(A) Landscape plans shall demonstrate a recognizable pattern or theme for the overall development by choice and location of materials.
(B) To accomplish this, landscape plans shall conform to the following:
(1) Plant materials shall be selected for drought tolerance; adaptability and relationship to city environment; color, form and pattern; ability to provide shade; soil retention; fire resistance, and the like. The overall landscape plan shall be integrated with all elements of the project, such as buildings, parking lots and streets, to achieve desirable micro-climate and minimize energy demand. Plant materials and landscape design shall be consistent with the city's water conservation guidelines.
(2) Plant materials shall be sized and spaced to achieve immediate effect and shall normally not be less than a 15 gallon container for trees, five gallon container for specimen shrubs, and a one gallon container for mass planting. Turf areas shall be from sod and ground cover from either one gallon containers or flats. Larger plant materials may be required on a case by case basis in order to achieve a more immediate landscape benefit.
(3) The use of crushed rock or gravel for large area coverage shall be avoided (except for walks and equestrian paths, or as a functional part of a storm water control plan).
(4) Non-turf areas, such as shrub beds, shall be top dressed with a medium decorative bark mulch to a depth of two inches or approved alternative.
(5) Where shrubs or low-level vegetation are used, vegetative matter at maturity shall cover at least 75% of actual planted area.
(Ord. 897-C-S, passed 10-25-94; Am. Ord. 1064-C-S, passed 12-13-05) Penalty, see § 9-5.2904