scenic Parkway environment, the Department of CityPlanning personnel in counseling applicants and evaluating application files, and theDepartments of Public Works and Transportation, utility companies and others regardingprojects proposed for construction in the right of way of Mulholland Drive, including thecreation of the Core Trail.

These guidelines do not create entitlements, nor are they mandatory requirements. Theyprovide direction on how the Mulholland Scenic Parkway can best be preserved whileallowing appropriate development, and clarify what can be expected when a project isreviewed by the DRB and the Director. They recognize that individual projects and sitesare different and present numerous and different design challenges. The guidelines do notrequire or expect every project applicant to address all the guidelines. An applicant shouldaddress the guidelines that are applicable to the proposed project and site conditions.

The guidelines anticipate that flexibility and judgment will be used to balance the goals ofthe Specific Plan with the rights of property owners. The application of the guidelinesshould take into consideration whether a project is in the inner or outer corridor andwhether a project is visible or not visible from Mulholland Drive. The guidelines use wordssuch as “should”, “avoid”, “as possible” or “preferred” to express preferences orrecommendations. The guidelines do not express mandatory requirements unless theSpecific Plan ordinance does. For example, the “Preferred Plant List”, Exhibit C, containsplants deemed appropriate for the Santa Monica Mountains environment, but it is not anexclusive list.

To ensure that approved projects continue to comply with the Specific Plan and followthese guidelines after they are constructed, the Board may recommend that the applicantrecord legal covenants to run with the land requiring the maintenance of the project asapproved, including exterior appearance, landscaping, and other features of the project.

The symbol N located throughout these guidelines indicates a required submittal aspart of the design review application package.

SECTION 2. SITE PLANNING


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SECTION 2. SITE PLANNING.

GOAL 1: PRESERVE AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL CHARACTER OF THESANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS AND THE SCENIC, HILLSIDECHARACTER OF THE MULHOLLAND SCENIC PARKWAY.

Objective 1.1. Design projects to minimize the visibility of the project asseen from Mulholland Drive, and to create a naturalappearance compatible with the hillside characteristics of theSanta Monica Mountains.

ì Guideline 1: Natural topography. Minimize the amount of gradingand the use of retaining walls. Design structures andgrading to fit the natural topography and existingconditions of the site, rather than making changes in thetopography to accommodate the structure. Incorporatenatural slopes and deep-rooted native plants in theproject to control erosion and undermining of slopes.

ì Geotechnical issues. The Department of Building andSafety is directly responsible for determinations concerningslope stability and other geotechnical issues. However, ageology and soils report may be requested of applicants andconsidered where such information is relevant to consideringthe configuration of architectural and landscape elements onthe site, e.g., location of structures, retaining walls, hardscapefeatures and plant material.

ì Guideline 2: Sloping site profile. Where a building is situated on a site with a slope greater than 25 percent, the building should utilize a stepped-profile in which noportion of the building exceeds 25 feet in height, asmeasured from adjacent natural grade to the top of the roof or parapet wall directly above. Minimal grading and cut foundations should be utilized instead



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a drainage facility. Drainage structures (terraces,drains, benches and intervening devices) should beplaced on graded slopes as inconspicuously aspossible and be constructed from natural-coloredmaterials. Down drains should be placed in swales. Drainage structures or swales that are visible from apublic way should be bermed and/or landscaped toblend into the background. Water retention basinsshould be well camouflaged with landscaping. Theconcrete in any drain or retention basin that is visiblefrom a public way should be tinted an appropriate earthtone to blend in closely with the surrounding naturalmaterials. Exposed pvc pipes should be painted anearthen or green color.

ë Guideline 5: Site permeability. The total non-permeable surfaces(driveways, patios, pool decks and the buildingfootprint) should be minimized in all projects and shouldnot exceed 50 percent of the lot area. Project designshould incorporate features such as fire-resistantwooden decks, driveway pavers, grass-crete and otherpermeable surfaces in order to maximize the amount ofwater that can percolate into the soil on-site andminimize overland runoff onto adjoining properties,streets, and watercourses.

ì Guideline 6: Site fencing. Fences and walls should not obstruct theright-of-way of Mulholland Drive or the views fromMulholland Drive. Where site fencing or gates areproposed, rough-cut, unfinished wood, native-typestone, stained concrete, split face concrete block,textured plaster surface walls, black or dark green chainlink or wrought iron, or a combination thereof should beutilized.

N Fence/Wall Plan. The location, height, proposed materials and proposed lighting for anyfence, wall or gate should be shown on the site plan forthe project, and section drawings should also be



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provided.

ì Guideline 7: Additional on-site parking. Where additional onsiteparking is required, it should be located within anenclosed garage, or within a covered carport which isscreened from the street with landscaping.

