19.24.070 - Soil and grading requirements.

A.

Soil testing shall be performed and submitted with plan check submittals, prior to landscape installation, to ensure the selection of appropriate plant material that is suitable for the site and reported in a soil management plan. The soil management plan shall include:

1.

Determination of soil texture, indicating the available water holding capacity and agricultural suitability;

2.

An appropriate soil Infiltration Rate either measured or derived from soil texture/infiltration rate tables. A range of infiltration rates shall be noted where appropriate;

3.

Measurement of pH and total soluble salts; and

4.

Recommended amendments.

B.

No soil test shall be required if the soil type can be determined by reference to the city soil map maintained by the community development department and the soil is amended as required by the community development director, provided, however a soils test shall be required if substantial amounts of soil are imported to the property.

C.

Grading on site shall be designed to minimize unnecessary soil compaction, erosion and water waste. Grade with the intent of retaining all irrigation and rainfall within the property lines and preventing sheet flow on to impermeable hardscapes. Grading plans must satisfy the city/county of Los Angeles grading ordinances and be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package.

(Ord. No. 627, § 1, 9-21-2010)