Chapter 21.07 Landscaping, Buffering, and Screening

The Director shall decide all questions of soils, plant selection and care, irrigation installation and other vegetation and landscaping questions, except for trees, shrubs, vines, and evergreens in the right-of-way. The City Forester shall decide all questions of plantings in the right-of-way.

§ 21.07.030 General landscape standards.

Variances to this section and appeals of administrative decisions (where this Code gives the Director discretionary authority) shall be referred to the Planning Commission.

(Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

Compliance.

All landscaping shall comply with the standards and requirements of this section.

The landscaping requirements of this Code shall not apply to individual-lot development of single-unit detached or duplex dwellings.

Landscaping for new developments shall occur in buffer areas, all interior parking areas, along the perimeter of the property, and along street frontages and within any right-of-way not used nor planned to be used for infrastructure.

Plant Quantities.

The amount of landscaping is based on gross area of proposed development.

When calculating quantities, any fraction is rounded up to the next whole number.

Acceptable Plant Material.

Suitable Plant List.

Vegetation must be suitable for Grand Junction's climate and soils and shall be selected from the City of Grand Junction Suitable Plant List to be maintained by the Director. Applicants may petition the inclusion of plants not found on the Suitable Plant List and shall provide sufficient information about the proposed species to facilitate review. The Suitable Plant List identifies the anticipated water needs of each plant species. The Director may allow the use of any plant not otherwise prohibited if sufficient information is provided to show suitability including salt tolerance, sun and shade requirements based on planting locations, growth habitat, etc. Noxious or invasive species are not allowed to be planted in development but may be preserved in development.

The Director maintains the authority not to approve a plant species that appears on the Suitable Plant List if the Director deems it inappropriate under the planting conditions proposed in a development.

A minimum 25% of the proposed shrubs and ground cover shall be identified as native or native alternative on the Suitable Plants List.

A minimum 90% of the proposed shrubs and ground cover shall be identified as having very low, very low-low, low, or low-moderate water needs on the Suitable Plant List.

(v)

A minimum of 50% of proposed tree plantings shall have a preferred New Planting status on the Suitable Plants List.

(vi)

No more than 15% of the proposed trees shall have a limited status on the Suitable Plants List.

Plant materials shall meet or exceed the plant quality and species standards of the current American Standard for Nursery Stock and be consistent with the Colorado Nursery Act.

All plants proposed for installation shall be selected, spaced, and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic. And topographical conditions of the project site.

Turf not meeting the definition of functional turf shall not be installed on any commercial, industrial, or institutional property, any common interest element of a multi-unit residential property that includes more than 12 dwelling units, any common interest community property, or any street right-of-way, parking lot median, or transportation corridor, except that grass seed or sod that is a native plant or has been hybridized for arid conditions is exempt from this prohibition.

Minimum Plant Sizes.

All plants shall meet the following minimum plant sizes when installed.

Table 21.07-1: Minimum Plant Sizes
Planting Type	Size at Time of Planting
Shade tree	Two caliper inches [1]
Ornamental tree	One-and-one-half caliper inches
Evergreen tree	Two caliper inches and six feet tall
Shrub	#5 Container
Perennial	#1 Container
Groundcover	#1 Container
Turf [2]	As seed, by plug, or as sod roll

Notes:
[1]	If two caliper inch shade trees are not available due to seasonal shortages or shortages in desired varieties, the Director may approve the installation of smaller trees, provided the proportional difference in caliper inches is compensated for by installing additional trees. However, a minimum caliper of 1 1/2 inches shall be required.
[2]	Turf mix, native grasses and wild flower mix are the only vegetation that may be planted as seed or by plugs. Turf may be planted as sod rolls.

Plant Diversity.

Tree Diversity.

The percent of any one type of tree that can be planted in a development shall be as follows:

Zero through five trees: No limitation.

Six to ten trees: No more than 50% of one genus.

Eleven to twenty trees: No more than 33% of one genus.

