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.
A. 
Applicability. All development sites containing significant vegetation, as defined below, shall comply with the standards of this section. The purpose of this section is to incorporate significant native vegetation into the landscapes of development. The use of mature, native vegetation within developments is a preferred alternative to removal of vegetation and re-planting. Mature landscaping provides summer shade and wind breaks, and allows for water conservation due to larger plants having established root systems.
B. 
Significant Vegetation. "Significant vegetation" means:
1. 
Significant Trees and Shrubs. Individual trees located within a mapped wetland area as depicted on the 1" = 400' maps entitled City of Warrenton Wetland Conservation Plan Inventory dated October 17, 1997 with a trunk diameter of 18 inches or greater, as measured four feet above the ground (DBH), and all plants within the drip line of such trees and shrubs, shall be protected. Other trees may be deemed significant, when nominated by the property owner and designated by the City Commission as "Heritage Trees" (i.e., by virtue of site, rarity, historical significance, etc.).
2. 
Exceptions. Protection shall not be required for (a) plants listed as non-native, invasive plants by the Oregon State University Extension Service in the applicable OSU bulletins for Clatsop County, or (b) as otherwise excepted by Chapter 16.156, Wetland and Riparian Corridor Development Standards.
C. 
Mapping and Protection Required. All mapped wetland and riparian areas shall be protected in accordance with Chapter 16.156 and other applicable sections of this Code.
D. 
Protection Standards. All of the following protection standards shall apply to significant vegetation areas:
1. 
Protection of Significant Trees. Significant trees identified as meeting the criteria in subsection (B)(1) of this section shall be retained whenever practicable. Preservation may become impracticable when it would prevent reasonable development of public streets, utilities, or land uses permitted by the applicable land use district.
2. 
Conservation Easements and Dedications. When necessary to implement the Comprehensive Plan, the City may require dedication of land or recordation of a conservation easement to protect sensitive lands, including groves of significant trees and mapped wetland and/or riparian areas.
E. 
Construction. All areas of significant vegetation and mapped wetland and riparian areas shall be protected prior to, during, and after construction. Grading and operation of vehicles and heavy equipment is prohibited within significant vegetation areas, wetlands, and riparian areas, except as approved by the City for installation of utilities or streets, or in accordance with other approved plans.
F. 
Exemptions. The protection standards in this section shall not apply in the following situations:
1. 
Dead, Diseased, and/or Hazardous Vegetation. Vegetation that is dead or diseased, or poses a hazard to personal safety, property or the health of other trees, may be removed. Prior to tree removal, the applicant shall provide a report from a certified arborist or other qualified professional (i.e., a certified member of the Oregon Loggers Association) to determine whether the subject tree is diseased or poses a hazard, and any possible treatment to avoid removal, except as provided by paragraph 2 of this section.
2. 
Emergencies. Significant vegetation may be removed in the event of an emergency when the vegetation poses an immediate threat to life or safety.
3. 
Licensed Timber Operations. Logging operations that have been permitted by the Oregon Department of Forestry as being consistent with the Oregon Forest Practices Rules and Statutes.
A. 
Applicability. This section shall apply to all developments within the City of Warrenton.
B. 
Landscaping Plan Required. For every new development in the City of Warrenton requiring a City permit, a landscape plan is required. All landscape plans shall include the following minimum required details (see Section 16.212.040 for additional landscape plan requirements for projects requiring site design review):
1. 
Legal description (e.g., assessor parcel number, copy of warranty deed, etc.) for the subject property;
2. 
Property lines with the location and general description (height and type of material) of existing and proposed fences and other buffering or screening materials;
3. 
The location of existing and proposed terraces or retaining walls;
4. 
The location of existing and proposed plant materials;
5. 
Wetland and/or riparian area boundaries on the property, if any;
6. 
Existing and proposed structures;
7. 
Driveway and adjoining roadway widths, descriptions, and locations; and
8. 
Prevailing drainage patterns for the property.
9. 
Other information as deemed appropriate by the Community Development Director. An arborist's report may be required for sites with mature trees that are protected under this chapter and/or Chapter 16.156 of this Code.
C. 
Landscape Area Standards. The minimum percentage of required landscaping equals:
1. 
Residential districts: 20% of the site.
2. 
Commercial districts: 15% of the site shall be landscaped according to the requirements of this section.
3. 
General industrial districts: a minimum of 20% of the site shall be landscaped.
The use of mature, native vegetation within developments is a preferred alternative to removal of vegetation and re-planting.
D. 
Landscape Materials. Landscape materials include trees, shrubs, groundcover plants, turf grasses (e.g. grass sod or seed), and outdoor hardscape features, as described below:
1. 
Natural Vegetation. Natural vegetation shall be preserved or planted where practicable.
2. 
Plant Selection. A combination of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, turf grasses, and ground-covers shall be used for all planted areas, the selection of which shall be based on local climate, exposure, water availability, and drainage conditions. As necessary, soils shall be amended to allow for healthy plant growth.
3. 
"Non-native, invasive" plants, as per Section 16.124.020, shall be prohibited.
4. 
Hardscape features (i.e., patios, decks, plazas, etc.) may cover up to 50% of the required landscape area. Swimming pools, sports courts and similar active recreation facilities may not be counted toward fulfilling the landscape requirement.
5. 
Non-plant Groundcovers. Bark dust, chips, aggregate or other non-plant groundcovers may be used, but shall cover no more than 50% of the area to be landscaped. "Coverage" is measured based on the size of plants at maturity or after five years of growth, whichever comes sooner.
