A. In order to ensure compliance and to reduce the potential expense of replacing landscaping or screening materials which were installed at an inappropriate time or under unfavorable conditions, a letter of request for extension of compliance with landscaping requirements can be filed with the Planning Director, or designee, which states the reasons why the request is being made. This letter shall acknowledge that the applicant is aware of all landscaping and screening requirements, and will comply with those requirements within 90 days, or discontinue use of the property.

B. The Planning Director, or designee, shall grant the extension on requests for planting extensions for single-family development submitted between May 15 and September 15 of each year and may grant the extensions for other uses and at other times if there are unfavorable conditions for planting.

C. If the initial letter of request for extension of compliance with landscaping requirements has expired and conditions are still deemed unsuitable for planting, an applicant can request one additional extension of up to 90 days. During periods of extreme drought, as evidenced by the official declaration of Stage 3 or greater mandatory water conservation requirements, the Planning Director, or designee, may authorize additional 90-day extensions beyond the one extension typically allowed. These extensions may be continued throughout the period in which the extreme drought conditions remain.

D. The applicant shall also acknowledge that while a Conditional Certificate of Compliance may be issued, no Final Certificate of Compliance shall be issued while there is an active (pending) letter of request for extension of compliance with landscaping requirements unless a performance guarantee (such as a letter of credit or performance bond) sufficient to cover 125% of the installed landscaping costs has been posted with the Inspections or Planning Department.