Twenty-one or more trees: No more than 20% of one genus.

Shrub Diversity.

The percent of any one type of shrub that can be planted in a development shall be as follows:

10 through 19 shrubs: 50% per genus.

20 through 39 shrubs: 33% per genus.

40 or more shrubs: 25% per genus.

Trees.

Tree canopies may overlap by up to 30% of the diameter of the tree at maturity. Tree clustering may be allowed with some species so long as clustering does not adversely affect the mature canopy.

Trees which will grow to a height of greater than 25 feet at maturity shall not be planted under overhead electrical lines.

Ornamental trees shall be planted in a landscape strip that is no less than six feet in width (not including curb and gutter).

Shade trees shall be planted in a landscape strip that is no less than eight feet in width (not including curb and gutter).

Trees shall not be planted near a light pole if eclipsing of light will occur at maturity. Placing light poles in the parking lot, away from landscape areas and between parking bays, helps eliminate this conflict and should be considered.

Landscaping Requirements.

Table 21.07-2: Landscaping Requirements
Development Procedure and Zoning or Use of Proposed Development	Landscape Requirement
Major Subdivision	As required in subsections of this section where applicable
Major Site Plan: R-R, R-ER, R-1R, R-2R, RL-4, RL-5, RM-8, RM-12, RH-16, RH-24, MU-1, MU-2, MU-3, CG, I-OR, P-1, P-2	Two caliper inches of tree per 3,000 square feet of improved area, with no more than 40% of the total being ornamental trees or evergreens. One #5 container shrub per 450 square feet of improved area
Major Site Plan: I-1, I-2	As required in subsections of this section where applicable
Facilities: Mining and extraction, dairy operations or feedlot, vineyard, airport or heliport, commercial pasture	Two caliper inches of tree per 5,000 square feet of improved area. One #5 container shrub per 600 square feet of improved area

(h)

Irrigation.

All required vegetation and landscaped areas must be provided with a permanent irrigation system, which may include a system supplied by water from an approved graywater treatment works.

An underground pressurized irrigation system and/or drip system is required for all landscape areas.

Non-potable irrigation water shall be used if available for the proposed development area.

All irrigation for non-potable irrigation water systems must have adequate filters easily accessible above ground or within an appropriately sized valve box.

If connected to a potable water system, all irrigation systems require state-approved backflow prevention devices.

Plants shall be irrigated by zones according to their water demand. Once plants are established, irrigation can be reduced to a level that maintains the plantings and to suppress weed growth.

Irrigation applied to trees shall be expanded or supplemented as appropriate to rootzone expansion over the life of the tree.

Landscape Plans.

All applications for development shall identify the required landscaped areas and include a landscape plan in accordance with the requirements in this section.

Figure 07.03-1 Landscape Plan Example

Landscape plans shall identify all attributes of vegetation included on the Suitable Plants List.

Landscape plans shall include calculations of required landscaping, provided landscaping, and compliance with Acceptable Plant Material and Minimum Plant Sizes as identified in this section.

Tree protection measures shall be clearly identified on the construction and landscape plans.

Wall and fence elevations and typical cross sections must be submitted with the landscape plan at a minimum scale of one-half inch equals one foot.

Landscape plans shall be stamped by a landscape architect licensed in the State of Colorado. Inspection and compliance with approved landscape plan must be certified by a licensed landscape architect prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, or the release of DIA security funds.

A licensed landscape architect is not required to produce landscape plans if the plans are submitted for a Minor Site Plan review unless required by state statute. All other requirements continue to apply to landscaping for Minor Site Plans.

(7)

All landscape plans shall include an irrigation plan. Irrigation plans shall be certified by an irrigation design professional who has been certified through the Irrigation Association (CID), or a similar EPA WaterSense labeled certification program.

(8)

Utility composite plans must be submitted with landscape plans.