Objective 1.2. Preserve the Parkway’s scenic features, existing ecologicalbalance and wildlife corridors, and conform the project to thecharacter of the Parkway environment.

ì Guideline 8: Prominent Ridges. Grading, alteration or removal ofdesignated Prominent Ridges is not permitted unlessfive findings can be made, and is limited to a maximumof 1,000 cubic yards. Construction on top ofdesignated Prominent Ridges is prohibited by theSpecific Plan , and construction within 50 vertical feet ofa Prominent Ridge is not permitted unless four findingscan be made. Prominent Ridges are identified onmaps available for viewing at the Department of CityPlanning’s Van Nuys office, and the Department’s website.

ì Guideline 9: Ridge top construction. Construction and grading ona ridge, whether or not the ridge is designated as aProminent Ridge, should be avoided.

ì Guideline 10: Site Grading. Grading and structures should bedesigned to fit the project to the natural topography and existing site conditions, rather than altering the site to fit the project. The plan should minimize grading and preserve the existing topographic features. Grading should be limited to the buildingfootprint, plus a 5-foot apron. Grading should notextend into the right-of-way of Mulholland Drive. (Design review of grading is in addition to the review



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of grading conducted by the Department of Buildingand Safety and is more sensitive to aesthetics ratherthan engineering. Design review addresses theappearance of a grading project and its compatibilitywith the appearance of natural slopes in the SantaMonica Mountains; the Department of Building andSafety addresses the technical competence and safetyaspects of the grading project.)

N Grading Plan. The applicant needs to submit agrading plan or a combined grading/site plan withtopographic elevations for any project which requiresthe submittal of a grading plan in order to receive agrading permit.

ì Grading limits. The Specific Plan limits the maximumquantity of grading that can be approved without a SpecificPlan Exception. Proposed grading projects that are withinthese limits may still be recommended for disapproval if theamount and/or design of grading impacts the scenic resourcesof Mulholland Drive, is incompatible with the natural contours ofthe mountain terrain, or is incompatible with the Parkwayenvironment.

ì Guideline 11: Landform grading. In order to create slopes thatreflect as closely as possible the surrounding naturalhills, graded hillsides should have a variety of sloperatios, should not exceed a ratio of 2:1, and shouldtransition to the natural slope in a manner that producesa natural appearance. Graded slopes should belandform graded in accordance with the provisions ofthe Department of City Planning’s Landform GradingManual (see Figure 2).



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Objective 1.3. Ensure that projects located near parklands and streams areespecially sensitive to native plants, wildlife corridors,recreational resources, minimal grading and alteration of theterrain, and visibility from the parkland.

ì Guideline 15: Streams. In accordance with the purposes of the Planto protect streams, the DRB will be carefully reviewingall projects near streams. No project is to beconstructed and no more than 100 cubic yards of earthshall be moved within 100 feet of either stream bankwithout the Director making the five specific findingsrequired by the Specific Plan Ordinance. Avoidconstruction activities — building or grading — thatwould adversely affect the aquatic, biologic, or otherexisting features or characteristics of a stream. Thestreams protected by the Specific Plan are those watercourses designated by the U.S. Geological Survey andshown on the maps available for viewing at theDepartment of City Planning’s Van Nuys office and theDepartment’s web site. A stream may include a watercourse having a surface or subsurface flow thatsupports or has supported riparian vegetation.

ì Guideline 16: Parkland. In accordance with the purposes of the Plan to protect environmentally sensitive areas andtopographic features, the DRB will be carefullyreviewing projects near any public parkland. No project is to be erected and no earth shall be gradedwithin 200 feet of the boundaries of any public parkland without the Director making the five specificfindings required by the Specific Plan Ordinance. Avoid construction activities that would adversely affect the use and enjoyment of parkland by the public. A parkland is any publicly-owned or publicly-operated property that is used by the public forrecreational, open space or preservation purposes. Parklands specifically include city parks, state parks,



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not permitted to extend into the viewshed, as defined bythe Specific Plan, unless the project is approved by theDirector after a finding that the project complements theview from Mulholland Drive, or the applicant obtains aSpecific Plan Exception. To be found complementary,a project should not block any scenic view, should becompletely screened with native vegetation, and thearchitecture should be designed to fit and blend into thesite.

ì Guideline 19: N Viewshed analysis. A viewshed analysis shouldbe prepared for any project, whether upslope ordownslope, that is located within the Inner Corridor andthat is visible from Mulholland Drive. The viewshedanalysis aids in determining the maximum buildingheight which would not negatively impact the view. Project height which is as far beneath the viewshed limitas possible is preferred.

ì Downslope lots. For projects located on downslope lots,conduct the viewshed analysis from the side of MulhollandDrive nearest the project, beginning at a point four feet abovethe edge of the paved roadway. Curbs, berms and similiarstructures are not considered part of the roadway, and do notaffect the location of the point of origin for the viewshedanalysis. (The four-foot height was derived as theapproximate sight line of someone driving or walking alongMulholland Drive.)(see Figure 4).



