The following criteria and standards shall apply to landscape materials and installation:
(A) The builder shall in all residential uses landscape all yards facing roadways prior to building final and the homeowner occupying the structure. Landscaping shall include placement of sod, over seeding or sprigging. This requirement includes the bar ditch and/or sidewalk up to the road.
(B) In the front yard of each home, at least one tree shall be planted or retained. The required tree shall have a minimum size of three and one-half caliper inches measured six inches above the ground, (alternatively two trees with a minimum size of two inches may be substituted for one three and one-half caliper inch tree) and be one of the species listed in § 157.011.
(C) Only landscaping consisting of quality grass, shrubs, and trees that are generally found in quality residential neighborhoods shall be permitted.
(D) Landscaping materials such as wood chips and gravel may be used under trees, shrubs, and other plants.
(E) Plant materials shall conform to the standards of the approved plant list for the city. (See § 157.011 for the approved plant tree list.) Grass seed, sod, and other material shall be clean and reasonably free of weeds and noxious pests and insects.
(F) Ground covers used in lieu of grass in whole and in part shall be planted in such a manner as to present a furbished appearance and reasonable completed coverage within one year of planting.
(Ord. O-2011-002, passed 1-11-11)