(9)

Expansion of a developed site as defined in GJMC § 21.02.050(f)(5)(i) that requires a Site Plan Review shall require a landscaping plan and correction of nonconforming landscaping as provided in GJMC § 21.12.040.

(10)

An equivalent species may be substituted in the field without prior written approval of the Director. Plants are "equivalent" if they have the same growth habit and rate, same cover, leafing, shade characteristics and function, have similar water requirements as identified as the City of Grand Junction Suitable Plants List, and thrive in the same microclimate, soils, and water conditions.

All other changes to the landscape plan require prior written approval from the Director.

Turf shall not be substituted without prior written approval from the Director.

(j)

Protection of Landscape Areas.

All required landscape areas (except in the right-of-way where a street side curb does not exist) shall be protected from vehicles through the use of concrete curbing, large rocks, or other similar obstructions.

(k)

Utility Lines.

If the location of utilities conflicts with the landscaping provisions, the Director may approve an equivalent alternative.

(l)

Sight Distance.

The owner shall maintain all vegetation, fences, walls, and berms so that there is no sight distance hazard nor road or pedestrian hazard. See GJMC § 8.32.060 and TEDS (GJMC Title 29).

(m)

Soil and Planting Beds.

Soil in required landscape areas must be amended and all vegetation planted in accordance with good horticultural practices.

Details for the planting of trees, shrubs and other vegetation must be shown on the landscaping plans.

Shrub beds adjacent to turf or native grass areas are to be edged with concrete, metal, brick, or substantial wood material. Plastic and other light duty edgings are not allowed.

Organic mulch to a minimum of three inches is required for all shrub beds.

Prior to planting, compacted soils shall be transformed to a friable condition.

Compost, soil amendments, or retained topsoil shall be incorporated into the soil to a

(n)

Planting Standards.

All required landscaping shall be installed, maintained, and protected as shown on the approved plan.

The minimum area for planting an evergreen or deciduous shrub is 16 square feet.

Trees.

The minimum square footage of planting area for a shade tree is 140 square feet.

Weed fabric shall not be used within eight feet of the base of a tree.

At planting, tree shall be healthy and free of disease. Tree trunks must be reasonably straight with minimal doglegs. Roots shall be checked prior to planting and corrected for optimal growth patterns.

Wire baskets, burlap wrappings, rope, twine, or any similar shipping materials shall be removed before planting.

(v)

Tree planting holes shall be of sufficient depth so that the flare of the tree above the root ball is no higher than one inch above grade.

(vi)

Tree planting holes shall be of a diameter no less than three times the diameter of the tree's root ball at time of planting.

(o)

Maintenance.

The owners, tenants, and occupants, including homeowners' associations, for all new and existing uses in the City must maintain required landscaping in a healthy, growing, neat and well-maintained condition:

Maintenance includes watering, weeding, pruning, fertilization, pest control, trash and litter removal, replacement of dead or diseased plant material, reseeding, and other reasonable efforts.

Any required plant that dies or is substantially damaged due to improper maintenance must be replaced with an equivalent live plant within 90 days of plant death or by the next April 1.

Hay mulch used during the preparation or establishment of landscaping must be certified weed-free by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

The Director may from time to time inspect the condition of landscaping wherever no reasonable expectation of privacy exists.

The purpose of such site inspections shall be to verify that all required landscaping has been maintained in a healthy, growing, neat and well-maintained condition. Property owners shall be notified of necessary corrective action for failure to comply with the maintenance provisions of this section.

Maintenance of landscaping in unimproved rights-of-way shall be the responsibilities of owners, occupants, and tenants.

Fire hydrants shall not be unobscured by plant material. Fire hydrants shall be visible from the center of the right-of-way at an angle of 45°.

§ 21.07.040 Preservation of significant trees.

These requirements shall be specified in the articles of incorporation or bylaws for a homeowners' association whenever the homeowners' association is assigned the responsibility of maintaining landscape areas.

