City of Lubbock, TX Division 3.4 Trees, Landscaping, and Buffering

§ 39.03.014 General provisions.

a. 

Zoning district reference.

See Division 2.2, Zoning Districts and Standards, for the landscape surface ratio requirement for the zoning districts. The cumulative surface area of development landscaping and bufferyards shall meet or exceed the landscape surface ratio required for the zoning district.

b. 

Eligible landscaping types.

Figure 39.03.014-1, Illustrative Landscape Types, depicts the landscaping types eligible for points.

Figure 39.03.014-1

Illustrative Landscaping Types

Figure Notes:

All colored areas count toward the landscape surface ratio requirement for the zoning district, as established in Division 2.2, Zoning Districts and Standards.

Yellow = Parking Lot Landscaping; Blue = Foundation Plantings; Pink = Site Landscaping; Green = Bufferyards

(Ordinance 2023-O0054 adopted 5/9/2023; Ordinance 2024-O0137 adopted 10/28/2024)

§ 39.03.015 Development landscaping.

a. 

Minimum amount of points required.

Development subject to the standards of this Division shall achieve the following number of points from the menu of landscaping element options shown in Table 39.03.015-1, Landscape Points System.

1. Multiplex, Multi-Family, or Mixed-Use Development with less than 10 dwelling units: 20 points.

2. Multi-Family or Mixed-Use Development with 10 to 50 dwelling units: 40 points.

3. Multi-Family or Mixed-Use Development with more than 50 dwelling units: 60 points.

4. Nonresidential Development with less than 10,000 square feet of gross floor area: 40 points.

5. Nonresidential Development with 10,000 to 34,999 square feet gross floor area: 50 points.

6. Nonresidential Development with 35,000 to 60,000 square feet gross floor area: 60 points.

7. Nonresidential Development with more than 60,000 square feet gross floor area: 80 points.

b. 

Point categories.

Points shall come from a minimum of two categories in Table 39.03.015-1, Landscape Points System, below. Categories in Table 39.03.015-1 consist of:

1. Street Yard Trees;

2. Foundation Landscaping;

3. Parking Lot Landscaping;

4. Site Landscaping; and

5. Other.

c. 

Calculating points.

For each landscaping element listed in Table 39.03.015-1 that is utilized, the corresponding amount of points will be earned or deducted as listed in the last column.

d. 

Exceeding minimum points.

If the chosen landscaping elements for a development project exceed the minimum points required, the minimum landscape surface ratio (as determined by the subject property's zoning district in Division 2.2, Zoning District and Standards) may be reduced by one percentage point for every five points exceeding the required minimum. This reduction shall not exceed five percentage points.

e. 

Groundcover requirements.

Eligible groundcover area shall not include concrete, asphalt, or other impervious surfaces. Xeriscape groundcover, rocks (gravel), decorative pavers, or stamped, dyed concrete may be used, provided there are a minimum of 5 live plants planted within the groundcover area, for every 100 square feet of the groundcover area. The height of the groundcover plant species chosen shall not interfere with the triangle established in Section 39.02.023, Measurements, along access drives or anywhere throughout the parking lot.

f. 

Contextual landscape requirement.

Where an infill project is constructed on property zoned Industrial Park (IP), Light Industrial (LI), or General Industrial (GI) and the property is not adjacent to or across from any residentially zoned property, the infill site may match the landscape area coverage percentage and planting materials density on the average of those developed neighboring properties.

g. 

Landscape architect.

When the landscape plan is stamped and sealed by a licensed landscape architect, it shall result in +5 points towards the total number of landscape points required on a project.

