(A) 
Landscape plan submission.
(1) 
The Landscape Plan shall be submitted with the Preliminary Site Plan, Site Plan and Substantially Conforming Site Plan as a document to aid in the review of the Preliminary Site Plan, Site Plan, and Substantially Conforming Site Plan. The Landscape Plan shall not be considered formally filed and shall not be acted on by the Director, the Planning & Zoning Commission or the City Council when submitted with such plans; however, failure to submit such plan, where such plan is required under this Ordinance, with the Preliminary Site Plan, Site Plan, or Substantially Conforming Site Plan shall be grounds for denial or rejection of the Preliminary Site Plan, Site Plan, or Substantially Conforming Site Plan application.
(2) 
Landscape Plans, including but not limited to Planting Plans, Open Space Plans, Planting Details, and Grading Plans, shall be prepared, stamped, and signed by a Landscape Architect registered in the State of Texas, and submitted for review.
(3) 
Irrigation drawings shall be prepared, stamped, and signed by an irrigator licensed by the State of Texas.
(B) 
Landscape plan approval.
(1) 
The landscape documents required under this section shall be filed for review and approval with the Construction Plans.
(2) 
Landscape Plans shall comply with Subsection 4.02 Landscape Requirements and shall include the information listed on the Landscape and Screening Plan Checklist, as it exists or may be amended, which shall be established and maintained by the Director and published as part of the Development Application Handbook.
(3) 
The provisions of this Subsection shall be administered and enforced by the Director.
(4) 
Permits for building, paving, utilities, or construction shall not be issued prior to an approval and construction release of required landscape documents by the City, unless approved by the Director.
(5) 
Tree preservation requirements shall be met prior to construction release with a tree permit obtained pursuant to Subsection 4.01 Tree Preservation Requirements prior to removal of trees and existing site vegetation.
(6) 
An approved Landscape Plan shall expire when the approved Construction Plans with which it was submitted expire.
(Ordinance 19-08-70 adopted 8/20/19; Ordinance 2021-07-47 adopted 7/6/21; Ordinance 2024-05-21 adopted 5/7/2024)
(A) 
Objectives.
The following criteria shall be used to evaluate proposed Landscape Plans:
(1) 
The landscape design should have proportion, balance, unity, variety of species, and a variety of color throughout the seasons.
(2) 
Landscape designs should define spaces including entrance areas, pedestrian paths, vehicular avenues, parking areas, sitting areas, etc.
(3) 
As an architectural feature, landscape designs should visually soften the mass of the buildings, parking areas, and other structures.
(4) 
Indigenous landscape materials should be selected whenever feasible.
(5) 
Landscaping should:
a. 
Reduce the reliance on irrigation, thus conserving the public water supply;
b. 
Minimize erosion pursuant to best management practices acceptable the Director of Engineering Services;
c. 
Allow groundwater recharge pursuant to practices approved by the Director of Engineering Services;
d. 
Shade seating, walking and outdoor activity areas;
e. 
Provide a barrier between vehicles and pedestrians;
f. 
Diminish the intrusion of headlights and other glare;
g. 
Provide a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife;
h. 
Shield buildings from winter wind and summer sun thereby conserving energy; and
i. 
Enhance overall character and ecological function of the site through and restoration of native vegetation, and eradication of invasive species.
(Ordinance 19-08-70 adopted 8/20/19; Ordinance 2021-07-47 adopted 7/6/21)