Landscaping standards and guidelines are intended to provide visual enhancement of the City; to protect and promote the appearance, character and economic value of property; to reduce visibility of paved areas and other unsightly views from adjacent properties and public lands; to moderate climatic effects; to minimize noise and glare; to enhance public safety by defining spaces to influence traffic movement; to reduce stormwater runoff; and to provide visual transition between neighboring properties. Landscaping is an important aspect of the creation of space and scale and enables builders to create a transition between homes and the street while mitigating the impact of denser housing.
L1.
General Landscape Design.
Design Objective: To ensure development plans include landscape elements that contribute positively to the character of small lot and multi-family neighborhoods.
L1.1.
Approval Standards.
L1.1.1.
Landscaping shall be an integral part of the overall site design, rather than camouflage unused or unusable spaces or poor architectural design.
L1.1.2.
Larger, more mature plant materials shall be used as much as possible to ensure that some immediate effect on the project’s appearance will be attained within two years of planting.
L1.1.3.
All landscaped public or common areas and front yard landscaping within a development shall be required to have automatic irrigation systems or xeriscape concepts to ensure plant survival.
L1.2.
Design Guidelines.
L1.2.1.
♠ Landscape improvements should be utilized to better integrate a development with its setting by:
a.
Enhancing pedestrian scale of buildings;
b.
Screening views of unsightly elements, such as utility boxes and backflow devices;
c.
Softening hard edges visually;
d.
Providing a transition between different use areas;
e.
Creating an attractive aesthetic environment;
f.
Creating usable pedestrian areas;
g.
Reducing energy consumption; and
h.
Defining specific areas and enhancing architectural features (see Figure 19.53.250-1).
 Figure 19.53.250-1 Landscaping integrates site design with existing trees to provide screening and shade. |
L1.2.2.
♠ Where feasible, significant existing trees and other landscape elements should be preserved and incorporated into development and landscape plans. Landscape plans should exhibit a well-coordinated design concept. Plant materials should be utilized in an orderly manner which defines the site’s spatial organization and function, relates to the buildings and structures and incorporates the various site elements including existing vegetation.
L1.2.3.
♠ Landscape areas shall utilize xeriscape concepts which: minimize the amount of turf area, use plant material that has a low water demand and use a segmented irrigation system calibrated to the specific water demands of various turf, plant and tree groups.
L1.2.4.
♠ Swales are strongly recommended to reduce water quality impacts associated with site runoff (see Figure 19.53.250-2).
 Figure 19.53.250-2 Low wall accompanied by landscaping and swale between street and sidewalk. |
L1.2.5.
Xeriscape Guidelines.
a.
♠ All landscaping should employ features and techniques that in the aggregate reduce the demand for and consumption of water, including appropriate low-water-using plants, nonliving groundcover, a low percentage of lawn coverage, a high degree of paving permeability and water conserving irrigation techniques and systems.
b.
♠ The use of turf should be minimized or substituted altogether with groundcovers. Turf should be excluded from median or sidewalk strips, steep slopes, and other areas which are difficult to irrigate and maintain. Low-water-using grass varieties are encouraged.
c.
♠ Water efficient irrigation systems, such as drip, low output sprinkler heads, zonal systems and automatic timers, should be provided. Planting should be according to water needs, and the irrigation system matched to these needs.
d.
♠ Plant varieties should be low water consuming, suited to the local soil and climate and grouped according to their water requirements. For instance, sprinklers for turf areas should be installed with a separate irrigation valve from irrigation valves used for other vegetation.
e.
♠ Mulches should be used generously and reapplied as part of a regular maintenance program to add nutrients and reduce evaporation, soil compaction and weeds. Mulches comprised of fully composted organic matter should be used in lieu of bark mulches, which do not provide much nutrient value to planting beds.
L1.2.6.
The following are common planting design concepts that should be used whenever possible:
a.
Specimen trees used in informal grouping and rows at major focal points;
b.
A wide variety of plant species;
c.
Extensive use of flowering vines both on walls and arbors;
d.
Pots, vases, wall or raised planters;
e.
The use of plantings to create shadow and patterns against walls;
f.
Trees to create canopy and shade, especially in parking areas;
g.
The use of flowering trees in informal groups to provide color;
h.
Informal massing of colorful plantings;
i.
The use of distinctive plants as focal points; and
j.
Berms, plantings, and low walls to screen parking areas from view of public rights-of-way while allowing filtered views of larger buildings beyond.
L1.2.7.
♠ In general and where feasible, plant preservation should take precedence over transplanting, transplanting over planting new, and planting native over ornamental species.
L1.2.8.
♠ The use of plant species native to the coastal region of the Pacific Northwest is strongly encouraged to reduce water consumption and lower maintenance costs. Noninvasive naturalized species that have adapted to the climatic conditions of the region may be used to supplement native plants.
