A.
Landscape Plan Required. A landscape plan is required as part of
a site plan review application for multi-family and townhouse development,
non-residential (including mixed-use) development, and planned unit
developments. The landscape plan must be approved prior to the issuance
of a building permit. A landscape plan is not required for single-family
and two-family dwellings.
B.
Content of Landscape Plan. Landscape plans must contain the following,
unless waived by the Zoning Administrator:
1.
North arrow and graphic scale, the location and dimensions of
all existing and proposed structures, property lines, easements, parking
lots and drives, rights-of-way, refuse disposal and recycling areas,
pedestrian and bicycle paths, fences, mechanical equipment, overhead
utility wires, underground utilities, retention/detention facilities,
and other drainage facilities, such as drainage swales.
2.
The location, quantity, size, name, and condition, both botanical
and common, of all existing plant materials on-site, indicating plant
material to be retained and to be removed.
3.
The location, quantity, size, and name, both botanical and common,
of all proposed plant material. This includes lawn and turf applications.
4.
The existing and proposed grading of the site indicating contours
at one foot intervals. Any proposed berming, earthwork, or stormwater
management basins must also be indicated using one foot contour intervals.
5.
Elevations of all proposed fences, stairs, and retaining walls.
6.
Any proposed irrigation plan, if irrigation is provided.
7.
Any other details as determined necessary by the Zoning Administrator
or an applicable review body.
C.
Minor Changes to Approved Landscape Plans. Minor changes to the landscape
plan that do not result in a reduction in the net amount of plant
material as specified on the approved landscape plan may be approved
by the Zoning Administrator. Changes that reduce the amount of plant
materials contained within an approved landscape plan are a major
change and must be approved by the body granting approval of the landscape
plan initially.
D.
Alternative Landscape Design. Alternative landscape design intended
to improve stormwater quality and/or intended to decrease stormwater
quantity will be considered if submitted as part of a site-specific
stormwater management plan. Such designs must comply with generally
accepted stormwater management best practices.
A.
No certificate of occupancy will be issued until all the requirements
of this chapter and the landscape plan have been fulfilled. Failure
to implement the landscape plan, or to maintain the lot in conformance
with the landscape plan, may result in the application of fines and
penalties, as established in this ordinance. All landscape is subject
to periodic inspection.
B.
If weather prohibits the installation of landscape at the time a
certificate of occupancy is applied for, a temporary certificate of
occupancy may be issued with provision of a security bond for 125%
in favor of the City of the estimated amount of landscape materials
and installation cost. The cost of landscape materials and installation
must be determined by a landscape architect or other landscape business
professional.
A.
Selection.
1.
All plant materials must be of good quality and meet American
Horticulture Industry Association (AmericanHort) or its ANSI accredited
successor's standards for minimum acceptable form, quality, and size
for species selected.
2.
All species must be capable to withstand the seasonal temperature
variations of USDA Hardiness Zone 5b (the plant zone for Davenport).
A hardiness zone is a geographically defined area in which a specific
category of plant life is capable of growing, as defined by climatic
conditions, including its ability to withstand the minimum temperatures
of the zone.
3.
The use of species native or naturalized is required. Drought
tolerant species are encouraged.
4.
Invasive species are prohibited.
B.
Installation.
1.
All landscape materials must be installed in accordance with
current nursery industry standards, and must be properly supported
to ensure survival. Support devices such as guy wires or stakes must
not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular movement.
2.
No landscape should be located within any utility easement,
with the exception of lawn grass or other resilient ground cover.
If landscape material is located within a utility easement and repair
or replacement of the utility is needed, the City or utility is not
responsible for the replacement of any landscape that may be damaged.
3.
No plantings may be installed to impede water flow unless part
of an approved stormwater plan.
4.
All plant materials must be free of disease and installed so
that soil of sufficient volume, composition, and nutrient balance
are available to sustain healthy growth. Installation of plant materials
during the appropriate growing season is encouraged.
C.
Maintenance.
1.
Landscape materials depicted on approved landscape plans are
considered a required site element in the same manner as structures,
required parking, lighting, and other improvements. As such, the owner
of record or the business or homeowner's association is responsible
for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of all landscape materials,
fences, steps, retaining walls, and similar landscape elements.
2.
All landscape materials must be maintained in good condition,
present a healthy appearance, and be kept free of refuse and debris.
