A site plan of the proposed landscaping and screening shall be submitted and approved by the planning department prior to the approval of development permit.
(Ord. 773 § 3, 1999)
The perimeter of a lot, or development site, shall be landscaped to a depth of six feet from the property line or the perimeter of the development site and be maintained as a sight screen in accordance with this chapter, except as provided for in LFPMC § 18.62.050 or as otherwise specified in this title.
(Ord. 773 § 3, 1999; Ord. 1220 § 1, 2021)
Unless otherwise specified within this title, street frontages, except driveways and pedestrian walks within the property, shall be landscaped with evergreen shrubs or a combination of lawn, evergreen or deciduous shrubs and trees, and perennial or annual flowers to create and maintain a maximum residential character.
(Ord. 773 § 3, 1999; Ord. 1220 § 1, 2021)
A. 
Unless otherwise specified within this title, landscaped areas shall consist of a variety of trees, shrubs and plants that shall cover at least 75 percent of the ground contained in the landscape areas. At least one tree shall be required for every 250 square feet of landscaped area. A minimum of 30 percent of the landscaping and trees shall consist of evergreen/conifer species.
B. 
Use of native and drought-tolerant species is encouraged.
C. 
Invasive species and noxious weeds are prohibited.
(Ord. 773 § 3, 1999; Ord. 1220 § 1, 2021)
There shall be allowed a decorative solid fencing on the perimeter with planting of three feet in depth on the public right-of-way sides of the fencing.
(Ord. 773 § 3, 1999)
Sight screening at all intersections between streets, between streets and alleys, and between streets and driveways shall not obstruct sight within 15 feet of the intersection. However, a perimeter screen shall be required to a height of no more than 40 inches within the 15-foot setback from the intersection.
(Ord. 773 § 3, 1999)
Shrubs and trees in the landscaping and screening shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition. Dead or dying trees or shrubs shall be replaced immediately and the planting area shall be maintained reasonably free of weeds and trash.
(Ord. 773 § 3, 1999)
A. 
Type 1 – Solid Screen.
1. 
Purpose. Provide sight-obscuring screening to separate incompatible land uses. Type 1 landscaping consists of a mix of primarily evergreen trees and shrubs placed to form a continuous screen.
2. 
Description. Type 1 landscaping shall consist of evergreen trees planted no more than 20 feet on center in a triangular pattern; shrubs and groundcover which will provide a 100 percent sight-obscuring screen within three years from the time of planting; or a combination of approximately 75 percent evergreen and 25 percent deciduous trees (with an allowable five percent variance), planted no more than 20 feet on center in a triangular pattern. Deciduous trees shall be at least two-inch caliper and evergreen trees shall be at least six feet in height. Shrub and groundcover spacing shall be appropriate for the species type and consistent with the intent of this section. Shrubs shall be at least 24 inches in height. Turf may constitute no more than 30 percent of groundcover.
B. 
Type 2 – Visual Screen.
1. 
Purpose. Provide a visual filter to separate higher- and lower-intensity uses. Type 2 landscaping consists of a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs spaced to create a filtered screen.
2. 
Description. Type 2 landscaping shall be a combination of at least 50 percent evergreen and at least 30 percent deciduous trees, planted no more than 25 feet on center in a triangular pattern, interspersed with large shrubs and groundcover. Deciduous trees shall be at least two-inch caliper and evergreen trees shall be at least six feet in height. Shrub and groundcover spacing shall be appropriate for the species type, and consistent with the intent of this section. Shrubs shall be at least 24 inches in height. Turf may constitute no more than 30 percent of groundcover.
C. 
Type 3 – Visual Buffer.
1. 
Purpose. Provide a semi-transparent buffer to partially separate uses and soften the appearance of development projects. Type 3 landscaping consists of a mix of evergreen and/or deciduous trees spaced to create a continuous canopy.
2. 
Description. Type 3 landscaping shall be at least 70 percent deciduous trees planted no more than 30 feet on center in a triangular pattern and interspersed with shrubs and groundcover. Deciduous trees shall be at least two-inch caliper and evergreen trees shall be at least six feet in height. Shrub and groundcover spacing shall be appropriate for the species type, and consistent with the intent of this section. Shrubs shall be at least 24 inches in height. Turf may constitute no more than 30 percent of groundcover.
D. 
Stream Buffer.
1. 
Purpose. Provide stream buffer functions to enhance in-water and upland habitat. Stream buffer landscaping consists of native species typically found growing on stream banks in the Puget Sound lowlands.
2. 
Description. Stream buffer landscaping shall be designed by a landscape architect, certified professional wetland scientist, or other qualified professional using a mix of native trees, shrubs, and forbs. Stream buffer landscaping shall meet the following requirements:
a. 
Native trees shall be planted at an average of 12 feet on center and at an overall density of 300 trees per acre. Plants shall be a minimum one-gallon size at time of planting.
b. 
Native shrubs shall be planted at average of five feet on center and at an overall density of 1,730 shrubs per acre. Plants shall be a minimum of one-gallon size at time of planting.
c. 
Native forbs may include a mix of grasses, sedges, rushes, ferns, and other herbaceous plants and shall be planted at an average of 12 inches on center and at an overall density of one plant per square foot. Plants shall be a minimum of 10-inch plugs or four-inch pot size at time of planting.
3. 
Streambank landscaping shall include planting area preparation for all required planting areas. Planting area preparation includes removal of invasive weed species, decompaction of compacted soils, and introduction of soil amendments including compost and organic fertilizers. Planted areas shall be mulched with a uniform three-inch depth of wood chip mulch. Trees and shrubs shall be protected from herbivore and rodent browsing with plant protection tubes.
(Ord. 1220 § 1, 2021; Ord. 1310 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)