(a) All development plans and site plans for any multiple-family or nonresidential districts, and subdivision plans for any single-family residential districts, with the exception of individual residential lots intended for use for construction of one residential home (subject however to Section 1177.07), shall incorporate in such plans a separate plan showing landscaping which has been prepared by a registered landscape architect. The landscape plans must include size, type, caliper and number of all plantings. Landscape plans shall be reviewed and approved by the City Landscape Architect, the Planning Commission and Council prior to the issuance of any clearing, grading or building permit.
(b) Each landscape plan shall include a tree plan depicting all trees over four inch caliper currently standing in areas to be disturbed for construction of the buildings, roads and parking areas indicating those proposed to be removed and those proposed to be retained. The plan shall detail what steps will be taken to replace those trees proposed to be removed for clearing and construction.
(c) No person shall cut down any trees or remove any topsoil, excavate or grade any lot, parcel or piece of land for the purpose of preparing the same for construction of a building or structure until such time as the owner or agent of the property has been issued site plan approval as required by this section or pursuant to a subdivision plan duly approved in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Subdivision Regulations.
(d) Any tree clearing, topsoil removal, excavation or grading commenced after the receipt of site plan approval or a duly authorized subdivision plan shall be completed within six months from the date of the issuance or approval unless an extension of time for the completion of such activity is granted by the Commission. Any tree clearing, soil removal, excavation or grading which is once commenced and is unable to be completed for reasons beyond the control of the property owner or their agent shall be seeded with grass or otherwise planted to prevent the erosion of soil.
(e) Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Chapter 1187 of the Zoning Code. In addition thereto the Building Commissioner shall withhold any building permits or stop any work in progress until the violation is corrected by the replacement of like topsoil illegally removed or the replacement with like caliper trees or plantings that have been illegally cut or the property restored to proper grade.
(Ord. 158-89. Passed 3-13-90.)