(A) 
Site design.
Complementing the design and location of buildings, streets, and circulation systems, public open spaces, and enhancing the overall site design.
(B) 
Buffering.
Minimizing the impacts of light, noise, movement or activities from adjacent properties.
(C) 
Conservation.
Protecting and conserving water resources and assisting in the management of stormwater.
(D) 
Environmental.
Improving air quality, moderating ambient temperatures and lowering energy consumption.
(E) 
Soil protection.
Protecting and conserving soils from erosion by wind or water or from excavation or grading and the promotion of healthy soil biology.
(Ordinance 2021-07-47 adopted 7/6/21; Ordinance 2024-05-21 adopted 5/7/2024)
(A) 
Applicability.
This Subsection 4.02 Landscape Requirements shall apply to the following.
(1) 
All new developments and all existing developments that are expanding or redeveloping thirty (30) percent or more land area or building area.
(2) 
New Single-Family (SF), Two-Family (2F) and Townhome (TH) lots shall comply with 4.02.10. Landscaping Requirements for Single-Family, Two-Family, and Townhome Lots.
(3) 
Homeowner Associations (HOAs) and Covenants, Codes and Restrictions (CCRs) for residential developments shall not overrule the requirements of this Subsection 4.02 by penalizing or restricting water conserving landscapes, or requiring landscape materials that do not comply with this Subsection 4.02.
(4) 
All open space and landscape areas required by other regulations in the Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Ordinance shall comply with the standards of this Subsection 4.02.
(B) 
General standards.
All landscapes shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the following standards:
(1) 
ANSI A300, as it exists or may be amended.
(2) 
American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1, as it exists or may be amended.
(3) 
Frisco Stormwater Best Management Practices Maintenance Guidelines, as it exists or may be amended.
(4) 
Irrigation Ordinance, as it exists or may be amended.
a. 
All areas shown as landscape improvements on a landscape plan shall be irrigated with a mechanical irrigation system that complies with the requirements set forth in the Irrigation Ordinance, as it exists of may be amended.
b. 
Areas shown on a landscape plan that are intended to establish or reestablish native vegetation may be irrigated using temporary irrigation measures until the native vegetation is fully established, where approved by the Development Services Department Landscape Architect.
(5) 
Frisco Water Management Plan, as it exists or may be amended.
(C) 
Landscape Plan.
(1) 
A Landscape Plan is required for all applicable developments, as described above, and shall comply with Subsection 6.13 Landscape Plan Review.
(2) 
A Landscape Plan is required for all applicable developments, as described above, and shall comply with Subsection 6.13 Landscape Plan Review.
(D) 
Alternative landscape design.
(1) 
The Director of Development Services may approve an alternative landscape design that differs from the requirements set forth within this section in conjunction with the submitted Site Plan when it meets the conditions below:
a. 
Complies with the purpose and intent of this section;
b. 
Incorporates significant trees and natural features of the site; and
c. 
Better accommodates or improves the existing physical conditions of the site.
(2) 
Should the Director deny an alternative landscape design, the applicant may appeal the Director's decision in accordance with Subsection 6.19.
(E) 
Landscape inspections and installation.
(1) 
The approved landscape drawings are a part of the civil construction set and shall be inspected and approved by the Development Services Landscape Architect before a Final Acceptance Certificate and Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.
(2) 
Delay of Landscape Construction:
a. 
Landscape installation may be delayed up to six (6) months, when approved by the Director for the following circumstances, which include but are not limited to:
1. 
Demolition of landscape due to future project phases of construction; and
2. 
Designation of Stage 3 or Stage 4 drought restrictions as designated by North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD).
b. 
Landscape escrow: Where the Director agrees to a delay of landscape construction, the developer shall make a landscape escrow deposit to the City that meets the following requirements.
1. 
Equal to one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the total turnkey costs, including but not limited to, the permitting, acceptance and inflation costs related to the improvements(s); and
2. 
Should the landscape escrow not cover the total costs at the time of the landscape installation, the owner shall be responsible for the added costs to implement the landscape per the approved plan.
(F) 
Maintenance and enforcement.
(1) 
The owner of the property shall maintain the landscape in accordance with an approved landscape plan, the design intent and best management practices for the landscape maintenance as prescribed in Subsection 4.02.02(B).
(2) 
The owner of a property that does not comply with these requirements shall be notified and given thirty (30) calendar days to comply.
(3) 
If, after thirty (30) calendar days, the landscape still does not comply with the approved Landscape Plan the City may issue citations for the violation(s) pursuant to code enforcement provisions.
