HomeMy WebLinkAboutVan Dyke Landscape ArchitectsLandscape Plan Check Services
Prepared by VDLA Landscape Architects for the City of Diamond Bar
May 2, 2025
Table of Contents
1. | Letter of Transmittal
2. | Firm & Personnel Qualifications
Firm Profile
Relevant Experience
Organizational Chart
Resumes
Summary of Plan Checks
3. | Understanding & Approach
Project Understanding
VDLA's Approach
Quality Assurance
4. | Fee Proposal
5. | Project References
3
5
6
8
10
11
15
16
17
18
21
23
25
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Letter of Transmittal
1. LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
Mayuko Nakajima, Senior Planner
City of Diamond Bar
21810 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
RE: Request For Proposals Landscape Plan Check Services
Dear Ms. Nakajima & Members of the Selection Committee,
VDLA Landscape Architects is excited to respond to the City of Diamond Bar's Request for
Proposals for landscape plan check and inspection services. With 53 years of experience, VDLA
has successfully provided similar services for municipalities and public agencies throughout
Southern California. From our understanding of the RFP and based on our portfolio of experience,
we offer our proposal. Our firm information and point of contact for this contract is as follows:
Van Dyke Landscape Architects, Inc.
462 Stevens Ave Suite 107
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Point of Contact: Yale Hooper
(619) 294-8484 x20
yhooper@vdla.us
VDLA has a proven track record in on-call landscape plan review and inspection contracts
with municipalities and public agencies, including but not limited to the Riverside County
Transportation & Land Management Agency (RCTLMA), Eastern Municipal Water District
(EMWD), and the City of Jurupa Valley. Our team of licensed professionals brings deep expertise
in plan checking and on-site inspections. Under our contract with RCTLMA, our firm has
successfully completed more than 1,100 landscape and irrigation plan checks and more than
7,000 site inspections. These contracts involve comprehensive reviews against municipal codes,
stakeholder collaboration, and adherence to environmental regulations, all within tight timelines.
Our approach is focused on proactive communication, timely reviews, and thorough inspections.
We are committed to delivering plan reviews within 10 business days for initial submittals and
within 5 business days for subsequent reviews. In addition, we understand the context of design
and the changing landscape of state and local restrictions. An example includes AB-1572, which
will mandate the removal of non-functional turf in many areas starting in 2027.
VDLA fully understands and agrees to comply with all requirements set forth in the RFP. We
look forward to the opportunity to support the City of Diamond Bar and contribute to the ongoing
success of your development projects. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Landscape Architecture
Planning
Water Management
Graphic Communications
Yale Hooper, CID, CLIA, RWSS
President
VDLA Landscape Architects
462 Stevens Avenue, Suite 107 Solana Beach, CA 92075
O (619) 294-8484 x20 | M (619) 992-1679 | F (619) 574-0626 | E: yhooper@vdla.us
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 4
2. Firm & Personnel Qualifications
2. FIRM & PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
Firm Profile
Designing beautiful outdoor
environments since 1972.
VDLA Landscape Architects is a certified small business with a rich history of
53 years providing landscape architecture services to public and private clients
throughout California. VDLA is a dynamic group of designers, irrigation experts,
project managers, and skilled professionals who collaborate to design beautiful,
sustainable, and durable environments. This combined expertise gives VDLA the
unique ability to create stunning yet practical landscape architectural design,
design modern and efficient irrigation systems, produce accurate construction
documents, and provide unsurpassed client service. VDLA has worked with
municipalities, land developers, public agencies, HOAs, private entities, and
design-builders throughout California to design beautiful environments that
create a sense of place and well-being. Defining each client’s vision and goals
establishes the foundation for every decision in our design process. We create
long-term solutions for long-lasting projects.
• Planning
• Master Planning
• Concept Design
• Construction Documentation
• Irrigation Master Planning
• Irrigation Design
• Irrigation Audits
• Water Management Services
• Construction Administration
• Graphic Communication
• Community Outreach
• Landscape Plan Checking
• Site Inspections
• Technical Writing
(619) 294-8484
VDLA Landscape Architects
462 Stevens Ave, Suite 107
Solana Beach, CA 92075
admin@vdla.us
vdla.us
Contact Us
VDLA is a Certified
Small Business
(Micro) #1188980
Our Services
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 6
• County of Orange
• City of Carlsbad
• City of Solana Beach
• City of Jurupa Valley
• City of Lancaster
• City of Hemet
• City of Upland
• City of Laguna Woods
• City of Calimesa
• City of Cathedral City
• City of Chula Vista
• City of San Diego
• City of San Jacinto
• City of Temecula
• City of Yucaipa
• City of Los Angeles
• City of Banning
• City of Beaumont
• San Bernadino County
• County of San Diego
• County of Riverside
• CA Coastal Commission
• EMWD
• MWD
3000+
Projects Completed
50+
Years of Experience
in Southern CA
25+
Municipalities &
Public Agencies
Worked With
VDLA has extensive experience providing landscape architectural services
for municipalities and public agencies. A few of our previous clients include:
Why VDLA?
