(A) Plans and specifications for landscaping, irrigation systems, tree preservation and slope planting for erosion control shall reflect use of the following:
(1) Planting materials of a type, size and placement compatible with the project and surrounding land uses;
(2) Sound soil-preparation and planting practices.
(B) All landscape plans that are submitted to the city shall include the following:
(1) For new multiple-family residential developments:
(a) A minimum of one different plant type per 1,000 square feet of lot area shall be provided, up to a maximum of ten different plant types;
(b) A minimum of one 24-inch box tree per 50 feet of street frontage(s) shall be provided. The box trees shall be located in the yard(s) that front upon a street;
(2) The plant materials incorporated into the plan shall be of the type that are well-suited to the city’s climate zone;
(3) The plant materials incorporated into the plan are encouraged to be drought-tolerant;
(4) Residential projects shall have a diversity of plant material incorporated into the plan.
(5) On all multiple-family residential projects, landscaping shall be installed at the driveway level between the garages. Such landscaping shall not interfere with the required turning radius.
(C) All landscaped areas shall be served by a permanent automatic irrigation system such as the following:
(1) Automatic controllers. Automatic control systems shall be required for all irrigation systems and shall be able to accommodate all aspects of the design.
(2) Drip irrigation/xerigation. The use of drip irrigation shall be considered whenever appropriate.
(3) Plant groupings. Plants that require different amounts of water shall be irrigated by separate valves. If one valve is used for a given area, only plants with similar water use shall be used in that area. Anti-drain (check) valves shall be installed at strategic points to prevent low-head drainage.
(4) Sprinkler heads. Heads and emitters shall have consistent application rates within each control valve circuit. Sprinkler heads shall be selected for proper area coverage, application rate, operating pressure, adjustment capability, and ease of maintenance.
(5) Rain-sensing devices. Rain sensing override devices shall be required for any project with a landscaped area greater than 10,000 square feet.
(6) Moisture-sensing devices. Soil moisture sensing devices shall be required for any project with a landscaped area greater than 10,000 square feet.
(D) All landscaping and planter areas shall be installed consistent with the approved landscaping plan, prior to the permit final.
(E) Slopes shall be planted with hardy, well-adapted and drought-resistant plants. Rooted cuttings of permanent groundcover plants shall be planted. Wherever land has been cut or filled as part of the development of hillside areas, slopes exceeding a grade of one foot in the vertical direction to three feet in the horizontal direction (3:1 slope) or which exceed three feet in height, shall be planted with approved landscape material and maintaining for purposes of retaining the slope from erosion or movement.
(F) All new, non-residential development proposals shall be accompanied by a landscape plan which unifies the building, building entry and trees.
(G) All new, non-residential developments shall provide one 36-inch box tree per 50 feet of street frontage. The trees shall be located in the front setback with a suggested spacing of intervals between 40 and 50 feet. The type of tree shall be approved by the Design Review Board.
(‘86 Code, §§ 9.70.030, 23.48.030, 23.48.040) (Ord. 4110, passed - - ; Am. Ord. 4152, passed - - ; Am. Ord. 4185, passed 7-24-06; Am. Ord. 4682, passed 1-11-16)