Table 39.03.015-1 Landscape Points System
Landscaping Element	Location and Design		Points Earned (+) or Deducted (-)
Street Yard Trees
One canopy tree or two ornamental trees per street frontage	▪	Along the street right-of-way.	+10
Foundation Landscaping (as depicted in Figure 39.03.015-1, Foundation Planting Example)
Two ornamental trees or ten shrubs for each 50 linear feet in foundation planting area(s) facing the front setback(s) measured parallel to the building.	▪	In the OF, AC, and LI districts, the foundation plantings may be immediately abutting the foundation or within a maximum of 10 feet of the foundation. If the plantings are not immediately abutting the foundation, then the space between the foundation and plantings shall be designed for pedestrian circulation.	+10
Two ornamental trees or ten shrubs for each 50 linear feet in foundation planting area(s) facing the side setback(s) measured parallel to the building.	▪	In the HDR, NC, and MU-1 through MU-5 districts, the required foundation planting may be met with tree wells, planters, and landscaped plazas.	+10
	▪	In the MU-1 through MU-5 districts, where a building uses a gallery or arcade frontage type, such frontage type shall not interfere with the growth of the foundation plantings.
One ornamental tree or five shrubs for each 50 linear feet in foundation planting area(s) facing the rear setback(s) measured parallel to the building.	▪	The remainder of the area designated for foundation plantings shall be landscaped with groundcover or consist of xeriscape groundcover, rocks, decorative pavers, or stamped, dyed concrete.	+5
Parking Lot Landscaping
Landscape areas located within a parking lot as illustrated in Figure 39.03.015-2, Illustrative Parking Lot Planting	–		+10 for each canopy tree +5 for each ornamental or evergreen tree +5 for each 200 square feet of groundcover
Site Landscaping
One canopy or two ornamental trees per 2,000 square feet of site landscaping area	▪	All areas not designated in Figure 39.03.015-1, Foundation Planting Example, as foundation plantings, bufferyards, parking lot landscaping, or utilized for pedestrian and vehicular access to the building (for example, sidewalks, parking spaces, loading spaces, service areas, and drive-in or drive-through facilities) shall be landscaped with groundcover or consist of xeriscape groundcover, rocks, decorative pavers or stamped, dyed concrete, and designated as site landscaping area.	+15 for entire site
Six shrubs per 2,000 square feet of site landscaping area			+10 for entire site
One shrub per four linear feet of sign base on each side	▪	The shrubs shall be planted around the sign base within three feet of the sign.	+5
Other
100 percent of water in irrigation system comes from treated production water	—		+15
100 percent of water in irrigation system comes from an approved well on-site	—		+10
Tree quantity exceeds required quantity based on the requirements of this Section (per tree)	—		+1
Approved rainwater harvesting system	—		+15
Drip/subsurface drip irrigation system in all areas 15 feet or less in width	—		+15
Drought tolerant sod is primary variety of turf grass	—		+10
Majority of landscape area is depressed or shaped to hold water	—		+5
50 percent of all plant material in the non-turfed landscape areas is Zoned USDA 7, perennial, native, and water wise as defined by a creditable source (IE: Texas Tech University Dept. of Plant & Soil Sciences)	—		+5
100 percent of all plant material in the non-turfed landscape areas is Zoned USDA 7, perennial, native, and water wise as defined by a creditable source (IE: Texas Tech University Dept. of Plant & Soil Sciences)	—		+10
Polymer injection system or other water saving technology	—		+5
Existing tree material larger than 12-inch caliper is removed	—		-10
Fescue and/or St. Augustine grass is primary type of groundcover	—		-15
Undesirable tree species are used	—		-10

Figure 39.03.015-1

Foundation Planting Example

Figure 39.03.015-2

Illustrative Parking Lot Planting

(Ordinance 2023-O0054 adopted 5/9/2023; Ordinance 2024-O0137 adopted 10/28/2024; Ordinance 2025-O0095 adopted 8/18/2025)

§ 39.03.016 Bufferyard landscaping.

a. 

Generally.

Required bufferyards are based on the amount of buffering and screening they provide. Bufferyards are classified in terms of intensity from less ("Type A") to moderate ("Type B") to heavier ("Type C") and to heaviest ("Type D").

b. 

