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The following information shall be required, as it may apply:
A. The property owner shall provide the town with a complete SRI per the requirements of section 17-11-3.
B. Biological linkages between existing wildlife and riparian corridors shall be maintained.
C. The size and shape of riparian areas and wildlife corridor linkages shall be:
1. Determined based on existing studies or the town-accepted recommendations of a qualified biologist; and
2. Delineated in the SRI.
D. A riparian area or wildlife corridor linkage may be protected and enhanced by a buffer of natural open space, open space, or golf course. The combined linkage and buffer shall be wide enough to accommodate the wildlife species most sensitive to human encroachment and known to inhabit the riparian area or to traverse the wildlife corridor.
E. Riparian areas and wildlife linkages delineated in the SRI and slated for protection shall remain undisturbed throughout the course of development and shall be fenced-off during construction.
F. Any grading of the riparian and wildlife corridors and linkages shall be mitigated at 100% by re-vegetation with plantings chosen to match adjacent undisturbed natural areas with a minimum of five years growth and irrigation supplied for two years to ensure the plants become established. Plant materials shall be introduced to closely match existing species in terms of size, massing and quality, as approved by the planning manager.
A. Purpose. These regulations provide for the preservation, protection, transplanting, and replacement of existing designated native plants including cacti, succulents, trees, and shrubs through the establishment of comprehensive procedures, requirements, and standards which protect the public health, safety, and general welfare.
B. Findings. The town has determined that:
1. Native vegetation within the town is a unique natural resource that promotes tourism and contributes to the economic and aesthetic well-being of the community.
2. Native vegetation, as an integral part of the Sonoran desert, contributes to the high property values, high quality of life, and unique lifestyle which the community enjoys.
3. Native vegetation is important in stabilizing desert soils and providing food and protection for many types of desert wildlife.
4. Native vegetation is more drought tolerant, requires less maintenance, and uses less water than other types of landscaping.
5. Native vegetation is a slow growing type of plant material that cannot always be successfully relocated. A plant of like character cannot replace certain specimen plants, because of their form, age or location.
C. Native plant protection. No person shall destroy, mutilate, remove from the premises or relocate to another place on the premises any cacti, indigenous trees and/or shrubs which are four inches or greater in caliper measured at the base, any plants listed in the endangered species act as threatened, endangered, and category 1, 2 and 3 species, and any plants included in the Marana protected native plant list, without first applying for and submitting a native plant plan to the town. Native understory plants shall be maintained in an existing stand of plants and preserved in place.
D. Applicability. A native plant plan shall be required for all of the following:
1. All new development.
2. Expansions of existing development.
a. If the expansion is less than 25% of the area of the lot or parcel, the requirements of this chapter apply only to the proposed expansion area.
b. If the expansion is 25% or greater or if expansions after October 2, 2001, cumulatively result in a 25% or greater expansion in land area, floor area, lot coverage, or vehicular use area, the requirements of this chapter apply to the proposed expansion area and the remaining undeveloped site area.
E. Exceptions. A native plant plan shall not be required for the following:
1. On sites for which a grading plan is not required or where the total area covered by all grading permits is 14,000 square feet or less.
2. A project on a site that does not contain any plant on the town's protected native plant list, demonstrated by the applicant through photographic and/or on-site verification, subject to the planning department's determination. Supporting photographic verification must be submitted to the planning department for review and approval at the time of development application.
3. Previously graded sites containing no significant native vegetation may apply for a native plant plan exception. Supporting photographic verification must be submitted to the planning department for review and approval at the time of development application.
4. A project that maintains a minimum 30% of the project area as NUOS. The perimeter boundary of the NUOS shall be described and depicted with bearings and distances to assure that the set-aside area equals a minimum of 30% of the project area.
F. Professional expertise. Preparation of all elements of the native plant plan and on-site monitoring shall be performed by one of the following plant professionals:
1. A landscape architect registered in the state of Arizona.
2. An arborist certified by the international society of arboriculture.
3. A horticulturist, biologist, or botanist with a minimum B.A. or B.S. in an appropriate arid environment natural resource field.
4. An individual accepted by the planning manager based on his or her credentials.
G. Native plant permit approval or denial. A native plant plan application may be approved, approved conditionally, or denied.
1. Where the planning manager determines that the application is in conformance with the provisions of this chapter the plan shall be approved with such conditions and assurances attached as necessary to ensure that the site resource inventory and native plant plan are successfully accomplished.
2. Where the planning manager determines that the application is not in conformance with the provisions of this chapter, the application shall be denied.