(Ord. 5312, 3/4/2026; Ord. 5283, 12/3/2025; Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

This section applies to the following:

New residential, mixed-use, and commercial development;

Redevelopment as follows:

Preservation is required for all lots in MU-3.

Preservation is required for lots larger than one acre in all other zone districts unless otherwise exempt.

All development in Industrial zone districts is exempt from this section.

Existing landscape features such as escarpments, large trees or stands, heavy vegetative cover, ponds, and bluffs shall be identified by the applicant as part of the development review process.

This identification shall include a surveyed inventory of significant trees. Prior to undertaking a survey, an applicant may have a landscape professional view the site and determine whether there are any potential significant trees on the site. If there are no potentially significant trees on the site, the applicant may request the Director waive the survey requirement.

Any significant tree to be preserved during development shall be identified on the proposed landscaping plan.

All trees, except those identified as 'excluded' on the Suitable Plants List, that meet all of the following criteria as determined by a certified arborist shall be considered significant:

Are 15 inches or larger in DBH;

Are in fair or better condition;

Are free from irreparable structural defects; and

Are not infested with a disease or pestilence that threatens the good health of other trees.

Preservation Required.

Where significant trees exist on a property, at least one and no less than 30% of significant trees shall be preserved during development.

Significant trees may be preserved in individual lots or private common areas.

Significant trees may also be preserved in land dedicated for public use while still credited to the site tree preservation requirement. Where the value of the land dedication does not meet the minimum assessment requirement of GJMC § 21.05.030(a), the valuation of the significant tree shall not be considered separately from or added to the assessment total.

The developer may request review by the City Forester to determine if well-established. healthy trees under 15 inches in diameter may be approved for credit towards preservation at an equivalent DBH.

If the 30% minimum preservation requirement impedes the proposed Primary Development of a site, then the Director may grant a 10% adjustment of the minimum setbacks, lot size, parking lot interior landscaping, and parking count requirements, or allow the use of cluster development.

Furthermore, the City Forester may adjust the drip line protection standards described in Subsection (d)(6)(i) of this section so to allow for additional flexibility for the development to occur around the identified significant trees.

If the provisions in Subsections (d)(2) and (3) do not provide a viable means of development the site with the preservation of the minimum required significant trees then, at the developer's discretion, the developer may remove significant trees present on the site. Tree replacement shall be required for all significant trees removed on a property at the following ratios:

Table 21.07-3: Tree Replacement Requirements
Percent of Trees Preserved	Tree Replacement Ratio
Minimum 30% preservation	3 caliper inches per 5 inches DBH [1]
Above 30% minimum	1 caliper inch per 3 inches DBH [2]
Significant trees damaged or killed during construction	3 caliper inches per 5 inches DBH [1]

Notes:
[1]	If developer cannot replace trees on-site, they may pay a fee-in-lieu according to GJMC § 21.07.040(f).
[2]	See GJMC § 21.07.040(d)(1)(ii) for credit applied to preserved trees.

Replacement of Significant Trees.

Replacement trees may be planted in individual lots and private common areas.

Fee-In-Lieu.

The fee in-lieu shall be based on the value of the required replacement tree(s) not planted on site, along with the total cost of installation. The City shall use this payment to purchase the required replacement trees not planted on-site and plant them on nearby public property.

Features to be preserved shall be protected throughout site development. No person shall kill or damage a landscape feature required to be preserved by this section. The developer shall protect trees from compaction.

During construction, existing plant material to be preserved shall be enclosed by a temporary fence at least five feet outside the canopy dripline. In no case shall vehicles be parked, or materials or equipment be stored or stockpiled within the enclosed area.

Irrigation shall be provided to trees preserved during construction of sufficient quantity to ensure their health and survival.

(Ord. No. 5242, 12/4/2024; Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

§ 21.07.050 Parking lots.

The requirements of this subsection are applicable to all public and private parking areas, but not to park, lake, reservoir, or other open space uses, vehicle display areas for vehicle sales, rental and leasing light or heavy and mini-warehouse as defined in GJMC Chapter 21.04. Where a single row of less than 20 parking spaces abuts and backs into an alley, these requirements are not applicable.