Bufferyard types.

Bufferyards shall be required for:

1. District. Between differing zoning districts, along the side or rear property lines, in the form of a district bufferyard as detailed in Table 39.03.016-1, District Bufferyard Standards and Figure 39.03.016-1, Bufferyard Examples;

2. Parking. Around vehicle use areas, in the form of a parking buffer as detailed in Subsection e, Bufferyard Standards; and

3. Street. Along public and private streets, in the form of a street bufferyard as detailed in Subsection e, Bufferyard Standards.

c. 

Table instructions.

Table 39.03.016-1, District Bufferyard Standards, shows all base zoning districts. The rows indicate the zoning of the parcel proposed for development, and columns indicate the zoning of the adjoining or adjacent land. The letters indicate which type of bufferyard is required to be planted on the parcel proposed for development as detailed in Table 39.03.016-2, Bufferyard Classifications. Where "—" is found there is no bufferyard required. Refer to Section 39.03.018, Alternative Compliance, for situations such as infill development, that may allow for a lesser buffer than required in the table.

Table 39.03.016-1 District Bufferyard Standards
	Zoning of Adjoining District
Zoning of Parcel Proposed for Development	RE	SF-1, SF-2	MDR, HDR	MU-1 through MU-5	NC, OF	AC, HC	LI, IP	GI
RE	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
SF-1, SF-2	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
MDR, HDR	B	A	—	—	—	—	—	—
MU-1 through MU-5	B	B	—	—	—	—	—	—
NC, OF	B	B	B	B	—	—	—	—
AC, HC	C	C	C	B	—	—	—	—
LI, IP	C	C	C	B	B	B	—	—
GI	D	D	D	C	C	C	—	—

Figure 39.03.016-1

Bufferyard Examples

Type A Bufferyard (Natural Without Berm)

Type B Bufferyard (Natural Without Berm)

Type C Bufferyard (Natural Without Berm)

Type D Bufferyard (Natural With Required Berm)

d. 

Composition of bufferyards.

1. Classification. The bufferyard type requirements of a particular zoning district shall be determined by the adjacent zoning district.

2. Spacing of plants. Trees or shrubs in a bufferyard shall generally be clustered in order to present a naturalistic character.

3. Table instructions. In Table 39.03.016-2, Bufferyard Classifications:

A. In the column titled "Required Plantings per 100 Linear Feet," the first number in the pair (-/-) refers to the required plantings in a structural bufferyard and the second number refers to the required plantings in a natural bufferyard.

B. In the column titled "Height of Wall or Fence/Berm," the first number in the pair (-/-) refers to the required fence or wall height and the second number refers to the required berm height.

4. Substitutions.

A. Bufferyard areas beneath an overhead powerline may contain two ornamental trees in place of one required canopy tree.

B. Two ornamental trees may be substituted with one evergreen tree.

C. When a District Bufferyard is required along the rear property line, a minimum 7 foot tall solid masonry fence meeting the regulations in Section 39.03.016e, may be installed along the rear property line, in lieu of the landscape bufferyard.

D. When a District Bufferyard is required along the property line adjacent to an alley, either a minimum 7 foot tall solid masonry fence meeting the regulations in Section 39.03.016e, or the required landscape bufferyard with a minimum 7 foot tall solid wood fence, must be installed along the property line.

Table 39.03.016-2 Bufferyard Classifications
		Required Plantings per 100 Linear Feet
Bufferyard Type	Width (feet)	Canopy	Ornamental	Height of Wall or Fence/Berm (feet)
A	Without berm: 5 With berm: 18	1	2	7/4
B	Without berm: 10 With berm: 26	2	4	7/4
C	Without berm: 15 With Berm: 34	3	3	7/4
D	[Without berm]: 30 With Berm: 34	3	3	7/4

e. 

Bufferyard standards.

