The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the orderly and
aesthetically pleasing development of the town. It is the intention
of this chapter to achieve the following:
A. Protect
and enhance the value of residential and commercial properties within
the town.
B. Provide
a visual benefit to the public in the form of: shade, greenery, open
space, and safe passage, especially along streets, sidewalks and in
parking areas; prevent dust and allergens; provide for the visual
softening of building masses and paved areas, and the screening of
unpleasant structures from general view; and prevent large expanses
of unbroken parking areas.
C. Protect
and/or promote xeriscape and the planting of desirable mature trees,
established native plants and encourage other significant native vegetation.
D. Preserve
significant environmental or geologic features and prevent soil erosion.
E. Promote
cost effective water conservation, including capture and use of storm
water, and the appropriate use of gray water, to promote healthy and
attractive public and private landscapes.
F. Provide
buffering in the form of open space and/or attractive visual barriers
for the separation of incompatible uses, as well as pleasant, safe
common spaces on both public and private property.
(Ordinance 07-08 adopted 2007)
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions will
apply:
As-built plan.
A scaled drawing indicating the location, as installed, of
all the landscape elements, including plants, and irrigation system
elements on a site.
Berm.
A raised mound of earth used for various landscaping and
screening needs.
Bubbler.
Irrigation heads that flood the surrounding soil area with
water measured in gallons per minute (gpm).
Buffer area.
A landscape area on a lot, situated between all street views
and all vehicles, structures and areas to be buffered from those views.
Buffering.
The use of landscaping (other than mere grass on flat terrain)
or the use of landscaping along with berms, walls or decorative fences
that at least partially and periodically obstruct the view from the
street, in a continuous manner, of vehicular use areas, parking lots
and their parked cars.
Building footprint.
The area of land within the lot, tract, or parcel dedicated
to the foundation of a structure.
Caliper.
The diameter of a tree trunk measured four feet (4') above
ground level.
Canopy tree/shade tree.
A woody single or multiple trunk plant that commonly reaches
a mature height of at least twenty-five feet (25').
De-thatch.
To remove (dead grass) from a lawn, usually to aerate the
soil.
Drought tolerant vegetation.
Plants that can be grown with moderate to no supplemental
irrigation once they are established. For good appearance, supplemental
irrigation may be required during the growing season.
Front yard.
The area between the front property line and the building
footprint.
Grading plan.
A scaled drawing indicating the finish grades and drainage
pattern of a site.
Gray water.
Untreated household wastewater that has not come in contact
with toilet waste and includes wastewater from bathtubs, showers,
washbasins, clothes washing machines and laundry tubs, but does not
include wastewater from kitchen sinks or dishwashers or laundry water
from the washing of material soiled with human excreta, such as diapers.
Ground cover.
Low growing (typically attaining a height of less than 2
feet), densely spreading plants. Perennials, turf and native grasses,
as well as other plants, are included in this definition.
Hardscape.
Landscape features including sidewalks, paved parking lots,
paths, patios, decks, driveways, fences and walls.
High water use plants.
Plants characterized by high transpiration rates, shallow
rooting, the need for frequent watering during summer months or with
exposure to hot and drying climatic conditions.
Irrigation plan.
A scaled drawing indicating the location on a site and relationships
of irrigation system elements to the plants and other landscape elements
and structures indicated in a landscape plan.
Irrigation system.
An automatic underground water conveyance system that shall
meet all town codes and include pipes, valves, heads of adequate size
and proper location, bubblers, emitters and controller to efficiently
irrigate all proposed planting.
Landscape.
The arrangement of plant material in combination with structural
materials intended to improve a property’s visual appeal and
enhance human use and enjoyment.
Landscape area.
Area of the site that does not include the building footprint,
buffer yard or fenced storage area. The area shall be a permeable
surface available for plant material installation and survival.
Landscape plan.
A scaled drawing indicating the locations, dimensions, and
type of plants, structure footprints, paved areas, special site features
and other landscape elements and landscape.
Microclimate.
The climate of a specific area in the landscape that has
substantially differing sun exposure, temperature, or wind than surrounding
areas of the area as a whole.
Mulch.
A material covering the soil of a landscaped area that can
allow water and air to reach the soil, suppress weeds, insulate plant
roots, give the area a finished appearance and conserve soil and soil
moisture.
Noxious weed.
Any plant that becomes invasive in locations to which it
is not native. Examples in our area include tumbleweeds, Russian olive
and Siberian elm.
Oasis.
A lush planting area which is encouraged in expanded public
use areas.
Ornamental trees.
Woody plants, deciduous or evergreen, that are typically
planted as accents for their showy flower, form or foliage. Usually
attain less than twenty-five feet (25') height at maturity.
Parking lot.
The area of the site used primarily for vehicular access
and is composed of driving aisles and parking stalls.
Parkway.
The area of public right-of-way located between the curb
or edge of pavement and the property line.
Preservation area.
A portion of the undeveloped property to be protected and
preserved in its existing state retaining all quality, healthy vegetation
and remaining undisturbed and ungraded.
Runoff.
Irrigation water that is not absorbed by the soil or landscape
area to which it is applied and which flows to other areas.
Screened.
Shielded, concealed and effectively hidden from the view
of a person standing at ground level on an abutting site or outside
the area or feature so screened, by a fence, wall, hedge, berm or
similar architectural or landscape feature which is, or will grow
to, at least six feet (6') in height.
Service area.
Area that is dedicated to accessory uses or activities related
to use of a primary structure, e.g., loading dock/bays, dumpster bays,
grease container areas.
Shrubs.