3. A new native plant plan shall be required to modify, alter or amend an approved native plant plan.
4. Every native plant plan shall expire and become null and void if the work authorized under the provisions of this chapter is not commenced within six months from the date the native plant plan was approved unless otherwise specified as a condition of the plan approval.
5. Before work can be recommenced, a new native plant plan shall be submitted and approved pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
6. The planning manager shall have the authority to grant a single extension not to exceed 180 days, for completion of the work upon written request of the applicant. Failure to comply with the time limitation without an extension authorized by the town shall require application for a new native plant plan pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
H. Revegetated areas. Areas the planning manager determines have been successfully revegetated with the type and density of native plants similar to adjacent areas may be considered NUOS.
I. Native plant inventory methodologies. Any combination of at least one or more of the following three methodologies shall be utilized to prepare a native plant plan. The applicant shall conform to all requirements of the applicable set aside methodology, plant inventory methodology or the plant appraisal methodology.
1. Set aside methodology. The preservation and mitigation requirements of this section shall be satisfied by the set aside of an area of the site as NUOS in conformance with the following requirements.
a. The provisions of this section may be combined, or used in conjunction with the provisions of other plant protection methodologies of this section.
b. A minimum of 30% of the site shall be set aside in perpetuity as NUOS.
c. The NUOS set aside area shall consist of the area or areas with the highest resource value as determined by the SRI or other method approved by the planning manager.
d. Boundaries of all NUOS shall be clearly delineated on an aerial photograph and site plan, development plan, or subdivision plat and fenced for the duration of any construction activities.
e. NUOS protection shall include control of invasive species within the area.
2. Plant inventory methodology. The plant inventory methodology is based upon a native plant inventory of all plants on the Marana protected native plant list. The criteria set forth in section 17-11-5 L shall be used to determine the viability and transplantability of protected native plants as well as to determine the numbers and locations of plants required for preservation-in-place (PIP) or transplanted-on-site (TOS). The minimum number of protected native plants required for PIP and/or TOS is based upon a percentage of the viable and transplantable protected native plants inventoried on-site.
a. The minimum standards for the preservation of protected native plants in the plant inventory methodology shall be satisfied as follows:
i. Endangered species and "crested" saguaros. 100% of federal endangered species and crested saguaros shall be preserved-in-place or salvaged and transplanted on-site.
ii. Saguaros and ironwoods. At least 50% of all viable saguaros and ironwood trees shall be preserved-in-place or salvaged and transplanted on-site.
iii. Other protected native plants. At least 30% of each genus and species of other viable and transplantable protected native plants shall be preserved-in-place or salvaged and transplanted on-site.
iv. The provisions of this subsection may be combined, or used in conjunction, with other plant preservation methodologies specified in this section.
3. Plant appraisal methodology. The preservation and mitigation requirements of this section shall be satisfied when the monetary replacement value is determined for each genus and species of protected native plant which is removed from the site, damaged, or destroyed. The provisions of this subsection may be combined, or used in conjunction, with other plant preservation methodologies specified in this section.
a. Site appraisal. A plant appraisal shall be prepared which shall identify and state the financial value of each protected native plant which is proposed to be removed from the site, damaged, or destroyed and shall be keyed to the native plant inventory of the native plant program. The monetary value of these plants shall be paid into an escrow account of the town's choosing, to be used for public works landscaping projects within the town. The plant appraisal shall be conducted by a recognized plant professional according to the most current methods and procedures accepted by the council of tree and landscape appraisers.
b. Expiration of appraisals. Appraisals shall be current within six months of submittal of the native plant program and shall be valid for a period of two years after the plan approval date. A revised appraisal value shall be required for development which does not proceed before the two year time limit of the appraisal has expired.
c. Amendment of appraisals. Where any protected native plant is removed from the site, damaged, or destroyed and is not identified on the appraisal prepared in conformance with the native plant program, the protected native plants shall be appraised pursuant to this section, and the appraisal shall be amended to include all additional protected native plants removed and their financial value.
4. Preservation and mitigation requirements. Protected native plants which are proposed to be or are removed from the site, damaged, or destroyed during development shall be replaced by plants of the same genus and species at a rate of 1.5:1 to account for mortality. The native plant preservation plan shall detail the size and value of replacement plants to demonstrate that the monetary value of replacement plants shall be equal to the monetary value of each species of protected native plant which is removed from the site, damaged, or destroyed.