Our differentiators for your success
2. FIRM & PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
Firm Profile
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 7
Public Sector Experience
Riverside County Transportation & Land Management Agency (RCTLMA)
Multiple contracts, 2009 - Present
Contact: Mark Hughes, Principal Engineering Unit Supervisor
Phone: (951) 955-6767
Mailing Address: 4080 Lemon Street, 8th Floor Riverside, CA 92502
Email: marhughe@rivco.org
VDLA has been working with RCTLMA since 2009, providing a wide range of
on-call services including landscape architectural design services, landscape
plan checking, landscape site inspections, irrigation water management, central
control irrigation management and setup, creation of plan check and evaluation
check lists, development of comprehensive landscape guidelines, standard
details and specifications. Specific tasks relevant to this scope include: design
of medians, roundabouts and parkway landscapes, point of connection (POC) /
Electrical / Water Meter Inventory, maintenance inspections, and evaluations
of new and existing irrigation systems within County maintained landscape
maintenance districts (LMDs). Evaluations include noting overall site conditions
and inventory of key components such as water meters, backflow prevention
devices, master valves, flow sensors, pumps, sensors and system controllers.
Upon inventory completion, a system evaluation is conducted, noting observed
problems such as valve malfunctions, condition of equipment, pressure,
deflection, overspray, broken equipment and runoff. Inventory and assessment
information is then compiled into a report where system information,
deficiencies and recommended upgrades/repairs are listed. VDLA also meets
with landscape maintenance contractor staff on site to ensure that repairs are
implemented correctly and that system performance has improved.
Riverside County Economic Development Agency (EDA)
Administered Under RCTLMA Contract Listed Above
Contact: Mike Franklin, Principal Development Specialist Community and
Cultural Services Division/EDA
Phone: (951) 675-9671
Mailing Address: 3499 10th Street, Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92501
Email: mfranklin@rivco.org
VDLA has a 20-year working relationship with the County of Riverside EDA and
its maintenance districts. Implemented scopes include park and recreation
projects, development of landscape and irrigation standards and details,
inspections of irrigation systems for installation compliance and quality control,
gathering site data, programming of central control systems, and creation of
water management notebooks based on data gathered in the field. Services also
include landscape plan checking, landscape site inspections, irrigation water
management, central control irrigation management and setup, and landscape
design services.
2. FIRM & PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
Relevant Experience
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 8
Public Sector Experience
Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD)
Multiple Contracts 2006 - 2009; 2012 - Present
Contact: John Weurth
Senior Recycled Water Program Analyst
Phone: (951) 920-3777
Mailing Address: 2270 Trumble Road P.O. Box 8300 Perris, CA 92572-8300
Email: wuerthj@emwd.org
VDLA scope includes review of plans for conformance to EMWD submittal and
graphic standards. Documents reviewed included Recycled Water Use Exhibits,
construction documents for on-site irrigation and related civil plans. Plan review
included evaluation of projects from the recycled water meter downstream for
compliance with regulatory permitting requirements, including environmental,
local, regional and state codes, and any applicable conditions of approval for
the project. Scope also includes reviewing Recycled Water Use Exhibits and
irrigation plans as related to California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Title 22 compliance, Environmental Regulatory Compliance (ERC) and EMWD
Recycled Water Guidelines and Specifications. During the plan and exhibit review
process, proposed pipeline size requirements and limits are reviewed, locations
of existing and proposed facilities are verified using EB Web and SmallWorld
software.
City of Jurupa Valley
Multiple Contracts 2016 - Present
Contact: Michael Waltz
Public Works Operations Manager
Phone: (951) 332-6464
Mailing Address: 8930 Limonite Ave, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509
Email: mwaltz@jurupavalley.org
VDLA was retained by the City of Jurupa Valley to provide as-needed
landscape architectural services including landscape architectural design
services, landscape plan checking, landscape site inspections, irrigation water
management, central control irrigation management and setup, creation of plan
check and evaluation check lists, development of comprehensive landscape
guidelines, standard details and specifications. Specific tasks relevant to this
scope include: design of medians, roundabouts and parkway landscapes, point of
connection (POC) / Electrical / Water Meter Inventory, maintenance inspections,
and evaluations of new and existing irrigation systems within County maintained
landscape maintenance districts (LMD).