(4) 
No parking or drive aisles may occur in the landscape buffer.
(Ordinance 2021-07-47 adopted 7/6/21; Ordinance 2024-05-21 adopted 5/7/2024)
(A) 
Approved plant materials.
(1) 
The Director shall establish and maintain a list of approved plants.
a. 
Plants shall be selected for the appropriate landscape zones as described 4.02.09(B) Landscape Zones [sic].
b. 
Other species may be utilized with approval from the City's Landscape Architect.
c. 
Artificial plants are prohibited except that artificial turf is allowed as described in the Artificial Turf Regulations chart below.
Land Use
Locational Criteria
Minimum Specifications
Approval Criteria
Installation Requirements
Maintenance
Single-Family
AG, RE, SF-16, SF-12.5, SF-10, SF-8.5, SF-7, OTR, PH, 2F
Allowed in backyards and side yards (that are behind the front wall of the main building and a fence) only; (HOA Common Areas Prohibited)
Yarn/Blade Color: Green, the color of Bermuda or St. Augustine during the growing season
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Urban Living
MF-15, MF 19, Urban Living as allowed through a PD (including a private dog park)
Allowed
Below are the standards for artificial turf designed for dog parks, as required in all installations of Urban Living turf
Yarn/Blade Color: Primary Blade - Green, the color of Bermuda or St. Augustine during the growing season Secondary Blade - Green, the color of Bermuda or St. Augustine during the growing season.
Yarn Type: Polyethylene monofilament
Construction: Knitted
Blade Height: 3/4"
Backing: Flow-through backing
Antimicrobial Protection Required Seaming: Turf adhesive
Infill: None
Sanitation Requirement: Installation of an automated sanitation system that is connected to the irrigation lines to serve all artificial turf
An Artificial Turf Plan shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Plan. Final approval of the Artificial Turf Plan will be with the final approval of a construction set as approved by the Engineering Services Development Review Manager and the City's Landscape Architect. The Artificial Turn Plan shall include:
1. The minimum specifications
2. Impervious surface percentages
3. Drainage and run-off calculations
4. Installation requirements
5. Specifications of the sanitation system with details of connection to irrigation lines (as sealed by a licensed irrigator)
The City's Landscape Architect must be notified no less than 48 hours prior to the installation of the artificial turf to ensure that following installation requirements are met on-site:
1. Required to be installed by a licensed installer authorized to install turf per the maintenance specification
2. No visible seams or edges
3. Proper base prepared for drainage and run-off
4. Anchor system utilized
Maintained in clean and attractive conditions.
Wear: Shall not contain weeds, holes, tears, stains, discolorations, fading seam separations, uplifted surfaces, heat degradations, depressions, odors and excessive wear.
Damage: Damaged and worn areas must be repaired or removed and replaced in a manner that results in consistent appearance with existing artificial turf.
Grooming: Be groomed yearly to prevent compacted and flattened turf.
Nonresidential/Multifamily
Allowed only as the lawn area of an open space area (reference nonresidential open space standards).
Yarn/Blade Color: Green, the color of Bermuda or St. Augustine during the growing season
Yarn Type: Polyethylene monofilament
Yarn Count: Primary - Minimum 10,800/6
Secondary - Minimum 5,040/12
Construction: Dual yarn, same row
Blade Height: Minimum 1-3/4"
Seaming: Micromechanical bonding
Infill: Minimum 0.5 pounds of rubber (or sand/rubber mix)
An Artificial Turf Plan shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Plan. Final approval of the Artificial Turf Plan will be with the final approval of a construction set as approved by the Engineering Services Development Review Manager and the City's Landscape Architect. The Artificial Turf Plan shall include:
1. The minimum specifications
2. Impervious surface percentages
3. Drainage and run-off calculations
4. Installation requirements
5. Specifications of the sanitation system with details of connection to irrigation lines (as sealed by a licensed irrigator)
The City's Landscape Architect must be notified no less than 48 hours prior to the installation of the artificial turf to ensure that following installation requirements are met on-site:
1. Required to be installed by a licensed installer authorized to install turf per the maintenance specification
2. No visible seams or edges
3. Proper base prepared for drainage and run-off
4. Anchor system utilized
Maintained in clean and attractive conditions.
Wear: Shall not contain weeds, holes, tears, stains, discolorations, fading seam separations, uplifted surfaces, heat degradations, depressions, odors and excessive wear.
Damage: Damaged and worn areas must be repaired or removed and replaced in a manner that results in consistent appearance with existing artificial turf.