J. General provisions and submittal requirements. The following general provisions and submittal requirements shall apply to the submittal of all native plant programs and native plant permits:
1. Submittals required.
a. The native plant program shall consist of the information required in this section. Additional information may also be required by the planning manager to insure that the findings of this code are fulfilled.
b. Native plant inventory, containing:
i. Aerial photograph and site plan overlay at a minimum scale of 1" = 100' showing the location of all protected native plants within the proposed affected area and
within ten feet of any construction limits.
ii. List of the number, species, size, general condition, and salvage status of all protected native plants within the proposed affected area that are to be either transplanted on or off-site or preserved in-place. This inventory shall be based upon the criteria set forth in section 17-11-5 L of this code.
iii. The native plant inventory methodology selected from subsection 17-11-5 I, shall include the proposed location of all protected native plants to be relocated within the proposed affected area.
iv. Native plant holding nursery site location where plant material is to be stored.
v. Locations of riparian and xeroriparian areas.
c. If the plant appraisal methodology is selected, a plant appraisal based on a native plant inventory for each plant to be removed from the site shall be submitted.
d. If the set aside methodology is selected; no grubbing, grading, construction, or salvaging of any plants on the site shall take place prior to the submittal and approval. Protected native plants designated shall not be destroyed, damaged, salvaged, transplanted, or removed from the site except in accordance with the approved plan.
K. Plant disposition. The native plant preservation plan shall indicate the disposition of protected native plants in excess of those needed to meet the requirements of this code and other applicable regulations. It is encouraged that all protected native plants that are not proposed to remain on-site be salvaged and transplanted off-site. The plan shall indicate conformance with the requirements of the federal endangered species act and the Arizona native plant law. The planning department shall be provided with verification of required salvage permits from the U.S. fish and wildlife service for the applicable endangered and threatened genus and species and verification of required notification to the Arizona department of agriculture prior to the issuance of a grading permit.
L. Criteria. Protected native plants shall not be destroyed, mutilated, or removed from the premises, or relocated on the premises except in accordance with an approved native plant program required in conjunction with the issuance of native plant permit. No native plant program shall be approved until it has been demonstrated that the following criteria have been met:
1. The density/ intensity of the development for the approved land use shall be an important element in the determination of the base requirements for plant retention and salvage. A site resource inventory (section 17-11-3) shall be submitted and approved prior to submittal element of the native plant program. The native plant program shall provide reasonable plant salvage, protection, and storage and shall insure consistency with existing neighborhood character.
2. The site plan shall be consistent with the site resource inventory and be designed to protect and incorporate significant on site natural amenities (i.e. unique or significant vegetation, unique or significant rock outcroppings, significant riparian habitats and wildlife corridors, etc.) and minimize the number of salvageable plants which need to be removed to allow reasonable construction on the site. These relationships shall promote and enhance the character of the native environment rather than contrast or domesticate it.
3. A vegetation inventory and analysis shall provide a clear, comprehensive review and listing of plant materials, their condition and physical relationships on site so as to aid the site planning and determination of plant salvageability. The native plant viability and transplantability status shall be determined for each native plant of the minimum size and shall be used to determine the numbers and locations of plants required for preservation. The following plant viability and transplantability criteria shall be used:
a. Plant viability criteria. Plant viability is based upon plant health, age and form. Plants rated low are not considered viable and are not required to be assessed according to the transplantability criteria. Plants rated medium or high are considered viable and shall be further assessed under the transplantability criteria.
i. High. A high plant viability rating shall be assigned to plants meeting the following criteria.
a) Health: plant is good to excellent with no major infestations of insects or apparent diseases.
b) Age: plant age is young or mature with likely chance of long survival.
c) Form: plant is relatively undamaged with a healthy branching habit.
ii. Medium. A medium rating shall be assigned to plants which do not meet all of the criteria for a high rating but have sufficient merit to warrant preservation, in the opinion of the qualified plant professional conducting the inventory.
iii. Low. A low plant viability rating shall be given to plants meeting any one or more of the following:
a) Health: plant health is poor. Generally the result of severe infestations of pests or diseases or lack of water over time.
b) Age: Plant is in a state of decline, suggesting a low probability of lengthy survival.
c) Form: Plant form and character is severely damaged. For trees, this may include new branches from large, old, dead trunks or weak branching habit.
b. Plant transplantability criteria. Plant transplantability is based upon plant genus and species, size, soils, context and topography. The following five categories shall be inventoried to determine the ability to salvage the viable plants, which will not be preserved-in-place. Plants rated low for transplantability should not be considered for salvage and transplant. Plants rated medium to high that are not preserved-in-place should be considered for salvage and transplant on-site or off-site.
i. High. A high rating for transplantability shall be assigned to viable plants which also meet the following criteria:
a) Genus and species: Has a high survival rate for reestablishment after transplant.