Woody plants, deciduous or evergreen, generally multi-stemmed
with small branches near the ground, smaller than trees at maturity.
Site.
The lot described within the application for which the permit
is sought.
Sod.
A mat layer of monocotyledonous plants with shallow rooting
structures requiring frequent watering during the growing season as
well as regular maintenance and mowing.
Water budget.
Quantity of water to maintain a landscape, taking into account:
water availability from various sources, including storm water, potable
water, reused and recycled water; on-site methods of water collection,
storage and reuse; and encouraging choice of plant materials, irrigation
and other methods that promote the efficient use of water.
Xeriscape.
An attractive, sustainable landscape based on sound horticultural
practices that involves the practice of conserving water and energy
and protecting the environment through landscaping design that limits
lawn areas, irrigates efficiently, and good maintenance practices.
Especially beneficial in drought ridden areas. Denver Water trademarks
the term.
(Ordinance 07-08 adopted 2007)
A landscaping plan will be required on the following projects:
A. All
new development or construction.
1. All applications for planned unit developments, special reviews, multi-family dwellings, condominium developments of more than two (2) units, commercial, commercial subdivisions, industrial and manufactured home parks shall be required to include landscaping and automatic, underground irrigation system(s), drip irrigation or soaker hose, per section
15.12.050 of this chapter, or other approved water methods and systems that accomplish the goals of this chapter and assure efficient use of scarce water resources.
2. Single-family
residences and duplexes are not required to follow these design standards
unless required by a specific planned unit development, overlay zone
or special district.
B. All
off-street parking lots are required to be landscaped.
C. Buffer areas are required to be landscaped as defined in section
15.12.015 of this chapter.
D. Lots
with an existing commercial and industrial building(s) seeking permits
for additions and alterations that require building permits, administrative
permit or certificate of appropriateness.
1. All applicants for exterior remodeling projects shall be required to remove all prohibited and noxious plants, as identified in section
15.12.025 of this chapter.
2. All
projects requiring a permit to pave an area that has not been paved
previously shall be required to include off-street parking, landscaping
improvements and an irrigation system to bring the entire site into
compliance with this code. If there is a conflict between the area
needed to meet the parking and landscaping requirements, the parking
requirements shall take precedence.
3. When
application is made for a permit to repair or maintain existing paving
only and no building modifications are proposed, the applicant shall
not be required to provide a landscaping plan.
4. The
landscape plan must be approved by the planning department prior to
any final approval of a building permit or development plan.
E. All
property owners are required to comply with this chapter within five
(5) years of its adoption.
1. Single-family
residences and duplexes are not required to follow these design standards
unless required by a specific planned unit development, overlay zone,
or special district.
2. Property
owners may request a deferral of time to comply with this chapter,
for a period of two (2) years, based on demonstrated economic hardship.
a. Requests for deferrals shall be made to the code administrator.
b. Deferrals that are granted by the code administrator shall not constitute
a precedent for future requests.
F. The
town shall make every effort in its parks and landscaping projects,
taking into account budget and cost, phasing requirements, and other
considerations and constraints, to conform with or exceed the requirements
of this chapter.
(Ordinance 07-08 adopted 2007)
A. The
following plants grow well in Taos. Each plant is listed as native
(N), naturalized (NZ), or introduced (I).
TREES:
|
Deciduous shade, street, and specialty trees:
|
American elm
|
Ulmus americana
|
(I)
|
Arizona alder
|
Alnus oblongifolia
|
(N)
|
Common horsechestnut
|
Aesculus hippocastanum
|
(I)
|
Cottonwood, aspen, and poplar:
|
|
|
Trees of the genus Populus:
|
|
|
Aspen
|
Populus tremuloides
|
(I)
|
Lombardy poplar
|
Populus nigra “Italica”
|
(I)
|
Narrowleaf cottonwood
|
Populus angustifolia
|
(N)
|
Plains cottonwood
|
Populus sargenti
|
(N)
|
Rio Grande cottonwood
|
Populus fremontii “Wislizeni”
|
(N)
|
White (silver) poplar
|
Populus alba
|
(NZ)
|
Gambel oak
|
Quercus gambelii
|
(N)
|
Green ash
|
Fraxinus pennsylvanica and varieties
|
(I)
|
Honey locust
|
Gleditsia triacanthos inermis varieties:
|
|
|
“Moraine”
|
(I)
|
|
“Shademaster”
|
(I)
|
|
“Sunburst”
|
(I)
|
Littleleaf linden
|
Tilia cordata
|
(I)
|
Locust:
|
|
|
Black locust
|
Robinia pseudoacacia
|
(NZ)
|
New Mexico locust
|
Robinia neomexicana
|
(N)
|
Maple and box elder:
|
|
|
Box elder
|
Acer negundo
|
(N)
|
Rocky Mountain maple
|
Acer glabrum
|
(N)
|
Paper birch
|
Betula papyrifera
|
(I)
|
Western chokecherry
|
Prunus virginiana
|
(N)
|
Willow:
|
|
|
Globe Navajo willow
|
Salix matsudana “Navajo”
|
(I)
|
Peachleaf willow
|
Salix amygdaloides
|
(N)
|
Weeping willow
|
Salix babylonica (and other weeping willow species)
|
(I)
|
Flowering ornamental trees:
|
Bradford pear
|
Pyrus calleryana
|
(I)
|
Flowering crab
|
Malus “Hopa” et al (also bearing apple, Malus sylvatica
varieties)
|
(I)
|
Hawthorn
|
Crataegus spp.
