Background

On August 11, 2021, the City Council voted to form an ad hoc joint committee to develop technical guidelines for a native plant policy and programs. The City Council designated Council Members Lyndes and Hinze to act as City Council subcommittee members. Council Member Ehlers later replaced Council Member Hinze on the subcommittee. The subcommittee held three joint meetings with the Planning Commission, Environmental Commission, and Urban Forest Advisory Committee on March 31, 2022, May 31, 2022, and August 3, 2022, respectively.

On January 25, 2023, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2023-03 to initiate the preparation of a native plant ordinance establishing policies and programs based on the subcommittee recommendations outlined in the agenda report from that hearing. At this meeting, the financial aspects of the ordinance were not discussed.

On March 20, 2024, staff presented the City Council subcommittee’s refined scope of work for the native plant ordinance and estimated budget to the City Council for consideration. The City Council provided staff with policy direction, but no action was taken.

At the budget introduction on May 15, 2024, City Council directed staff to allocate $150,000 towards the development of a simplified native plant ordinance (revised project scope) with the use of a consultant. The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-65, on June 12, 2024, approving the fiscal year 2024-25 operating budget and capital improvement program appropriations, including the work project for the simplified native plant ordinance and hiring a consultant.

On July 11, 2024, staff prepared and released a request for proposal (RFP) to hire a natural resources and project management services consultant for the Native Plant Ordinance. The RFP closed on July 25, 2024, and staff received seven proposals. On September 12, 2024, staff identified two of the seven candidates for interviews. Based on the review of the proposals and the outcome of the interviews. Staff selected the most qualified candidate, SWCA Environmental Consultants.

On October 23, 2024, staff will bring a professional services agreement to the City Council for review and approval. 

Key aspects of the Ordinance will include:

• A native plant palette, created from existing native plants lists that are compatible with the Southern California region. 
• Native plant usage requirements for all new development, including private, commercial, and city development projects.
• Regulations that will align with the City's existing water efficiency, stormwater, open space,  naturally sensitive, and fire management requirements.
• Requirements and recommendations for the percentage and composition of native plants, planting installation techniques, types of soil/ ground cover, proximity to existing natural areas, and replacement.
• A city incentive program, that will encourage existing residential and commercial properties to re-landscape and become in conformance with the native plant ordinance.

 Goals

• Promote environmental sustainability and resilience.
• Improve habitat and local native biodiversity.
• Increase local pollinators.
• Improve natural spaces including habitat linkages.
• Promote community aesthetics and function.
• Foster long-term successful native landscapes.
• Promote reduced water usage.

Updates

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