Landscaping materials shall consist of the following and are described in more detail in the plant list on file at the Building Department. The proposed landscape materials should complement the form of the existing trees and plantings, as well as the development's general design and architecture. The type of shade or sun should be considered in selecting plant materials.
A. Earth Mounds
Earth mounds shall be physical barriers which block or screen the view, similar to a hedge, fence or wall. Mounds shall be constructed with proper and adequate plant materials to prevent erosion. A difference in elevation between areas requiring screening does not constitute an existing earth mound and shall not be considered as fulfilling any screening requirement.
B. Plants
Artificial plants are prohibited. All plant materials shall be living plants and shall meet the following requirements. Plant materials used in conformance with the provisions of this chapter shall conform to the standards of the American Association of Nurserymen and shall have passed any inspections required under State regulations.
C. Maintenance and Installation
All landscaping materials shall be installed in a sound, workmanlike manner and according to accepted good construction and planting procedures. The owner or the tenant of the property shall be responsible for the continued good health and proper maintenance of all landscaping materials, and shall keep them in a proper, neat and orderly appearance, free from refuse and debris at all times. All unhealthy or dead plant material shall be replaced within one (1) year of citation, or by the next planting period, whichever comes first, while other defective landscape material shall be replaced within six months. Violation of these installation and maintenance provisions shall be grounds for the Building Department to refuse a Certificate of Occupancy or to institute legal proceedings.
D. Bonding
If the plant material identified on the landscape plan(s) are not installed prior to the filing for a Certificate of Occupancy, the applicant shall post a bond equal to one hundred and fifty (150) percent of the material and installation costs identified on the plan. This bond will permit the City to contract the installation of the approved landscape plan, with the applicant's landscape contractor, at the required "prevailing wage rate" should the applicant fail to install the landscape plan within one (1) complete growing season. The "prevailing wage rate" is the rate at which the City must pay a contractor to provide services for the City.
(Ord. 2000-128. Passed 12-6-00.)