(a) Valley Region. In the Valley Region, the following additional landscaping standards shall apply:
(1) Existing Trees. Where possible, trees that are existing on a site shall remain and be protected in place. If existing trees are removed to accommodate development, those trees shall be replaced at the rate of 2:1. Fruit or nut bearing trees planted in groves shall be exempt from this provision. Replacement trees shall be a mixture of 15 gallon and 24-inch box container sizes. Wherever possible, preservation of existing trees and shrubs shall be used to meet site landscaping requirements.
(2) Plant Materials. Plant materials shall be a cohesive mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, groundcovers, native plant material, and, where applicable, turf. A list of acceptable plant materials for the Valley Region is available from the Land Use Services Department to assist developers and their landscape professionals in preparing the landscape documentation package. If existing plant material is used as part of the site landscaping requirements, it shall be included into the sites water budget calculations.
(3) Tree Removal Permit. If any local, State, and/or Federally protected plant material is found on-site, removal and/or protection shall be in compliance with Chapter 88.01 (Plant Protection and Management).
(4) Landscaped Setbacks. The front yard and street side yard setback areas of a parcel shall be landscaped, except for sites where no disturbance of the natural terrain within a setback is proposed or the natural terrain precludes setback landscaping (i.e., mountainsides or hillsides). Landscaping of interior side yard setbacks may be required in compliance with § 83.02.060 (Screening and Buffering).
(b) Mountain Region. In the Mountain Region, the following additional landscaping standards shall apply:
(1) Forest Conservation Plan and Insect Infestation Prevention Program. Any landscaping proposed shall be in conjunction with a forest conservation plan and insect infestation prevention program. These plans shall be prepared by a Registered Professional Forester (RPF), and submitted with the landscape documentation package by the developer. The plan shall include guidelines for tree preservation, both during and after construction.
(2) Existing Trees. Any existing trees that are removed to accommodate development shall be replaced according to the recommendations of the forest conservation plan submitted with the landscape documentation package by the developer. Wherever possible, preservation of existing trees and shrubs shall be used to meet site landscaping requirements.
(3) Plant Materials. Plant materials shall be a cohesive mix of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, groundcovers, native plant materials that are drought and infestation tolerant, and fire-resistant; turf shall be minimized and be installed in compliance with this Chapter. A list of acceptable plant materials for the Mountain Region is available from the Land Use Services Department to help assist developers and their landscape professionals in the preparation of the landscape document package. If existing plant material is used as part of the site landscaping requirements, it shall be included into the site’s water budget calculations. If any local, State, and/or Federally protected plant material is found on-site, removal and/or protection shall be in compliance with Chapter 88.01 (Plant Protection and Management). Seedlings may be considered a viable container size as part of the planting plan.
(4) Landscaped Setbacks. The front yard and street side yard setback areas shall be landscaped except for sites where no disturbance of the natural terrain is proposed. Landscaping of interior side yard setbacks may be required in compliance with § 83.02.060 (Screening and Buffering).
(c) Desert Region. In the Desert Region, the following additional landscaping standards shall apply:
(1) Existing Plant Material. Any existing native desert plant material, or any part thereof, except the fruit, shall not be removed without the issuance of a tree removal permit in compliance with Chapter 88.01 (Plant Protection and Management). Additionally, if native desert plant materials are to be replaced, then the replacement of those materials are to be in compliance with Chapter 88.01 (Plant Protection and Management), except as provided for in this Subdivision. If Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) exist on-site and are proposed to be relocated, they shall be relocated on-site in the landscaped areas; unless, in writing, the Director of the Land Use Services Department specifically allows another option.
(2) Plant Materials. Plant materials shall be a cohesive mix of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, groundcovers, succulents, and native plant material that are drought and infestation tolerant; turf shall be minimized and be placed in compliance with this Chapter. A list of acceptable plant materials for the Desert Region is available from the Land Use Services Department to help assist developers and their landscape professionals in preparing their landscape documentation package. If any local, State, and/or Federally protected plant material is found on-site, removal and/or protection shall comply with Chapter 88.01 (Plant Protection and Management).
(3) Landscaped Setbacks. The front yard and street side yard setback areas of a parcel shall be landscaped using xeriscape landscaping techniques, which combines drought tolerant plant and hardscape materials in a variety of aesthetically pleasing designs. For sites where no disturbance of land within setbacks is proposed, landscaping shall not be required. Landscaping of side-yard setbacks may be required in compliance with §83.02.060 (Screening and Buffering).
(4) Unpaved Parking Lots. Those parking lots not requiring paving shall not be required to be landscaped, nor will they count as part of the overall landscape total needed for the project. Only those parking lots required to be paved shall be landscaped in compliance with this Chapter and with §83.11.080 (Landscape Requirements for Parking Areas). Parking lot landscaping shall not be counted as part of the minimum landscaping requirement for a project.
(5) Dust Control. If grading takes place, then a dust control plan shall be submitted for review. All grading and dust control measures shall be conducted in compliance with the provisions of § 88.02.40 (Dust Control Desert Region).
(Ord. 4011, passed - -2007; Am. Ord. 4043, passed - -2008; Am. Ord. 4136, passed--2011; Am. Ord. 4400, passed --2021)