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ì Upslope/Downslope Lots. In the event that a propertycontains elevations that are both upslope and downslope fromthe Mulholland Drive right-of-way, the highest elevation of thebuilding pad should be compared to the lowest elevation of theMulholland Drive right-of-way contiguous to the property, inorder to afford the greatest viewshed protection.

ì “Dirt Mulholland”. For those portions of Mulholland Drivewhere no paved roadway exists, the viewshed analysis shouldbe conducted from the outermost level portion of theMulholland Drive right of way which can be safely traveled byvehicles. For projects located on downslope lots, conduct theviewshed analysis from the side of dirt Mulholland Drivenearest the project, beginning at a point four feet above theedge of the ground level. For projects located on upslope lots,conduct the viewshed analysis from the side of dirt MulhollandDrive furthest from the project, beginning at a point four feetabove the edge of the ground level.

Objective 1.5. Limit unnecessary access to and construction within theMulholland Drive right-of-way.

ì Guideline 20: Right of way construction. Placement of structures,walls, fences, light fixtures, trees, plants or otherlandscaping and irrigation systems in the right-of-way of Mulholland Drive should be avoided. The right-of-way of Mulholland Drive is 100 feet wide east of Laurel Canyon and 200 feet wide west of LaurelCanyon. Landscaping and structures in the Mulholland Drive right-of-way, if approved through aRevocable Permit issued by the Board of Public Works after review by the Design Review Board,should be designed to be consistent with the naturalappearance of the Santa Monica Mountains and should avoid blocking or obscuring the view fromMulholland Drive. Locate structures at the edge of



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the right-of-way, as far from the Mulholland Driveroadway as possible.

ì Guideline 21: Core Trail. Design projects, including walls, driveways,gateways, entryways and other structures, to provide forthe future placement and use of the Core Trail in theMulholland Drive right of way, as shown on the SpecificPlan’s maps. Construction in the right of way requiresfirst design review and then the issuance of aRevocable Permit by the Board of Public Works.

ì Guideline 22: Right of way grading. Existing slopes adjoining theroadway of Mulholland Drive that show no signs ofinstability should not be graded, except as otherwisepermitted by the Specific Plan. Natural rock formationsin the right of way should be preserved.

ì Guideline 23: Right of way landscaping. Preserve and maintainexisting native-type trees and plants in the right of way. Model new or modified landscaping after existinglandscaping in design and materials. Landscaping inthe right of way requires first design review and then theissuance of a Revocable Permit by the Board of PublicWorks.

ì Guideline 24: Entry gateways. Gateways, entryways, guardhouses,signs and similar structures should not penetrate theviewshed, and should be compatible in design andappearance with other structures in the vicinity. Structures should be located outside the right of way ofMulholland Drive.

ì Guideline 25: Driveways. Design driveways so that they do not enteror intersect Mulholland Drive if other options areavailable.



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ì Guideline 26: Obstructions. Provide adequate visibility and sitedistance for oncoming traffic where any driveway meetsthe road. A visibility study may need to be provided,which would be subject to the review and approval ofthe Department of Transportation.

ì Guideline 27: “Dirt Mulholland”. It is recognized that the unpavedportion of Mulholland Drive is considered to be anoutstanding and unique feature of the Mulholland ScenicParkway.

SECTION 3. ARCHITECTURE


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ì Guideline 29: Retaining wall materials. Where freestanding siteretaining walls are proposed, all visible retaining wallsshould be stucco coated or constructed of stone, brickor decorative block. Decorative block includesslumpstone, split face, battered and other blocks inearth tone colors other than standard gray block orconcrete. Color should match or be compatible with theresidence and the site.

ì Guideline 30: Retaining wall landscaping. Where exposed site orbuilding retaining walls are proposed, the visual impactshould be diminished by the use of dense landscapingin accordance with the landscape guidelines containedin Section 4.

Objective 2.2: Ensure that the size, scale, bulk, massing, exterior design,color, materials and textures, placement, siting and theoverall appearance of projects blend with and complementthe scenic, hillside character of the Mulholland ScenicParkway.

ì Guideline 31: Building height. The Specific Plan limits themaximum height of a project that can be approvedwithout an exception to the Specific Plan. Projects thatare within these height limits may still be recommendedfor disapproval if the building height would result in aproject that impacts views from Mulholland Drive, or thatis incompatible with the parkway environment, includingthe surrounding neighborhood.

N Topographic Survey. The applicant needs toprovide a certified topographic survey for any projectwhich proposes new home construction, or increasesan existing home’s footprint or height.