|
(I, N)
|
Purpleleaf plum
|
Prunus cerasifera
|
(I)
|
Evergreen trees:
|
Douglas fir
|
Pseudotsuga menziesii
|
(N)
|
Juniper:
|
|
|
Rocky Mountain juniper
|
Juniperus scopulorum varieties
|
(N)
|
Singleseed (one seed) juniper
|
Juniperus monosperma
|
(N)
|
Pine:
|
|
|
Austrian pine
|
Pinus nigra
|
(I)
|
Bristlecone pine
|
Pinus aristata
|
(N)
|
Limber pine
|
Pinus flexilis
|
(I)
|
Spruce:
|
|
|
Blue spruce
|
Picea pungens
|
(N)
|
Engelmann spruce
|
Picea engelmanni
|
(N)
|
White fir
|
Abies concolor
|
(N)
|
SHRUBS:
|
Deciduous:
|
Apache plume
|
Fallugia paradoxa
|
(N)
|
Bridal wreath
|
Spiraea prunifolia
|
(I)
|
Cistena plum
|
Prunus cistena
|
(I)
|
Common butterfly bush
|
Buddleia davidii
|
(I)
|
Common lilac
|
Syringa vulgaris
|
(I)
|
Cotoneaster:
|
|
|
Cranberry cotoneaster
|
Cotoneaster apiculatus
|
(I)
|
Rock cotoneaster
|
Cotoneaster horizontalis
|
(I)
|
Rockspray cotoneaster
|
Cotoneaster microphyllus
|
(I)
|
Currant and gooseberry
|
Ribes spp.
|
(I)
|
Fernbush
|
Chamaebatiaria millefolium
|
(N)
|
Flowering quince
|
Chaenomeles speciosa
|
(I)
|
Forsythia
|
Forsythia spp.
|
(I)
|
Hop tree
|
Ptelea trifoliolata
|
(N)
|
Mountain mahogany
|
Cercocarpus montanus
|
(N)
|
Red osier dogwood
|
Cornus stolonifera
|
(N)
|
Rose
|
Rosa spp.
|
(N)
|
Sand plum
|
Prunus americana
|
(N)
|
Shrub or Tatarian honeysuckle
|
Lonicera tatarica
|
(I)
|
Shrubby cinquefoil
|
Potentilla fruticosa
|
(N)
|
Snowball
|
Viburnum opulus “Roseum”
|
(I)
|
Sumac:
|
|
|
Skunkbush
|
Rhus trilobata
|
(N)
|
Smooth sumac
|
Rhus glabra
|
(N)
|
Weigela
|
Weigela florida
|
(I)
|
Willow:
|
|
|
Coyote willow
|
Salix exigua
|
(N)
|
Pussywillow
|
Salix discolor
|
(I)
|
Winterfat
|
Ceratoides lanata
|
(N)
|
Evergreen:
|
Alberta spruce
|
Picea glauca “Conica” (Picea albertiana)
|
(I)
|
Barberry:
|
|
|
Colorado barberry
|
Berberis fendleri
|
(N)
|
Japanese barberry
|
Berberis thunbergii
|
(I)
|
Wintergreen barberry
|
Berberis julianae
|
(I)
|
Big sage (sagebrush)
|
Artemisia tridentata
|
(N)
|
Chinese junipers:
|
|
|
Armstrong juniper
|
Juniperus chinensis “Armstrong”
|
(I)
|
Pfitzer juniper
|
Juniperus chinensis “Pfitzerana”
|
(I)
|
Sea green juniper
|
Juniperus chinensis “Sea Green”
|
(I)
|
Mahonia:
|
|
|
Creeping mahonia
|
Mahonia repens
|
(N)
|
Oregon grape
|
Mahonia aquifolium
|
(I)
|
Mugo pine
|
Pinus mugo
|
(I)
|
Parney cotoneaster
|
Cotoneaster lacteus
|
(I)
|
Rubber rabbitbrush
|
Chrysothamnus nauseosus
|
(N)
|
GROUND COVERS:
|
Deciduous:
|
Clover
|
Trifolium spp.
|
(NZ, N)
|
Cranberry cotoneaster
|
Cotoneaster apiculatus
|
(I)
|
Mint
|
Mentha spp.
|
(I, N, NZ)
|
Prairie sage
|
Artemisia ludoviciana
|
(N)
|
Spring cinquefoil
|
Potentilla tabernaemontani
|
(I)
|
Evergreen:
|
Bearberry cotoneaster
|
Cotoneaster dammeri
|
(N)
|
Creeping euonymus
|
Euonymus fortunei
|
(I)
|
Creeping mahonia
|
Mahonia repens
|
(N)
|
Honeysuckle
|
Lonicera japonica varieties
|
(I)
|
Horizontalis junipers:
|
|
|
Bar Harbor juniper
|
Juniperus horizontalis “Bar Harbor”
|
(I)
|
Wilton carpet juniper
|
Juniperus horizontalis “Wiltonii”
|
(I)
|
Kinnickinnick (mountain bearberry)
|
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
|
(N)
|
Periwinkle
|
Vinca major and Vinca minor
|
(I)
|
Pussytoes
|
Antennaria parviflora
|
(N)
|
Sabina junipers:
|
|
|
Broadmoor juniper
|
Juniperus sabina “Broadmoor”
|
(I)
|
Buffalo juniper
|
Juniperus sabina “Buffalo”
|
(I)
|
Tam (tammy) juniper
|
Juniperus sabina “Tamariscifolia”
|
(I)
|
Santolina:
|
|
|
Gray santolina
|
Santolina chamaecyparissus
|
(N)
|
Strawberry
|
Fragaria spp.
|
(N)
|
GRASSES:
|
Traditional turf species:
|
Fescue
|
Festuca spp.
