(A) Purpose. The purposes of the landscaping requirements of this section are to enhance, conserve and stabilize property values by preventing wind and water erosion, creating an environment which discourages the accumulation of rubbish and litter and providing an attractive neighborhood. Further, where required, the landscaping is necessary to contribute to the relief of erosion, heat, noise and glare through the proper placement of trees and other vegetation. Landscaping plans are required for all development within Commercial Zones, two-family or multi-family dwelling development projects, for all institutional uses and all common areas within residential or condominium projects, in addition to types of development already specified by this chapter.
(B) Approved plan. Where landscaping is required, it shall be placed and maintained according to the plan approved by the land use authority as a prerequisite to further use of the lot, and consistent with the timing and phasing plan approved for the development.
(C) Nonconforming status. Landscaping shall be deemed a substantive rather than a procedural requirement, such that any use of property on the effective date hereof, which is nonconforming only as to landscaping, may be continued in the same manner as if the landscaping were conforming.
(D) Plot plan. Where landscaping is required, a landscaping plan, drawn to scale and stamped by a landscape architect, licensed in the state, shall be submitted as part of the application submittal requirements. The landscaping plan shall contain at least: The location and common and Latin names of all trees, shrubs and ground covers; the size in caliper, gallon or height, as applicable to the particular landscaping type; any nonvegetative landscape features; and all irrigation facilities.
(E) Coverage and screening.
(1) The minimum landscape coverage percentage for commercial and institutional development is 15% of the area of the lot or parcel, excluding any land dedicated for public right-of-way or required park strips street trees within the public right-of-way. Required landscape for residential projects shall be determined during subdivision or development approval.
(2) Coverage of the ground in required landscaped areas shall be at least 85% by plant materials and waterways, when viewed from above, so that impervious landscaping features such as walkways, rockscapes and statuary do not impair runoff. Where screening or buffering from surrounding properties is required to be in the form of landscaping, a minimum six foot tall or taller row of evergreen trees that are spaced to occlude vision shall constitute sufficient screening, unless a greater height is required by the land use authority to mitigate specific impacts of the development.
(3) Where landscaping is required in residential projects, at least 70% of the yard area surrounding the building, for a width at least equal to the minimum front, side and rear setback distances stated for the zone, shall be landscaped and maintained in landscaping. The landscaping shall be composed of irrigated lawn or other fire-resistive green plants. Any portion of the setback area that is not proposed to be covered by landscaping (the remaining 30% or less setback area) shall have a covering that is hard-surfaced, graveled or composed of other suitable material to prevent vegetative growth, and shall be maintained free of weeds, brush and flammable plants and materials. The plot plan shall show how these requirements will be met.
(F) Maintenance. Required landscaping shall be maintained in a clean, orderly and healthful condition. Such shall include proper irrigation, pruning, mowing, weed removal, pest control and replacement of dead plantings.
(Prior Code, § 8-6-27) (Ord. 10-16, passed 12-14-2010)