Any dead, unhealthy, or missing plants must be replaced within 30
days of notification, unless an extension is approved by the City.
A.
Minimum Planting Sizes. Minimum planting sizes are as follows. For
the purposes of determining trunk size, the diameter/caliper is measured
at six inches above ground level, unless otherwise specified in current
ANSI accredited Horticultural Standards.
1.
Evergreen trees must have a minimum height of six feet.
2.
Shade trees must have a minimum clear trunk height of four feet
above the ground with a two inch caliper.
3.
Single stem ornamental trees must have a minimum trunk size
of two inches in caliper. Multiple stem ornamental trees must have
a minimum height of eight feet.
4.
Evergreen or deciduous shrubs must have a minimum height of
18 inches.
B.
Species Diversity. Diversity among required plant material is required
for visual interest and to reduce the risk of losing a large population
of plants due to disease. Table 17.11-1: Plant Diversity Requirements
indicates the percentage of diversity required based on the total
quantity of species being used. (For example, if a development requires
45 shade trees, no more than 18 trees 40% can be of one species, and
there must be a minimum of five different species within the 45 trees.)
When the calculation of plant diversity requirements results in a
fraction, the fraction is rounded up.
|
Table 17.11-1: Plant Diversity Requirements
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Total Number of Plants per Plant Type
|
Maximum Number of One Species
|
Minimum Number of Species
|
|
1 to 4
|
100%
|
1
|
|
5 to 10
|
60%
|
2
|
|
11 to 15
|
45%
|
3
|
|
16 to 75
|
40%
|
5
|
|
76 to 500
|
25%
|
8
|
|
500 to 1,000
|
30%
|
10
|
|
1,000+
|
15%
|
15
|
C.
Berming. If berms are included on a landscape plan, they must comply
with the following:
1.
Berms must be stabilized to prevent erosion.
2.
Berms must be a minimum of two feet in height.
3.
Berms of two feet in height and up to six feet in height are
limited to a maximum slope of 3:1, as measured from the lot line.
4.
Berms of six feet in height or more are limited to a maximum
slope of 4:1, as measured from the lot line.
5.
Berms must undulate by height and/or width for visual interest.
[Amended 9-11-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-363]
A perimeter landscape yard is required for all parking lots
that are adjacent to streets and alleys and must be established along
the edge of the parking lot to create a visually attractive environment.
A perimeter landscape yard is also required where a parking lot is
adjacent to a public space such as a plaza, public seating area, or
park. The landscape treatment must run the full length of the parking
lot perimeter and must be located between the lot line and the edge
of the parking lot, with the exception of pedestrian accessways. The
landscaped area must be improved as follows:
A.
The perimeter parking lot landscape area must be at least five feet
in width along a street or public space. This area shall be increased
to seven feet in width if it is utilized as an off-street parking
space stall overhang. The perimeter parking lot landscape area must
be at least five feet in width along an alley. The C-D and C-V Districts
are exempt from perimeter parking lot landscape along an alley; vehicle
parking must not overhang into an alley right-of-way.
B.
Shrubs must be planted and spaced sufficiently to form a continuous
linear hedgerow at plant maturity. Alternatively, a mix of shrubs,
perennials, native grasses, and other planting types that provide
screening of a minimum of three feet in height may be used.
C.
A minimum of one shade tree must be provided for every 50 linear
feet of perimeter landscape yard. Two ornamental trees may be substituted
for one shade tree and must be spaced one ornamental tree every 25
feet. Trees may be spaced linearly on-center or grouped to complement
an overall design concept.
D.
Alternatively, a low pedestrian wall a minimum of three feet to a
maximum of four feet in height may be used. The pedestrian wall must
be masonry, brick, or stone; unfinished CMU is prohibited. No shade
trees are required. Required shrubs must be installed between the
sidewalk and the wall to provide a softening effect.
E.
60% of the landscape area outside of shrub and tree masses must be
planted in live ground cover, perennials, or ornamental grasses. Mulch
or other permeable landscape materials are required for any remaining
area.
|
PARKING LOT PERIMETER LANDSCAPE YARD
 |
All parking lots consisting of 15 or more spaces require interior
parking lot landscape as described in this section.
A.
All rows of parking stalls must terminate in a parking lot island
or landscape area.
B.