|
(I)
|
Ryegrass
|
Lolium spp.
|
(I)
|
Native turf and general use species:
|
Galleta
|
Hilaria jamesii
|
(N)
|
Grama:
|
|
|
Blue grama
|
Bouteloua gracilis
|
(N)
|
Sideoats grama
|
Bouteloua curtipendula
|
(N)
|
Wheatgrass:
|
|
|
Crested wheatgrass
|
Agropyron desertorum
|
(I, NZ)
|
Pubescent wheatgrass
|
Agropyron trichophorum
|
(N)
|
Western wheatgrass
|
Agropyron smithii
|
(N)
|
Ornamental species:
|
Blue fescue
|
Festuca caesia
|
(I)
|
Purple threeawn
|
Aristida longiseta
|
(N)
|
VINES:
|
Deciduous:
|
Boston ivy
|
Parthenocissus tricuspidata
|
(I)
|
Clematis
|
Clematis jackmanni
|
(I)
|
Silver lace vine
|
Polygonum aubertii
|
(I)
|
Virginia creeper (et al)
|
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
|
(N, I)
|
Evergreen:
|
English ivy
|
Hedera helix
|
(I)
|
Honeysuckle
|
Lonicera spp.
|
(I)
|
FLOWERS:
|
Annuals:
|
Ageratum
|
Ageratum houstonianum
|
(I)
|
Bedding begonia
|
Begonia spp.
|
(I)
|
Cosmos
|
Cosmos spp.
|
(I)
|
Four o’clock
|
Mirabilis jalapa
|
(I)
|
Gaillardia (blanketflower, firewheel)
|
Gaillardia pulthella
|
(N)
|
Geranium
|
Pelargonium hortorum
|
(I)
|
Impatiens
|
Impatiens wallerana
|
(I)
|
Pansy
|
Viola wittrockiana
|
(I)
|
Purple aster
|
Aster bigelovii
|
(N)
|
Salvia
|
Salvia spp.
|
(I)
|
Snapdragon
|
Antirrhinum maius
|
(I)
|
Sunflower
|
Helianthus annus
|
(N)
|
Viola (Johnny jump-ups)
|
Viola spp.
|
(I)
|
Wallflower
|
Erysimum capitatum
|
(N)
|
Perennials:
|
Blue flax
|
Linum perenne
|
(N)
|
Chrysanthemum
|
Chrysanthemum morifolium
|
(I)
|
Colorado columbine
|
Aquilegia spp.
|
(N)
|
Coneflower
|
Ratibida columnifera
|
(N)
|
Daylily (asphodel)
|
Hemerocallis spp.
|
(I)
|
Delphinium
|
Delphinium belladonna
|
(I, N)
|
Geranium (cranesbill)
|
Geranium spp.
|
(N)
|
Hollyhock
|
Alcea rosea
|
(I, NZ)
|
Indian paintbrush
|
Castilleja integra
|
(N)
|
Lobelia
|
Lobelia erinus
|
(I)
|
Maximilian’s daisy
|
Helianthus maximiliani
|
(NZ)
|
Penstemon
|
Penstemon spp.
|
(N)
|
Phlox
|
Phlox spp.
|
(I)
|
Primrose
|
Primula vulgaris
|
(I)
|
Red rocket (scarlet gilia)
|
Ipomopsis aggregata
|
(N)
|
Shasta daisy
|
Chrysanthemum maximum
|
(I)
|
Violet
|
Viola odorata
|
(N, I)
|
Wooly yarrow
|
Achillea spp.
|
(N, I)
|
Bulbs:
|
Daffodil
|
Narcissus “King Alfred”
|
(I)
|
Iris
|
Iris spp.
|
(N)
|
Tulip
|
Tulipa spp.
|
(I)
|
B. The
following are prohibited plant species that are prohibited for use
in Taos:
1. Russian
olive - Elaegnus angustifolia:
a. Very invasive, fast spreading by birds, high water consumption;
2. Salt
cedar - Tamarisk, Tamarack, Tamarix chinensis (formerly Tamarix pentardra):
a. Very invasive, fast spreading, takes over water sources;
3. Siberian
elm - Ulmus pumila.
C. The
following are known allergy inducing plants and are not recommended
for use:
Cottonwoods - use “cottonless” varieties
Junipers - use female form
D. Noxious
plants:
Bindweed
Cockleburr or sheepsburr
Common mallow
Russian, Canadian, or scotch thistle
Tumbleweed
(Ordinance 07-08 adopted 2007)
A. General.
1. To
determine the minimum required landscape area, deduct building footprint(s)
and enclosed fenced or walled storage areas from the total area of
the site and multiply the remainder by fifteen percent (15%). A fenced
or walled storage area is an area that is surrounded by either a building
or wall on all four (4) sides, screened from public view, and used
for storage of supplies, solid waste such as garbage, construction
debris, commercial refuse, or other materials. Entry to the area must
be provided by a door that can be closed to screen the contents of
the storage area. Fences or walls, including buildings on the site
that serve as walls, must be six feet (6') high, and the materials
and exterior treatment of these walls must be of durable materials
and complementary to the architecture and landscaping for the site.
2. In the event of conflicts between the town’s minimum parking requirements and the fifteen percent (15%) minimum required landscaped area, as defined in section
15.12.020 of this chapter, the parking requirement takes precedence.
3. The
approved landscape plan may not have less than ten percent (10%) landscaped
area for the entire site. If an applicant identifies on the site plan
a minimum open space area of ten percent (10%), as provided for in
the town’s open space ordinance, this open space area shall
be landscaped according to the requirements of this chapter.