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ì Other building height restrictions. Applicants should beaware that building height may be subject to legal restrictionsin the Los Angeles Municipal Code other than those of theSpecific Plan, such as the Hillside Ordinance. In addition, theproject may be subject to other requirements, such assubdivision covenants, rights of way, prevailing setbackrequirements, and the conditions of tract approval adoptedunder the Subdivision Map Act. In instances where theserequirements may overlap, the more stringent requirementprevails.

ì Guideline 32: Massing. The main building should combine three ormore building elements, each within its own associatedroof form. A building element can be a major horizontalmass, a setback or a projection from the face of theother masses.

ì Guideline 33: Lot coverage. The building footprint, including allstructures 6'-0" or more above grade, should have alow ratio to the total lot area, and should cover less than60 percent of the area within the first 15'-0" from thefront yard property line.

ì Guideline 34: Building articulation. Design the exterior surface(building elevations) of any structure to be articulated,presenting a variety of surfaces, textures and angles. Avoid designs that include exterior walls or retainingwalls that are characterized by large, flat surfaces. Boxy houses with flat sides are not consideredacceptable.

N Architectural Elevations. The applicant needs toprovide elevations of all facades.

ë Guideline 35: Roof form. Flat roofs should not be utilized, particularly on downslope lots. Roofs should bedesigned to follow the predominant slope of the land. Where a flat roof must be proposed, a secondary roof



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form should also be utilized, covering at least 30percent of the total roof area and offset a minimum of4'-0" from the flat portion, measured vertically.

N Roof Plan. The applicant needs to provide a roofplan.

ë Guideline 36: Roof material. Where built-up or membrane roofconditions are visible, the roofing system should consistof a gravel (non-granular) surface in an earth tone color,compatible with the overall house color.

ë Guideline 37: Roof-top equipment. The Specific Plan prohibitsroof-mounted equipment within the Inner Corridor (withthe exception of solar energy devices) on any roofwhich is visible from Mulholland Drive, and should beavoided for all projects if alternative locations areavailable. Any permitted roof-mounted equipmentshould be screened from the view of neighboringproperties or higher elevation vantage points.

ë Guideline 38: Exterior colors. Colors for residences, walls, fences,and all other exterior structures should complement orbe consistent with the naturally-occurring colors of theSanta Monica Mountains, as shown on the Color Wheel(Appendix A). Visible roof coverings and decksurfaces should consist of non-reflective, earth tonecolors.

N Color Samples. The applicant needs to providecolor samples.

ë Guideline 39: Exterior materials. Emphasize the use of naturalmaterials such as stone and unfinished wood forexterior surfaces wherever possible. Reflective exteriormaterial finishes or glazing should not be utilized.



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N Material Samples. The applicant needs to providematerial samples.

ì Guideline 40: Exterior lighting. Minimize the visual impact oflighting to preserve the Scenic Parkway’s park-likesetting, avoid the creation of an urban streetenvironment, and protect the movement of wildlife. Lighting sources should be white light. Direct lightingfixtures downward to illuminate only the project property. Avoid up-lighting into trees, exterior illumination ofbuildings and structures, and floodlighting. Shieldexterior lighting fixtures to screen the light source.

N Lighting Plan. All exterior/outdoor lighting needsto be shown on the project’s elevations and landscapeplan.

ë Guideline 41: Skylights. Rooftop skylights visible from MulhollandDrive should not be used.

ë Where rooftop skylights are proposed, they should utilize darktinted, non-reflective glazing and be recessed. Individualskylights should not exceed four (4) square feet.

N Skylight Details. The applicant needs to providethe proposed skylight manufacturer, model and specifyglazing.

ë Guideline 42: Windows. Wood, vinyl or metal windows with aminimum overall frame profile of 2 inches should beutilized.

ë Guideline 43: Garages. The project should avoid utilizing more thanone double or two single garage doors in the sameplane visible from the public right-of-way.



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ë Guideline 44: Mechanical equipment. Heating, air-conditioning andutility equipment and ducts should be completelyconcealed within the structure. In addition, any exteriormechanical equipment should be screened withlandscaping and/or permanent, solid fencing. Thelocation of all exterior equipment should be shown onthe site and landscape plans.

ì Guideline 45: Pool equipment. Pool equipment should be screenedby means of landscaping and/or permanent, solidfencing.

ì Guideline 46: Trash receptacles. All trash and recyclingreceptacles should be stored inside the building orwithin an enclosed structure. Where receptacles arestored in any visible yard area, screening should beprovided by means of landscaping and/or permanent,solid fencing. The proposed location should beidentified on the site plan.

ë Guideline 47: Prefabricated chimneys. Where prefabricatedchimneys are utilized, the termination cap should becovered with a shroud and/or painted to match thebuilding exterior color.