Interior Landscaping Requirement.

Landscaping is required in the interior of parking lots to direct traffic, to shade cars and structures, to reduce heat and glare and to screen cars from adjacent properties. The interior of all parking lots shall be landscaped as follows:

One landscape island, parallel to parking spaces, is required for each 20 parking spaces.

A landscape island is required at the end of every row of parking spaces, regardless of length or number of spaces.

One landscape divider island, parallel to the parking lot drive aisles, designed to prevent diagonal movement across the parking lot, shall be located for every three parking lot drive aisles.

Landscape islands must be at least 140 square feet. The narrowest/smallest dimension of a parking lot island shall be eight feet, measured from back of curb to back of curb.

A corner area (where it is not feasible to park a vehicle) may be considered an end island for the rows on the perimeter of the parking lot.

Landscaping of the interior of a parking lot shall include trees and shrubs.

(7)

Trees planted in parking lot islands shall be selected from those identified as Parking Lot Island Trees on the Plant List.

(8)

To improve the management of stormwater runoff, structurally-sound permeable pavers may be used in parking areas, subject to the approval of the Director. Use of permeable pavers for 10 parking stalls shall result in a reduction of one required parking stall per the required parking ratios in GJMC Chapter 21.08.

(9)

The use of bioswales in parking lot designs is encouraged to facilitate stormwater management.

Parking Lot Perimeter.

Landscaping is required around the entire perimeter of a parking lot to assist in the abatement of heat and to reduce the amount of glare from glass and metal, and to assist in the screening of cars from adjacent properties. The perimeter of a parking lot is defined as the curb line defining the outer boundaries of the parking lot, including dumpster enclosures, bike racks, or other support facilities that are adjacent to the outer curb. Entry drives between a parking lot and the street, drives connecting two internal parking lots or building entry plazas are not included in the perimeter area. The requirements of this subsection are applicable to all public and private parking areas but not to vehicle display areas for vehicle sales, rental, and leasing light or heavy and mini-warehouse as defined in GJMC Chapter 21.04.

The minimum dimension allowed for the parking lot perimeter landscape strip is eight feet.

Landscaping along the perimeter of parking lots shall include trees and shrubs.

Parking lots shared by more than one owner shall be landscaped around the perimeter of the combined lots.

In the I-1 and I-2 zone districts, a minimum of 75% of the parking lot perimeter landscape shall be covered by plant material including tree canopy, shrubs, and groundcover at maturity.

Screening.

All parking lots abutting rights-of-way, entry drives, and adjacent properties must be screened. For this subsection, a "screen" means a berm with appropriate groundcover or shrubs.

Screening shall not be required between parking lots on adjoining lots where the two lots are designed to function as one.

A thirty-inch-high screen is required along 70% of parking lots abutting rights-of-way, entry drives, and adjacent properties, excluding curb cuts. The thirty-inch screen shall be placed so as to maximize screening of the cars in the parking lot, when viewed from the right-of-way and shall be measured from the ground surface, or the elevation of the roadway if the adjacent road is higher than the property.

If a landscape area is 30 feet wide or greater between a parking lot and a right-of-way, the thirty-inch-high screen is not required. This thirty-foot-wide or greater area must be 75% covered in plant material including tree canopy coverage, shrubs, and groundcover at maturity.

The Director may approve a screen wall between a parking lot and a right-of-way if the lot or parcel is unusually small. There must be at least five feet between the right-of-way and the paved part of a parking lot to use a wall as a screen.

A screen wall must not be taller than 30 inches, unless the adjacent roadway is higher than the property, in which case the screen wall shall be 30 inches higher than the adjacent roadway.

The back of the wall must be at least 30 inches from the face of curb for bumper overhang.

Walls shall be solid masonry with finish on both sides. The finish may consist of stucco, brick, stone, or similar material. Unfinished or merely painted concrete block is not permitted.