Grooming: Be groomed yearly to prevent compacted and flattened turf.
Sports Fields
Public/Private Schools, City Parks
Allowed
Not Applicable
An Artificial Turf Plan shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Plan. Final approval of the Artificial Turf Plan will be with the final approval of a construction set as approved by the Engineering Services Development Review Manager and the City's Landscape Architect. The Artificial Turn Plan shall include:
1. The minimum specifications
2. Impervious surface percentages
3. Drainage and run-off calculations
4. Installation requirements
5. Specifications of the sanitation system with details of connection to irrigation lines (as sealed by a licensed irrigator)
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Playgrounds
Public/Private Schools, HOA lots, and City Parks
Allowed
Yarn/Blade Color: Green, the color of Bermuda or St. Augustine during the growing season
Yarn Type: Primary - Polyethylene XP slit film
Secondary - Heat set textured nylon monofilament
Yarn Count: Primary - Minimum 8,040/1
Secondary - Minimum 4,200/8
Construction: Dual yarn, same row
Seaming: Micromechanical bonding
Infill: Optional or 0.75 pounds rubber
An Artificial Turf Plan shall be submitted as part of the Landscape Plan. Final approval of the Artificial Turf Plan will be with the final approval of a construction set as approved by the Engineering Services Development Review Manager and the City's Landscape Architect. The Artificial Turf Plan shall include:
1. The minimum specifications
2. Impervious surface percentages
3. Drainage and run-off calculations
4. Installation requirements
5. Specifications of the sanitation system with details of connection to irrigation lines (as sealed by a licensed irrigator)
The City's Landscape Architect must be notified no less than 48 hours prior to the installation of the artificial turf to ensure that following installation requirements are met on-site:
1. Required to be installed by a licensed installer authorized to install turf per the maintenance specifications
2. No visible seams or edges
3. Proper base prepared for drainage and run-off
4. Anchor system utilized
Maintained in clean and attractive conditions.
Wear: Shall not contain weeds, holes, tears, stains, discolorations, fading seam separations, uplifted surfaces, heat degradations, depressions, odors and excessive wear.
Damage: Damaged and worn areas must be repaired or removed and replaced in a manner that results in consistent appearance with existing artificial turf.
Grooming: Be groomed yearly to I prevent compacted and flattened turf.
(2) 
Tree planting standards:
a. 
All trees to be planted in the City shall meet the following minimum requirements:
1. 
Shall be nursery-grown and have the following:
(i) 
One (1) straight dominant trunk or central leader to the top of the canopy, free of wounds and defects and exhibiting proper pruning cuts;
(ii) 
A full uniform canopy, with branches evenly spaced and foliage of deep color representative of health and vigor for the species; and
(iii) 
A root system beginning with an exposed root collar and roots growing straight out from the trunk and uniformly spaced to create a firm and tight root ball that does not move or break when the tree trunk is firmly pushed.
2. 
Shall meet the following size requirements:
(i) 
Canopy shade trees: a minimum of three (3) inch caliper;
(ii) 
Parkway (Right-of-Way) trees: a minimum of three-and-one-half inch (3-1/2) inch caliper; and
(iii) 
Ornamental trees: a minimum of two (2) inch caliper.
b. 
Tree plantings shall not include more than forty-five (45) percent of the same tree species otherwise approved by the Development Services Landscape Architect.
c. 
A four (4) foot minimum trunk distance from concrete pavement, utility lines, screening walls, or other structures shall be maintained unless otherwise approved. A six (6) foot minimum trunk distance shall be maintained from back of street curbs.
d. 
Final locations of trees are subject to approval by the Development Services Landscape Architect.
e. 
Each landscape zone shall be designed to achieve complete coverage of the landscape while not being over planted (i.e., plant spacing on the planting plan shall represent not less than seventy-five (75) percent of the mature plant size).
f. 
A layer of fibrous mulch shall be provided in shrub beds and around trees. The root flare on all trees shall be kept exposed.
(B) 
Soils.
(1) 
Native topsoil shall be protected from erosion or stockpiled.
(2) 
Native site topsoil shall be laboratory tested by an accredited laboratory and amended per said laboratory's recommendations to achieve a healthy soil biology.
(C) 
Landscape water use requirements.
(1) 
Comply with the City of Frisco Water Management Plan (WMP), as it exists or may be amended.
(2) 
All landscape irrigation including trees, shrub and flower beds, and turf shall comply with the Irrigation Ordinance, as it exists or may be amended.
(3) 
All properties shall be irrigated in accordance with Frisco weekly Watering Recommendation (FWR) and shall not exceed those recommendations by more than 10%.