2. FIRM & PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
Relevant Experience
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 9
CA LLA - California Licensed Landscape Architect
LLA - Licensed Landscape Architect
CLIA - Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor
CID - Certified Irrigation Designer
RWSS - Recycled Water Site Supervisor
YALE HOOPER
Principal in Charge
CLIA, CID, RWSS
BRETT ALLEN
Senior Project Manager
CA LLA #6595, CID, CLIA, RWSS
ELAINE SITZ
Senior Plan Checker
CA LLA #2585
DENISE ARMIJO
Project Manager
ASLA
KEY PERSONNEL
LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS, SUPPORT STAFF, & ADMINISTRATION
MITCH PHILLIPPE, CA LLA
Principal Emeritus
GERARDO BANUELOS, LLA
Project Manager
WEI WANG
Project Manager
RICARDO SANTOS
Landscape Designer
DAWSON HODGSON
Landscape Designer
MAURO MACIAS
Landscape Designer
DUSTIN FARRELLY
Inspector
JEFF ALBERS
Inspector
GUILLERMO PEREZ
Inspector
STEVE SIERRA
Inspector
ALEXA HUDSON
Controller
NOAH HENWOOD
BD & Marketing Manager
STACY ENTRIKIN
Admin Assistant
2. FIRM & PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
Organizational Chart
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 10
YALE HOOPER | PRINCIPAL
Principal in Charge
Mr. Hooper is President of VDLA and serves as Director of Irrigation Services, Construction
Administration, and Inspections Manager. He will provide contract management and Principal
leadership for the proposed services. He has 37 years of experience in public and agency work,
focusing on irrigation design and construction management while coordinating with water
districts, public agencies and municipalities, civil engineers, industry product manufacturers,
and contractors. Mr. Hooper’s experience in the region provides him with thorough familiarity
with regional and local standards and regulations, as well as micro-climates affecting planting
and irrigation designs.
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
On-Call Landscape Plan Checking and Inspections, Riverside County Transportation
& Land Management Agency (RCTLMA), Riverside, CA
Mr. Hooper oversees VDLA staff who perform plan review and plan checking, including project
Conditions of Approval, County ordinances and submittals for County maintained landscape
projects. Projects range from existing parkways and medians to freeway interchanges. Mr.
Hooper also oversees VDLA services for on-site and off-site landscape inspection services for
newly constructed privately maintained sites, and new and existing County maintained sites
(LMD, CSA and CFD) and CalTrans Rights of Way.
On-Call Plan Checking, Eastern Municipal Water District
Mr. Hooper oversees VDLA staff who perform plan review and plan checking including review
of plans for conformance to EMWD submittal and graphic standards. Documents reviewed
included Recycled Water Use Exhibits, construction documents for on-site irrigation and related
civil plans.
Holt Blvd. Bikeway & Medians, Montclair, CA
Mr. Hooper served as the Contract Administrator for the Holt Bikeway & Medians project. The
project included the development of landscape planting and irrigation plans for the Class IV
bikeway medians and enhancements to the existing center median along Holt Boulevard. His
responsibilities encompassed the preparation of comprehensive construction documents,
landscape renderings, and bid-ready construction documents. These deliverables ensured the
successful integration of sustainable, aesthetically pleasing landscaping within the medians,
significantly improving the visual and functional aspects of the bikeway corridor.
Mountain Edge Park, Riverside County, CA
Mr. Hooper is serving as Principal in Charge for a 10-acre turnkey park within the Valley Wide
Recreation & Park District in the County of Riverside. In refining an approved concept plan,
current program elements designed by VDLA include a baseball field, basketball and volleyball
courts, pre-fabricated restroom, shade shelters, sports lighting, tot lot, parking lot, site
amenities, park monument and multi-purpose fields located within an existing Riverside County
Flood Control basin bottom.
San Diego Unified School District (50+ Projects), San Diego, CA
Mr. Hooper oversaw the production of final sets of construction documents which included but
were not limited to: demolition plans, wall and fencing plans, hardscape plans, irrigation plans,
electrical plans, planting plans and cost estimates. All designs addressed water conservation
through the use of durable and drought tolerant plant species, central irrigation control
systems, irrigation application methods and potential use of recycled water. Mr. Hooper also
performed construction observation ranging from pre-bid meetings to final inspection of plant
material and irrigation coverage testing, and as-built drawings and controller charts.
