• Prior to issuance of building permits, three (3) copies of a landscaping plan shall be submitted to the Monterey County Planning Department for approval.* A landscape plan review fee is required. Fees shall be paid at the time of landscape plan submittal. The landscaping plan shall be in sufficient detail to identify the location, species, and size of the proposed landscaping materials and shall be accompanied by a nursery or contractor’s estimate of the cost of installation of the plan (see “how to submit a landscaping plan brochure”).

• Before occupancy, landscaping shall be either installed or for single family residential projects, a certificate of deposit or other form of surety made payable to Monterey County for the cost estimate shall be submitted to Monterey County Housing and Community Development.*

  *Conditions of your planning permit may require the approval of the landscaping plan and installation prior to issuance of building or grading permit. Check with your project planner.

 Plan Submittal:

• Complete a Landscape Plan Submittal form.

• Landscape plans shall be required to be certified by a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscaping contractor or similarly qualified and licensed persons as being in full compliance with all County requirements for landscaping including appropriate native, non-invasive species and xeriscape principals.

• The landscape plans shall bear an original wet stamp and signature of the person(s) who prepared and certified the plan. The landscaping plans shall bear a statement that reads:

  “I                                      certify that this landscaping and irrigation plan complies with all Monterey County landscaping requirements including use of native drought tolerant, non-invasive species, limited turf and low flow, water conserving irrigation fixtures.”

• A landscape plan for a single family dwelling that is submitted with proper certification, stamp and signature shall be accepted as an approved plan, except for projects that may have specific landscaping conditions.

• If, the landscaping plan includes irrigation system a plumbing permit will be required for the backflow device. Provide type of device and manufacturer’s installation specifications. A separate fee will be required for the plumbing permit.

• Be sure to include the required landscape review fee with landscape plan submittal.

Inspections:

• The installed landscaping shall be inspected by a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscaping contractor or similarly qualified and licensed person. Upon receipt of written certification, including original stamp and signature, that the landscaping and irrigation system were installed in conformance with the approved plans, the landscaping requirements shall be deemed met.