b) Size: Overall plant dimensions are suitable for transplanting based upon the genus and species.
c) Soils: Can be excavated, are cohesive, and seem capable of supporting the rootball system.
d) Topography: Permits access with the appropriate equipment needed to remove plants and their rootball systems.
e) Context: Adjacent plants do not possess a likely interference with root systems or interfere with plant removal.
ii. Medium: A medium transplantability rating shall be assigned to plants which do not meet all of the criteria for a high rating but do have sufficient merit, in the opinion of the qualified plant professional conducting the inventory, to warrant transplanting.
iii. Low: A low rating shall be assigned to plants which meet the following criteria:
a) Genus and species: Has a low survival rate for reestablishing after transplant.
b) Size: Overall plant dimensions are not suitable for transplanting based upon the genus and species.
c) Soils: Too rocky, sandy, or shallow to excavate a cohesive rootball system.
d) Topography: Seriously limits access to the specimen by the appropriate equipment (i.e., steep slopes, rock barriers).
e) Context: Adjacent plants interfere with removal or present likely conflicts with the rootball system.
4. Areas of the site shall be inventoried to estimate representative numbers of protected native plants. Areas of the site must be inventoried by sampling typical identifiable areas for each genus and species and estimating representative plant numbers per square acre of the total site area. The samples must be representative of the viable species found on site and shall not be less than 20% of the total site. If different plant communities (upland, riparian, valley floor, etc.) are found on one site, then a sample of not less than 20% of each defined community, shall be inventoried.
5. All plants which are salvaged and transplanted on-site shall be rated as viable and transplantable prior to relocation.
6. All protected native plants shall be properly tagged and/ or permitted in accordance with the federal endangered species act, the Arizona native plant law, and this article, as applicable.
7. Once the inventory by sampling is complete, then the field tagging and protection of those plants to be preserved-in-place (PIP) or transplanted-on-site (TOS) can take place.
8. All PIP plants must be identified on an aerial photo and fenced for protection prior to subsequent grading of the site and construction activities. Fencing should include sufficient area to avoid compaction of plant roots. Plants within a designated natural undisturbed open space, under any method, do not require individual tagging since their boundaries will be fenced.
9. Plants to be TOS may be identified and included in a TOS 'pool'. A summary report shall be prepared that identifies all TOS plants by quantity, genus and species. This summary shall be located on the native plant program plan and any associated landscape plan. The selection of specific TOS plants may vary according to field conditions and therefore, final selection will be made by the "plant professional" and the salvage contractor. Once the total numbers of plants to be TOS have been identified in the field, they must be field tagged for TOS.
10. All protected native plants scheduled to remain in place (except those scheduled to remain in place as part of a NUOS area) or authorized for relocation by the approved native plant permit must be tagged with an embossed metal inventory number which cross references to the inventory list and aerial photograph submitted as part of the native plant program, so that the disposition of each plant can be easily identified. Tags required by this article shall be affixed in a visible location on the plant, preferably on the north side of each plant, whenever possible. Once affixed, the tags shall not be removed until the plants are removed or relocated in compliance with the native plant permit and a final inspection has been made.
11. All protected native vegetation to remain in-place as part of a NUOS area shall be adequately protected during grading and construction through placement of a fence barrier surrounding the entire NUOS area. NUOS plants that are to remain in-place as part of a NUOS area, do not require tagging.
12. A conceptual analysis and design of the site vegetation and/or landscaping shall insure that the character of the project be consistent with the natural density, distribution, and maturity of vegetation on adjacent properties.
13. If the conceptual analysis and design reveals an excess supply of onsite salvageable plants, the relocation program shall designate alternative projects within areas of suitable habitat, in municipal, county, state and federal reclamation and re-vegetation projects in addition to off-site privately owned properties.
14. To assure full implementation and completion of the approved plans and permits, the town will require a mutual consent agreement between the town and the applicant signed and guaranteed by cash or a bond acceptable to the town attorney in an amount set by the town manager to guarantee performance of the provisions of the mutual consent agreement.
15. On-site monitoring of all aspects of site clearing, grading, plant protection, preservation, salvage, and mitigation shall be provided during project construction, at the expense of the developer, for all residential development that is over five acres and for all commercial and industrial development that is over one acre. The monitoring shall be performed by an individual who is qualified in arid lands native plant resource identification and protection as specified in subsection 17-11-5 F. The monitor shall provide periodic progress reports to the developer outlining the status of work accomplished and any problems encountered. The town shall receive a copy of these reports for the project file.
a. The monitor shall be responsible for an assessment of the condition of the site's plants one year after the final inspection has been performed on the site. The monitor shall visit the site and prepare a report on plant status, including general plant condition, the identification of plants under stress and the appropriate method to relieve the stress, and recommendations for replacement of plants that are dead or dying. Dead or dying plants shall be replaced with the same size plant at a one-to-one ratio of like genus and species. Copies of the report shall be submitted to the site owner/developer and to the planning department. The owner shall respond to the plant needs as outlined in the status report within 90 days of report submittal or within a shorter period if required to improve the health of stressed plants and prevent plant loss.