EXPERIENCE
27 Years with VDLA
EDUCATION
Irrigation Design, Mesa
College, San Diego
Irrigation Design,
California Polytechnic
University, San Luis
Obispo
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Irrigation
Designer (CID) #45214
Certified Landscape
Irrigation Auditor (CLIA)
#45214
Recycled Water Site
Supervisor (RWSS)
#6934
AFFILIATIONS
Building Industry
Association
Irrigation Association (IA)
EPA Water Sense Partner
Water ReUse Association
American Society of
Agriculture & Biological
Engineers
American Society of
Irrigation Consultants
2. FIRM & PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
Resumes
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 11
ELAINE SITZ
Senior Plan Checker, Landscape Architect (CA #2585)
Ms. Sitz is a Senior Plan Check Specialist with VDLA and has over 30 years of project
experience, encompassing institutional projects, multi-family housing and residential
community development, park and recreation facilities, corporate office site design, and public
agency projects. She adds immense value to the plan checking department at VDLA, and
oversees multiple plan check staff. Ms. Sitz currently reviews landscape and irrigation projects
for multiple agencies for conformance with applicable ordinances and regulations, including
water conservation ordinances, landscape water budget calculations, parking ordinances, and
sight distance requirements.
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
On-Call Landscape Plan Checking, Riverside County Transportation & Land
Management Agency (RCTLMA), Riverside, CA
Ms. Sitz performs on and off-site plan checks of private and County maintained projects for
conformance to County standards, ensuring conformance to RCTLMA submittal and graphic
standards, approved landscape concept plan and Conditions of Approval, and for verifying that
plans conform to Ordinances 348, 460, 461 and 859. Ms. Sitz assists in periodic updates to the
standard requirement check lists, standard details and specifications for use by plan checkers
and applicants to help streamline the plan checking process. Ms. Sitz frequently collaborates
with applicants to aid in resolution of design issues, inter-departmental coordination, and
regular collaboration with County Planning Department, Valley-Wide Parks and Recreation,
various CSA’s and water districts.
On-Call Landscape Plan Checking, City of Jurupa Valley
Ms. Sitz performs plan check services for the City of Jurupa Valley predominantly for City
maintained right-of-way areas and basins. The plan check streamlines irrigation methods and
materials and directs applicants toward plant material which is appropriate for the site and
coordinates the material and design with existing plant material in the area taking into account
the microclimate of the site, the amount of anticipated foot and vehicular traffic and visibility
safety.
On-Call Landscape Plan Checking, City of Lancaster
Ms. Sitz is responsible for reviewing landscape plans to ensure compliance with the City of
Lancaster’s standards and regulations. In addition to her plan review duties, she has played
an integral role in the periodic development of standardized requirement checklists and the
implementation of electronic approval stamps to streamline the plan review process for her
team.
On-Call Landscape Plan Checking, City of Hemet
Ms. Sitz conducts thorough reviews of landscape plans to verify alignment with the City
of Hemet’s guidelines and design standards. She has also contributed to the creation of
standardized requirement checklists and electronic approval stamps, enhancing the efficiency
and consistency of the plan review process.
On-Call Landscape Plan Checking, City of Upland
Ms. Sitz is responsible for reviewing landscape plans to ensure they meet the City of Upland’s
requirements and design standards. She has also contributed to improving the plan checking
process by helping develop standard requirement checklists and electronic approval stamps.
EXPERIENCE
30+ Years
9 Years with VDLA
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Agriculture in
Landscape Architecture,
Purdue University
REGISTRATIONS
Licensed Landscape
Architect State of
California #2585
2. FIRM & PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
Resumes
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 12
BRETT ALLEN | PRINCIPAL
Senior Project Manager, Landscape Architect (CA #6595)
Mr. Allen has 21 years of landscape architectural design experience on numerous projects
within Southern California. Mr. Allen’s experience representing agencies and landscape
maintenance districts provides a solid base in sustainable and durable landscape architecture,
including irrigation, hardscape and planting design, native and adaptive regional plant
materials, soils, appropriate planting techniques and construction administration. Mr. Allen’s
technical design expertise includes irrigation point of connection master plans, irrigation audits,
demand analyses, and hydraulic analyses.
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
On-Call Landscape Plan Checking and Inspections, Riverside County Transportation
& Land Management Agency (RCTLMA), Riverside, CA
Mr. Allen serves as Project Manager for VDLA’s on-call contract with RCTLMA, overseeing
comprehensive landscape inspections for both on-site and off-site locations. His responsibilities
include managing inspections of newly developed and existing County-maintained areas,
such as Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMD), Community Service Areas (CSA), Community
Facilities Districts (CFD), as well as medians, parkways, and interfaces with CALTRANS. His
expertise ensures adherence to county standards and sustainable landscape practices.
On-Call Landscape Plan Checking, City of Jurupa Valley
As Project Manager for the City of Jurupa Valley, Mr. Allen plays a critical role in refining
landscape plans by optimizing irrigation strategies and material selection. He provides
applicants with expert guidance on appropriate plant materials that harmonize with the region’s
existing vegetation and microclimate. His efforts streamline the plan review process, resulting
in efficient, sustainable landscaping solutions that align with both aesthetic and environmental
goals.
