1. (a) The name of an adoption type reflects the primary maintenance or beautification activity to be performed. Caltrans may modify an adoption type, add an adoption type, or discontinue an adoption type.

2. (b) Adoption types include:

   1. (1) Litter Removal: Removing litter several times per year as determined by Caltrans.

      1. (A) A litter removal adoption site is approximately two miles long. If the site is located on a conventional highway (a highway with cross streets), both sides of the highway are adopted. If the site is located on a freeway or expressway, one or both sides of the freeway or expressway may be adopted.

   2. (2) Supplemental Litter Removal: Litter removal to supplement an existing litter removal adoption where the cleaning frequency cannot be raised, or, litter removal in a small unadopted area where litter gathers (i.e., along a fence line or near an onramp).

      1. (A) Supplemental litter removal frequency is determined by Caltrans.
      2. (B) A courtesy sign is not erected for supplemental litter removal adoptions.

   3. (3) Graffiti Removal: Painting over graffiti as needed on one or more highway structures.

      1. (A) The number of structures adopted is determined to ensure that the work performed by the graffiti removal adopter is comparable to the work performed by other adopters in the same area.
      2. (B) Turnaround time for graffiti removal is determined by Caltrans.
      3. (C) Paint color is determined by Caltrans.
      4. (D) Litter removal around the adopted structure(s) at time of graffiti removal may be required.

   4. (4) Vegetation Control: Controlling vegetation according to a Caltrans' approved plan. Vegetation control can be accomplished by hand pulling, hoeing, pruning, mowing, weed-whipping, applying herbicides, applying weed barrier, and/or applying mulch.

      1. (A) A vegetation control adoption site is approximately five acres net or two miles long.
      2. (B) Vegetation control frequency is determined by Caltrans.

      3. (C) Additional vegetation control activities:

         1. 1. Litter removal prior to vegetation control activity is required.
         2. 2. Litter removal, separate from vegetation control activity, may be required.
         3. 3. A vegetation control applicant must prepare a site plan, a work plan, and a work schedule and submit them to the district coordinator with the Permit Application.

   5. (5) Tree and Shrub Planting: Planting and establishing trees and/or shrubs according to a Caltrans' approved plan.

      1. (A) A tree and shrub planting adoption site is approximately three acres net. The initial planting must be a minimum of twenty trees and/or shrubs per acre.

      2. (B) Additional tree and shrub planting activities:

         1. 1. Excavation, soil preparation, and staking are required.
         2. 2. Irrigation is required.
         3. 3. Initial application and periodic reapplication of mulch is required.
         4. 4. Year-round weed control is required. Weed control frequency is determined by Caltrans.
         5. 5. Litter removal prior to planting and weed control activity is required.
         6. 6. Replacement of dead and diseased plants is required.
         7. 7. Initial application and periodic reapplication of fertilizer may be required.
         8. 8. Installation of weed barrier may be required.

         9. 9. A tree and shrub planting applicant must prepare a planting plan, a work plan, and a work schedule and submit them to the district coordinator with the Permit Application.

            1. a. If Caltrans irrigation facilities are to be used, they must be included on the planting plan or on a separate drawing.
            2. b. Installation, modification, or maintenance of irrigation systems by an adopter is not permitted.
      3. (C) Once all plants can survive without watering provided by the adopter, the adoption is considered complete and a subsequent tree and shrub planting Permit is not issued. An adopter in good standing will be given the option to convert the tree and shrub planting adoption to a vegetation control adoption.

   6. (6) Wildflower Planting: Planting and establishing wildflowers according to a Caltrans' approved plan. An adopter may plant approved wildflowers, meadow mixtures, grasses, annuals, perennials, bulbs, or any combination of these. Planting of California native species is encouraged.

      1. (A) A wildflower planting adoption site is approximately three acres net.

      2. (B) Additional wildflower planting activities:

         1. 1. Soil preparation prior to planting or seeding is required.
         2. 2. Soil preparation and replanting or reseeding each fall is required.
         3. 3. Year-round weed control is required. Weed control frequency is determined by Caltrans.
         4. 4. Litter removal prior to planting and weed control activity is required.
         5. 5. A wildflower planting applicant must prepare a planting plan, a work plan, and a work schedule and submit them to the district coordinator with the Permit Application.

   7. (7) Spot Wildflower Planting: Except for the following provisions, a spot wildflower planting adoption is identical to a wildflower planting adoption:

      1. (A) A spot wildflower planting adoption site has no minimum acreage or year-round weed control requirement.
      2. (B) A courtesy sign is not erected for spot wildflower planting adoptions.

Note: Authority cited: Section 91.5, Streets and Highways Code. Reference: Sections 91.5, 91.6 and 92, Streets and Highways Code.

History

1. New article 4 (sections 2623-2624) and section filed 1-21-2010; operative 1-21-2010 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (Register 2010, No. 4).