(a) Plans. Landscape plans must be prepared, sealed, and signed by a licensed landscape architect.
(b) General Requirements. The entire landscaped area (including lawn areas) must be planted with grass, groundcover, shrubbery, or other suitable plant material (excludes areas used as paved patios, terraces, sidewalks, and similar site features).
(c) Maintenance of Existing Landscaping. All existing landscaping must be maintained in good condition to present a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance, free from refuse and debris. All unhealthy and dead materials must be replaced within forty-five days (or within the next planting period, whichever comes next). Grass areas must be kept weed free and mowed on a regular basis and all edges trimmed and maintained. Landscape inspections may be conducted on a regular basis to ensure long-term compliance.
(d) Preservation of Existing Vegetation. Existing vegetation to be preserved must be protected during construction with temporary fencing around the drip line. To promote the preservation of natural features, sites should be designed to preserve existing woodlands and wetlands to the greatest extent possible.
(e) Planting Setbacks. The trunks of trees cannot be planted closer than four-feet to a property line.
(f) Private Ponds. Ponds are permitted for recreational, scenic, or stormwater management purposes and must meet all federal, state, county, and City requirements. The property owner must maintain the pond and the filter system, including, but not limited to the cleaning of the pond, the mowing of grass, and the elimination of any nuisances created by standing water or a water body. Ponds must incorporate water tolerant grasses and seed mixes at the bottom of the pond/basin and appropriate trees, shrubs, and grasses along the banks based on the environment to improve views, filter runoff, and enhance wildlife habitat.
(Ord. 2023-01. Passed 2-7-23.)