A. Landscaping as approved by a site plan shall be maintained in good condition so as to present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance at all times. Landscaping shall be maintained to minimize property damage and public safety hazards, including the removal/replacement of dead or decaying plant material, removal of low hanging branches and those obstructing street lighting and maintenance of sight distance standards as set forth herein. Landscaping shall be maintained in accordance with the following standards:
1. Landscaping shall be kept visibly free of insects and disease.
2. Areas originally mulched shall be kept free from weeds and other volunteer plants.
3. Irrigation systems shall be maintained so as to eliminate water loss due to damaged, missing, or improperly operating sprinkler heads, emitters, piping and valves. Irrigation shall not spray or otherwise allow water to go into roads or other public pathways.
B. In the event a tree, shrub, or other plant causes damage to streets, sidewalks, or other public improvements, the offending plant shall be removed and replaced.
C. All dead or diseased landscape plantings shall be replaced with equivalent material in a timely fashion, or within thirty (30) days following notice from the community development director.
D. If any landscaping is removed in violation of an approved site plan or plat, the property owner shall plant three (3) times such amount, of equal quality and size, on such site or plat. If it is impractical to replace such landscaping with an equal size, then several smaller sized plantings, totaling, in aggregate, the size of the improperly removed landscaping, shall be required. The city may require that some of the landscaping be planted on public property if it is impractical to place all plantings on that particular site or plat. Failure to maintain landscaping in accordance with approved site plan shall constitute a violation of the approved site plan. (Ord. 876, 1-17-2008)