1. Generally.

A. Voluntary increase in bufferyard. Where a lower classification bufferyard is required, the applicant may voluntarily provide a higher classification bufferyard, in part or in whole.

B. Groundcover requirements. In addition to the required plantings, walls, fences, and berms, the remaining portions of all bufferyards shall contain groundcover.

C. Landscape points for bufferyard. Where a bufferyard is needed, correct location and composition of bufferyard shall result in +10 points towards the total number of landscape points required on a project.

2. District bufferyard standards.

A. Applicability. Bufferyards shall be required to create a separation between districts in accordance with Table 39.03.016-1, District Bufferyard Standards.

B. Composition. Required bufferyards may be fully natural or structural with natural accents as follows:

i. Fences and walls. Fences and walls that are part of the required district bufferyard shall:

a. Be composed of treated wood, composite material, or masonry only. Prohibited materials include, but are not limited to: plywood, corrugated steel sheets, and chain-link with or without weave mesh or slats;

b. Not encroach into the public right-of-way;

c. Be maintained by the business, homeowner or homeowners' association, property owners' association, or public improvement district or tax increment finance district as applicable;

d. Include natural accents, including landscaping and groundcover, in accordance with Table 39.03.016-2, Bufferyard Classifications, in addition to the structure; and

e. Have plans and details designed and sealed by a licensed professional engineer and be approved by the Building Official if required.

ii. Berms. Earthen berms that are part of a required district bufferyard shall have:

a. A minimum two-foot-wide flat area on top;

b. Slopes of not less than four feet horizontal for each one foot vertical; and

c. In order to accommodate a berm, the bufferyard may need to be wider than required in Table 39.03.016-2, Bufferyard Classifications. For example, a Type A bufferyard would have to be over 34 feet in width in order to accommodate the berm but will only require the number of plantings required for a Type A bufferyard.

C. Exemptions. Except in the LI and GI districts, in the event that a setback permits a structure closer than the required bufferyard distance between districts, the wall of a building may serve as a buffer as long as natural accents, including landscaping and groundcover, are provided in the additional space if required.

3. Parking bufferyard standards.

A. Applicability. All parking areas with more than 30 parking spaces between the building and the street shall have a bufferyard between the street and the edge of the parking areas as follows:

i. Dimensions and landscaping setback.

a. The parking area bufferyard shall be a minimum of five feet wide, measured from the front property line.

b. The landscaped area shall be set back from parking spaces:

I. Three feet from the edge of pavement if there are no curbs or wheel stops; or

II. Three feet from the face of the curb or parking bumper that faces the parking space.

B. Composition. A parking area buffer shall be composed of any combination of the following screening devices that are two feet tall:

i. Continuous plant spacing at time of planting to provide continuous screening at time of plant maturity;

ii. Berm with a hedge or ornamental grasses along 90 percent of the linear dimension of the berm; or

iii. Masonry wall.

C. Exemptions. A parking area bufferyard is not required under the following circumstances:

i. The elevation of the parking lot is a minimum of three feet below the crown of the street;

ii. The area between the parking lot and the street is occupied by a building or access point to the parcel proposed for development;

iii. The nearest edge of a parking area is 50 feet or greater from a public or private street or a residentially used or zoned property and vehicle headlights are not visible from such streets or properties; or

iv. When an existing wall, fence, or berm a minimum of three feet in height above grade is in the same location as the required parking bufferyard.

4. Big box retail parking or street bufferyard. Instead of a Type A bufferyard, as required in Table 39.03.016-3 [sic], a big box retail use may utilize a six-foot-tall masonry wall in a parking or street bufferyard where the subject property is separated by a Base Residential or Mixed-Use district by a local street.

(Ordinance 2023-O0054 adopted 5/9/2023; Ordinance 2024-O0110 adopted 8/27/2024; Ordinance 2024-O0137 adopted 10/28/2024; Ordinance 2025-O0095 adopted 8/18/2025)

§ 39.03.017 Tree preservation credit.

a. 