Holt Blvd. Bikeway & Medians, Montclair, CA
Mr. Allen served as the Director of Design for the Holt Bikeway & Medians project, providing
landscape and irrigation design services for the City of Montclair. The project included the
development of landscape planting and irrigation plans for the Class IV bikeway medians
and enhancements to the existing center median along Holt Boulevard. His responsibilities
encompassed the preparation of comprehensive construction documents, landscape
renderings, and bid-ready construction documents. These deliverables ensured the successful
integration of sustainable, aesthetically pleasing landscaping within the medians, significantly
improving the visual and functional aspects of the bikeway corridor.
Conestoga Park, Winchester, CA
Mr. Allen served as Project Manager for this 5.5 acre park that features hard court amenities
such as basketball, tennis and pickleball; age-appropriate playground facilities; a pre-fab
restroom and storage area; natural turf soccer field; meandering trails and picnic areas with
shade shelters. A detention basin handles site water quality and drainage. VDLA served as the
prime design consultant, and coordinated all consultants including civil, electrical, structural
and geotechnical engineering.
Catalina Roundabout, Laguna Beach, CA
Mr. Allen prepared plans, specs, and estimates for the construction of a permanent roundabout
including curb and gutter, sidewalk, parkways, pavement, signing and striping, and traffic
control. Conceptual Landscape Plans were presented at two Design Review Board Meetings and
two public outreach meetings.
EXPERIENCE
21 Years with VDLA
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in
Landscape Architecture,
Arizona State University
REGISTRATIONS
Licensed Landscape
Architect State of
California #6595
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Irrigation
Designer (CID) #58129
Certified Landscape
Irrigation Auditor (CLIA)
#58129
Recycled Water Site
Supervisor (RWSS)
#6936
AFFILIATIONS
American Society of
Landscape Architects
(Past President, San
Diego Chapter)
Building Industry
Association
Community Associations
Institute
2. FIRM & PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
Resumes
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 13
DENISE ARMIJO | PRINCIPAL
Project Manager
Ms. Armijo has over 23 years of diverse landscape architectural experience and project
management for both public and private clients. Experience includes master planning
and entitlement, outreach and consensus gathering, schematic and design development,
construction documents, bid documents, bid period support, and construction administration.
Project types range from HOA master plans, park and recreation design, open space and
habitat preservation, and trails development, to cemetery and library scopes. Ms. Armijo is also
accomplished in coordinating and obtaining multi-agency approvals, and preparing materials
for public / community group meetings.
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
On-Call Consulting Services, Riverside County Transportation & Land Management
Agency (RCTLMA), Riverside, CA
Ms. Armijo’s experience with the County of Riverside includes development of the County of
Riverside Comprehensive Landscape Guidelines & Standards, a comprehensive document to
guide landscape design and submittals within the agency’s jurisdiction. VDLA reviewed existing
guidelines, standards and regulations, then worked closely with multiple disciplines within
the agency to produce standards for landscape design and submittals, including clarifying
and/or prioritizing any conflicts between regulations. Additional efforts for the County include
acting in an advisory role and providing updates to ordinance 859 working with County staff to
appropriately address drought measures through regulation and design. Additional review and
technical writing has been provided for ordinances 348 and 461.
La Colonia Park (Multiple Projects), Solana Beach, CA
Ms. Armijo has served as Project Manager, Public Outreach and Communications Manager for
several projects within this well established historic neighborhood park. Projects include a
master plan, CD’s for a skate park and veterans honor court, tot lot upgrade, and an updated
master plan to incorporate a new lot. Efforts include leading community workshops and
presentations, and implementing successful methods of input gathering such as bilingual
flyers, information booths at community events, public charettes and visual preference surveys.
Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA
Ms. Armijo oversaw design and production through Design Development and Construction
Documents for phases 1 and 2 of the 323 acre master plan. The plan provides over 250,000
interment sites in 6 phases for build out over a 20-30 year period. The site is constrained by
topographic features, sensitive habitat and natural resources, utility easements and military
flight path zones.
The Colony at California Oaks, Murrieta, CA
Ms. Armijo managed landscape assessments, master planning, and the preparation of detailed
renovation plans for common areas within this established residential community. Her scope
of work included site assessments, conceptual design, graphic exhibits, plant palettes, street
tree themes, and full construction documentation for landscape, hardscape, and irrigation
improvements. She led the design and construction document packages for two major
community entries, including the renovation of an existing water feature at the Jackson Drive
entry, where she recommended a low-maintenance, water-efficient “pondless waterfall” system.
Currently, Ms. Armijo is overseeing pool and patio area renovations, and is continuing to
provide design leadership and coordination through construction.