ì Guideline 48: Satellite antenna. Satellite antenna in excess of 4'-0"in diameter or radio receiving and/or transmitting towershould be completely screened from view.

ì Guideline 49: Utility connections. All utility connections, includingcable and telephone, should be installed below grade.



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Objective 2.3: Ensure projects are compatible with the immediatesurrounding neighborhood.

ì Guideline 50: Neighborhood Compatibility. The size (total squarefootage, including garage, and height), appearance,color and setback of existing homes, as well as thegrading and landscaping of the lots on which they areconstructed, will be considered for purposes of projectcompatibility with the existing neighborhood.

N Building Footprint Radius Map. The applicantneeds to provide a radius map showing lot lines, streetnames, the building footprints and the square footagesof the closest ten (10) homes (plus the proposedproject) surrounding the project site, or all homes withina 100-foot radius, whichever results in the greaternumber of existing homes being shown (see Figure 7).



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ì Guideline 52: Modifications to existing structures. When existingstructures are to be modified, design the modificationsto be compatible with the existing structure(s) on thesite and other houses in the neighborhood as to height,massing, size, color and setback.

ì Viewshed penetration. Some structures built prior to theadoption of the Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan in1992 may have penetrated the viewshed. If these structuresare being modified, the height or the extent of the viewshedpenetration should not be further increased.

ì Building height limits. When modifying an existing structure,design the modified structure to comply with the currentbuilding height requirements.

SECTION 4. LANDSCAPE


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SECTION 4. LANDSCAPE.

GOAL 3: PRESERVE AND COMPLEMENT THE EXISTING NATIVEVEGETATION AND NATURAL HILLSIDE APPEARANCE.

Objective 3.1. Protect significant existing landscape features.

ì Guideline 53: Tree survey. All existing oak trees and othersignificant native and non-native trees should beidentified on the project landscape planting plan.

N Arborist’s Report. A report on oak trees andother native trees on the project site prepared by acertified arborist may be required if any such trees areproposed to be removed or potentially impacted.

ì Guideline 54: Protection of native and/or significant trees. Existing native trees and distinctive or significant non-native trees located on the project site should beprotected from destruction or damage, to the greatestextent possible. Actual or potential destruction ordamage to native trees may be adequate justificationfor recommending disapproval of a project application.

ì Guideline 55: Replacement of native trees. If the loss of anysignificant native trees is determined unavoidable, theSpecific Plan requires that they be replaced by newtrees of the same species at a ratio of two-to-one. Additional replacement trees may be recommended tomitigate the loss of native trees.



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ë Guideline 59: Landscape arrangement. Informal/natural groupingsof trees, shrubs and ground covers should beemphasized and should constitute at least 50% of thelandscaping for a project.

ë Guideline 60: Prohibited plant material. Existing prohibited plantmaterial, as defined in the Specific Plan, as well asnon-preferred plant material (see Appendix C, Non-preferred Plant List) may be requested to be removedand replaced with preferred plant material (seeAppendix B, Preferred Plant List).

ë Guideline 61: Erosion control. Plant material should be used as ahillside erosion control device.

Objective 3.3. Use landscaping to soften and shield structures from view, tocamouflage retaining and other walls, and to complementviews.

ì Guideline 62: Project visibility. Landscaping is not permanent, andchanges to the landscaping around a project that is “notvisible” may suddenly render it highly visible. Therefore,a project that is screened from view from MulhollandDrive by existing intervening landscaping should still beconsidered “visible”, depending on the type and densityof plant material.

ë Guideline 63: Landscape screening. Informal/natural groupings ofplant material should be used as screening wheneverpossible instead of walls or fences. A minimum of 50%of all screening plant material should be evergreen. Landscaping should be used to screen structures,while permitting views out in a “peek-a-boo” fashion(see Figure 9).



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ì Project design may include landscaping to mitigate oreliminate the visual impact of a project from Mulholland Drive,but may not include landscaping that penetrates the viewshedor adversely affects the scenic resources of the MulhollandScenic Parkway, or that obstructs, obscures, or detracts fromany scenic feature or resource. The viewshed analysis shouldignore proposed landscaping that shields the project.

ì The closer a fence or wall is to Mulholland Drive, the lower thefence or wall should be. Landscaping and walls can belocated downslope from Mulholland Drive and/or the project toavoid obstructing views.

ì Guideline 67: Existing landscape modifications. When existinglandscaping is to be modified, design the modificationsto be compatible with both the existing landscaping andwith other existing landscaping in the neighborhood.

Objective 3.4. The design of fences, gates, walls, accessory structures, andlighting elements should blend with the natural aspects of thelandscaped and natural environment.

ì Guideline 68: Fencing and walls. Fencing and all walls should be aminimum 75% screened with plant material.

ë Guideline 69: Landscape lighting. Outdoor lighting should bedownward-facing and emit low illumination.

