5-6(C)   GENERAL LANDSCAPING STANDARDS

The following standards apply to all landscaping, screening, or buffering required by this Section 14-16-5-6.

5-6(C)(1)   Landscape Plan Required

A landscape plan with designed landscaped areas shall be submitted as a part of all development applications where landscaping, buffering, or screening is required, unless the relevant decision-making body determines that compliance with the provisions of this Section 14-16-5-6 can be demonstrated without the use of a landscape plan. A landscape plan may be combined with other required application materials if compliance with this Section 14-16-5-6 can be demonstrated in the combined materials. Landscaping shall be maintained pursuant to the requirements of Subsection 14-16-5-13(B)(6).

5-6(C)(2)   Minimum Landscape Area

5-6(C)(2)(a)   Except as noted in Subsection (b) below, a minimum of 15 percent of the net lot area of each development shall contain landscaping. (See figure below.)

5-6(C)(2)(b)   In DT-UC-MS-PT areas, a minimum of 10 percent of the net lot area of each development shall contain landscaping. In these areas, landscaping required to meet this requirement need not be at ground level. (See figure below.)

5-6(C)(2)(c)   The mature realistic spread of trees and shrubs will be used to calculate required vegetative coverage as follows.

   1.   Tree canopies and ground-level plants shall cover a minimum of 75 percent of the total landscape area as measured by canopy width or the area beneath the dripline of the mature size of the actual vegetation. (See figure below.)

   2.   Of the required vegetative coverage, a minimum of 25 percent shall be provided as ground-level plants (shrubs, grasses, etc.) as measured of the mature size of the actual vegetation. (See figure below.)

5-6(C)(2)(d)   See also Subsections 14-16-5-6(D) (Street Frontage Landscaping), 14-16-5-6(E) (Edge Buffer Landscaping), and 14-16-5-6(F) (Parking Lot Landscaping) for additional landscaping requirements.

5-6(C)(3)   Overlapping Requirements

5-6(C)(3)(a)   If areas required to be landscaped by 2 or more provisions of this Section 14-16-5-6 overlap each other, the provision requiring the greater amount of landscaping shall apply, and landscaping provided that meets the greater requirement shall count toward fulfilling the overlapping requirements.

   1.   See Subsection 14-16-5-6(C)(12) (Existing Vegetation Credit).

   2.   See Subsection 14-16-5-6(C)(13) (Stormwater Management Features).

   3.   See Subsection 14-16-5-6(D) (Street Frontage Landscaping).

   4.   See Subsection 14-16-5-6(E) (Edge Buffer Landscaping).

   5.   See Subsection 14-16-5-6(F) (Parking Lot Landscaping).

5-6(C)(3)(b)   Landscaped areas may count toward satisfying usable open space requirements specified for Residential zone districts in Table 5-1-1 and for Mixed-use zone districts in Table 5-1-2.

5-6(C)(3)(c)   Gardens and community gardens provided may count toward satisfying the requirements of Subsection 14-16-5-6(C)(2) (Minimum Landscape Area).

5-6(C)(3)(d)   Any landscaping provided to meet requirements in Subsection 14-16-5-2(I) (Major Arroyo Standards) may count toward any required landscaping in this Section 14-16-5-6 but shall be subject to Subsection 14-16-5-6(C) (General Landscaping Standards).

5-6(C)(3)(e)   Any covered or uncovered outdoor seating and gathering areas provided to meet requirements in Subsection 14-16-5-11(E)(3) (Outdoor Seating and Gathering Areas) may count toward up to 1/3 of required landscaping in Section 14-16-5-6 but shall be subject to standards in Subsection 14-16-5-6(C) (General Landscaping Standards).

5-6(C)(4)   Required Plant Materials and Site Amenities 107

5-6(C)(4)(a)   A minimum of 10 species must be used in the landscaped area.