A. Purpose.
1. To provide landscaping requirements and standards that reflect the character and enhance the image of the community.
2. To minimize the potential adverse impacts associated with adjacent or abutting land uses of varying intensities.
3. To provide the landowner, developer, or designer with flexibility while protecting the public interest.
B. Intent and objectives.
1. To visually soften and unify the appearance of commercial and industrial developments.
2. To define major entryways, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, and parking patterns.
3. To buffer less intensive adjacent land uses.
4. To integrate the rugged and colorful landscape character of the Sonoran desert into the town's commercial and industrial developments.
5. Conserve groundwater resources in conformance with the Arizona groundwater code, A.R.S. title 45, chapter 2, by:
a. Specifying the use of xeriscape design principles and standards;
b. Using water harvesting techniques to help control and utilize stormwater runoff;
c. Specifying xeriscape plant materials from approved lists; and
d. Encouraging the use of reclaimed water.
6. Protect the general public health, safety, and welfare by incorporating design guidelines that:
a. Minimize noise, air, water, dust and visual pollution;
b. Screen and buffer incompatible land uses;
c. Preserve property values and the character of neighborhoods;
d. Reduce the heat and glare absorbed and radiated by development;
e. Conserve energy resources;
f. Control soil erosion;
g. Control growth of noxious, invasive plants; and
h. Increase traffic safety.
7. Reduce the negative impacts between potentially incompatible uses and zones by buffering or screening.
8. Encourage preservation-in-place of healthy native plants through sensitive design.
C. Landscape plan requirement.
1. An approved landscape plan, including a planting plan and irrigation plan, is required for all of the following:
a. Prior to approval of the development plan, preliminary plat and final plat or issuance of building permits.
b. Additions to buildings which increase the gross building area by 25% or more.
c. All off-street parking areas and landscape buffers.
2. All landscape plans shall be sealed by a registered landscape architect.
D. Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any of the following:
1. Individually owned residential lots.
2. Additions of less than 25% of total floor area of non-residential buildings.
3. Any preliminary plat or development plan submitted prior to the effective date of this section.
E. Landscape plan content, standards, form, submission and filing fee. Refer to the landscape plan application checklist for additional requirements.
1. General.
a. Plant materials shall be graphically delineated on the plan with written information in list format on the plan, that includes genus and species name, common name, size and quantity;
b. Proposed location of all new and salvaged plant materials.
c. All inorganic materials such as crushed rock or decomposed granite groundcovers, paving materials, boulders, benches, fountains, water features, sculpture, and trash receptacles shall be shown graphically and include information regarding size, quantity, color, and location.
d. Water harvesting, detention/retention basins, and berms used for water collection shall be graphically shown on the plan and shall include a written explanation of their purpose and anticipated runoff collection.
e. Irrigation plans shall show size and location of all equipment needed to irrigate the site to industry standards.
2. Landscaping plans in specific plan areas.
a. When proposed development falls within a specific plan the landscape guidelines for that plan shall be adhered to.
b. If the plan does not provide guidelines for any standard as defined in this code, this code shall override the specific plan.
c. If the specific plan landscape design guidelines are less restrictive than related guidelines in this code, the more restrictive of the two shall be adhered to.
3. Plants must conform to the town's official regulatory plant list. If a designer wishes to use a plant not found on the list a written request must be made. The request shall state the plant's characteristics which make it compatible with the regulations.
4. The landscape design shall be consistent with the environmental context of the development site. Preservation of native on-site vegetation shall be a primary objective of site planning and development. Specimen plants shall be given particular consideration for retention on site.
5. Any part of a development site which has been disturbed and is not required for buildings, structures, private residential yards, loading and vehicular access ways, streets, paved parking and utility areas, pedestrian walks and hard-surfaced activity areas shall be landscaped.
6. Natural undisturbed desert is an acceptable form of landscaping. Wherever the undisturbed natural desert landscape cannot be preserved, landscape design and construction shall promote the use of transplanted on-site desert plants, container-grown native plants, seeded desert plants and inorganic groundcover.