Shrubs shall be planted on the street side of the wall.

(v)

Shrub plantings in front of a wall are not required in the MU-3 district.

Cul-de-Sac Parking Pods.

Where a parking pod fits within a standard cul-de-sac, per current standards in TEDS (GJMC Title 29), no landscaping is required.

If a cul-de-sac is elongated, or in an otherwise non-traditional shape, landscaping islands shall be provided within the parking pod.

Landscaping provided in parking pods shall meet the requirements of an interior landscape island.

(Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

§ 21.07.060 Street frontage landscape.

For all development, except construction of one or two dwelling units or development within the MU-3 zone district, the owner shall provide and maintain a minimum 14-foot-wide street frontage landscape adjacent to the public right-of-way.

Where detached walks are provided, or where a building is constructed to a five-foot front setback, a minimum street frontage landscape of five feet is acceptable. Where a front setback is reduced to less than five feet, the minimum street frontage landscape of five feet applies, and the equivalent area and plantings not installed within the frontage shall be provided in another location within the same development.

For a new residential subdivision, the street frontage landscape is only required on the perimeter of the subdivision adjacent to a right-of-way, unless that perimeter street is classified as a local street. In such cases, the applicant may choose whether to provide the required perimeter landscaping along that local perimeter street.

A minimum of 75% of the street frontage landscape shall be covered by plant material at maturity, including tree canopy, shrubs, and groundcover.

Landscaping within the street frontage shall include trees and shrubs. If detached walks are not provided with street trees, street trees shall be provided in the street frontage landscape, including one tree for every 40 feet of street frontage.

In the I-1 and I-2 zone districts, 70% of trees must be shade trees.

(Ord. 5312, 3/4/2026; Ord. 5283, 12/3/2025; Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

§ 21.07.070 Public right-of-way.

All unimproved right-of-way adjacent on the side abutting a development which is not in the City's ten-year capital plan to be improved must be landscaped.

For the purpose of meeting minimum plant quantities, 50% of landscaping plantings on public right-of-way shall be counted toward the landscape or open space requirements of this Code, unless specifically provided otherwise in this Code.

At least 75% of the unpaved adjacent right-of-way may be covered by plant material at maturity, including tree canopy, shrubs, and/or groundcover.

The right-of-way landscaping between the curb and sidewalk shall contain street trees spaced every 40 feet. Right-of-way landscaping shall be a minimum of eight feet wide in any direction.

Trees planted in the public right-of-way shall be of species identified on the list of Approved Street Trees for Grand Junction's Rights-of-Way.

All right-of-way landscaping shall be irrigated and maintained by the adjoining private property owner unless the City agrees to accept it for maintenance. If it is to be maintained by the City, a separate irrigation system shall be provided.

The owner of the nearest property shall keep all rights-of-way, which are not hard surfaced, free of weeds, litter, junk, rubbish, and obstructions. To prevent weed growth, erosion and blowing dust, right-of-way areas not covered by vegetation or paving shall be covered with organic mulch, wood chips, or similar natural materials.

No tree shall be removed from the public right-of-way without the approval of the City Forester. Trees removed from the right-of-way without approval shall be subject to penalties per GJMC § 9.04.100.

(Ord. 5283, 12/3/2025; Ord. 5263, 6/18/2025; Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

§ 21.07.080 Buffers.

General.

Buffers shall be provided between different zone districts as indicated in Table 21.07-4. Buffer landscaping is required in addition to overall site landscaping requirements as required by this Code.

Seventy-five percent of each buffer area shall be covered by plant material at maturity including tree canopy, shrubs, and groundcover.

One tree is required per every 40 linear feet of boundary between different zones.

Exceptions.

Where residential or collector streets or alleys separate zone districts, the Director can require more landscaping instead of a wall or fence.

Where walkways, paths, or a body of water separates zone districts, the Director may waive a fence or wall requirement provided the buffering objectives are met by private yards.

