(B) Minimum landscape area. All lots shall conform to the minimum landscape area standard of the applicable zone.
(C) Plant selection. A combination of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, and ground covers shall be used for all planted areas, the selection of which shall be based on local climate, exposure, water availability, and drainage conditions, among other factors. When new vegetation is planted, soils shall be amended and irrigation shall be provided, as necessary, to allow for healthy plant growth. The selection of plants shall be based on all the following standards and guidelines:
(1) Use plants that are appropriate to urban areas and the local climate, exposure, and water availability. The presence of utilities and drainage conditions shall also be considered. The city may rely on Oregon State University Extension Service bulletins/University of Washington Urban Forestry Program guidelines/or other expert sources in evaluating landscape plans.
(2) Plant species that do not require irrigation once established (naturalized) are required.
(3) Trees shall be not less than 2-inch caliper at the time of planting. Trees to be planted under or near power lines shall be selected so they will not conflict with power lines at maturity.
(4) Shrubs shall be planted from 5-gallon containers, minimum, where they are for required screens or buffers, and 2-gallon containers minimum elsewhere.
(5) Shrubs shall be spaced in order to provide the intended screen or canopy cover within 2 years of planting.
(6) All landscape areas, whether required or not, that are not planted with trees and shrubs or covered with allowable non-plant material, shall have ground cover plants that are sized and spaced to achieve plant coverage of not less than 75% at maturity.
(7) Bark dust, chips, aggregate, or other non-plant ground covers may be used, but shall cover not more than 25% of any landscape area. Non-plant ground covers cannot be a substitute for required ground cover plants.
(8) Where storm water retention or detention, or water quality treatment facilities are proposed, they shall be planted with water-tolerant species.
(9) Existing mature trees that can thrive in a developed area and that do not conflict with other provisions of this Code shall be retained where specimens are in good health and do not present a hazard.
(10) Landscape plans shall avoid conflicts between plants and buildings, streets, walkways, utilities, and other features of the built environment.
(11) Evergreen plants shall be used where a sight-obscuring landscape screen is required.
(12) Deciduous trees should be used where summer shade and winter sunlight are desirable.
(13) Landscape plans should provide focal points within a development, for example, by preserving large or unique trees or groves or by using flowering plants or trees with fall color.
(14) Landscape plans should use a combination of plants for seasonal variation in color and yearlong interest.
(15) Landscape plans shall provide for both temporary and permanent erosion control measures, which shall include plantings where cuts or fills, including berms, swales, storm water detention facilities, and similar grading, is proposed.
(16) When new vegetation is planted, soils shall be amended and irrigation provided, as necessary, until the plants are established and able to grow on their own.
(D) Xeriscape requirements. All industrial and commercial development that is subject to the requirements of this chapter must incorporate the following xeriscape methods in any landscape plan submitted for city review. For residential development, xeriscape methods are encouraged but not required.
(1) Limited turf areas. Within the required vegetated area, the total amount of lawn (i.e., turf) may not exceed 25% of the total vegetated area. In addition, lawns should be separated from trees, flower beds and other groundcover that do not have similar water needs as lawn/turf. Lawns may not be planted in strips less than 5-feet wide due to the difficulty in controlling irrigation over-spray and resulting water waste in such areas.
(2) Use of drought tolerant plants. Only drought tolerant native and non-invasive exotic species may be used in xeriscape plantings.
(3) Alternative groundcover. Whenever possible, mulched planting beds and native plant communities should be used to meet landscape requirements. Beds may be mulched with any suitable organic or inorganic groundcover, provided that no more than 25% of the total vegetated area ismulched with inorganic material. Preservation and re-establishment of native plant communities as part of landscape designs is encouraged.
(E) Landscaping plan required. A landscape plan is required for submittal and approval for all new subject developments. Submittal of a landscape plan drawn to scale shall show information and conform to requirements as follows:
(1) The location and height of existing and proposed fences, buffering or screening materials.
(2) The location, size, and type of existing trees having a 6-inch or greater diameter measured 4.5 feet above ground.
(3) Method of irrigation for proposed trees and plant materials.
(4) An arborist's report may be required for sites with mature trees to be preserved and protected during construction.
(5) Other information as deemed appropriate by the Planning Official.
(Ord. 2021-08-02, passed 10-12-2021)