ì Guideline 70: N Landscape planting/irrigation plan detail. Forall new home construction and additions to existinghomes which enlarge the building footprint, submit a

SECTION 5. UTILITIES ANDUTILITY-RELATED STRUCTURES


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SECTION 5. UTILITIES AND UTILITY-RELATEDSTRUCTURES (INCLUDING ABOVE-GROUND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORCELLULAR TELEPHONE FACILITIES).

GOAL 4: PRESERVE AND PROTECT VIEWS FROM MULHOLLAND DRIVETHROUGH THE CAREFUL AND SENSITIVE DESIGN OF ABOVE-GROUND UTILITY-RELATED STRUCTURES.

Objective 4.1: Ensure that all necessary utility-related structures (URS),including above-ground facilities, are designed to be asinconspicious as possible, including any such structuresdesignated for private property.

ì Guideline 71: N Application Submittals. The applicant shouldsubmit color chips, site, landscape and irrigationdesign plans (see Specific Plan Ordinance section11.I), a viewshed study for Inner Corridor locations, anda written statement of the purpose of each URS.

ì Guideline 72: URS should be set as far back from the shoulder of theroad as the depth of the right-of-way permits anddesigned to minimize their visual impact.

ì Guideline 73: URS should be painted to blend with surroundingvegetation in the immediate area.

ì Guideline 74: All URS at one site should be painted the same color orin harmonious colors to match the background andlandscaping of the particular site.



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ì Guideline 75: All URS should be landscaped with vegetation which isnative/indigenous to the Santa Monica Mountains.

ì Guideline 76: Landscaping should be planted so that it screens all at-grade equipment from view.

ì Guideline 77: N Watering Period Irrigation Plan. A schedule andplans for appropriate, plant-specific watering,consistent with the season, of all newly landscapedvegetation, which should be administrated until plantshave taken hold and will survive, should be submittedfor approval.

ì Guideline 78: Any plants that do not survive the watering periodshould be replaced.

ì Guideline 79: If retaining walls, fences or integrated color concretepads are used, they should be painted and landscapedto blend with the surrounding area.

ì Guideline 80: All fencing should be identified on the plan and made ofeither wood, stone or black or green chain link.

ì Guideline 81: Landscaping for retaining walls should includerecumbent or spreading, low-growing plants that willspread around the top and sides of the wall to softenand eventually cover the whole retaining wall.

ì Guideline 82: Cellular installations or other similar equipment to beplaced on buildings should be the same color as theroof or painted to blend in with the building.



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ì Guideline 83: Risers, telephone boxes, and electrical meter boxes(excluding glass meters) on utility poles should bepainted brown to match the pole.

ì Guideline 84: If an above-ground facility is granted a hardship waiverby the Department of Public Works, the applicantshould have exhausted all other site possibilities.

ì Guideline 85: Plans to clean the URS area after construction shouldbe submitted with the application.

ì Guideline 86: The applicant should submit plans for removal of URS,all of which should be removed when the technology isobsolete.

APPENDIX B


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APPENDIX B

PREFERRED PLANT LIST

Below is a list of native and/or drought tolerant plant material chosen for their shape, colorand how well they blend in with the scenic vistas along Mulholland Drive. (Always checkwith your local nursery for availability).

For more plant listings, please use the Addendum Folder available for you through the CityPlanning office. It is full of resources such as nurseries that carry native plants, resourcesfor researching California native plants and tree lists. Appendix A of these guidelinescontains a Santa Monica Mountains Color Wheel which is used as a guide when choosingplant colors to maintain proper hues.

* Denotes native plant species

TREES

Botanical Name Common Name

Acacia baileyiana Bailey Acacia

* Acer macrohyllum Bigleaf MapleAcer saccharinum Silver MapleAesculus californica California BuckeyeAgonis flexuosa Peppermint Tree

* Alnus rhombifolia White AlderArbutus menziesii MadroneArbutus 'Marina' NCNArbutus unedo Strawberry TreeBrachychiton populneus Karrajong Bottle TreeCinnamomum camphora Camphor TreeCeratonia siliqua CarobCercis occidentalis Western RedbudCercis canadensis Eastern RedbudChorisia speciosa Floss Silk TreeDodonaea viscosa 'Purpurea' Purple HopseedEriobotrya deflexa Bronze LoquatEriobotrya japonica LoquatFeijoa sellowiana Pineapple Guava

APPENDIX B


38

* Fraxinus depetala Flowering Ash

* Fraxinus velutina Arizona AshGeijera parviflora Australian WillowGinkgo biloba Maidenhair Tree