(Ordinance 2021-07-47 adopted 7/6/21; Ordinance 2024-05-21 adopted 5/7/2024; Ordinance 2025-01-03 adopted 1/7/2025)
All nonresidential, mixed use, and multifamily zoning districts shall comply with the following landscape standards.
Landscape Requirements By Use
Retail
Office/Non-Retail
Multifamily
Mixed-Use
OTC
Street Frontage Landscape Areas (Figures in § 4.02.05)
S1 Urban
O
O
O
R
R
S2 Slip Road1
O/R1
O/R1
O/R1
O/R1
O
S3 Double Row2
O/R2
O/R2
O/R2
S4 Single Row
R
R
R
Facade Landscape Areas (Figures in § 4.02.07)
F1 Retail Facade
R
R
F2a Office/Non-Retail Facade (Option A)
R
F2b Office/Non-Retail Facade (Option B)
R
Screening/Buffer Areas (Figures in § 4.03.03)
B1 Solid Screening Wall
R
R
R
B2 Living Screening
O
O
O
B3a Screening (topographical change 1)
R/O
R/O
R/O
B3b Screening (topographic change 2)
R/O
R/O
R/O
B3c Screening (topographic change 3)
R/O
R/O
R/O
B3d Screening (topographic change 4)
R/O
R/O
R/O
B4 Screening Partially Solid Wall
O
O
O
R
B5 Screening Wall for OTC District
R
B6 Natural Area w/Enhanced Buffer
R
R
R
R
B7 Screening with Double Row of Trees
R
R
R
Notes: O = Optional; R = Required
1 Required in the Preston Road Overlay District.
2 Required in the Preston Road Overlay District where a slip road is not feasible.
See: Screening/Buffer Areas (Figures in § 4.03.03)
(Ordinance 19-04-24 adopted 4/2/19; Ordinance 2021-07-47 adopted 7/6/21; Ordinance 2024-05-21 adopted 5/7/2024)
STREET TYPE S1
Urban Street Frontage
1
Thoroughfare
Type A, B, C, D, or E
See Engineering Standards
Figure 4.02.05.1: Urban Street Frontage
2
Sidewalk
15' minimum width to building
Continuous frontage*
3
Trees
Canopy shade trees 30' on center, in tree wells or grates.
4
Median
Where Applicable
5
Build-to-line
*Applicable projects with a Build-to-Line. Planned Development ordinance and OTC standards may apply.
STREET TYPE S2
Slip Road Street Frontage
1
Thoroughfare
Type A or B
See Engineering Standards
Required in Preston Road Overlay, optional in other zones1
Figure 4.02.05.2: Slip Road Street Frontage
2
Landscape Buffer
8' width
3
Parking
24' drive aisle
2 rows of 20' x 9' parking stalls - every 4th space is a landscape space, as shown
4
Sidewalk
15' min. to building
5
Trees
Canopy shade trees 3 rows aligned and centered in landscape spaces
6
Enhanced paving bands
Brick or concrete pavers
1 If used in other zones, must be uniform in the development (prohibited as infill).
STREET TYPE S3
Double Row Street Frontage
1
Thoroughfare
Type A or B
See Engineering Standards
Required in Preston Road Overlay where slip road is not feasible. Optional in other zones
Figure 4.02.05.3: Double Row Street Frontage
2
Landscape Buffer
30' width
50' in Preston Road Overlay Rural Corridor
3
Trees
Canopy shade trees 2 aligned rows, 4' min. from pavement
30' on center
4
Parking Edge
2' vehicle overhang, exclusive of landscape buffer, required for 18' parking spaces (not required for 20' spaces with wheel stops)
No vegetation over 5' in height
5
Parking area
Width may vary
STREET TYPE S4
Single Row Street Frontage
1
Thoroughfare
Type A, B, C, D, or E
See Engineering Standards
Figure 4.02.05.4: Single Row Street Frontage
2
Landscape buffer
25' width Type A & B
15' width Type C, D, or E
30' width U.S. Hwy. 380, S.H. 121 & DNT
3
Trees
Canopy shade trees one row, centered in landscape edge
30' on center
4
Parking Edge
2' vehicle overhang, exclusive of landscape buffer, required for 18' parking spaces (not required for 20' spaces with wheel stops)
No vegetation over 6' in height
5
Parking area
Width may vary
(Ordinance 2021-07-47 adopted 7/6/21; Ordinance 2024-05-21 adopted 5/7/2024)
FACADE TYPE F1
Retail Shopping Center Facade
1
Sidewalk
15' min. to building
Figure 4.02.07.1: Retail Shopping Center Facade
2
Main drive aisle
24' min. width
3
Trees, façade
Canopy shade trees*
30' on center in grates or tree wells
4
Parking island
9' min. width
Terminus of parking rows at main drive aisle
5
Trees, parking
Center in landscape
6
Parking rows
Width may vary
*Not required for section where an arcade is provided, or hard awning (not fabric) extends over the sidewalk.