5-6(C)(4)(b)   Only trees and shrubs selected from the Official Albuquerque Plant Palette of low water use, drought tolerant, or xeric species and shown on a landscape plan can count toward the requirements of this Subsection 14-16-5-6(C) (General Landscaping Standards), except that, upon presentation of evidence, the relevant decision-making body may authorize alternative species or cultivars that meet all of the following requirements:

   1.   Meet the intended purpose of that type of landscaping.

   2.   Are not hazardous.

   3.   Are not identified as invasive on a City or State plant list.

   4.   Are not listed in the City's Weed Identification Handbook.

   5.   Are equally hardy to the New Mexico climate.

5-6(C)(4)(c)   Installation of any trees, shrubs, or other vegetation included in a State list of prohibited or invasive species or listed as noxious weeds in the City's Weed Identification Handbook is prohibited.

5-6(C)(4)(d)   No more than 10 percent of required landscape areas shall be cool season grass species.

5-6(C)(4)(e)   Irrigated grass shall not be planted on slopes exceeding 1:4 rise:run or planted in narrow or irregularly shaped areas (10 feet or less in any dimension) in order to avoid water waste.

5-6(C)(4)(f)   Any new grass irrigated with sprinklers shall be installed at least 3 feet in any direction from any impermeable hard surface. (A buffer using organic mulch can be used when planting grass adjacent to impermeable surface.)

5-6(C)(4)(g)   Landscaping abutting arroyos shall consist of native plants that are included on the Official Albuquerque Plant Palette.

5-6(C)(4)(h)   Artificial turf/grass shall not be counted as living vegetative material or to meet the requirements of this Subsection 14-16-5-6(C) (General Landscaping Standards).

5-6(C)(4)(i)   All vegetation shall comply with Article 9-12 and Parts 6-1-1 and 6-6-2 of ROA 1994 (Pollen Control, Water Conservation Landscaping and Water Waste, and Street Trees) and Section 4 of the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority (ABCWUA) Legislation and Ordinances (Water Waste Reduction Ordinance) as applicable.

5-6(C)(4)(j)   All required plant materials shall be free of disease and insects and shall conform to the American Standard for Nursery Stock (ASNA) of the American Nursery and Landscape Association.

5-6(C)(4)(k)   Shade trees planted approximately 25 feet on-center are required along all required pedestrian walkways. If the walkway is less than 25 feet long, at least one tree is required, or, where there is insufficient space for a tree, a trellis of at least 8 feet high for at least 5 feet along the walkway shall be provided.

5-6(C)(4)(l)   In DT-UC-MS areas, landscaped areas other than street frontage shall include pedestrian furniture, pedestrian amenities, or trash receptacles to encourage pedestrian use.

5-6(C)(4)(m)   See also Subsection 14-16-5-6(D) (Street Frontage Landscaping) for additional landscaping requirements.

5-6(C)(5)   Soil Condition and Planting Beds

5-6(C)(5)(a)   All vegetated material required by this Section 14-16-5-6 shall be planted in uncompacted soil.

5-6(C)(5)(b)   If used, weed barriers shall be permeable to optimize stormwater infiltration and prevent runoff.

5-6(C)(5)(c)   The use of gravel or crusher fines as ground cover is limited to a maximum of 75 percent of any landscaped area, or 50 percent in DT-UC-MS areas.

5-6(C)(5)(d)   A minimum depth of 3 inches of organic mulch, such as arborist mulch or native mulch woodchips, is required in all planting areas. (See figure below.) Decorative bark mulches, bark nuggets, and pecan shells are prohibited. 108   109

5-6(C)(5)(e)   Organic mulch is required as ground cover under trees, not including street trees, within a 5-foot radius around the tree trunk, but not directly against the trunk. In these areas, weed barrier fabric is prohibited. (See figure below.) 110

5-6(C)(5)(f)   All landscaped areas shall be protected from vehicular encroachment by curbs or wheel stops located 2 feet outside the landscaped area, with openings to accommodate surface collection of stormwater runoff in vegetated swales and stormwater infiltration areas.