EXPERIENCE
23 Years with VDLA
EDUCATION
Associate of Science in
Landscape Architecture,
San Diego Mesa College
Landscape Architecture
Curriculum, UC Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts
in Modern French
Civilization, Scripps
College
AFFILIATIONS
Colina del Sol Recreation
Council
California Native Plant
Society
American Society of
Landscape Architects
2. FIRM & PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
Resumes
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 14
2. FIRM & PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
Summary of Plan Checks
Summary of Plan Checks (Last 12 Months)
Over the last 12 months, VDLA has provided plan check services for more than 100 projects across both public and
private sectors. Our work has encompassed residential and new community developments, commercial centers,
recreational facilities, infrastructure improvements involving recycled water systems, landscape maintenance districts
(LMDs), and Community Facilities Districts (CFDs).
VDLA has performed plan checks on behalf of multiple public agencies within the last 12 months, including Eastern
Municipal Water District (EMWD), the County of Riverside, and the cities of Jurupa Valley, Upland, Murrieta, and
Corona. On the private side, VDLA has plan checked for Stonebridge Estates and the San Elijo Hills Homeowner's
Association. Additional information is available upon request.
Five Highest Valuation Projects (Within the last 12 months)
1. County of Riverside
Community Development Plan Check - Spring Mountain Ranch
2. City of Jurupa Valley
Community Development Plan Check - Shadow Rock
3. City of Jurupa Valley
Commercial Plan Check - The Shops at Jurupa Valley
4. County of Riverside
Community Development Plan Check - Nuevo Meadows
5. City of Jurupa Valley
Transportation Plan Check - Flabob Airport
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 15
3. Understanding & Approach
We understand the City of Diamond Bar is seeking a qualified and responsive firm to provide landscape and irrigation
plan check services, inspection support, and project management for a variety of residential, commercial, and public
development projects. These services are critical in ensuring compliance with the City's Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance (City Code Chapters 8.14 and 22.26), project conditions of approval, and state regulations promoting
sustainable, water-wise development practices.
VDLA understands that the City's goal is to maintain high-quality landscape and irrigation design standards
while delivering timely, cost-effective reviews and inspections. We also recognize the City's emphasis on clear
communication with applicants, timely turnaround times for plan reviews, and adaptability in handling varying project
volumes.
Our extensive experience with municipalities, counties, and public agencies has equipped us to navigate regulatory
frameworks, streamline approvals, and produce well-executed designs tailored to the public realm. We don’t just
deliver plans—we deliver partnerships built on accountability, technical precision, and a shared commitment to
enhancing outdoor spaces for all who use them. VDLA looks forward to the opportunity to support Diamond Bar's
continued growth.
Project Understanding
4 Licensed Landscape Architects (LLA)
3 Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditors (CLIA)
3 Recycled Water Site Supervisors (RWSS)
2 Certified Irrigation Designers (CID)
1 Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT)
1 Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL)
1 Certified Water Manager (CWM)
3. UNDERSTANDING & APPROACH
Project Understanding
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 17
Plan Review:
VDLA employs consistent and client-specific methods for plan review, which will ensure that all landscape and
irrigation documents meet the City of Diamond Bar’s standards. Our methodology includes verifying maintenance
entities, conditions of approval, approved concept or specific plans, relevant ordinances, and design guidelines. We also
ensure coordination between landscape, irrigation, and other disciplines, such as civil and grading plans, to confirm
alignment with utility locations, hardscape improvements, bioswales, or detention basin facilities.
Our review comments are comprehensive, combining customized checklists, written memos, and examples of
standards as needed. Re-submittals are back-checked against prior comments, with color coding to indicate
compliance. To keep projects on track, VDLA may initiate meetings or phone conferences with applicants and City staff,
always mindful of project budgets and timelines.
We utilize advanced platforms like Bluebeam Revu, Adobe Acrobat, and Excel for plan checking, commenting, and
record keeping. All submittals are tracked in detailed spreadsheets that log key project information such as applicant
details, maintenance entities, tract numbers, submittal timelines, and Bluebeam session numbers for easy reference
and follow-up. For electronic plan reviews, we conduct detailed markups using Bluebeam Sessions, which allow
for real-time collaboration and efficient digital transmittal of plan check comments to both City staff and applicants.
Comments are organized systematically for clarity and consistency, and we can easily export annotated plan sets and
comment logs for submittal.
In addition, we have developed client-specific tools, including customized checklists for different project types and
ordinances, an automated water budget calculation spreadsheet aligned with MWELO requirements, and sample
graphics to further streamline and standardize the review process.
VDLA’s Approach to Service Delivery
3. UNDERSTANDING & APPROACH
VDLA's Approach
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 18
Inspection Process:
VDLA ensures timely and thorough landscape inspections, offering full availability Monday through Friday. We commit
to conducting inspections within 48 hours of the request, ensuring coordination with City staff and contractors. Our
project management approach for inspections includes tailored client-specific checklists, a color-coded Excel tracking
system for monitoring inspection dates and progress, and the use of triplicate forms. These forms are signed by
contractors on-site to document required corrections, with copies provided to all stakeholders immediately.