7. Xeriscape design principles and plant selection based on function, water requirement and most suitable environmental exposure of the plant materials shall be included in all proposals.
8. Turf applications for parks, recreational facilities, golf courses, school grounds, institutions and cemeteries are regulated by the Arizona department of water resources and are not covered in this chapter. All other building uses are covered in subsection 17-11-7 B.
9. Landscape designs shall be in harmony with the environmental context of the development site.
a. Plants shall be selected from the town's official regulatory plant list.
b. Trees and shrubs.
i. Trees shall be at least fifteen-gallon size at planting time.
ii. Shrubs shall be at least one-gallon size at planting time.
iii. Trees and shrubs shall be planted so that at maturity they do not interfere with overhead or underground service lines, traffic sight lines and the property rights of adjacent property owners.
iv. Trees with invasive roots which are planted near public sidewalks or curbs shall be installed with suitable root diverters to minimize heaving of those improvements.
v. Plants shall be grouped, clustered or unevenly spaced to prevent an unnatural landscape appearance.
vi. Multi-stemmed plants shall be included in the planting matrix to provide a natural looking landscape.
c. Groundcover.
i. Inorganic groundcover shall be used in combination with trees and shrubs and shall not exceed two-thirds of the total landscaped area, devoted to groundcover.
ii. All unpaved landscape areas shall be planted with shrubs, accents or vines, or covered with appropriate organic or inorganic groundcover.
d. Irrigation and water features.
i. All water use for landscape irrigation and enhancement shall conform to the Arizona groundwater code, A.R.S. title 45, chapter 2.
ii. Irrigation plans shall indicate how each introduced planting is served by a water-conserving, underground irrigation system. Water harvesting and drip irrigation are recommended methods. Irrigation shall be designed to avoid watering hardscape areas and built structures.
iii. Reclaimed water irrigation shall be encouraged for all landscaped and turf areas.
iv. Landscape designs shall be integrated with hydrology, grading and earthwork plans for the site and shall make maximum use of site stormwater run-off for irrigation purposes.
v. Water design features, such as ponds and fountains, shall be at a scale and design compatible with the desert environment.
e. Natural and built features.
i. Earth berms shall be designed with a reverse curve at the
base to allow a natural transition to existing grades. They shall not exceed a slope of 3:1 and shall be adequately covered with plant material, groundcover or rip-rap to control erosion. Planted berms shall be designed to retain irrigation water.
ii. Walls, fences, signs, landscaping and other potential obstructions shall be located to minimize sight line or view limitations.
iii. If boulders are used one third of the approximate volume shall be buried to provide a natural appearance.
f. Oasis exception.
i. An oasis area is a zone of planting where non-drought tolerant plant materials and turf are allowed. Turf use shall not exceed 20% of the total landscaped area. This area must be located near an area of high pedestrian use such as an entry, a recreation area, break area, clubhouse, courtyard, seating or dining area. Consideration will be made for areas developed as special focal points. There are two methods of determining the allowed oasis area. The calculation must be shown on the plans.
a) Multifamily uses: Multiply net site area by 5%.
b) All other uses: Multiply net site area by 2.5%.
ii. If a site is being phased, only that phase or area presented for development will be considered a part of the net site area.
F. Landscape buffer standards.
1. Purpose.
a. Landscape buffers provide the following four distinct functions:
i. Serve as landscape screens to mitigate visual impacts;
ii. Provide a landscape setback to reduce noise;
iii. Physically separate incompatible adjacent land uses; and
iv. Provide an aesthetic transition between adjacent compatible land uses.
b. In addition, landscape buffers function to eliminate or minimize potential nuisances such as dirt, litter, noise, glare of lights, and signs. They also visually soften and screen unsightly buildings or parking areas. Landscape buffers are also designed to ensure a desired character along public streets and roads.
2. A landscape buffer may be used for passive recreation. It may contain pedestrian, bike and equestrian trails. Where appropriate, linkages shall be encouraged within or along a landscape buffer as long as the total width of the buffer is maintained, and all other regulations of the code are met. Swimming pools, tennis courts, sports fields, golf courses, parking lots, or other uses requiring structures or removal of vegetation shall not be permitted within a landscape buffer.
3. Landscape buffers shall be located on the outer perimeter of a lot or parcel, extending to the property or boundary lines and shall be determined in accordance with the landscape buffers matrices set forth in subparagraph 5 below.
4. Landscape buffer plant requirements shall be determined by application of the landscape buffers matrices set forth in subparagraph 5 below.
5. Landscape buffers matrices. The numbers in table 1 (Landscape buffers matrix - between zoning districts) and table 2 (Landscape buffers matrix - street frontage) refer to the codes in table 3 (Landscape buffers matrix codes).
