The purpose of this chapter is to promote community health,
safety and welfare by protecting significant natural vegetation, and
setting development standards for landscaping, street trees, fences
and walls. Together, these elements of the natural and built environment
contribute to the visual quality, environmental health and character
of the community. Trees provide climate control through shading during
summer months and wind screening during winter. Trees and other plants
can also buffer pedestrians from traffic. Walls, fences, trees and
other landscape materials also provide vital screening and buffering
between land uses. Landscaped areas help to control surface water
drainage and can improve water quality, as compared to paved or built
surfaces.
Prevents the indiscriminate removal of significant trees and
other vegetation, including vegetation associated with streams, wetlands
and other protected natural resource areas.
Sets standards for and requires landscape plans for all new development in the City requiring a City permit. This section also requires buffering for parking and maneuvering areas, and between different land use districts. Note that other landscaping standards are provided in Division
2, Land Use Districts, for specific types of development.
Sets standards for and requires planting of trees along all
streets for shading, comfort and aesthetic purposes.
Sets standards for new fences and walls, including maximum allowable
height and materials, to promote security, personal safety, privacy,
and aesthetics. The following standards shall apply to all fences
and walls:
A. General Requirements. All fences and walls shall comply with the standards of this section. The City may require installation of walls and/or fences as a condition of development approval, in accordance with Chapter
16.220, Conditional Use Permits, or Chapter
16.212, Development Review and Site Design Review. Walls built for required landscape buffers shall comply with Section
16.124.030.
B. Dimensions.
1. The maximum allowable height for fences and walls in the City of
Warrenton is six feet, as measured from the lowest grade at the base
of the wall or fence, except that retaining walls and terraced walls
may exceed six feet when permitted as part of a site development approval,
or as necessary to construct streets and sidewalks. Refer to paragraph
4 of this subsection for additional fence standards for residential
uses.
2. Fences in the General Industrial (I-1) Zone may exceed six feet if
necessary to protect the welfare of the general public (i.e., airport
runway safety, military, coast guard, or homeland security defense
facilities, etc.) but not for protection of private property (i.e.,
auto repair lots, equipment yards, woodworking shops, etc.). Barbed
and razor wire fencing is prohibited in all zones except as necessary
to enclose livestock or to protect the welfare of the general public
(not private property).
3. A building permit is required for walls exceeding four feet in height
and fences exceeding six feet in height, in conformance with the Uniform
Building Code.
4. The height of fences and walls within a required front yard setback
area for residential uses shall not exceed four feet (except decorative
arbors, gates, etc.), as measured from the grade closest to the street
right-of-way. Walls may exceed this height in accordance with paragraph
1 of this subsection. Chain-link fences and other open-style fences
with at least 50% transparency or open space are allowed a maximum
height of six feet within a required front yard setback area.
5. Walls and fences to be built for required buffers shall comply with Section
16.124.030.
6. Fences and walls shall comply with the vision clearance standards of Section
16.120.020.
C. Maintenance.
For safety and for compliance with the purpose of this chapter, walls
and fences required as a condition of development approval shall be
maintained in good condition, or otherwise replaced by the owner.
Street trees shall be planted for all developments that are subject to land division or site design review. Requirements for street tree planting strips are provided in Chapter
16.136, Public Facilities Standards. Planting of unimproved streets shall be deferred until the construction of curbs and sidewalks. Street trees shall conform to the following standards and guidelines:
A. Growth
Characteristics. Trees shall be selected based on growth characteristics
and site conditions, including available space, overhead clearance,
soil conditions, exposure, and desired color and appearance. The following
should guide tree selection:
1. Provide a broad canopy where shade is desired.
2. Use low-growing trees for spaces under utility wires.
3. Select trees which can be "limbed-up" where vision clearance is a
concern.
4. Use narrow or "columnar" trees where awnings or other building features
limit growth, or where greater visibility is desired between buildings
and the street.
5. Use species with similar growth characteristics on the same block
for design continuity.
6. Avoid using trees that are susceptible to insect damage, and avoid
using trees that produce excessive seeds or fruit.
7. Select trees that are well-adapted to the environment, including
soil, wind, sun exposure, and exhaust. Drought-resistant trees should
be used in areas with sandy or rocky soil.
8. Select trees for their seasonal color, as desired.
9. Use deciduous trees for summer shade and winter sun.
B. Caliper
Size. The minimum caliper size at planting shall be one and one-half
inches diameter breast height (dbh) (two inches for required street
trees), based on the American Association of Nurserymen Standards.
C. Spacing
and Location. Street trees shall be planted within existing and proposed
planting strips, and in sidewalk tree wells on streets without planting
strips. The Community Development Director or Planning Commission
may approve planting of street trees in other areas upon submission
of a landscaping plan that demonstrates comparable (or greater) benefits
to the neighborhood. Street tree spacing shall be based upon the type
of tree(s) selected and the canopy size at maturity. In general, trees
shall be spaced no more than 30 feet apart, except where planting
a tree would conflict with existing trees, retaining walls, utilities
and similar physical barriers.
D. Soil
Preparation, Planting and Care. The developer shall be responsible
for planting street trees, including soil preparation, groundcover
material, staking, and temporary irrigation for two years after planting.
The developer shall also be responsible for tree care (pruning, watering,
fertilization, and replacement as necessary) during the first two
years after planting.
E. Assurances.
The City shall require the developer to provide a performance and
maintenance bond, or cash deposit, in an amount determined by the
City-appointed engineer, to ensure the planting of the tree(s) and
care during the first two years after planting.