Inspections are organized by water meter or Point of Connection, so that compliant areas can be approved without
delaying other sections. VDLA also coordinates pre-construction meetings to review project requirements and
establish inspection milestones. Our inspectors are equipped with cell phones and laptops to ensure consistent
availability and communication with the City and project stakeholders.
Timelines and Service Efficiency:
VDLA ensures that the first landscape plan check is completed within 10 business days of receiving the submittal, with
subsequent reviews completed within 5 business days. Additionally, VDLA has a dedicated employee responsible for
the efficient pickup and delivery of plans between our office and the City of Diamond Bar, ensuring prompt handling of
all documents.
VDLA is structured to maintain flexibility and responsiveness even during periods of high workload. Our team includes
a pool of experienced plan checkers and inspectors who can be reassigned as needed to support priority projects and
ensure deadlines are met. We monitor project timelines and review capacity weekly, allowing us to proactively adjust
assignments when incoming submittals exceed typical volumes.
VDLA’s Approach to Service Delivery
3. UNDERSTANDING & APPROACH
VDLA's Approach
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 19
At VDLA, we are continuously refining our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance efficiency for the City or
County agencies we work with. Our goal is to ensure smooth coordination, clear communication, and prompt service
delivery for all projects. To this end, we have implemented the following measures:
Comprehensive Guidelines: VDLA has developed thorough guidelines for processing landscape and irrigation
plans. These guidelines include tailored plant and tree lists for various project types such as medians, right-of-ways,
and commercial frontages. This ensures consistency and adherence to local standards across all projects. VDLA also
develops and provides standard titleblocks, signature blocks, and other graphics as needed in multiple formats for
customer use to facilitate projects.
Plan Checklists: We have created detailed plan checklists for different project types, including front yard residential
typicals, City-maintained projects, and commercial developments. These checklists streamline the review process,
ensuring all necessary components are addressed and documented, reducing review time and rework.
Inspection Checklists: VDLA utilizes comprehensive inspection checklists that cover all phases of construction,
including commercial, private, and City-maintained projects. These checklists are shared with contractors upfront, so
they are fully aware of the required inspections, minimizing delays and ensuring compliance throughout the project
lifecycle.
Inspection Request Protocol: We have established a dedicated inspection request email with clear protocols,
making it easy for contractors to schedule inspections. This system allows for efficient scheduling and timely
coordination between all parties.
Tracking Systems: VDLA maintains tracking spreadsheets for all past inspection requests, allowing both our team
and City/County officials to monitor project progress and ensure all inspections are completed in a timely manner.
This tracking system provides transparency and accountability at every stage.
Triplicate Inspection Forms: For each inspection, VDLA uses triplicate forms to document findings. A copy is
provided to the contractor, another to the site superintendent, and the final copy is emailed directly to the inspection
coordinator for digital filing. This ensures that all records are easily accessible for future reference and compliance
verification.
Enhancing Efficiency through Streamlined SOPs
3. UNDERSTANDING & APPROACH
VDLA's Approach
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 20
3. UNDERSTANDING & APPROACH
Quality Assurance
VDLA provides personalized, high quality services to our clients. Our creative design abilities and technically sound
work products are supported by a proven track record and referrals from satisfied clients. We ensure quality
consistently across all personnel by implementing and utilizing stringent quality control measures. As part of the
firm’s procedures to ensure well-coordinated and complete construction documents, our quality control system utilizes
internal plan checking at all levels: conceptual, design development, final contract documents, and post construction
evaluation. This program minimizes or eliminates conflicting information between disciplines and ensures that the
highest quality documents possible are delivered to the client. The program is described below.
All plans are checked by a Project Manager. Required revisions are indicated in red, and all correct information is
highlighted in yellow. This ensures each item on the plan is checked. Plans are then corrected by the designer or
draftsperson and revisions are circled in blue. This ensures each required revision is corrected. Corrections are then
verified by a Project Manager or Principal by comparing the marked plan set with a final print. After the correction has
been verified, it is circled in purple. This three step process ensures each revision was made correctly.
Quality Assurance
VDLA’s In-Depth
Quality Control
Process
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 21
4. Fee Proposal
Number of Sheets Estimated Review Time (10 min per Sheet)Approximate Cost (at $135/hr)
20 Sheets 200 Minutes (3.5 hrs)$ 470
40 Sheets 400 Minutes (6.5 hrs)$ 880
60 Sheets 600 Minutes (10 hrs)$ 1,350
80 Sheets 800 Minutes (13 hrs)$ 1,755
100 Sheets 1,000 Minutes (16 hrs)$ 2,160
VDLA proposes the following fee schedule for providing landscape plan check, inspection, and related services to the
City of Diamond Bar:
Plan Check and Field Inspection Services: $135.00 per hour
Digital Plan Checks via Bluebeam Revu: $130.00 per hour
Pick-up and Delivery of Physical Plans: $75.00 per trip (flat rate)
All rates include the cost of personnel, equipment, software licenses, office supplies, overhead, and administrative
support necessary to complete the services described in the Scope of Work.
