All freestanding signs shall be located in a landscaped area. The purpose of this landscaping requirement is to add shrubbery and trees to bring the surroundings of the northwest into the city and to protect the sign pole from being damaged by vehicles.
(Ord. 1488-03 § 1, 2003)
The freestanding sign landscape requirements are as follows:
A. 
Signs with two feet or less of clearance from grade shall be planted with groundcover and low growing shrubs;
B. 
Signs that have two to six feet of clearance from grade shall be planted with shrubs and/or small ornamental trees. Shrubs shall be a minimum size of three to five gallons at the time of planting and shall be of a type to grow to a height of at least four feet when mature. The area between the shrubs and/or trees shall be filled in with groundcover;
C. 
Signs with six feet or greater clearance from grade shall be planted with evergreen and/or deciduous trees. Large shrubs and groundcover shall be planted between trees. Shrubs shall be a minimum of five gallons in size at the time of planting and be of a type to grow to a height of at least five feet upon maturation; and
D. 
The applicant shall complete the required landscaping within 30 days from the installation of the freestanding sign. If additional time is needed to complete the landscaping, the applicant shall provide a landscape bond for 150 percent of the cost of the landscaping to the city. The cost of landscaping shall include plant material, labor, and any structural devices needed to build a planting area. The landscape bond is valid for six months. If the work is not completed within six months, the city shall revoke the landscape bond and perform the work.
An existing landscaped area can count towards the required landscaping if the location and type of landscaping is appropriate.
(Ord. 1488-03 § 1, 2003)
When landscaping is, or has been, required in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or any previous code or ordinance of the city, the landscaping shall be permanently maintained in such a manner as to accomplish the purpose for which it was initially required.
(Ord. 1488-03 § 1, 2003)
All landscaping plans shall be approved by the community development director. The following guidelines shall be used in considering plans:
A. 
Landscaping shall be encouraged to promote the purposes set forth in FMC 16.06.010;
B. 
Landscaping shall be in proportion to the size and height of the sign;
C. 
The planting area or bed shall be at least one-half the square footage of the sign;
D. 
Landscaping shall be designed to protect the sign from being hit by vehicles; and
E. 
A landscape plan shall be submitted to the city when landscaping is required for a freestanding sign. The landscape plan shall include a plan showing the dimensions of the landscape planter, the number, types, and sizes of the plants to be included in the planter, and the location of the plants in the planting bed. If the planting bed is to be irrigated, either as required by the landscape code or at the applicant's request, irrigation plans shall also be required.
(Ord. 1488-03 § 1, 2003)