(A) Purpose: Except as modified below, all developments within the business park zone shall comply with the "City Of McCall Design Guidelines" with regard to landscape improvements and irrigation systems. The purpose of this section is to:
1. Reduce water use requirements on the property.
2. Increase the visual interest and natural look of the business park.
3. Provide a buffer between the business park and the surrounding residential areas.
4. Encourage the use of native species.
5. Provide infiltration capacity for the business park.
(B) Perimeter Buffer Strip: A landscaped perimeter buffer strip and pathway shall be provided on perimeter streets. Plant materials shall be native or adaptive species with low water requirements. The overall design shall mimic the natural landscape of the region. A variety of plant materials that include deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs as well as native grasses and ground covers shall be used to create an interesting and effective screen of the proposed development. Plant densities shall be sufficient to provide an effective screen within a period of five (5) years. In general, the plant densities shall be ten (10) shrubs and three (3) trees per one thousand (1,000) square feet of landscape area. Plant quantities can be reduced if larger specimens are provided.
(C) Boulders: Native boulders can be added sparingly if they are placed such that they become an integral feature in the naturalistic landscape.
(D) Berms: The construction of earthen berms should be considered depending on building structures and topography to add interest and additional buffering from adjacent developments. Berms shall be irregularly shaped into natural forms of varying height and width. Continuous berms of uniform height and width are not permitted. Landscaping shall be designed to blend with adjacent properties to result in a harmonious corridor. See subsection 9.6.02(S) of this code.
(E) Gaps In Buffer Strip: Buffer strip landscaping need not be a continuous solid screen. Gaps and openings may be designed to highlight or frame interesting natural or architectural features or modest signage. Openings may be provided and are encouraged to allow pedestrian accesses from the pathway to pedestrian building entrances adjacent to the buffer. The following illustration shows a typical landscape buffer on perimeter streets:
(F) Street Trees: Street trees and native grasses shall be provided in the swales between the edge of pavement and the sidewalk along all interior public streets. Street trees shall be planted a minimum of thirty feet (30') on center along the entire length of the street. Exceptions to this standard can be considered to accommodate innovative and interesting landscape design alternatives at pedestrian amenities, building entrances, plazas, and parks. Street tree species shall be in accordance with the city of McCall approved species list. See appendix B on file in the office of the city clerk.
(G) Irrigation: Irrigation systems shall be provided for all new landscapes. The systems should be continuously maintained in a functional condition. Low water consumption irrigation systems are encouraged. Irrigation systems for native landscapes and xeriscapes may be turned off if plants are well established and remain in a healthy and attractive condition without supplemental water. (Ord. 885, 3-24-2011)