4. New development shall comply with the town’s recommended plant list, as set forth in section
15.12.025 of this chapter. In addition to the general list of recommended plants, the town may develop further recommended plant lists applicable specifically to different types of landscaped areas, including standard areas, oasis areas, and arid areas.
5. All
trees shall be a minimum of fifteen (15) gallon size and six feet
(6') tall.
6. Any
tree less than two inches (2") caliper size shall be staked or guyed
(with flagging).
7. With the exception of grasses listed in section
15.12.025 of this chapter, or as approved by the code administrator, use of natural turf is discouraged due to its high water requirement. Natural turf is permitted on a small five hundred (500) square feet area for each half acre:
a. On the site near main buildings or assembly areas where pedestrian
activities are designed to occur;
b. Where the area is designed as part of an area for seating, assembly,
rest, dining, or employee break area, or it is designed to enhance
a main pedestrian entryway;
c. Where the oasis is located in an area of relatively low evaporation
potential from wind and heat;
d. Within an area of common recreation and patio facilities in multi-family
development; and
e. When a water harvesting system or storm water runoff design on the
site is integrated with the turf area. The turf area is allowed if
approved by the code administrator. A turf area larger than five hundred
(500) square feet may be allowed if the applicant demonstrates extraordinary
water savings.
8. Spacing
for plants shall allow for their size at maturity.
9. Trees
with surface root systems and/or broad branch structures shall be
planted only where sufficient space is available. Root growth habits
shall not cause damage to sidewalks and other paved surfaces. Trees
with the potential for overhanging a walkway, driveway, bicycle path,
parking space or street must be of a type that, at maturity, provides
a canopy with an understory height clearance of eight feet (8') for
walkways and bicycle paths, twelve feet (12') for driveways and streets,
and fifteen feet (15') for loading spaces.
10. All bare ground on the site and/or landscaped area shall be covered
with live plant material, decorative aggregate, or organic mulch.
11. Artificial plants are not acceptable for most landscaped areas, and
use of artificial turf is restricted. Artificial turf (example: waterwise
turf) may be allowed, up to a minimum of a two hundred (200) square
feet area when used with decorative landscape elements such as large
rocks, shrubs and ground cover.
12. Artificial turf is allowed without restriction when used for recreational
areas such as playgrounds and ball fields.
13. If the soil has been compacted in the planting areas, the soil shall
be loosened and aerated before planting to a depth of at least six
inches (6").
14. The soil will be amended with natural material suitable for the particular
requirements of the plants to allow plants to grow and use water more
effectively.
15. If vegetative ground cover is not intended, a minimum two inch (2")
layer of organic (bark) or inorganic material (i.e., decomposed granite,
decorative aggregate, organic mulch or other material) shall be used
as ground cover under and around the vegetation in landscaped areas
to help cool soil areas, reduce evaporation and retard weed growth.
Gravel may be introduced as an anticompaction device.
16. Landscape fabric (weed barrier) shall be used under vegetative or
inorganic ground cover to inhibit the growth of weeds.
17. Vegetation such as those with spines, thorns or needles that may
present hazards to pedestrians, bicycles or vehicles are to be planted
a safe distance from the outer edge of a walkway, bike lane or path,
roadway or parking area circulation aisle.
18. Storm water detention and retention ponds shall be integrated landscape
features, rather than single purpose flood control and storm water
management ponds. Storm water detention and retention ponds shall
be planted with appropriate trees, shrubs and grasses with a minimum
of one tree and three (3) shrubs per two hundred fifty (250) square
feet of required ponding area. Plants located in the bottom one-third
(1/3) of the detention or retention pond must be adaptable to periods
of submersion.
19. Constructed water features such as fountains, streams and ponds shall
be recirculated and shall be designed to prevent seepage and leaks.
B. Water
conservation.
The town both encourages and mandates water
conservation techniques and xeriscaping within landscape design and
site development planning in order to promote drought tolerant landscapes
and to reduce the demand on the town potable water system.
1. Water
harvesting.
The active use of water harvesting and distribution
systems for landscape irrigation is encouraged.
a. Passive water harvesting systems.
Passive water harvesting
systems include, but are not limited to:
(1) Surface collection such as swales, parking lot islands, bar ditches,
detention or retention ponds and constructed wetlands.
(2) Inground storage: Soil amendments, constructed rain gardens, French
drains, permeable paving and collection structures with infiltration
fields or galleries.
b. Active water harvesting systems.
Active water harvesting
systems include, but are not limited to:
(1) Storage and distribution systems including ground rain barrels, storage
tanks and below grade cisterns that use gravity or pumps to distribute
water to an irrigation system.
(2) Cisterns and other storage devices shall be screened or otherwise
hidden from public view, or if not hidden or screened, they must be
integrated into the improvements in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
c. Gray water systems.
Gray water irrigation can be appropriate
and is encouraged for some landscape installations. Gray water is
regulated by the New Mexico environment department and the New Mexico
state engineer, and may or may not require a permit.
C. Calculation
for landscape area.
1. To
determine the minimum required landscape area, deduct building footprint(s)
and fenced or walled storage areas from the total area of the site
and multiply the remainder by fifteen percent (15%).