Credit for preservation of existing trees.

It is the policy of the City to promote the preservation of its healthy, mature tree canopy. Healthy, mature trees that are preserved on-site shall count for the purposes of the landscaping requirements, as follows:

1. Credits awarded. In place of all or a portion of required landscaping and buffering, an applicant shall receive credit towards such requirements for the preservation of existing trees, as outlined in Table 39.03.017-1, Credit for Preservation of Trees.

2. Quality of existing trees. Existing trees that are protected according to this Section count towards the planting requirements of this Article, provided that they are either on the approved plant list or established for at least five years and not on the prohibited plant list.

Table 39.03.017-1 Credit for Preservation of Trees
Preserved Healthy Tree Unit of Measurement (use whichever column produces more credit)
Diameter at Breast Height	Tree Height	Credit
At least 3.5 inches, but less than 5 inches	At least 10 ft., but less than 15 ft.	1 tree
At least 5 inches, but less than 7 inches	At least 15 ft., but less than 24 ft.	2 trees
At least 7 inches, but less than 9 inches	At least 24 ft., but less than 32 ft.	3 trees
At least 9 inches, but less than 11 inches	At least 32 ft., but less than 40 ft.	4 trees
11 inches or more	40 ft. or more	5 trees

b. 

Application of tree preservation credit.

The tree preservation credit shall be applied towards the requirements for the area in which the tree is planted. If there are no requirements for that area, the credit applies in the following order of descending priority:

1. Site landscaping requirements;

2. Parking lot landscaping requirements; and

3. Bufferyard requirements, provided that the tree is located between the bufferyard to which the credit applies and the building or use that is being buffered.

c. 

Tree preservation standards.

The following conditions shall be met in order for these tree credits to apply:

1. Each existing tree shall be in a healthy and growing condition;

2. During site preparation and construction, each existing tree shall be protected by the placement of a barrier around the area below the drip line;

3. A minimum of 75 percent of the drip line zone of a tree to be preserved shall be maintained as a permanent, landscaped area at grades existing prior to site development unless special provisions are made for the protection and survival of the tree. Such special provisions, including, but not limited to, the use of permeable paving materials, shall be subject to the approval of the Director of Planning;

4. No part of the drip line zone of trees to be preserved may be paved with concrete, asphalt, or other impervious material; and

5. Soil or other materials shall not be temporarily or permanently stored in locations that would cause suffocation of root systems of trees to be preserved.

d. 

Replacement of credited trees.

Should any tree for which credit is received under the provisions of this Section die or be removed at any time, the owner shall, within 180 days, replace the tree. The owner shall replace the tree with the number of credited trees (for example, if a nine-inch caliper existing tree dies, then the owner shall replace the tree with four new trees). The replacement trees shall be of an equivalent species or a species that will obtain the same height, spread, and growth characteristics.

(Ordinance 2023-O0054 adopted 5/9/2023; Ordinance 2024-O0137 adopted 10/28/2024)

§ 39.03.018 Alternative compliance.

a. 

Generally.

Under the criteria of this Section, the Director of Planning may review and approve an alternative compliance Landscape Plan upon determining that such plan meets the following criteria:

1. Purpose. The alternative compliance Landscape Plan meets the purpose of this Division, as established in Section 39.03.001, Purpose; and

2. Conditions. Site conditions inhibit creative site design or pose prohibitive constraints to appropriate development as a result of strict compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section. The conditions must be constrained in a minimum of one of the following manners:

A. Features. The subject property contains unique natural features such as soil characteristics, geological characteristics, water features, and significant existing vegetation;

B. Limitations. The subject property has space limitations as a result of the locations of existing structures, paved areas, surrounding existing development, and other built features; or

C. Shape and size. The subject property is peculiarly shaped, through no action of the owner or previous owner, or contains an extensive undeveloped and naturally vegetated area.

b. 