FACADE TYPE F2a
Office/Non-Retail Center Facade
1
Facade
South and West facing
Figure 4.02.07.2: Office/Non-Retail Center Facade
2
Landscape area
15' min. adjacent to structure
3
Trees, façade
Canopy shade trees
30' on center
4
Sidewalk
6' min. width or 8' width with a 2' vehicular overhang
5
Main drive aisle
24' min.
6
Parking island
9' min. width
At the terminus of parking rows along the main drive aisle
Equal to 2 parking spaces
7
Parking lot
Width varies
8
Trees, parking
Center in landscape island
Offices in Mixed-Use zone shall provide Retail Shopping Center Facade (Figure 4.02.07.1).
FACADE TYPE F2b
Office/Non-Retail Center Facade - Trees Further from building
1
Facade
South and West facing
Figure 4.02.07.3: Office/Non-Retail Center Facade
2
Landscape area
15' min. adjacent to structure
3
Trees, façade
Canopy shade trees
Centered in landscape spaces. One landscape space replaces every 4th parking space as shown.
4
Sidewalk
6' min. width or 8' width with a 2' vehicular overhang
5
Main drive aisle
24' min.
6
Parking island
9' min. width
At the terminus of parking rows along the main drive aisle
Equal to 2 parking spaces
7
Parking lot
Width varies
8
Trees, parking
Center in landscape island
Offices in Mixed-Use zone shall provide Retail Shopping Center Facade (Figure 4.02.07.1).
(Ordinance 2021-07-47 adopted 7/6/21; Ordinance 2024-05-21 adopted 5/7/2024)
(Ordinance 19-04-24 adopted 4/2/19; Ordinance 2021-07-47 adopted 7/6/21; Ordinance 2024-05-21 adopted 5/7/2024)
(Ordinance 19-04-24 adopted 4/2/19; Ordinance 2021-07-47 adopted 7/6/21; Ordinance 2024-05-21 adopted 5/7/2024)
Single-Family (SF), Two-Family (2F), or Townhome (TH) developments shall comply with the following:
(A) 
Open Space Requirements for Patio Homes and Townhome developments. (See Patio Home (PH) and Townhome (TH) Usable Open Space.)
(B) 
The Thoroughfare Screening Requirements in the Subdivision Ordinance. (See Thoroughfare Screening Requirements Section 8.06.)
(C) 
Residential Tree Requirements for individual lots: Landscape Plans and drawings are not required.
Residential Zoning District
Number of Medium or Large Trees Required Per Lot*
RE
6
SF-16
5
SF-12.5
4
SF-10
4
SF-8.5
3
SF-7
2
OTR
2
PH
1
2F
2
TH
1
*Note: One street tree shall count as one of the required number of lot trees.
(D) 
Required landscape for rights-of-way - medians (divided thoroughfares).
(1) 
Residential Developments adjacent to a divided thoroughfare shall pay a fee to the Engineering Services to cover 50% of the landscape costs for the adjacent median.
(2) 
Trees shall be planted at thirty-five (35) feet on center and as required in the Engineering Standards.
(E) 
Required landscaping for rights-of-way – residential streets (also see engineering standards, as they exist or may be amended).
RESIDENTIAL STREET TYPE R1
Front Entry
1
Front Yard
Width may vary
Figure 4.02.10.1: Residential Street, Front Entry
2
R.O.W.
60' width
3
Pavement
30' width F/F
4
Trees
Canopy shade trees
35' on center
5
Sidewalk easement
2' wide
RESIDENTIAL STREET TYPE R2
Rear Entry
1
Front Yard
Width may vary
Figure 4.02.10.2: Residential Street, Rear Entry
2
R.O.W.
60' width
3
Pavement
26' width F/F
4
Trees
Canopy shade trees
35' on center - spacing may vary due to site conditions
3-1/2 - inch caliper
6' min. from back of curb, 4' min. from sidewalk
5
Sidewalk easement
2' wide
(Ordinance 2021-07-47 adopted 7/6/21; Ordinance 2024-05-21 adopted 5/7/2024)