Table 1. Landscape buffers matrix - between zoning districts | |||||||||
Subject zone or zoning group | Adjacent zone or zoning group | ||||||||
AG | RA | ER | NR | GR | MR | RR | C | I | |
Table 1. Landscape buffers matrix - between zoning districts | |||||||||
Subject zone or zoning group | Adjacent zone or zoning group | ||||||||
AG | RA | ER | NR | GR | MR | RR | C | I | |
AG | n/a | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
RA | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
ER | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
NR | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
GR | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1* | 1  |
MR | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1* | 1 |
RR | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1* | 1 |
C (NC or VC) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | n/a | 2 |
I (LI or HI) | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | n/a |
* Use code 2 if adjacent parcel was developed prior to adoption of these landscape buffer requirements.
Use code 3 if adjacent parcel was developed prior to adoption of these landscape buffer requirements.Table 2. Landscape buffers matrix - street frontage | ||
Subject zone or zoning group | Street frontage | |
Front | Side or Rear | |
Table 2. Landscape buffers matrix - street frontage | ||
Subject zone or zoning group | Street frontage | |
Front | Side or Rear | |
AG | 5 | 3 |
RA | 5 | 3 |
ER | 5 | 3 |
NR | 5 | 3 |
GR | 5 | 3 |
MR | 5 | 3 |
RR | 5 | 3 |
C (NC or VC) | 5 | 3 |
I (LI or HI) | 4 | 4 |
Table 3. Landscape buffers matrix codes | ||
Code | Depth of buffer | Plant count |
1 | 6' minimum | 1.5 per 100 sq. ft. |
2 | 10' minimum | 1.5 per 100 sq. ft. |
3 | 15' minimum | 2.0 per 100 sq. ft. |
4 | 25' minimum | 1.5 per 100 sq. ft. |
5 | 10' minimum | 1.0 per 100 sq. ft. |
a. For every three shrubs planted, one 15 gallon tree shall be planted. Example: using code 1: a 1000 square foot landscape buffer area would need 15 plants: 12 one gallon shrubs and four 15 gallon trees. Earth berms of a minimum size of two cubic yards (approximately 8'W x 4.5'L x 1.5'H) may be used in lieu of three shrubs not to exceed 25% of shrubs.
b. Ground cover plants are required in addition to above plants. Ground cover equal to 20% of the total number of trees and shrubs will be located in the landscape buffer area.
G. Additional landscape buffer options.
1. Landscape buffer agreements. With the approval of the planning manager, property owners may enter into agreements to use abutting land to provide some or all of a required landscape buffer.
2. Reduction of landscape buffer requirements. The landscape buffer requirement may be reduced if a six foot high decorative masonry wall is constructed and the wall requirement is noted on the approved subdivision plat and landscape plan. If a wall is used as part of the landscape buffer requirement, the calculations for plant materials shall be reduced by one-third.
3. All landscape buffers are required to be landscaped. The landscape buffers shall contain the following minimum planting materials; six - 15 gallon trees, 15 - one gallon shrubs and ten -one gallon ground cover / accent plants per 1500 square feet of area. Existing natural desert may be utilized to meet or exceed these planting requirements. Where the number of existing natural desert plants do not meet the minimum landscape buffer planting requirement of this section, the natural desert plants shall be supplemented with additional native plants transplanted from on-site or from nursery plants. The applicant is encouraged to utilize on-site native plants within the landscape buffers where possible.
4. Natural drainage ways and existing natural vegetation. Natural drainage ways and existing natural vegetation may be used for screening if approved, in writing by the planning manager, provided such uses are consistent with the regulations contained in chapter 17-15 (floodplain and erosion hazard management code). Natural drainage ways and existing vegetation used for this purpose shall be a minimum of 20 feet wide.
H. General.
1. All trees and plants shall meet Arizona nursery association minimum guidelines as to caliper and height and the town's official regulatory plant list.
2. Low-water plants found on the town's regulatory plant list shall be used.
3. All landscaped areas shall be irrigated using an underground drip irrigation system. All landscaping shall be irrigated from a secondary, non-potable water source where available.
4. Trees within landscaped areas should be sited and spaced to avoid conflicts with overhead light fixtures.
5. Landscape plans shall be coordinated with above-and below-ground utilities to avoid irresolvable conflicts at the time of installation.
