(A) Plan preparation. It is required that a licensed landscape architect or licensed landscape contractor be employed in preparing the landscape and irrigation plans. Prior to plan preparation, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director should be contacted for street tree information.
(B) Plant materials. The selection of plant materials should include both evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and attractive erosion preventing ground cover. It is required that at least 90% of the plants selected in nonturf areas be native or well suited to the climate of the region, be drought tolerant and require minimal water once established in the landscape. Up to 10% of the plants may be of nondrought tolerant variety as long as they are grouped together and can be irrigated separately. Attention shall be given to the function of the plants, their appearance, height, spread, growth rate, moisture requirements, potential root damage, disease and pest susceptibility, climatic adaptability, soil type, slope and degree of maintenance required.
(C) Plant coverage. Plants shall be properly spaced and sized that, when mature, they will fulfill their designated function. Turf shall be limited to 30% of the total landscaped area. Shrubs shall be a minimum of one gallon in size and trees shall be a minimum of 15 gallons. Although a reasonable number of growing seasons will be allowed for full plant coverage to develop, interim ground cover shall be provided during this period. Interim cover of surfacing materials shall consist of rocks, gravel, wood mulch or chips or any other acceptable material. Mulches must be a minimum of three inches when used as a interim measure or in ground cover.
(D) Plant maintenance. Automated irrigation systems shall be provided to assure efficient water use with a minimum of labor and water waste. Irrigation controllers must have multiple cycle capabilities and rain sensing override switches. Plant material must be maintained in a healthy condition. Unhealthy plants shall be replaced. Planters shall be kept free of all weeds, debris and trash.
(E) Planter construction. All planter areas shall provide positive drainage away from paved areas. They shall have either a minimum six inch raised concrete or treated wooden curb directly behind sidewalks and pavement areas, or shall be recessed two inches below adjoining paved area with a minimum four to one (4:1) slope away from paved edge to provide protection to the landscaping and control water runoff, silt and erosion onto the pavement. All planters constructed adjacent to buildings or structures shall be so designed to avoid irrigation water intrusion into or on that adjacent building or structure. The minimum width of a planter bed shall be 40 inches, with root boxes required where trees are planted, measured from the inside of curbing or acceptable permanent border.
(F) Compacted soils. Prior to the planting of any materials, the compacted soils surrounding a building site shall be returned to a friable condition. “Friable condition” is defined in § 9-11-9 of this chapter.
(Ord. 413, passed 1-5-1993)