(A) (1) Various natural vegetation zones exist within the Gore Valley as a result of the form and aspects of the land itself. The north facing slopes within the valley are typically heavily wooded with spruce, pine and aspen and generally receive less direct sunlight than the drier south facing slopes which typically consist of sage, aspen and other vegetation tolerant of drier conditions. The valley floor which is adjacent to Gore Creek consists of a wide variety of trees and shrubs adapted to the relatively fertile soil and natural availability of water.
(2) The goal of any landscape plan should be to preserve and enhance the natural landscape character of the area in which it is to be located and serve as an aid in fire prevention and protection. The landscape scale and overall landscape design shall be developed so that new vegetation is integral with the natural landscape and the inherent form, line, color and texture of the local plant communities. The major objective of the landscaping is to help reduce the scale of new structures, to assist in the screening of structures, to reduce the risk to life and structures from the intrusion of fire from wildland fire exposure and fire exposures from adjacent structures, and to mitigate structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels. The planting of large-sized, well-spaced plant materials is encouraged. Fire wise plant materials are required due to their ability to resist fire. Trees shall be maintained through limbing and pruning in order to prevent limbs from being too close to structures and other plant materials. Special care should be taken in selecting the types of plants to use when designing a landscape plan. Final selection should be based upon the soils and climate, ease of establishment, suitability for the specific use desired, ability to deter the spread of fires and the level of maintenance that can be provided. New planting shall use plants that are indigenous to the Rocky Mountain alpine and subalpine zones or are capable of being introduced into these zones.
(3) (a) A recommended list of plant materials, some indigenous to the Vail area, is on file with the Department of Community Development. Also indicated on the list are fire wise plant materials which are suitable for planting within the Vail area. The minimum sizes of landscape materials acceptable are as follows:
(b) Required trees.
Deciduous | 2 inch caliper |
Conifers | 6 foot |
Required shrubs | #5 gallon container Foundation shrubs shall have a minimum height of 18 inches at time of planting |
(B) Landscape design shall be developed to locate new plantings in natural looking groups and shall be designed and installed in conformance with the Vail Fire and Emergency Services Fire-Resistant Landscaping guidelines, unless exempted by § 12-11-3 of this code. Geometric plantings, evenly spaced rows of trees, and other formal landscape patterns shall be avoided.
(C) Particular attention shall be given the landscape design of off-street parking lots to reduce adverse impacts upon living areas within the proposed development, upon adjacent properties, and upon public spaces with regard to noise, lights, and visual impact.
(D) All landscaping shall be provided with a method of irrigation suitable to ensure the continued maintenance of planted materials.
(E) Whenever possible, natural drainage patterns upon the site shall not be modified. Negative drainage impacts upon adjacent sites shall not be allowed.
(F) Runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs and pavement areas shall be directed to natural or improved drainage channels or dispersed into shallow sloping vegetated areas.
(G) Slope of cut and fill banks shall be determined by soil characteristics for the specific site to avoid erosion, and promote revegetation opportunities, but in any case shall be limited to a maximum of two to one (2:1) slope.
(H) Measures shall be taken to retain all eroded soil material on site during construction, control both ground water and surface water runoff, and to permanently stabilize all disturbed slopes and drainage features upon completion of construction.
(I) All plants shall be planted in a good quality topsoil mix of a type and amount recommended by the American Landscape Contractor Association and the Colorado Nurseryman’s Association.
(K) Paving near a tree to be saved must contain a plan for a “tree vault” in order to ensure the ability of the roots to receive air.
(L) Defensible space shall be created and maintained in an area extending from the perimeter or projection of the building or structure to a radius of 100 feet or the lot lines, whichever is less. Defensible space and landscaping shall comply with Vail Fire and Emergency Services Fire-Resistant Landscaping guidelines.
(Ord., 9-21-1999; ; Ord. 3(2007) § 5; Ord. 19(2019) § 14)