Where more than 15 parking stalls are provided in a row, one parking
lot island must be provided between every 15 parking spaces. As part
of the landscape plan approval, parking lot island locations may be
varied based on specific site requirements or design scheme, but the
total number of islands must be no less than the amount required of
one island for every 15 spaces.
C.
Parking lot islands must be at least the same dimension as the parking
stall. Double rows of parking must provide parking lot islands that
are the same dimension as the double row.
D.
A minimum of one shade tree must be provided in every parking lot
island or landscape area. If a parking lot island extends the width
of a double row, then two shade trees are required. In addition to
the required shade trees, a minimum of 60% of the area of every parking
lot island must be planted in shrubs, live ground cover, perennials,
or ornamental grasses. Mulch or other permeable landscape materials
are required for any remaining area.
E.
In addition to parking lot islands, additional landscape areas must
be provided within the interior of parking lots when the parking area
is 10,000 square feet or more in area, including parking stalls, islands,
and area for vehicular circulation. The minimum total landscape area
of a parking lot, including parking lot islands, must be 10% of the
total parking lot area. Parking lot perimeter landscape is excluded
from the calculation of total parking lot area square footage and
is not counted toward required landscape area.
F.
Parking lot islands and landscape areas are encouraged to be designed
to accommodate pedestrian access and stormwater detention and infiltration.
|
PARKING LOT INTERIOR LANDSCAPE
 |
[Amended 9-11-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-363]
A.
Areas of any lot that are not covered by structures or pavement must be planted with live landscaping. Stone, mulch, or other permeable landscape materials may be used to satisfy this requirement but must not cover more than 40% of such area and must be designed so such materials are placed so that they are no higher than the height of the curb to prevent spill. Section 17.11.090 contains additional requirements for on-site tree plantings for certain districts.
B.
Where multifamily and nonresidential (including mixed-use) developments
are located 10 feet or more from a street lot line and where the front,
corner side, or interior side facade is adjacent to a parking area,
foundation landscape must be planted as described below. This planting
area is required along 60% of the linear facade area. This percentage
may be reduced to accommodate building functional operations during
landscape plan review.
1.
Shrubs must be planted and spaced sufficiently to form a continuous
linear hedgerow at plant maturity.
2.
60% of the landscape area outside of shrub and tree masses must
be planted in live ground cover, perennials, or ornamental grasses.
Mulch or other permeable landscape materials are required for any
remaining area.
3.
As an alternative, planted pots and/or planter boxes may be
used to satisfy up to 30% of the total landscape area requirement
if approved as part of the landscape plan. The landscape plan must
show the materials and/or models of pots and planter boxes.
|
SITE LANDSCAPE
 |
This section establishes standards for the dimension and required
landscape for buffer yards between land uses and/or zoning districts
within the rear or interior side yard. Nothing in this section prevents
the applicant's voluntary installation of buffer yards where they
are not required.
A.
As of the effective date of this ordinance, buffer yards are required
for new construction along interior side and rear yards in the following
cases:
1.
Where the lot line of a multi-family development is adjacent
to the lot line of a single-family or two-family district.
2.
Where a nonresidential use is located within a residential district.
This does not include public parks.
3.
Where the lot line of a nonresidential district is adjacent
to the lot line of a residential district. This does not include the
S-AG or S-OS Districts, or public parks.
B.
Buffer yards may be located within required setbacks, but must be
reserved for the planting of material and installation of screening
as required by this section. No parking, driveways, sidewalks, accessory
structures, or any impervious surfaces are permitted within the buffer
yard area.
C.
The required design of buffer yards is as follows:
1.
A buffer yard must be a minimum of 15 feet in width.
2.
One shade or evergreen tree must be planted for every 30 linear
feet of buffer yard length. As part of the landscape plan approval,
trees may be spaced at various intervals based on specific site requirements,
but the total number of trees planted must be no less than one per
30 linear feet of buffer yard length.
3.
Existing trees in the buffer yard may count toward the buffer
yard tree requirement. This credit is a 1:1 ratio (one existing tree
for one proposed tree) regardless of the size of the existing tree.
4.
Evergreen shrubs must be planted and spaced sufficiently to
form a continuous linear hedgerow at plant maturity. As part of the
landscape plan approval, shrubs may be spaced at various intervals
based on specific site requirements, but the total number of shrubs
planted must be no less than one per three linear feet of buffer yard
length.
5.
60% of the landscape area outside of shrub and tree masses must
be planted in live ground cover, perennials, or ornamental grasses.