5-6(C)(6)   Minimum Plant Sizes at Installation

All vegetation required by this Section 14-16-5-6 shall meet the minimum size requirements in Table 5-6-1 unless specified otherwise in this IDO.

Table 5-6-1: Minimum Plant Sizes
Plant material type (ANSI types)	Minimum size
Deciduous Street Trees	2 in. caliper 6 in. above grade
Deciduous Accent Trees	1.5 in. caliper 6 in. above grade or 6 ft. in height
Evergreen Tree	6 ft. in height
Multi-trunk Tree	Minimum 2 trunks with a combined caliper of 2 in.
Shrubs	1 gallon container size
Ground cover and turf	Adequate to provide general ground cover within 1 growing season after planting

 

5-6(C)(7)   Plant Material Spacing 111

5-6(C)(7)(a)   Vegetation required by this Section 14-16-5-6 shall be located the following distances at least 3 feet in any direction from any fire hydrants, valve vaults, hose bibs, manholes, hydrants, and fire department connections:

   1.   Shrubs: 3 feet

   2.   Trees: 15 feet

5-6(C)(7)(b)   Where tree planting requirements are based on the length of the street frontage, areas occupied by driveways and drive aisles shall be included when calculating the number of trees required to be planted, and all trees that would otherwise be required in driveways or drive aisles shall be planted in other landscaped front yard areas.

5-6(C)(7)(c)   The Planning Director may authorize adjustments to any spacing requirements when required due to topography, drainage, utilities or obstructions, provided that the total amount of required landscaping is not reduced.

5-6(C)(7)(d)   Shrubs, ornamental grasses, and groundcovers shall be spaced so that no plant is within ½ of the mature diameter of another plant.

5-6(C)(7)(e)   Trees shall be spaced so that no tree is within ½ the mature diameter of another tree.

5-6(C)(8)   Protecting Clear Sight Triangle

The clear sight triangle shall be maintained at all exits of parking areas and street intersections.

5-6(C)(9)   Planting in or over the Public Right-of-way

5-6(C)(9)(a)   All planting of vegetated material or installation of any landscaping, buffering, or screening material in the public right-of-way shall require the prior approval of the City. The property owner shall be responsible for the maintenance, repairs, or liability for all the landscaping placed in or over the public right-of-way.

5-6(C)(9)(b)   Any trees that overhang a public sidewalk or Major Public Open Space shall be trimmed to maintain an 8 foot clearance over the sidewalk. Any trees that overhang a public street shall be trimmed to maintain a 9 foot clearance over the street surface.

5-6(C)(9)(c)   Where landscaping is installed in the public right-of-way, the applicant shall install an adequate irrigation system that meets the minimum technical requirements In Article 6-6 of ROA 1994 (Trees, Vegetation and Landscaping) and the DPM, with a separate meter for the landscape area in the public right-of-way, or a separate valve(s) at the property line allowing isolation of the irrigation to the landscape within the public right-of-way. Drip irrigation systems and artificial turf shall not be allowed within the public right-of-way.

5-6(C)(10)   Planting near Utilities

5-6(C)(10)(a)   Trees and shrubs shall not be planted in utility easements unless there is no other practicable location on the lot where the landscaping would achieve its intended purpose. The Planning Director may adjust the location of required landscaping to avoid utility easements, provided that the total amount of landscaping and buffering required is not reduced.

5-6(C)(10)(b)   Trees shall not be planted within 10 feet in any direction of the centerline of a sewer or water line. (See figure below.)

5-6(C)(10)(c)   Trees or shrubs planted within utility easements shall comply with the standards of the utility provider to minimize effects on facilities maintenance and repair.

5-6(C)(10)(d)   If overhead distribution electric lines are present and large trees cannot be planted due to potential interferences with the electric lines, one ornamental tree with a mature height of 12 feet shall be planted per 20 feet of street frontage. New trees planted near electric transmission lines shall be no taller than 25 feet in height at maturity to avoid conflicts with existing electric facilities.

