A. Obligation to maintain. It shall be the continuing obligation of the property owner to maintain required landscaped areas in an attractive manner free of weeds and noxious . In addition, the minimum amount of required living landscape materials shall be maintained.
B. Ground preparation. The ground in all required landscaped areas should be properly prepared with suitable soil and fertilizer. Specifications shall be submitted with the landscape plans showing that adequate preparation of the top soil and sub-soil will be undertaken prior to planting to support the plantings over a long period of time.
C. Installation requirements. The installation of all landscaping shall be as follows:
1. All landscaping shall be installed according to accepted planting procedures and the provisions of this article;
2. The plant materials shall be of high
, and shall meet the size and grading standards of the American Standards for Nursery Stock; and
3. All required landscaped areas must be provided with a piped underground irrigation system unless a licensed landscape architect or certified nurseryman submits written verification that the proposed plant materials do not require irrigation.
D. Pruning required. All plant growth in landscaped areas of shall be controlled by pruning or trimming so that it will not:
1. Interfere with the maintenance or repair of any public utility;
2. Restrict pedestrian or vehicular
; and
3. Constitute a traffic hazard because of reduced visibility.
E. Certificate of occupancy. Certificates of occupancy shall not be issued unless the landscaping requirements have been met or other arrangements have been made and approved by the such as the posting of a performance bond or security equal to 125% of the cost of the landscaping.
F. Care of landscaping along public rights-of-way. Appropriate methods for the care and maintenance of and landscaping materials shall be provided by the owner of the property abutting the rights-of-way unless otherwise required for emergency conditions and the safety of the general public.
(Ord. 2009-01, passed 3-9-2009; Ord. 2013-3, passed 5-22-2013)