(a) Plant Type. Landscape planting shall emphasize drought-tolerant and native species (especially along natural or scenic corridors), shall complement the architectural design of structures on the site, and shall be suitable for the soil and climatic conditions of the site.
(b) Planting Size and Spacing. To achieve an immediate effect of a landscape installation and to allow sustained growth of planting materials, minimum plant material sizes and plant spacing shall be as follows:
(1) Trees. The minimum plant size for trees shall be fifteen gallons. Trees planted within ten feet of a street, sidewalk, paved trail, or walkway shall be a deep-rooted species or shall be separated from paved surfaces by a root barrier to prevent physical damage to public improvements. A minimum distance of fifteen feet is required between the center of trees to street light standards and fire hydrants.
(2) Shrubs. The minimum plant size for shrubs shall be five gallons.
(3) Ground cover. Ground cover (including turf) shall be planted in a manner to provide one hundred percent coverage within two years of initial planting.
(c) Clear Sight Distance Maintained. To safeguard against vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian collisions caused by visual obstructions at street intersections, a clear cross-visibility area shall be maintained at the intersection of the public rights-of-way, unobstructed by any landscape material taller than forty-two inches above the street grade. At any corner formed by the intersection of two streets, the required clear cross-visibility area shall be a triangle having two sides fifteen-feet long extending along the curb line of each street (see previous Figure 21.62.050).
(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).