Financial hardship.

Financial hardship shall not be justification for alternative compliance.

c. 

Administrative reductions permitted.

An alternative compliance Landscape Plan may have landscaping reductions as follows.

1. District bufferyard width. The width of Type B, C, or D Bufferyards may be reduced by half provided that the bufferyard contains both the wall or fence of a structural bufferyard and the increased plantings of a natural bufferyard.

2. Infill. Type B or C Bufferyards required on an infill development site that is one-half acre or less in area and that is not in the LI or GI district, may be reduced to a Type A bufferyard.

(Ordinance 2023-O0054 adopted 5/9/2023)

§ 39.03.019 Installation and maintenance.

a. 

Selection of materials.

1. Generally. Biodiversity of the genus and species of trees and shrubs is required in order to prevent monocultures which could result in large-scale losses in the event of disease or blight.

2. Nursery stock. Trees and shrubs planted pursuant to this Section shall be good, healthy nursery stock.

3. Xeriscape. Xeriscape plant materials, as listed in the Approved Plant List in this UDC, are encouraged to promote the use of water-wise landscaping.

4. Approved, allowed, and prohibited plants. Only approved plant materials count towards the landscape requirements of this Division. Plants that are not listed as prohibited are allowed but do not count toward compliance with this Section. The Director of Planning may add plants to the approved category if the applicant demonstrates by credible evidence that the species:

A. Provides habitat for native wildlife;

B. Is either native to the region or not invasive; and

C. Is not on any of the following lists:

i. The Texas State Noxious Weed List, U.S. Department of Agriculture; or

ii. The Prohibited Plant List.

5. Minimum size of plants at installation.

A. Plant material that is installed to comply with the requirements of this Section shall be of the sizes set out in Table 39.03.019-1, Minimum Size of Plants at Installation.

Table 39.03.019-1 Minimum Size of Plants at Installation
Type of Plant Material	Minimum Size at Installation
Canopy Tree	3" caliper
Ornamental Tree	2.5" caliper
Evergreen Tree	6' in height
Shrub	1 gal. container

b. 

Installation.

1. Installation standards. All landscaping shall be installed in accordance with accepted professional landscaping standards and all plant materials shall be true to name, variety, and size and shall conform to all applicable provisions of the latest edition of American Standard for Nursery Stock.

2. Tree topping. Unless a tree is interfering with an overhead power line, no trees may be topped if the limbs are three inches in diameter or greater.

3. Visual clearance. All trees, landscaping, and buffering shall be designed to have no impact on the visibility triangle established in Section 39.02.023, Measurements. Such sight triangles providing for vision clearance shall be shown on site plans in accordance with this UDC and shall be approved by the Director of Planning or City Engineer.

4. Screening device installation. A screening device required in this Division shall be installed prior to or concurrently with the first building permit issued in a development that creates the need for the device and shall be permanently maintained.

c. 

Removal of diseased or dangerous trees and vegetation.

1. Diseases or pests. In accordance with Article 14.06, Diseased Trees, of the City of Lubbock Code of Ordinances, upon direction from the Director of Parks and Recreation, a property owner may be required to treat or remove trees suffering from transmittable diseases or pests or allow the City to do so, charging the actual cost to the property owner.

2. Dangerous trees. The Director of Code Enforcement may require the removal of a tree or part of a tree or any other vegetation that is within or overhanging a public right-of-way or easement if the tree or vegetation:

A. Is interfering with safety and property maintenance of the right-of-way or easement;

B. Is creating a traffic hazard or sight distance hazard for traffic on a public street; or

C. Is diseased or infested and in danger of falling.

d. 

Irrigation and mulching.

1. Generally. The irrigation of all landscaped areas shall be provided for by one of the following methods:

A. All nonresidential and multiple-family buildings greater than 3,000 square feet in building footprint in the Base Public and Nonresidential districts shall require an automatic underground irrigation system sufficient to provide complete coverage of the required landscaped areas. All irrigation systems shall be designed and sealed in accordance with the Texas Licensed Irrigators Act and shall be professionally installed.