2. Landscaping
should respect unique features and viewsheds of a site including existing
trees. Preservation of on-site existing plant material is encouraged
and may be used to assist with fulfilling the landscape requirements.
a. Provided that the vegetation is undisturbed by cleaning or construction and the vegetation does not include tumbleweed, thistle, bindweed or any other noxious weed or plant identified on the prohibited plant list (see section
15.12.025 of this chapter). Only areas of existing, undisturbed naturalized vegetation may be exempt from installation of an irrigation system.
b. Size and location of this material shall be indicated on the final
landscape plan.
c. Priority shall be given to preserving and protecting significant
trees that provide screening, buffering, wildlife habitat and/or linkages
to wildlife habitat. The applicant may remove mature healthy and noninvasive
trees only within areas of a lot that are inside the proposed footprint
area for the primary structure, and in this case only if a variance
is granted. The applicant must replace mature trees that are removed
on the site with trees of the same or similar species whose combined
caliper dimensions equals that of the tree removed.
d. During construction, existing plant material to be preserved shall
be enclosed by a temporary fence.
3. Courtyards,
plazas, patios, trails, pocket parks, paving, covered walkways and
other usable open space integrated with the landscape plan may be
included in the overall landscape calculation.
D. Surface
parking lots.
The purpose of planting requirements for
surface parking lots is to provide visual relief from large expanses
of cars and pavement, to provide shade in order to reduce heat and
glare, to help direct traffic flow and to reduce and control storm
water runoff.
1. Parking
shall be placed to the side or rear of the site in conformance with
the parking standards identified in title 16 of this code.
2. Off-street
parking shall be screened from the street front and from any adjacent
properties.
3. A
minimum six feet (6') wide landscape island shall be placed at the
end of each parking aisle.
4. Parking
spaces shall be broken with landscape islands:
a. Parking adjacent to the street front area every ten (10) spaces.
b. Rear parking every twenty (20) spaces.
The landscape islands shall be distributed throughout the lot
and may be combined as a component of a storm water management plan
to facilitate water harvesting.
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5. Large
surface parking lots shall be functionally divided into smaller well-landscaped
parking clusters containing fifty (50) cars or fewer. Parking clusters
shall be interconnected by the parking lot’s internal circulation
system and separated by ten feet (10') wide, or greater, landscaped
pedestrian walkways.
6. Surface
parking areas shall provide interior landscaping at the rate of twenty
(20) square feet per parking space.
7. One canopy tree shall be provided for every four (4) parking spaces. The trees must be evenly distributed through the surface parking lot. Canopy trees planted within the interior landscape border may count toward the canopy tree requirement provided the trees are planted within ten feet (10') of the surface parking lot and the number of canopy trees that are provided within the surface parking lot area is not reduced by more than fifty percent (50%) of the amount required. The town encourages species diversification appropriate to geographic areas of the town, provided the species is identified as a permitted plant in section
15.12.025, “Recommended and prohibited plant list”, of this chapter.
8. For
each tree required within the surface parking area, a planter area
with a minimum unpaved area of thirty-four (34) square feet and a
four foot (4') minimum width is required, but six feet (6') is encouraged.
The unpaved area may be covered with a permeable material or with
grillwork, but air and moisture must be able to penetrate the soil.
9. Landscaping
elements such as berms, hedges, and shrubs and hardscape elements
such as building wall extensions, landscape walls, and fences adjacent
to all vehicular egress, ingress points, and intersections within
traffic circulation aisles shall be less than thirty inches (30")
in height (including plants measured at maturity) and shall not block
the clear sight triangle as identified in the town land use development
code and the traffic access manual. Any other planted area that may
potentially obscure a driver’s view of oncoming pedestrians,
bicyclists or vehicles is also subject to this requirement.
10. To prevent damage to tree trunks, trees may not be placed within
three feet (3') of curbing or end of a parking space. Durable wheel
stops shall be used in limited space areas.
11. Parking areas that exceed one hundred twenty (120) spaces shall include
a minimum ten foot (10') wide pedestrian walkway differentiated through
a change in surface texture, style and/or color.
12. Landscape design and placement of materials should deliberately influence
pedestrian movement on a site, and should serve as a critical means
of orienting and guiding pedestrians as they move through a site from
parking areas, drop-off points and transit stops to the entrances
or destinations of buildings.
13. Storage areas, trash enclosures, transformers, generators, cisterns
and other similar aboveground eyesores shall be combined with architectural
and landscape treatments and located out of site from public rights-of-way.
14. Porous paving materials are encouraged in order to increase storm
water infiltration on-site.
(Ordinance 07-08 adopted 2007)
A. Purpose.
Buffer and screening elements shall be used to screen parking
areas from public view; to screen service yards and other places which
tend to be unsightly; and to buffer one land use from a less intensive
use.
1. Elements.
Elements which may be used are: landscaped spaces containing
trees or tree groupings; building wall extensions; beans or other
innovative methods, such as fences, landscapes, walls, shrubs.
2. Use
of open space.
Encourage the use of open space, recreational,
sitting or eating areas added into the landscape plans.
3. Landscape
borders.
There are two (2) types of landscape borders,
a street landscape border and an interior landscape border.
B. Street
landscape borders.
Street landscape borders are required
on all projects.
1. Existing
drought tolerant vegetation on adjacent sites shall be considered
in design to prevent abrupt changes in plant types and to maintain
a visual continuity along street frontages.
2. A
street landscape border, which may include sidewalks, shall have a
minimum width of ten feet (10'), running the full length of the street
property line bounding the site except for points of ingress-egress.
This ten foot (10') measurement starts from the street right-of-way.
3. When
there is no sidewalk and no existing right-of-way for a sidewalk,
the ten foot (10') landscape border shall include a pedestrian pathway
when appropriate. The applicant may be required to dedicate a right-of-way
for a future sidewalk within the ten foot (10') landscaping buffer.