Where a railroad or other right-of-way separates zone districts, the Director may waive the buffer strip if the buffering objectives are met without them.

Table 21.07-4: Buffer Requirements
	Zoning of Adjacent Property
Zoning of Proposed Development [1] [2] [3]	R-R, R-ER, R-1R, R-2R, RL-4	RL-5	RM-8	RM-12, RH-16	RH-24	MU-1	MU-2	MU-3	C-1	CG, I-OR	I-1	I-2
R-R, R-ER, R-1R, R-2R, RL-4	—	—	—	—	—	—	F	—	F	W	W	W
RL-5	—	—	—	—	—	—	F	—	F	W	W	W
RM-8	—	—	—	—	—	F	F	—	F	W	W	W
RM-12, RH-16	—	—	—	—	—	—	F	—	W	W	W	W
RH-24	—	—	—	—	—	—	F	—	W	W	W	W
MU-1	A or F	A or F	A or F	A or F	A or F	—	A or F	—	A or F	A and F or W	A and F or W	A and F or W
MU-2	A or F	A or F	A or F	A or F	A or F	A or F	—	—	A or F	A or F	A or F	A or F
MU-3	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
CG, I-OR	W	W	W	W	W	W	F	—	—	—	—	A or F
I-1	W	W	W	W	W	W	F	—	—	—	—	—
I-2	A and F or W	W	W	W	W	W	F	—	—	—	—	—
P-1, P-2 [4]	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Notes:

[1]

A berm with landscaping is an alternative for a required fence or wall if the total height is a minimum of six feet.

[2]

Where alleys or streets separate different zone districts, the Director may approve increased landscaping rather than requiring a wall or fence.

[3]

The Director may modify this table based on the uses proposed in any zone district.

[4]

Gravel operations subject to buffering adjacent to residential.

Table 21.07-5: Buffer Landscaping Requirements
Buffer Types [1]	Landscaping Requirements	Location of Buffers on Site
Type A	Eight-foot-wide landscape strip with trees and shrubs	Between different uses
Type A and F	15-foot-wide landscape strip with trees and shrubs	Between different uses
Type F, W	Six-foot fence and wall (see Subsection (f) of this section)	Between different uses

Notes:
[1]	Fences and walls are required for most buffers.

Figure 07.08-1 Buffer Requirements

Fences and Walls.

When a higher density or intensity zone district abuts a lower density or intensity zone district, it is the responsibility of the higher density or intensity property to buffer the abutting zone district according to Table 21.07-4.

When an existing fence or wall substantially meets the requirements of this section, and Table 21.07-4 requires the same form of buffering, an additional fence on the adjacent developing property shall not be required.

However, if the new development requires the placement of a wall, and a fence exists on the adjacent property, the wall shall be required.

If a wall is required and a fence is in place, the wall must be placed adjacent to the fence. (Table 21.07-4 should be referenced to determine when a wall or a fence is required. The more stringent standard shall apply; i.e., if a wall is required and a fence is in place, the wall must be placed adjacent to the fence.)

Fences must comply with GJMC § 21.05.090, any design guidelines and other conditions of approval. Fences and walls required by this section must meet the following:

Fence type: solid wood or material with a similar appearance, finished on both sides.

Wall type: solid masonry finished on both sides. Finish may consist of stucco, brick, stone, or similar material but unfinished or merely painted concrete block is not permitted.

Location: within three feet of the property line unless the space is needed to meet landscaping requirements.

A wall must have a column or other significant architectural feature every 30 feet of length.

Berms.

Minimum requirements for berms are as follows:

Maximum slope of 4:1 for turf areas and 3:1 for shrub beds; and

§ 21.07.090 Residential subdivision perimeter enclosures.

To control erosion and dust, berm slopes must be stabilized with vegetation or by other means consistent with the requirements for the particular landscape area.

(Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

Intent.