B. All buildings 3,000 square feet or less may use hose bibs provided that a hose attachment shall be within 100 feet of all plant material.

2. Type and design. Irrigation systems shall meet acceptable industry standards and shall be designed to be contained on the property without spraying onto adjacent property or streets.

3. Xeriscape areas. Regardless of building size, areas consisting entirely of xeriscape plantings may be irrigated with a hose bib.

4. Alternative water sources. A development may utilize reclaimed, recycled, gray water, non-potable surface water, rainwater, or alternative water harvesting systems for irrigation in accordance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) standards.

5. Backflow prevention. Irrigation shall comply with Article 28.10, Division 2 of the Code of the City of Lubbock, commonly known as the Backflow Prevention Ordinance.

6. Mulch and inorganic ground cover. Wood-based mulch and inorganic ground cover, including rock and wood chips, may be used around all plantings and in all plant beds. Synthetic turf is allowed when the total area covered does not exceed more than half of the minimum landscape surface ratio (% of site).

e. 

Maintenance.

1. Generally. The property owner, or homeowners' association, property owners' association, public improvement district, or tax increment finance district for a multi-tenant development shall be responsible for the maintenance of all landscaping and screening devices. This shall include watering, mowing, edging, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, and other such activities common to the maintenance of landscaping.

2. Visual clearance. Landscape materials shall be maintained in such a manner that they comply with the visual clearance requirements.

3. Free of trash, litter, and weeds. Landscaped areas shall be kept free of trash, litter, weeds, and other such materials that are not a part of the landscaping.

4. Healthy and growing condition. All plant material shall be maintained in a healthy and growing condition as is appropriate for the season of the year.

5. Replacement. Plant material that dies shall be replaced with plant material of similar variety and size within 180 days.

f. 

Existing trees, fences, and walls.

Existing trees, fences, and walls may be counted towards the development and bufferyard landscaping requirements, as applicable, provided that:

1. Tree preservation credit. Credit shall be given for existing trees according to the standards of Section 39.03.017, Tree Preservation Credit;

2. Compliance. The trees, fences, and walls comply with the standards of this UDC (including being a species on the Plant List);

3. Structurally sound. The Director of Code Enforcement verifies that the fences or walls are structurally sound, in good repair, and of an upright condition; and

4. Height. The height and level of screening of the fence or wall meets the requirements of this Division with regard to buffering.

g. 

Protection of planting areas.

All required planting areas shall be protected by wheel stops or six-inch curbs. Curbs may have openings to allow for stormwater flows into biological treatment areas, as applicable, pursuant to an approved drainage plan, provided that the openings do not interfere with their protective function.

h. 

Distance from utilities.

As measured from the nearest easement line of such utilities:

1. All utility easements. No trees shall be planted under or within a utility easement unless specifically authorized by the holder of the easement.

2. Overhead utility lines. No canopy trees shall be planted under or within 40 lateral feet of any overhead utility lines.

3. Underground lines. No canopy trees shall be planted within five lateral feet of any public underground water or wastewater line.

i. 

Landscape plan and certificate of occupancy.

1. Landscape plan. Prior to the issuance of a Building Permit on any site within a zoning district to which this Division applies, a Landscape Plan shall be required as part of the Site Plan. Landscape Plans shall provide the information required in by the Director of Planning.

2. Certificate of occupancy. No final Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued prior to completion of landscape requirements. When seasonal conditions warrant, the Building Official may issue a temporary Certificate of Occupancy for a maximum of 180 days pending completion of landscaping.

(Ordinance 2023-O0054 adopted 5/9/2023; Ordinance 2024-O0137 adopted 10/28/2024; Ordinance 2025-O0095 adopted 8/18/2025)