L1.2.9.
Existing topsoil should be used where feasible. The clearing and site preparation of larger development areas should save and stockpile existing topsoil for plant adaptation.
L1.2.10.
Planting areas between walls or fences and streets should be landscaped with a hierarchy of plant sizes (taller near the wall or fence to shorter near the street) in natural formations and groupings.
L2.
Yard Landscape Design.
Design Objective: To ensure development plans include yard landscape elements that contribute positively to the character of residential neighborhoods.
L2.1.
Approval Standards.
L2.1.1.
Front yard landscaping shall rein-force other design elements of the home through the use of vines on trellises, hedges, or low fences or walls (see Figure 19.53.250-3).
  Figure 19.53.250-3 Front yard landscaping should contribute to neighborhood character |
L2.1.2.
Fences and hedges shall not be placed near neighborhood streets, access lanes, or alleyways in such a way to create a safety or entering sight distance concern and should complement building and site design (see Figure 19.53.250-4).
 Figure 19.53.250-4 Fence design complementing building and site design |
L2.1.3.
Front Yard Decorative Fences. Front yard fences shall be decorative and help to define semi-private areas in the front of the building or between the building and a common open space area (see Figure 19.53.250-5).
 Figure 19.53.250-5 Front yard ornamental fence with landscape |
a.
The maximum height shall be three feet except that decorative posts and gates may have a maximum height of four feet.
b.
Front yard decorative fences shall be located a minimum of one foot from sidewalks and walkways to allow for planting between edge of sidewalk and fence.
c.
Front yard decorative fences shall provide a balance of solid surfaces and voids, such as picket or open rail fence styles.
d.
Front yard decorative fences shall be constructed of wood, simulated wood, iron, masonry, or steel picket or comparable. Solid privacy fences, vinyl fences and chain link are prohibited.
L2.1.4.
Hedges.
a.
The maximum height of a hedge in a front yard, corner side yard, or area between the building and a common open space area shall be three feet.
b.
The maximum height of hedges in interior and rear yards of multifamily developments shall be six feet, except when located abutting a common open space area the maximum shall be three feet.
c.
The maximum height of hedges in rear yards of small lot developments shall be six feet, except when located abutting a common open space area the maximum shall be three feet. Hedges are not allowed in interior side yards in small lot developments.
L2.1.5.
Privacy Fencing. Privacy fencing shall only be permitted in rear yards and shall be in character with the building’s architecture.
a.
The maximum height of privacy fencing shall be six feet; provided, that portions above four feet shall be visually permeable through the use of open rails, ironwork, trellis or other treatment to encourage interaction between neighbors.
b.
Privacy fencing adjacent to a public space shall be set back a minimum of one foot from the property line.
c.
Planting shall be required along fences that face a street or public space (see Figure 19.53.250-6).
 Figure 19.53.250-6 Public side of fence |
d.
If privacy fencing is located along an alleyway, a gate must be provided for access to the alleyway.
e.
Privacy fencing shall be constructed of wood, simulated wood, iron, masonry, or steel picket or comparable. Vinyl or chain link fencing shall not be permitted.
L2.1.6.
Walls, hedges, and fences used to define outdoor private spaces that are not located within a required yard shall be a maximum of six feet. Portions above four feet in height shall be visually permeable through the use of open rails, ironwork, trellis or other treatment to encourage interaction between neighbors.
L2.1.7.
At least one tree having a minimum caliper size of two inches or height of eight feet shall be planted in the front yard of each small lot development home that has a front yard setback of 15 feet or greater unless this would conflict with an approved street tree planting plan. Where such conflict exists, the tree may be placed within a rear yard or other suitable location on the lot.
L2.1.8.
Shrubs.
a.
A continuous row of shrubs shall be planted adjacent to that portion of a foundation facing a public space. Spacing shall reflect the varying growth habits of the selected species and ensure effective screening of the foundation. The use of a mix of species and varieties within a foundation planting area is encouraged.
b.
Shrubs shall have an average size of two-gallon for native plants and three-gallon for non-native.
L2.1.9.
Entry walks shall have a minimum width of three feet.
L2.2.
Design Guidelines.
L2.2.1.
♠ Hardscape areas should use permeable materials.
L2.2.2.
Entry areas facing the public street shall be adequately landscaped to soften hard edges and screen views (see Figure 19.53.250-7).
 Figure 19.53.250-7 Entry areas with adequate landscaping |
L2.2.3.
All required building setbacks should be incorporated into the landscape design, unless such areas are utilized in driveways and the like. Driveways that provide a landscaped strip between paved driving strips are encouraged.
L2.2.4.
Landscape design should accent the overall design theme through the use of structures such as arbors and trellises that are appropriate to the particular architectural style of adjacent structures.
L3.
Parking Area Landscaping.