5-6(C)(10)(e)   All screening and vegetation surrounding ground-mounted transformers and utility pads must allow 10 feet of clearance in any direction for access and to ensure the safety of the work crews and public during maintenance and repair. 112

5-6(C)(10)(f)   Trees shall not be planted near existing or proposed street light poles.

5-6(C)(10)(g)   Standards in the DPM may apply to tree planting in or near other utility easements, such as gas lines.

5-6(C)(11)   Parking on Landscaped Areas Prohibited 113

Parking of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, recreational vehicles, or other motor vehicles is prohibited on any required landscape area or buffer area.

5-6(C)(12)   Existing Vegetation Credit

5-6(C)(12)(a)   If existing non-prohibited vegetation meets the location requirements and intent of landscaping, buffering, or screening required by this Section 14-16-5-6, that existing vegetation may be credited toward the landscaping, buffering, or screening materials required by this Section 14-16-5-6.

5-6(C)(12)(b)   All existing vegetation preserved and used for credit against the requirements for new vegetation shall be protected during construction by a fence erected one foot beyond the drip line of the vegetation.

5-6(C)(12)(c)   Trees may be credited only 1 time toward any one buffer, screen, or other landscape requirement.

5-6(C)(12)(d)   Trees shall be credited in accordance with Table 5-6-2.

Table 5-6-2: Credits for Preserving Trees
Diameter at Breast Height (in.)	Number of Trees Credited
>25	8
>13 and <25	6
>8 and <13	4
>4 and <8	2
<4	1
Prohibited trees 8 in. or greater[1]	1
[1] Prohibited trees are those that do not appear on the Official Albuquerque Plant Palette and may appear on the City or State list of prohibited or invasive species

 

5-6(C)(13)   Stormwater Management Features 114

5-6(C)(13)(a)   Required landscape area and buffer areas shall be designed to serve as stormwater management areas to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with their required locations and vegetation.

5-6(C)(13)(b)   Required landscape area and buffer areas shall be designed pursuant to the DPM and the City Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction.

5-6(C)(13)(c)   In the R-ML, R-MH, Mixed-use, and NR-SU zone districts, and on lots containing multi-family dwellings or non-residential uses in the R-A, R-1, R-MC, and R-T zone districts, surface runoff including runoff from roofs and parking areas shall be directed into depressed water collection areas that are located in landscape areas and that meet all applicable standards in the DPM.

5-6(C)(13)(d)   Areas created to meet stormwater management requirements of the City or a governmental entity, and located in a required side or rear yard buffer or in a parking lot, shall be counted toward required landscaping and buffering in those areas, provided that the area includes vegetation required by this Section 14-16-5-6.

5-6(C)(13)(e)   Where pedestrian walkways and multi-use trails cross required landscape areas, permeable paving may be used and may count toward satisfying the requirements of Subsection 14-16-5-6(C)(2) (Minimum Landscape Area).

5-6(C)(14)   Irrigation Systems

5-6(C)(14)(a)   Irrigation systems shall comply with Section 8 of the ABCWUA Legislation and Ordinances (Cross Connection Prevention and Control Ordinance).

5-6(C)(14)(b)   All irrigation systems shall be designed to minimize the use of water.

5-6(C)(14)(c)   All non-residential landscape irrigation shall have automatic timers and/or programmable settings to avoid overwatering.

5-6(C)(14)(d)   The irrigation system shall not spray or irrigate impervious surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, drive aisles, hardscapes, or streets; non-landscaped areas; adjacent property; or parking and loading areas. 115

5-6(C)(15)   Installation

5-6(C)(15)(a)   All landscaping material used to meet the requirements of this Section 14-16-5-6 shall be installed in accordance with the planting procedures established by the American Nursery and Landscape Association.

