(a) Purpose. The purposes of this article are to:
(1) Provide requirements for landscaping development to promote the general welfare of the community;
(2) Effectuate attractive development;
(3) Enhance property values;
(4) Create an attractive appearance along City streets;
(5) Complement the visual effect of buildings;
(6) Provide buffers between various land uses and protection from intense activities; and
(7) Encourage landscape designs that promote water conservation through the use of indigenous plant materials;
(8) Encourage the retention of mature plant materials; and
(9) Encourage sustainable landscape practices and management.
(b) The requirements of this article are the minimum requirements necessary to promote its purposes.
(c) Scope of Regulations. The provisions of this Zoning Ordinance shall apply to all development or construction, all building remodeling, alterations, additions, or expansions, and to all changes of occupancy in the use or development of land which requires the approval of a development site plan or subdivision plat by the City. Single-family residences and their accessories shall be exempt from the requirements of this Article.
(d) Landscape Plans.
(1) A landscape plan consisting of a final plan shall be prepared, submitted, and subject to approval for all applicable development projects in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth in this Zoning Ordinance. All changes in landscape plans shall be subject to the approval of the Zoning Officer prior to the installation of any landscape improvements. All changes to existing landscaping shown in an approved landscape plan shall also be subject to the approval of the Zoning Officer.
(2) Final landscape plan. The final landscape plan shall be submitted along with all other required site improvement and building plans at the time of application for a building permit. The final landscape plan shall contain a specific schedule of all trees and shrubs identified by common and botanical name, and shall clearly indicate the quantity and size of each tree and shrub to be installed. The final landscape plan shall be in substantial conformance with the approved preliminary plan and any changes or additions required by stipulation. An irrigation plan shall also be provided, indicating the layout and details of the irrigation system, including the type and location of all materials utilized.
(3) Mature tree plan. In the Downtown Area, to remove a mature tree, the property owner shall submit a mature tree plan, subject to Development Review Board approval and issuance of a permit.
(f) General Provisions.
(1) All landscape areas (except approved hard surfaced walks and activity areas) shall be finished with natural landscape material such as turf, groundcover, planting, organic mulch, or at least two (2) inches deep decomposed granite or expanded shale.
(2) Protection of plant materials.
(3) The following shall be provided to protect plant materials:
A. Permanent containment barriers, such as concrete curbs or bumper guards, shall be installed and properly secured to prevent damage or destruction of landscape materials by vehicles, within, or adjacent to, all proposed parking areas and along all access driveways, unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Officer.
B. Landscape plans shall demonstrate the methods utilized to preserve native plant materials.
(g) Unless otherwise specified herein, no part of any landscape area shall be used for any other use such as parking, signs, or display, except for required on-site retention areas. Where permitted, directional signs may be placed in landscaped areas. Such signs shall be clearly shown on the landscape plan.
(h) Street Landscaping.
(1) In addition to other required landscape areas, all public and private streets within the proposed development site shall be landscaped, in accordance with an approved landscape plan.
(i) Required Landscape Areas. All development shall provide landscaping in all portions of the site not required for buildings, structures, loading, access driveways, streets, parking, utility areas, pedestrian walks and hard surfaced activity areas in accordance with the requirements of this article.
(j) All decorative landscaping features such as small fish ponds, fountains and ponds shall be limited in size to fifty (50) gallons.
(Ord. 2023-02. Passed 4-17-23.)