(A) Landscaping as approved by a site plan shall be maintained in good condition so as to present a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance at all times. Landscaping shall be maintained to minimize property damage and public safety hazards, including the removal/ replacement of dead or decaying plant material, removal of low-hanging branches and those obstructing street lighting and maintenance of sight distance standards as set forth. Landscaping shall be maintained in accordance with the following standards:
(1) Landscaping shall be kept visually free of insects and disease;
(2) Landscaping areas shall be kept free from weeds and other volunteer plants;
(3) Irrigation systems shall be maintained so as to eliminate water loss due to damaged, missing, or improperly operating sprinkler system components.
(B) In the event a tree, shrub, or other plant causes damage to streets, sidewalks, trails, or other public improvements, the City Clerk/Treasurer shall order the removal and replacement of the offending plants.
(C) All dead or diseased landscape plantings shall be replaced by the property owner with equivalent material in a timely fashion, or within 30 days, following written notice from the city.
(D) (1) If any landscaping is removed in violation of an approved site plan or plat, the property owner shall plant three times such amount, of equal quality and size, on such site or plat.
(2) If it is impractical to replace such landscaping with an equal size, then several smaller-sized plantings, totaling, in aggregate, three times the size of the improperly removed landscaping, shall be required. If it is deemed unfeasible to plant all the required plantings on the site, the city may require that portions of this requirement be planted on public property.
(E) Failure to maintain landscaping in accordance with the approved site plan shall constitute a violation of the approved site plan.
(Ord. 02-11, passed 5-13-03)