6. 
Tree Size. Trees shall have a minimum caliper size of one and one-half inches or greater (two inches for required street trees) at time of planting.
7. 
Shrub Size. Shrubs shall be balled and burlapped and sized to fit in multi-gallon containers.
8. 
Groundcover Size. Groundcover plants shall be sized and spaced so that they grow together to cover a minimum of 30% of the underlying soil within two years.
9. 
Significant Vegetation. Significant vegetation preserved in accordance with Section 16.124.020 may be credited toward meeting the minimum landscape area standards. Credit shall be granted on a per square foot basis. The street tree standards of Section 16.124.040 may be waived when trees preserved within the front yard provide the same or better shading and visual quality as would otherwise be provided by street trees.
10. 
Stormwater Facilities. Stormwater facilities (e.g., detention/retention ponds and swales) shall be landscaped with water tolerant, native plants.
Figure 16.124.030 Landscape Areas in a Multiple Family Housing Development (Typical)
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E. 
Landscape Design Standards. All yards, parking lots and required street tree planter strips shall be landscaped in accordance with the provisions of Sections 16.124.010 through 16.124.050. Landscaping shall be installed with development to provide erosion control, visual interest, buffering, privacy, open space and pathway identification, shading and wind buffering, and to help control surface water drainage and improvement of water quality, based on the following standards:
1. 
Yard Setback Landscaping. Landscaping shall satisfy the following criteria:
a. 
Provide visual screening and privacy within side and rear yards while leaving front yards and building entrances mostly visible for security purposes.
b. 
Use shrubs and trees as wind breaks, as appropriate.
c. 
Retain natural vegetation, as practicable.
d. 
Define pedestrian pathways and open space areas with landscape materials.
e. 
Provide focal points within a development, such as signature trees (i.e., large or unique trees), hedges and flowering plants.
f. 
Use trees to provide summer shading within common open space areas, and within front yards when street trees cannot be provided.
g. 
Use a combination of plants for year-long color and interest.
h. 
Use landscaping to screen outdoor storage and mechanical equipment areas, and to enhance graded areas such as berms, swales and detention/retention ponds.
2. 
Parking Areas. A minimum of eight percent of the combined area of all parking areas, as measured around the perimeter of all parking spaces and maneuvering areas, shall be landscaped. Such landscaping shall consist of an evenly distributed mix of shade trees with shrubs and/or groundcover plants. "Evenly distributed" means that the trees and other plants are distributed around the parking lot perimeter and between parking bays to provide a partial canopy. At a minimum, one tree per five parking spaces total shall be planted to create a partial tree canopy over and around the parking area. All parking areas with more than 20 spaces shall include landscape islands with trees to break up the parking area into rows of not more than 12 contiguous parking spaces. All landscaped areas shall have minimum dimensions of four feet by four feet to ensure adequate soil, water, and space for healthy plant growth.
3. 
Buffering and Screening Required. Buffering and screening are required under the following conditions:
a. 
Parking/Maneuvering Area Adjacent to Streets and Drives. Where a parking or maneuvering area is adjacent and parallel to a street or driveway, a decorative wall (masonry or similar quality material), arcade, trellis, evergreen hedge, or similar screen shall be established parallel to the street or driveway. The required wall or screening shall provide breaks, as necessary, to allow for access to the site and sidewalk by pedestrians via pathways. The design of the wall or screening shall also allow for visual surveillance of the site for security. Evergreen hedges used to comply with this standard shall be a minimum of 36 inches in height at maturity, and shall be of such species, number and spacing to provide the required screening within one year after planting. Any areas between the wall/hedge and the street/driveway line shall be landscaped with plants or other groundcover. All walls shall be maintained in good condition, or otherwise replaced by the owner.
b. 
Parking/Maneuvering Area Adjacent to Building. Where a parking or maneuvering area, or driveway, is adjacent to a building (other than a single-family, two-family, or three-family dwelling), the area shall be separated from the building by a raised pathway, plaza, or landscaped buffer not less than four feet in width. Raised curbs, bollards, wheel stops, or other design features shall be used to protect buildings from being damaged by vehicles. When parking areas are located adjacent to residential ground-floor living space (except for a single-family residence, duplex, and triplex), a landscape buffer is required to fulfill this requirement.
c. 
Screening of Mechanical Equipment, Outdoor Storage, Service and Delivery Areas, and Automobile-Oriented Uses. All mechanical equipment, outdoor storage and manufacturing, and service and delivery areas, shall be screened from view from all public streets and residential districts. Screening shall be provided by one or more the following: decorative wall (i.e., masonry or similar quality material), evergreen hedge, non-see-through fence, or a similar feature that provides a non-see-through barrier. Walls, fences, and hedges shall comply with the vision clearance requirements and provide for pedestrian circulation, in accordance with Chapter 16.120, Access and Circulation. (See Section 16.124.050 for standards related to fences and walls.)
F. 
Maintenance and Irrigation. The use of drought-tolerant plant species is encouraged, and may be required when irrigation is not available. Irrigation shall be provided for plants that are not drought-tolerant. If the plantings fail to survive, the property owner shall replace them with healthy plantings of shrubs, flowering plants and/or trees. All other landscape features required by this Code shall be maintained in good condition, or otherwise replaced by the owner.
G. 
Additional Requirements. Additional buffering and screening may be required for specific land uses, as identified by Division 2, and the City may require additional landscaping through the conditional use permit process (Chapter 16.220).
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.