Ordinance 2022.006 amended Section 17-11-7 F.3-5
All off-street parking areas are required to comply with the following regulations:
A. Minimum requirements. A minimum of 15% of the gross parking area (includes all paved access and parking areas) shall be devoted to amenity landscaping as follows:
1. All landscape areas within ten feet of the perimeter of the gross paved parking area may be included in the 15% gross parking area calculation.
2. Any off-street parking area for five or more vehicles shall include a ten foot minimum width landscape buffer between the parking area and the public right-of-way. This area shall include screening as required by section 17-9-2.
3. At a minimum, every group of ten parking spaces shall be separated with a landscape planter island measuring a minimum five feet in width (from inside of curb to inside of curb) by the length of the parking stall, containing a minimum of one canopy tree and two groundcover plants per planter island.
4. Landscape islands shall be a minimum of 6 feet in order to protect plant materials from car overhangs and pedestrian traffic.
5. Plant materials shall be chosen so that within five years of installation, planting materials shall achieve a 40% shading of the asphalt areas.
6. Landscaping materials shall not obstruct sight distances or vehicle turning movements.
7. The use of decorative paving materials to indicate pedestrian crossings and paths within the parking area is encouraged.
8. For every 150 square feet of landscaped area, a minimum of one tree, five shrubs and groundcover plants as required.
9. Landscaped areas in parking lots are encouraged to utilize any combination of decorative paving, inert groundcover, berms and additional plant materials.
10. Planters, walls and fences adjacent to the parking areas shall have a protective six inch curb to shield against damage to plants and irrigation heads.
a. Curb cuts may be strategically incorporated to encourage stormwater to drain to depressed planting areas.
b. Appropriate paving should be used where pedestrians are likely to cross landscaped areas.
11. Protective concrete curbs and standard concrete wheel stops are required where walls and fences abut driveways and parking stalls.
12. Plant materials selected for use at the perimeter of landscape islands shall be limited to ground covers or other low-growing species that are capable of withstanding regular foot traffic.
Ordinance 2022.006 amended Section 17-11-8 A.2
The primary purpose of this section is to promote the safety of those people using Marana roadways, vehicular and bicycle traffic as well as maintenance workers and pedestrians. Sight visibility and plant material selection and location are important factors. This section also is intended to promote the harvesting of water within the landscape area.
A. Hardscape shall be designed to deter materials from washing onto sidewalks and the roadway. The toe of slopes with decomposed granite shall be located 12" minimum from walls and curb, and shall end in reverse curves.
B. Boulders shall have a maximum 18" exposed above grade.
C. Bullnoses or any median three feet or less in width shall not be planted.
D. All sight visibility triangles shall be indicated on plans. No mature plants over 18" or tree canopies growing lower than six feet shall be allowed in these zones.
E. Shrubs shall be placed so that when the mature size is reached, the edge of the shrub is one foot from the curb.
F. Tree trunks shall be located a minimum of seven feet from median curb and nine feet from right-of-way curb.
G. Planting of tree materials which shall overhang into roadway at maturity is discouraged. Overhanging branches are a hazard to bicyclists and have the potential of being injured or destroyed by high profile automobiles.
A. Continuous maintenance provisions shall be provided on the landscape plan. Maintenance shall include a plan, which accommodates the following:
1. The irrigation system should be designed to assure consistent water coverage of newly planted areas, regular watering of non-native species and specific watering schedule per plant type or xeriscape zone.
2. Pruning methods shall allow maximum shading while preventing obstruction into walkways, curb areas, drives, and line of sight triangles. Tree clearance for pedestrian and automobile passage shall be a minimum of seven feet once the tree has reached maturity. Pruning shall be consistent with the natural growth pattern or characteristic form of the plant. Opaque hedges are permitted.
3. Ornamental landscaping shall require regular fertilizing, aerating and mulching schedules to encourage plant growth and water conservation.
4. General landscape maintenance such as the clearing of debris, litter and weeds shall be included on a regular maintenance schedule.
5. Any plant material in areas of required landscaping that does not survive shall be replaced with an equivalent size and species within 30 days on an ongoing basis. Failure to replace dead plant material within the specified time period shall constitute a zoning violation.
6. Irrigation shall be routinely tested and shall be repaired and replaced as necessary to prevent excess spray or water to planted areas, curbs and pavement, clogged emitters at each plant, and flooding of low lying areas. Improper irrigation system maintenance which results in pooling or runoff of excess water shall result in a warning. Failure to resolve the problem within 30 days shall constitute a zoning violation.
7. Architectural and built structures, sculpture or decorative features, and exterior furnishings (benches, trash receptacles, etc.) shall be maintained to prevent injury, maintain access, and prevent defacement.
Ordinance 2022.006 amended Section 17-11-10 A.5-6
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