The city recognizes that the specific landscape requirements set forth herein cannot and do not anticipate all possible landscape situations. A certain amount of flexibility in the application of such requirements is necessary in cases where the requirements are inapplicable or inappropriate to a specific use, design or site proposal. A written request for relief may be submitted to the land use authority in conjunction with the applicable development proposal, including an explanation of the findings and justification necessary to grant administrative relief.
A. The land use authority as part of a site plan approval may reduce the minimum needed landscaping up to ten percent (10%) after taking into consideration:
1. The location and size of parking lots and/or structures, the layout of the buildings, the topography and geometry of the site and other environmental factors;
2. The exclusion of natural areas for reasons of preservation;
3. A commensurate or additional percent of landscaping is being provided in an abutting right of way by permission of the owner of the right of way.
4. An increase of the impervious surface coverage has been accomplished by the methods shown in section 13.14.080, table 13.14.080C of this title;
B. The land use authority shall document in writing any such findings granting administrative relief. (Ord. 2013-22, 9-5-2013)