A.
Generally.
Requirements for the removal and/or planting of all landscape material is set out in this Article. The minimum open space ratio (OSR) from Table 3.101A, Standard and Alternative Residential Development Standards, and Table 3.101B, Residential Development Standards in Nonresidential and Mixed-Use Districts, or the minimum landscape surface ratio (LSR) from Table 3.301A, Nonresidential and Mixed-Use Development Standards, is combined with this Article, in addition to other applicable requirements of this UDC, to determine the type, quality, quantity, and location of required landscape material on a parcel proposed for development.
B.
Purpose and Intent.
The purpose of this Article is to establish landscaping standards that protect and preserve the appearance and character of the City, improve the compatibility of abutting uses, protect the health and quality of life of the residents through the preservation of protected trees on property within the City, and conserve scarce water resources by promoting the planting of native and drought-resistant trees and shrubs. In establishing these standards, it is the City Council’s intent to encourage the preservation of trees and their value to the community, increase the compatibility of abutting uses, and to minimize the effects on the surrounding environment due to noise, dust, debris, artificial light intrusions, and other impacts of an adjoining or nearby use.
C.
Applicability of Standards.
This Article applies to all new development, redevelopment, and substantial improvements in the City, and where specifically indicated, to existing trees and landscaping. The application of this Article may be limited by Article 12, Nonconformities.
D.
Exceptions.
The following are exceptions to the standards of this Article:
1.
Individual existing lots of record that are used for existing single-family detached or attached dwellings, or duplexes, unless required by this Article (see Section 7.103, Land Clearing and Existing Trees) or are redeveloped or substantially improved as set out in Division 3.200, Established Neighborhoods.
2.
Modifications to nonresidential buildings where the building expansion or redevelopment does not exceed the gross floor area of the existing building by more than 10 percent or 3,000 square feet, whichever is less.
3.
Sites that are proposed for redevelopment or substantial improvement, where due to the geometry of the site or existing improvements, installation of landscaping in compliance within this Article would be impractical or unreasonable, in which case the Building Official may approve a lesser landscaping requirement, provided that the reduction of landscaping standards is only the extent necessary to make the installation practicable. In no case shall this exception be interpreted to lessen these requirements for reasons other than those provided.
E.
Approved, Allowed, and Prohibited Plants.
1.
Approved Landscape Plants.
Only approved landscape plants count towards the landscape requirements of this Article. A list of such plants is set out in Appendix A, Plant Lists.
2.
Allowed Landscape Plants.
Plants that are not listed on the approved plant list are allowed, but they are not counted towards compliance with this Article. Applicants who wish to count such plants are advised to seek an amendment to the approved plant list to include them. See Section 7.104, Selection of Landscape Material.
F.
Planting Locations.
In addition to the other requirements of this Article, the following rules apply to the installation of plants.
1.
Distance from Utilities.
a.
No street trees or large trees shall be planted under or within 10 lateral feet of any overhead utility lines.
b.
No trees, except street tree species that are approved by the City, shall be planted over or within five lateral feet of any underground water line, sewer line, transmission line, or other utility line, or as required by the owner of the utility or the requirements of the specific easement.
2.
Sight Distance Triangles.
Trees shall not be installed in locations where there is a substantial likelihood that the mature form of the tree would have to be materially compromised in order to maintain sight distance triangles. See Section 8.102E., Sight Distance Triangle Requirements.
G.
Completion of Landscape Improvements.
1.
Bufferyard and Street Trees.
Bufferyard and street tree landscaping must be completed prior to a certificate of occupancy being issued. If this requirement would result in the installation of landscaping during an inappropriate season, then the City may:
a.
Allow the site plan to be recorded upon condition that security is provided for the installation of the required landscaping during planting season; or
b.
Issue a temporary certificate of occupancy, on the condition that a permanent certificate of occupancy will not be issued unless the required landscaping is installed.
2.
All Other Landscaping.
All other landscaping must be installed before issuance of a permanent certificate of occupancy. A temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued if necessary to allow for the planting of landscaping improvements during an appropriate season or weather condition.
H.
Irrigation Systems.
A water-efficient irrigation system is required for all new landscape plantings (including street trees) for nonresidential, mixed-use, and multi-family lots that require continued or periodic watering to be sustained.
I.
Maintenance.
1.
For a period of one year from the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, maintenance of the landscape areas and plantings required by this Article shall be maintained and all plant materials that die shall be replaced by the owner/operator.
2.
The City may inspect each site periodically after issuance of the certificate of occupancy to ensure compliance with the Article.
(Ordinance 2015-30 adopted 10/30/15)