5-6(C)(15)(b)   All required landscaping, street trees, screening, and buffering shall be installed prior to the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy. If there is more than one primary building on the site, the landscaping, screening, and buffering related to each building shall be installed prior to the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy.

5-6(C)(15)(c)   Any damage to utility lines resulting from the negligence of the abutting property owner or the property owner's agents or employees in the installation and maintenance of any landscaping, screening, or buffering in a public right-of-way, private way, or easement shall be the responsibility of such property owner. Any damage to utility lines resulting from the growth of plant materials that have been approved by the applicable public utility as part of a plan for landscaping, screening, or buffering on the public right-of-way shall be the responsibility of such public utility. If a public utility disturbs landscaping, screening, or buffering in a public right-of-way, private way, or easement , it shall make every reasonable effort to preserve the landscaping materials and return them to their prior locations after the utility work. If the plant materials die despite those efforts, it is the obligation of the abutting property owner to replace the plant materials.

5-6(C)(15)(d)   Property owners acknowledge that approved landscaping and trees installed and maintained in a public right-of-way, private way, or easement abutting private properties are the property of the City, and that that the City reserves the right to remove them if necessary for a transportation project without compensation, but at no cost to the property owner. Landscaping installed in an abutting public right-of-way, private way, or easement by property owners and later removed by the City shall not impact previously approved net lot area calculations for required landscaping.

5-6(C)(16)   Alternative Landscape Plans

The Planning Director may approve alternative landscape plans that do not meet the specific requirements stated in this Section 14-16-5-6 if the Planning Director determines that the alternatives meet all of the following criteria:

5-6(C)(16)(a)   Are consistent with the purposes of this Section 14-16-5-6.

5-6(C)(16)(b)   Do not include invasive vegetation included in a City or State list of prohibited or invasive species or listed as a noxious weed in the City's Weed Identification Handbook.

5-6(C)(16)(c)   Do not include a reduction of tree planting requirements.

5-6(C)(16)(d)   Provide equal or superior buffering of adjacent properties from anticipated impacts of the proposed development.

5-6(C)(16)(e)   Provide equal or superior visual appearance of the property when viewed from the street.

5-6(C)(16)(f)   Provide equal or superior carbon dioxide absorption and heat island reductions.

 

Notes

107	107 IDO Annual Update 2023 - Citywide Text Amendments - EPC REVIEW. EPC Recommended Condition #13. [Spreadsheet Item #57]
108	108 IDO Annual Update 2023 - Citywide Text Amendments - EPC REVIEW. EPC Recommended Conditions #1 and #13. [Spreadsheet Item #57]
109	109 IDO Annual Update 2023 - Citywide Text Amendments - EPC REVIEW. EPC Recommended Condition #13. EPC considered but did not recommend approval of an amendment to specify a minimum 2-foot radius of mulch around all plants, to include shrubs. [Spreadsheet Item #21]
110	110 IDO Annual Update 2023 - Citywide Text Amendments - EPC REVIEW. EPC Recommended Condition #1. [Spreadsheet Item #22 and Council Memo - Street Tree Mulching Requirement]
111	111 IDO Annual Update 2023 - Citywide Text Amendments - EPC REVIEW. EPC Recommended Conditions #1 and #13. [Spreadsheet Item #57]
112	112 IDO Annual Update 2023 - Citywide Text Amendments - EPC REVIEW. EPC Recommended Condition #13. [Spreadsheet Item #57]
113	113 IDO Annual Update 2023 - Citywide Text Amendments - EPC REVIEW. EPC Recommended Condition #1. Revised editorially for clarity. [Spreadsheet Item #60]
114	114 IDO Annual Update 2023 - Citywide Text Amendments - EPC REVIEW. EPC Recommended Condition #1. Revised editorially for clarity. [Spreadsheet Item #60]
115	115 IDO Annual Update 2023 - Citywide Text Amendments - EPC REVIEW. EPC Recommended Condition #13. [Spreadsheet Item #57]