* Heteromeles arbutifolia Toyon or California Holly

* Juglans califonica California WalnutLagerstroemia spp. Crape MyrtleLeptospermum spp. Tea TreeLiquidamber styraciflua American SweetgumLyonothamnus floribundus Catalina IronwoodMaytenus boaria Mayten TreeMelaleuca spp. MelaleucaMyoporum laetum MyrtleMyoporum parvifolium Pacific Wax MyrtleOlea spp OlivePittosporum philyraeoides Willow PittosporumPittosporum undulatum Victorian BoxPlatanus racemosa California Sycamore

* Populus fremontii Western Cottonwood

* Populus trichocarpa Black Cottonwood

* Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak

* Quercus lobata Valley OakSchinus molle California Pepper

* Salix lasiolepis Arroyo Willow

* Sambucus mexicana Mexican ElderberryTristania conferta Brisbane BoxUlmus parvifolia Evergreen Elm

* Umbellularia californica California Bay

APPENDIX B


39

SHRUBS


* Adenostoma fasciculatum Chamise

* Adenostoma sparsifolium Red ShankAgave spp. Century Plan

* Amorpha californica False Indigo

* Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastwood Manzanita

* Arctostaphylos glauca Big Berry Manzanita

* Artemisia spp. Sagebrush

* Artiplex canescens Fourwing Saltbush

* Baccharis pilularis Coyote Bush

* Baccharis pilularis 'Pigeon Point' Dwarf Coyote Bush

* Baccharis salicifolia Mule Fat

* Ceanothus spp. NCN

* Cercocarpus betuloides Mountain Mahogony

* Comarostaphylos diversifolia Summer Holly

* Cornus nuttallii Mountain Dogwood

* Dendromecon rigida Bush PoppyEchium fastuosum Pride of Madiera

* Eriogonum fasciculatum California BuckwheatEuphorbia spp. EuphorbiaGrevillea 'Noellii' Shrub Gravellea

* Garrya veatchii Coast Tasslelbush

* Holodiscus discolor Ocean SprayHeuchera hybrids Hybrid Coral Bells

* Iris douglasiana Douglas IrisIris 'Pacific Coast Hybrids' Hybrid Iris

* Isomeris arborea Bladder PodJuncas spp. RushLimonium californicum Coastal Statice

* Lupinus chamissonis Dune Lupine

* Malacothamnus fasciculatus Bush Mallow

* Mahonia nevinii Nevin's Barberry

* Malosma laurina Laurel Sumac

APPENDIX B


40

* Myrica californica Pacific Wax Myrtle

* Opuntia littoralis Coastal Prickly PearPhormium tenax New Zealand Flax

* Polypodium californicum California Polypody

* Polystichum munitum Western Sword Fern

* Rhamnus californica California Coffeberry

* Rhamnus ilicifolia Hollyleaf Redberry

* Ribes aureum Golden Currant

* Ribes viburnifolium Evergreen Currant

* Rosa californica Wild Rose

* Rosa minutifolia Baja California Wild RoseRosmarinus officinalis Rosemary

* Salvia spp. Sage

* Solanum xantii Purple NightshadeTecoma stans Yellow Bells

* Yucca spp. Yucca

APPENDIX B


41

PERENNIALS


* Abronia umbellata Sand Verbena

* Anemopsis californica Yerba MansaAquilegia carulea Rocky Mountain ColumbineAquilegia formosa Red Columbine

* Asclepias fascicularis Narrow-leaf Milkweed

* Camissonia cheiranthifolia Beach Evening Primrose

* Coreopsis gigantea CoreopsisDasylirion wheeleri Desert Spoon

* Delphinium cardinale Scarlet Larkspur

* Delphinium elatum Candle Delphinium

* Dudleya lanceoata Lance Live Forever

* Dudleya pulverulenta Chalk Dudleya

* Encelia californica Califronia Bush Sunflower

* Eriognoum crocatum Conejo Buckwheat

* Eriophyllum confertiflorum Golden Yarrow

* Eschscholzia californica California Poppy

* Haplopappus venetus Coastal Isocoma

* Lepechinia fragrans White Pitcher Sage

* Lupinus argeneus Silverstream Lupine

* Lupinus nanus Sky Lupine

* Mimulus cardinalis Scarlet Monkeyflower

* Mimulus puttatus Golden Monkeyflower

* Mirabilis californica Wishbone Bush

* Oenothera hookeri Evening PrimrosePapaver nudicaule Iceland Poppy

* Penstemon spectabilis Royal Penstemon

* Potentilla gladulosa Sticky Cinquefoil

* Ribes spp. Currant

* Romneya coulteri Matilija Poppy

* Sambucus mexicana Mexican Elderberry

* Satureja chandleri San Miguel Savory

APPENDIX B


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* Sisyrichium bellum Blue-Eyed Grass