The Director may require perimeter enclosures (fences and/or walls) around all or part of the perimeter of a residential development. Perimeter enclosures shall be designed to meet the following objectives of protecting public health, safety, and welfare: screen negative impacts of adjoining land uses, including streets; protect privacy; maintain a consistent or complementary appearance with enclosures in the vicinity; maintain consistent appearance of the subdivision; and comply with corridor overlay requirements.

Applicability.

When required by the Director, the standards of this subsection shall apply to all residential subdivisions as well as to all mixed-use subdivisions where the square footage of proposed residential uses exceeds the square footage of proposed nonresidential uses.

Required Perimeter Enclosures.

A perimeter enclosure may be required if one or more of the following apply:

Use or enjoyment of property within the development or in the vicinity of the development might be impaired without a perimeter enclosure.

A perimeter enclosure is necessary to maintain a consistent and complementary appearance with existing or proposed perimeter enclosures in the vicinity.

A perimeter enclosure is necessary to control ingress and egress for the development.

A perimeter enclosure is necessary to promote the safety of the public or residents in the vicinity.

A perimeter enclosure is needed to comply with the purpose, objectives, or regulations of the subdivision requirements.

A perimeter enclosure is needed to comply with a corridor overlay district.

Specifications.

Unless specified otherwise at the time of final approval:

A perimeter enclosure includes fences, walls or berms, and combinations thereof, located within five feet of the exterior boundary of a development.

Fences must comply with GJMC § 21.05.090, any design guidelines, and other conditions of approval. Fences and walls required by this section shall meet the following:

An enclosure constructed on a berm shall not extend more than eight feet above the adjoining sidewalk or crown of road, whichever is lower.

New enclosures shall be compatible with existing enclosures in the vicinity if such enclosures meet the requirements of this Code.

A perimeter wall must have a column or other significant architectural feature every 30 feet.

Street frontage landscaping, in accordance with GJMC § 21.07.060 shall be located between the perimeter enclosure and the on the right-of-way if applicable.

Construction of Perimeter Enclosures.

The perimeter enclosure and required landscape buffer shall be installed by the developer and included in the development improvements agreement.

Ownership and Maintenance.

All perimeter enclosures and landscape buffers must be within a tract dedicated to and maintained by the homeowners association. The developer shall refer to the perimeter enclosure in the covenants and restrictions and so that perpetual maintenance is provided for either that the perimeter enclosure be owned and maintained by the owners' association or by individual owners. The perimeter enclosure shall be identified on the plat.

Alternative Construction and Ownership.

If the Director finds that a lot-by-lot construction, ownership and/or maintenance of a perimeter enclosure landscape strip would meet all applicable objectives of this section and the design standards of GJMC Chapter 21.09 approved plans shall note the type and size of materials, placement of fence posts, and length of sections.

(h)

Overlay District Conflicts.

Where in conflict, the perimeter enclosure requirements or guidelines of approved overlay districts shall supersede the requirements of this section.

(Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

§ 21.07.100 Substitutions.

The requirements outlined below may be varied based at the following rates of substitution.

Required trees may be substituted for shrubs and required shrubs may be substituted for trees at a rate of three shrubs equaling one caliper inch of tree. For example: three-two-inch caliper trees equaling six caliper inches may be exchanged for 12 shrubs, or vice versa.

No more than 30% of the number of trees required may be substituted for shrubs.

Two #5 container shrubs may be substituted for four linear feet of wall when walls are required per GJMC § 21.07.050(b)(4). Shrubs substituted for walls must reach a height of at least 30 inches at maturity.

Ten percent of the required shrubs may be converted to perennials and/or ground covers at a ratio of three #1 container perennials and/or ground covers for one #5 container shrub.

The number of shrubs may be reduced in exchange for additional trees or tree size at a rate of three shrubs per caliper inch.

Existing trees preserved during development shall count toward the total tree requirement at a ratio of two inch of DBH of preserved tree is equivalent to one caliper inches of required tree plantings.