Average Plan Check Pricing Based on Sheet Count
With over 15 years of experience providing landscape plan check services for public agencies, VDLA has developed
benchmarks for estimating review durations based on sheet quantity. On average, each sheet requires approximately
10 minutes of review time. The following chart illustrates typical total review time estimates by sheet count:
These figures represent typical initial review estimates. Rechecks, revisions, and inspections are billed hourly based on
the applicable service rate.
Fee Proposal
4. FEE PROPOSAL
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 23
4. FEE PROPOSAL
* There is a 15% administrative fee on all reimbursables. Invoices are due in 30 days.
** CA State Sales Tax will be added to any applicable charges or invoices.
Landscape Architectural Services
Principal $ 205
Associate/Design Director $ 155
Project Manager $ 150
Landscape Designer/Project Administrator $ 125
Agency Plan Checker $ 135
Agency Landscape/Irrigation Inspector $ 135
GPS Surveyor $ 135
GPS Survey Crew (2) Team Members $ 245
Admin $ 105
Reimbursable Expenses*
Travel
Employee Mileage IRS Rate
In House Reprographics**
Black & White Bond Plots $ 0.39 per sf
Black and White Mylar Plots $ 2.82 per sf
Color Bond Plots $ 4.60 per sf
8.5 x11 Black and White Printing $ 0.06 each
8.5 x11 Color Printing $ 0.55 each
11 x17 Black and White Printing $ 0.12 each
11 x17 Color Printing $ 1.10 each
Outsourced Laminating Cost plus 15%
Outsourced Mounting Drawings onto Boards Cost plus 15%
Outsourced Printing, Copying, Photography Cost plus 15%
Outsourced Messenger Services Cost plus 15%
Other
Approved Sub-Consultants Cost plus 15%
VDLA 2025 Hourly Rates
• Planning
• Master Planning
• Concept Design
• Construction Documentation
• Irrigation Master Planning
• Irrigation Design
• Irrigation Audits
• Water Management Services
• Construction Administration
• Graphic Communication
• Community Outreach
• Landscape Plan Checking
• Site Inspections
• Technical Writing
(619) 294-8484
VDLA Landscape Architects
462 Stevens Ave, Suite 107
Solana Beach, CA 92075
admin@vdla.us
vdla.us
Contact Us
VDLA is a Certified
Small Business
(Micro) #1188980
Our Services
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 24
5. Project References
Contract Term Dates: 2007 - Present
Description of Services: Plan Checking, Standards Development, As Needed Landscape & Irrigation Design Services
Key Personnel Assigned: Yale Hooper, Elaine Sitz, Brett Allen
(951) 928-3777
wuerthj@emwd.org
2270 Trimble Road
Perris, CA 92570
John Wuerth, Recycled Water Program Analyst
Eastern Municipal Water District
Contract Term Dates: 2006 - Present
Description of Services: Plan Checking, Standards Development, As Needed Landscape & Irrigation Design Services,
Rebate Program Implementation
Key Personnel Assigned: Yale Hooper, Elaine Sitz, Brett Allen, Denise Armijo
(951) 955-6767
marhughe@rivco.org
4080 Lemon Street, 5th Floor
Riverside, CA 92502
Mark Hughes, Principal Engineering Unit Supervisor
Riverside County Transportation Department
Contract Term Dates: 2014 - Present
Description of Services: As Needed Landscape & Irrigation Design Services, Irrigation Water Management
Key Personnel Assigned: Yale Hooper, Elaine Sitz, Brett Allen
(951) 332-6464 x231
dfrench@jurupavalley.org
8930 Limonite Avenue
Jurupa Valley, CA 90529
David French, Deputy Director of Public Works | Operations
City of Jurupa Valley
5. PROJECT REFERENCES
References
VDLA | CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPE PLAN CHECK SERVICES 26
VDLA Landscape Architects
462 Stevens Avenue, Suite 107, Solana Beach, CA 92075-2042
Tel: (619) 294-8484 | Fax: (619) 574-0626 | E-mail: admin@vdla.us | Web: vdla.us
Principals: Yale Hooper, CID, CLIA, RWSS | Denise Armijo, ASLA | Brett Allen, ASLA,
CA LLA #6595, CID, CLIA, RWSS | Mitch Phillippe, CA LLA #3781