Design Objective: To provide parking areas that do not detract from the residential environment.
The standards and guidelines in this section apply specifically to multifamily development and, where applicable, shared parking areas in small lot developments.
L3.1.
Approval Standards.
L3.1.1.
All parking areas shall provide interior landscaping for shade purposes and aesthetic enhancement.
L3.1.2.
Curbed planter areas shall be provided at the end of each parking aisle to protect parked vehicles from the turning movements of other vehicles.
L3.1.3.
Parking lots shall be landscaped with broad branching shade trees at a minimum ratio of three trees per 10 parking spaces for single-loaded stalls, six trees per 20 parking spaces for double-loaded stalls and one tree for every three parking spaces for smaller parking bays.
L3.2.
Design Guidelines.
L3.2.1.
Views of parking areas from public streets should be buffered by landscaping, earth berms or some combination of the two in order to reduce the visual impact of large parking areas.
L3.2.2.
For security reasons, openings should be incorporated into the landscaping in order to permit clear views into the site.
L3.2.3.
No more than 10 parking spaces should be located in a row without an intervening landscaped planter island or peninsula. The intervening planter should be the full depth of the adjacent parking spaces.
L3.2.4.
Wheel stops should be used adjacent to tree wells and planter areas to protect landscaping from car overhangs. In place of wheel stops, the planter curb may be used for car over-hangs if impacts to landscaping are minimized through appropriate plant selection and location.
L3.2.5.
Drainage into swale areas is encouraged and may be accommodated by design elements such as flush curbs, perforated curbs and tree offsets.
L3.2.6.
Plant material in and adjacent to swales should delineate the transition between the swale area and the surrounding landscape.
L4.
Landscaping and Planting Requirements.
1.
Design Objective: To enhance the visual appearance of the neighborhood, to promote utilization of natural systems, and to reduce the impacts on storm drainage systems and water resources.
2.
Standards and Guidelines.
L4.1.
Planting Calculation and Installation.
i.
If the calculation of the number of plantings results in a fraction of 0.5 or greater, the fraction shall round up to the next whole number. If the calculation of the number of plantings results in a fraction of less than 0.5, the fraction shall round down to the previous whole number. Existing trees may be used to meet the tree requirements in the planting calculations.
ii.
Place all shrubs and perennial plants in beds mulched with fully composted organic material. The compost must cover the entire planting bed to a depth of at least two inches.
iii.
Install a mulch ring at the base of each canopy and ornamental tree. At time of planting, the ring must have at least a three-foot radius, measured from the center of the tree trunk. This mulch ring must be of organic material and be a depth of at least two inches.
L4.2.
Parks.
i.
One two-inch caliper or eight-foot tall canopy or ornamental tree shall be planted for every 2,000 square feet of park area.
ii.
Shade trees shall be provided adjacent to play structures and at other elements in the park, such as sport courts and benches.
iii.
A pathway, with a minimum width of three feet, shall connect a park to neighborhood streets, access lanes or other pedestrian connections.
L4.3.
Common Greens and Pocket Parks.
i.
One two-inch caliper or eight-foot tall canopy or ornamental tree shall be planted for every 1,000 square feet of common green or pocket park area.
ii.
The common greens and pocket parks shall be planted with plants that reflect the character and the intended use of the greens.
iii.
Sidewalks or pathways are encouraged to be located near the edge of the common green or pocket park to allow a larger usable green area and easy access to the homes.
iv.
A pathway, with a minimum width of three feet, shall connect a common green or pocket park to neighborhood streets, access lanes or other pedestrian routes.
v.
The minimum lawn coverage of a common green or pocket park should be 70 percent to create a useable play area or gathering space.
L4.4.
Pedestrian Easements.
i.
Trees are required along all pedestrian easements to provide shade.
(A)
Trees shall have a minimum caliper of two inches at time of planting unless the City determines that a particular species or cultivar, which is available only in a smaller size, is the preferred selection for a specific location.
(B)
Trees shall be spaced 20 to 30 feet on center, depending on the form and spacing requirements for the selected trees.
(C)
Trees shall be placed so as not to block sight distance or create a safety concern.
(D)
Generally, tree species shall be selected from the City’s Approved Street Tree Palette (UPMC § 13.20.1060), which is contained in the City’s Streetscape Design Standards and Guidelines adopted pursuant to this chapter. The City may approve trees not on the Approved Street Tree Palette (UPMC § 13.20.1060) provided a registered landscape architect or certified arborist demonstrates to the satisfaction of the City that the proposed tree species will not cause damage to infrastructure or create nuisance conditions.
iii.
Groundcover or perennials must fully cover the remaining landscape area. Plantings shall be designed to achieve a minimum planting area coverage of 90 percent of required coverage within three years of installation.
(Ord. 559 § 6 (Exh. A § 4(L1 – L4)))