(A) Protection of single-family residential uses. A six-foot solid fence or masonry wall shall be provided along the adjoining property line where a two-family, three-family, four-family, multi-family group or planned unit development adjoins any single-family residential use. Chain link fencing with slats is not considered a solid fence for purposes of this section, unless the chain link has interlocking opaque vinyl, which is pre-inserted into the mesh. A minimum 20-foot wide planting strip shall be required between the multi-family dwelling and the property line. When a single-story height multi-family building adjoins any single-family residential use the planting strip can be reduced to ten feet after ensuring there is no negative effect on the single-family residence. Evergreen or deciduous trees shall be planted in the planting strip to provide a buffer between the two uses. A tree planting plan shall be submitted to the city for review and approval by the City Forester. The minimum tree size is two-inch caliper for deciduous trees and an eight-foot height for evergreens. A fence or wall is not required along the adjoining property line in the required front yard setback. If a fence or wall is installed along the property line in the required front yard setback it shall comply with the height and location standards as referenced in § 156.346 of this chapter.
(B) Recreation and playground areas. In any residential development with four or more dwelling units on a single parcel of land, there shall be provided usable recreation or playground areas outside of the front yard setback, with a total minimum area of 2,000 square feet for three dwelling units and 250 additional square feet for each dwelling unit thereafter. The minimum width and length of any usable recreation or playground area shall not be less than 20 feet unless a trail system is approved as part of the requirement by the Community Development Manager or designee. The on-site, above grade storm drainage detention basin may count toward a portion of the recreation area if the applicant provides sufficient evidence that the basin is safe for recreational purposes and usable pertaining to the area, slope and landscape. All recreation and playground areas shall be accessible by all dwelling units within the development. Pathways within the designated areas may be included in the calculation (sidewalks which border a parking lot and/or buildings and parking lots are not considered recreation area for the purposes of this section).
(C) Landscaping. In multiple residential developments (two-family, three-family, four-family, multiple-family, group or planned unit developments), all areas not covered by buildings, structures and parking, shall be landscaped and maintained using an underground automatic irrigation system. Areas not covered by an approved building, required parking trees or shrubs shall be covered by grass or another acceptable ground cover such as bark, wood chips or decorative rocks. Dirt, weeds and similar materials are not considered acceptable ground cover. Each project shall submit a complete landscaping plan to the city for review and approval by the City Forester. The landscaping plan shall include at least one tree per unit or as approved by the City Forester. The minimum tree size is two-inch caliper for deciduous trees and eight feet in height for evergreen trees. No species of trees or large shrub should be planted under overhead lines or over underground utilities if its natural growth may interfere with the installation or maintenance of any public or private utility. Storm drainage facilities should be incorporated into the landscape design and appear to be a part of the overall project.
(Prior Code, § 29.12.120) (Ord. 07-13, passed 7-19-2007; Ord. 11-12, passed 5-19-2011; Ord. 21-16, passed 12-16-2021)