The existing landscape includes a mix of native and non-native trees, native and non-native underbrush and primarily non-native grasses. The Monterey pines planted throughout the Site in the 1960’s are nearing the end of their lifespan. North Coast’s plan includes a long-term program to remove dead and declining trees and replant native and compatible species. The general approach to landscape will be to remove exotic and invasive species and to restore an open, native oak and grassland landscape.
Plants will be arranged to ensure no continuity between shrub understory plantings and tree crowns. Tree planting will include clusters of native oaks, buckeye or compatible ornamental species spaced so that mature crowns will be well separated at maturity. Existing trees within the 30-foot defensible space zone from buildings will be pruned of all dead wood and branches. Healthy Monterey pines within the 30-foot zone will be retained and pruned as noted. Pines determined to be unsuitable for preservation will be removed. The site’s landscape will be maintained to ensure a fire-safe condition, consistent with Marin County Fire Department regulations.
All permanent irrigation for new landscape areas near walkways, building foundations, planters and campus grounds will be drip irrigated. All shrub and groundcover areas will be mulched to retain soil moisture. Subsequent landscape improvement plans and specifications will include detailed maintenance requirements.
The design of the Residential Areas eliminates individual yards, thus reducing the waste of potable water through efficient technologies, conservation efforts, and design and management practices, and by better matching the source and quality of water to the user’s needs.
In addition, the proposed project will include a new storm drain system including vegetated and cobble swales, drainage inlets, storm drain piping, and storm water best management practices including treatment and detention.