4. Within
the street landscape border, the required landscape elements include
the following:
a. Canopy trees are to be provided in number equal to or greater than
an average of one per thirty-three feet (33'), excluding the access
points, of the site frontage length, with a minimum of one tree per
site.
b. Fifty percent (50%) or more of the street landscape border area must
have shrubs and vegetative cover.
c. A variety of placement approaches and appropriate locations may be
applied, including the use of random clusters of trees and shrubs
spaced no more than thirty-three feet (33') apart and formal alignments.
d. Up to five feet (5') of the required ten feet (10') of landscaping
may be located within the right-of-way if approved by the town public
works department.
5. Strong
landscape accents shall be provided to highlight major entries to
commercial, multi-family and subdivision developments.
C. Interior
landscape border.
An interior landscape border is a buffer area located along common property lines and is required per section
15.12.030 of this chapter. The minimum landscape elements required within the interior landscape border are canopy trees.
The canopy trees are to be provided in numbers equal to or greater
than an average of one per thirty-three feet (33') of property line.
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1. Trees
are to be planted within ten feet (10') of nonstreet frontage property
line.
2. Inorganic ground cover is to comply with the requirements of section
15.12.030 of this chapter.
D. Plant
size, location, and spacing.
Required plant characteristics
and planting standards to various landscape applications are as follows:
1. When
vegetation is used to satisfy a screen requirement, the size of the
plant will be a five (5) gallon minimum and be of a type that will
maintain a screen. This screen will be thirty-six inches (36") high.
Street planting can be aligned, clustered, or unevenly spaced to provide
interest as long as the plants provide a continuous screen at maturity.
The plant chosen to provide screening must have a maturity width which
will accomplish the goal of an opaque screen.
2. In
regards to coverage and spacing, fifty percent (50%) of this area
must be equally covered with vegetation and ground cover.
3. Trees
in this area will be a minimum fifteen (15) gallon size.
4. Trees
planted near sidewalks or curbs will be planted at a sufficient distance
from these elements to prevent upheaval or soil settling.
5. Shrubs
in areas of required landscaping other than for opaque screening shall
be a minimum one gallon container size, with twenty percent (20%)
of the required number to be a five (5) gallon container size or larger.
Ground cover in areas of required landscaping may be one gallon size
or in flats.
6. Trees
are to be planted an appropriate distance from refuse dumpster locations
and loading spaces so that the tree canopy, at maturity, does not
obstruct service.
E. Crime
prevention landscaping guidelines.
Security is enhanced
when entrances to and exits from buildings or open spaces around buildings,
including pedestrian walkways, are open and in view of the surrounding
neighboring sites. Positioning, location and type of plant material,
screening, and other landscaping elements shall allow for natural
surveillance of the outdoor spaces from within buildings, from outdoor
locations on-site and from adjacent buildings, sites and rights-of-way.
The more open the view of a space, the less likely that space will
be used for the commission of a crime.
1. Encourage
the utilization of curbs, sidewalks and landscaped trails to define
public, semipublic and private areas;
2. Utilize
screening that is no higher than required for safety but is effective
enough to create a barrier to entry;
3. In
areas adjacent to doors and windows, select plant material of such
height to retain visibility of building openings from the street or
from other development;
4. Shrubs
and ground cover located within four feet (4') of the edge of a walkway
shall not exceed thirty inches (30") in height. Trees located less
than twelve feet (12') from the edge of a walkway shall be trimmed
to a minimum eight foot (8') canopy height;
5. Unless
adjacent to a pedestrian path, barrier plants should be planted below
and extending at least twelve inches (12") beyond each side of windows.
Plant materials in this area shall be no higher than the sill height
of the window;
6. Use
of landscape lighting can be an effective security measure, but shall
comply with the lighting requirements of the town dark skies ordinance.
(Ordinance 07-08 adopted 2007)
Irrigation systems are designed to promote water conservation,
including prevention of water runoff and overspray.
A. Irrigation.
All required landscape areas shall be irrigated by an automatic
underground irrigation system, drip irrigation or soaker hose.
B. Water
conservation.
The town promotes the use of efficient
irrigation methods and practices. Where possible and practical in
landscaped areas, bubbler and drip irrigation systems shall be utilized.
Follow manufacturer manuals to determine proper calculations for these
systems.
C. Xeriscape.
The town encourages the use of xeriscape concepts on landscape
in the Taos area.
1. “Xeriscaping”
means low water use with emphasis on the utilization of water conserving
irrigation systems and drought tolerant vegetation.
2. Xeriscape
landscaping is a transitional planting zone concept that may include
several zones going from lush (or oasis) areas to drought tolerant
landscaped areas.
3. Oasis
areas are generally not encouraged due to high water requirements,
and are permitted only in some geographic areas. If used, they must
be near the building entrance and preferably integrated with a planned
water catchments system. This is the only place turf is appropriate
with a five hundred (500) square feet area limit.
4. The
seven (7) principles of xeriscape are:
a. Good design, with a landscaping plan integrated with and complementary
to the architecture and site plan.
b. Thorough soil preparation.
c. Careful, planned use of shrub and lawn area.
d. Adapted, low water demand plants.
e. Effective and efficient watering methods.
f. Mulched flower and shrub beds.
g. Proper landscape maintenance and management.
D. Automatic
drip irrigation system requirements.
If an automatic
drip irrigation system is proposed, the following requirements are:
1. Indicate
the source of the irrigation water, whether potable or reclaimed.
2. Irrigation
lines under paved surfaces will be contained in PVC schedule 40 pipe
sleeves.
3. Pipelines
carrying water under constant pressure shall be buried to a minimum
depth of twenty-four inches (24"). Those that are under intermittent
pressure will be buried to a minimum depth of eighteen inches (18").
