(A) Generally. The following provisions aid in ensuring that all required landscaping is installed and maintained and properly.
(B) Installation standards.
(1) National standards. All landscaping and all plant materials shall be true to name, variety, and size and shall conform to all applicable provisions of the American Standards for Nursery Stock, latest edition as published by the American Horticulture Industry Association.
(2) Installation. Any required landscaping shall be in place at the time an occupancy permit is approved. Should completion of landscaping be delayed because of the season of the year, a temporary occupancy permit may be issued if the developer posts a bond or other acceptable guarantee in the amount of the landscaping as completed.
(3) Plant size requirement. All installed plant material shall be sized according to Table 156.F.002-2, Minimum Plant Sizes and Varieties, unless otherwise noted in this article.
(4) Tree topping. Unless a tree is interfering with an overhead power line, no trees may be topped if the limbs are three inches in diameter or greater.
(5) Nursery stock. Trees and shrubs planted pursuant to this article shall be good, healthy nursery stock.
(6) Soil. Landscaped areas associated with new development shall be prepared to achieve a soil depth of at least six inches with the depth consisting of a soil mix of compost and organic matter to reduce the need for fertilizers and increase water retention.
(7) Planters. Architectural planters may be permitted in the UC, Urban Core zoning district and for infill development sites less than 6,000 square feet in area.
(8) Visual clearance. In addition to observing the sight triangle established in § 156.B.008, Measurements and Allowances, the branches of a tree in a landscape island shall maintain a minimum of five feet of clearance from the surface of the vehicle use area.
(C) Maintenance standards.
(1) Generally. Maintenance and care of landscaping on mixed-use and nonresidential properties shall be according to the most current ANSI A300 Standards for Tree Care Operations.
(2) Conformance. All landscaping, buffering, and screening shall be maintained at all times to conform to the regulations established in this article. Landscaping, which is not maintained in a manner consistent with this article shall be subject to the penalties established in § 156.L.003, Judicial Remedies.
(3) Stormwater drainage.
(a) Any landowner shall be deemed exclusively responsible for developing and implementing a plan to address stormwater drainage, which shall be submitted to the city as a part of the site plan.
(b) The city shall not be responsible for any deficiencies which may later be determined to exist under the stormwater management plan.
(c) The city shall undertake no corrective duties or actions concerning any said deficiencies pertaining to stormwater drainage and landscape maintenance.
(4) Other maintenance standards. In other areas, maintenance and care shall meet the following standards:
(a) Landscape areas, including abutting landscaped portions of public rights-of-way, shall be pruned as needed to present a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance at all times.
(b) All landscaped areas shall be irrigated as needed to ensure continuous healthy growth and development. Maintenance shall include the removal and replacement of dead, dying, or diseased plant material.
(c) Trees extending over a street shall be kept pruned so as to not interfere with street traffic.
(5) Tree removal. Nothing in this section shall require any application or permit from any public utility provider prior to removing a tree whenever it has determined the tree poses a hazard, or interferes with restoration or continuation of utility services.
(Ord. 15039, passed 4-11-2022)