* Solanum xantii Purple Nightshade

* Viola pedunculata Johnny Jump Up

* Yucca whipplei Our Lords's Candle

* Zauschneria californicum California Fuchsia

GROUND COVERS AND VINES


Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Kinnickinnick

* Calystegia macrostegia Morning Glory

* Ceanothus griseus horizontalis Carmel CreeperCeratostigma plumbaginoides Dwarf Plumbago

* Clematis lasiantha Pipestem Clematis

* Clematis ligusticifolia Virgin's ClematisConvolvulus mauritanicus Ground Morning GloryFicus repens Creeping FigGelsmium sempervirens Carolina Jessamine

* Lathyrus laetiflorus Wild Sweet Pea

* Lonicera hispidula California HoneysuckleMerremia aurea Yellow Morning GloryNepeta faassenii CatminOsteospermum fruticosum Trailing African Daisy

* Rosa banksiae Banksiae RoseSolanum jasminoides Potato VineTecoma capensis Cape HoneysuckleThymus vulgaris Common Thyme

* Vitis girdiana Wild Grape

APPENDIX C


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APPENDIX C

NON-PREFERRED PLANT LIST

The following plants, while not prohibited by the Specific Plan, are not consideredcompatible with the Parkway environment:

# Bougainvillea in bright colors such as red or crimson. Consider other vineswith softer hues.

# Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemun species)

# Cactus on slopes.

# Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana), and other grasses that have invasiveseeding habits.

# Ficus tree species with invasive root systems near retaining walls orunderground pipes.

# Pine tree species.

# Any plant that is intense in color and not in harmony with the Santa MonicaMountains Color Wheel (Appendix A).

# Wild Cucumber Vine (Chilicothe or Marah macrocarpus).

# Chinese Rice Paper Plant (Tetrapanax papyriferus and Aralia papyrifera).

APPENDIX D


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APPENDIX D

PROHIBITED PLANT LIST(Specific Plan Section 10.B)

Acacia decurrens (GREEN WATTLE)Acacia melanoxylon (BLACKWOOD ACACIA)Achillea millefolium (COMMON YARROW)Ailanthus altissima (TREE-OF-HEAVEN)Albizia distachya (PLUME ALBIZIA)Atriplex semibaccata (AUSTRALIAN SALTBUSH)Bamboo sp.Brassica sp.Calocedrus decurrens (INCENSE CEDAR)Centranthus ruber (JUPITER'S BEARD, READ VALERIAN)Cirsium valgare and all other thistlesCortaderia jubata (A GRASS SIMILAR TO PAMPUS GRASS)Cotoneaster lacteusCupressus sempervirens (ITALIAN CYPRESS)Cytisus (BROOM)Eucalyptus sp.Hirschfeldia incana (WILD MUSTARD)Lantana camaraLobularia maritima (SWEET ALYSSUM)Nicotiana glauca (TREE TOBACCO)Oxalis pes-caprae (BERMUDA BUTTERCUP)Palmae (PALM)Pennisetum setaceum (FOUNTAIN GRASS)PodocarpusRhusRicinus communis (CASTER BEAN)Robinia pseudoacacia (BLACK LOCUST)Schinus terebinthifolius (BRAZILIAN PEPPER)Tamarix aphylla (ATHEL TREE)

APPENDIX E


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APPENDIX E

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Applicants may wish to seek guidance, information, or professional consultation. Thefollowing list offers some suggested resources:

Landscape ArchitectureAmerican Society of Landscape Architects636 Eye Street, NWWashington, DC 20001202.898.2444www.asla.org

ArboristsNational Arborist AssociationRoute 101, P.O. Box 1094Amherst, NH 03031-1094603.673.3311www.natlarb.com

ArchitectureAmerican Institute of ArchitectureMelrose Avenue, Suite BM3Los Angeles, CA 90069310.785.1809www.hometown.aol.com/aialosang/index.html

American Institute of Architects - San Fernando Valley ChapterP. O. Box 261279, Encino, CA 91428-1279818.907.7151www.aiasfv.org

Public AgenciesDepartment of City Planning6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 351Van Nuys, CA 91401818.374.5059 / 818.374.5061http://cityplanning.lacity.org

APPENDIX E


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Department of Building and Safety (grading, building height)6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 251Van Nuys, CA 91401888.LA4.BUILD

Plant/Tree OrganizationsTree People12201 Mulholland DriveBeverly Hills, CA 90210818.753.4600www.treepeople.org

California Native Plant Society1722 J. Street, #17Sacramento, CA 95814www.cnps.org

California Native Plant Society - L.A. Chapter6223 Lobao AvenueWoodland Hills, CA 91357818.861.3706

Theodore Payne Foundation10459 Tuxford StreetSun Valley, CA 91352818.768.1802

International Dark Sky Association3225 N. First AvenueTucson, Az 85719www.darksky.com

MULHOLLAND SCENIC PARKWAY SPECIFIC PLAN · design, so that the intended character of Mulholland...

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