4. Nonpressure
polyethylene lines shall be buried to a minimum depth of eight inches
(8"). Nonpressure PVC lines will be buried to a minimum depth of twelve
inches (12").
5. Turf
and shrub heads closer than twelve inches (12") to any paved surface
will be pop-up heads.
6. Turf,
shrub and bubbler heads located within twenty-four inches (24") of
any paved surface will be installed with a system that allows the
riser assembly to absorb impacts and return to normal position.
7. Temporary
spray irrigation systems may be used to establish seeded areas for
grass and ground cover. Drip irrigation is encouraged.
8. Trees
and shrubs shall be irrigated with low flow bubblers or emitters.
9. The
irrigation system shall be controlled by a digital controller.
10. Identify the point of drainage of roof areas and disposition of flow
if the landscaped area is to utilize roof catchments runoff.
(Ordinance 07-08 adopted 2007)
A. Intent.
The landscape plan will provide the town with a clear impression
of how a proposed project will look, work and be maintained.
B. Preparer.
Landscape plans shall be prepared by a qualified landscape architect
or designer and must demonstrate conformance with the grading, drainage
and erosion plans, if applicable, through the stamp of a registered
engineer in the State of New Mexico. Water harvesting shall be integrated
with landscaping, grading, drainage and erosion control plans.
C. Scale
and size of plans.
Minimum one inch equals twenty feet
(1" = 20'). Size of plans is variable as long as the presentation
clearly portrays the design concepts.
D. Contents.
(To include, but not limited to:)
1. Existing
conditions.
a. Basic information including project address; property owner’s
name, address, and phone number; designer’s name, address and
phone number; scale; property line; north arrow; adjacent public right-of-way;
street names; and vicinity map.
b. Existing conditions: grades and vegetation.
c. Existing improvements including, but not limited to: buildings, driveways,
sidewalks, walls, fences, and mechanical, electrical and utility equipment
including overhead and underground lines.
d. Existing vegetation: identify removal or relocation information.
2. Landscape
plan information.
a. Location and description of existing and proposed fences and walls
including retaining, ornamental and privacy; and sidewalks, patios,
or other paved or finished surfaces; and other hardscape improvements.
b. Identify location of proposed landscaping on plan.
c. A plant list using common and botanical names:
(1) Tree species and quantities.
(2) Shrub species and quantities.
(3) Ground cover species and quantities.
d. When a final plan is submitted, an estimated date for completion
of all plantings and related work must be on the plan.
3. Parking
information.
a. Proposed layout of vehicular use areas including the location, dimensions
of parking spaces, landscape islands, interior landscaping, pedestrian
walkways, and maneuvering aisles.
b. Indicate street traffic direction using two-way or one-way arrows.
4. Calculations.
b. Area of the building footprint(s).
c. Square footage of the vehicular use area(s); number of parking spaces,
including the required and provided parking space calculations; and
the number of parking area canopy trees.
d. Square footage of all landscape areas required and provided and quantities
of plant materials required for the landscape area provided.
5. Irrigation
plan.
a. Source of irrigation water.
b. Type, size and location of piping.
c. Type, size and location of irrigation heads.
d. Type and location of backflow prevention devices, valves and controllers.
(Ordinance 07-08 adopted 2007)
A. When
the final plan is submitted, a proposed date for completion of all
plantings and related work must be submitted.
B. Prior
to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for any project pursuant
to the zoning ordinance, all work as indicated on the approved landscaping
plan shall be inspected and approved by the planning department.
C. If
the landscaping cannot be installed prior to the desired time for
a certificate of occupancy, then the planning department may allow
the escrowing of funds or other acceptable financial guarantees. Cost
estimates for landscaping not installed at that time must be presented
to the planning department for approval.
D. Required
landscaping for a project may be installed in proportion to the construction
phasing of the project. For multi-unit projects, certificates of occupancy
for units associated with the final phase of the project shall be
withheld until the landscape plan is completed.
(Ordinance 07-08 adopted 2007)
A. The
extent and quality of maintenance is essential if a development is
to have continued good appearance. Therefore, the developer and his
successor or assigns are responsible for the maintenance of the landscaping
plan as originally approved. The landscape shall be maintained in
a healthy, clean, weed-free and litter-free condition. Healthy plant
material and turf areas require regular irrigation, fertilization,
mowing and edging, dethatching, aerating and, if necessary, pesticide
application. All plants shall be properly pruned or trimmed to avoid
interference with installation, maintenance, or repair of any public
utility, or restriction of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or creation
of a traffic hazard. Weeds shall be removed from the landscape area.
B. Plant
materials which exhibit evidence of insect pests, disease or damage
shall be appropriately treated, and dead plant materials shall be
replaced.
C. Tree
canopies shall be maintained a minimum of eight feet (8') from grade
upon tree maturity if they are near pedestrian or vehicular movement.
D. Dead
plant material shall be replaced with living plant material that complies
with the approved landscape plan. This will be required within thirty
(30) days of loss or within the next reasonable planting season.
E. Maintenance
and irrigation of plant material shall continue regardless of the
occupation status of the building.
F. Irrigation
systems shall be kept in good working order. Irrigation systems with
runoff into the street or onto other properties shall be repaired,
redesigned and/or reinstalled.
(Ordinance 07-08 adopted 2007)
The provisions of this chapter are severable and if any paragraph,
section, subsection, provision, sentence, clause, phrase, word, or
part of this chapter is held illegal, invalid, unconstitutional, or
inapplicable to any person or circumstance, such illegality, invalidity,
unconstitutionality or inapplicability shall not affect or impair
the remainder of this chapter and its application to other persons
or circumstances.
(Ordinance 07-08 adopted 2007)