Mulch or other permeable landscape materials are required for any
remaining area.
6.
Unless otherwise specifically required by the use standards
of this ordinance, such as required by the use standards of Chapter
17.08, a solid fence or wall, constructed of wood, vinyl, brick, masonry,
or stone, must be erected along 100% of the buffer yard length, with
the exception of ingress/egress points. If constructed on a berm,
the height of the berm is included and the maximum height of fence
and berm is seven feet.
[Amended 9-11-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-363]
a.
The solid fence or wall must be a minimum of six feet and a
maximum of seven feet in height along the rear lot line.
b.
The solid fence or wall must a minimum of six feet and a maximum
of seven feet in height along the interior side lot line up to the
abutting lot's front yard line. At the front yard line, the fence
must be four feet if a solid fence and six feet if an open fence.
|
BUFFER YARD
 |
In order to restore and preserve the urban canopy, trees are
required to be planted on-site. Table 17.11-2: Required On-Site Tree
Planting lists the requirements for each district. Existing trees
are counted toward this required minimum number. Trees are required
to be shade trees unless otherwise noted.
A.
Required tree plantings must be shown on the landscape plan, when
such plan is required. Where a landscape plan is not required, the
building permit application must show where required shade trees will
be installed.
B.
Where on-site trees are required in Table 17.11-2, such trees must
be planted within the first 15 feet of the front yard. If a district
is not listed, no on-site trees are required.
C.
On-site trees must be planted by the developer/applicant. Once the
individual lots are sold, the trees are the responsibility of the
property owner. The property owner is also responsible for any trees
located within the parkway.
|
Table 17.11-2: Required On-Site Tree Planting
| |
|---|---|
|
District
|
On-Site Trees
|
|
R-1
|
1
|
|
R-2
|
1
|
|
R-3/R-3C
|
1
|
|
R-4/R-4C
|
1
|
|
R-MF
|
Single-Family, Two-Family: 1
Townhouse: 2 per building
Multi-Family: 2 per building
|
|
R-MHP
|
4 per acre
|
|
C-3
|
Lots over 4 acres: 2 per acre
|
|
C-OP
|
Lots over 4 acres: 2 per acre
|
|
S-IC
|
2 per acre
|
A.
Intent. Existing trees over six inches in diameter at breast height
and in good condition should be preserved to the maximum extent practicable
to act as buffers between adjoining developments and as site amenities.
B.
Applicability. These standards apply to new multi-family and townhouse
residential and non-residential (including mixed-use) development.
Trees that are dead or dying, or species deemed to be undesirable
by the City, or found to be a threat to public safety, are exempt
from these provisions.
C.
Landscape Credit. Any existing significant trees preserved on a site
that are of good health are credited towards fulfillment of the landscape
requirements of this ordinance.
D.
Construction Protection. The following standards must be followed
during construction to protect significant trees:
1.
Within the drip line of any protected tree, there may be no
cut or fill over a four inch depth unless a qualified arborist or
forester has evaluated and approved the disturbance.
2.
Prior to and during construction, temporary barriers must be
erected around all protected with barriers a minimum of four feet
in height, and no closer than six feet from the trunk or one-half
of the drip line, whichever is greater. There may be no storage or
movement of equipment, material, debris, or fill within the fenced,
tree-protection zone.
3.
During construction, the applicant must prevent the cleaning
of equipment or material or the storage and disposal of waste material,
such as paints, oils, solvents, asphalt, concrete, motor oil, or any
other material, potentially harmful to the tree within the drip line
of any protected tree. Nothing within this section is interpreted
as an authorization to ignore or violate applicable federal or state
hazardous waste laws.
4.
No damaging attachment, wires, signs, or permits may be fastened
to any protected tree.
E.
Clear-Cutting of Forest Prohibited. Clear-cutting, which is the felling
and removal of all trees from a given tract of forest, is prohibited.
A forest is a land region with a high concentration of trees, which
is divided into an overstory (canopy or upper tree layer) and an understory
of vegetation, which may be further divided into a shrub layer, herb
layer, and, depending on the ecosystem, a moss layer.
F.
Protecting Trees on Public Property. Trees located on public property,
including the parkway, may not be cut, damaged, or removed without
first obtaining permission from the Zoning Administrator, and must
be protected during construction in accordance with the standards
set forth in this section.
