(A) Open space. Commercial, manufacturing, multi-family, and public facility developments: landscaping for commercial, manufacturing, multi-family and public facility developments shall comply with the requirements of West Haven City “Site Plan and Design Review” ordinances. All open space required shall be landscaped with a minimum of one tree for every 400 square feet of landscaped area and one shrub for every 200 square feet of landscaped area. Planter beds shall be planted to provide a minimum of 50% ground plane coverage when plant material reaches maturity. Canopies of deciduous trees shall not count towards the coverage calculation. Park strips are exempt from the ground plane coverage requirements.
(B) Landscape design standards.
(1) Plant selection.
(a) Plants shall be well-suited to conditions at the project site. Both native and locally adapted plants are acceptable. Plants with similar water needs shall be grouped together as much as possible. Areas with slopes greater than 33% shall be landscaped with deep-rooting, water-conserving plants for erosion control and soil stabilization.
(b) Park strips and other landscaped areas less than eight feet wide shall not be landscaped with turf and shall be maintained free of weeds. Any hardscape installed within a park strip shall cover no more than 50% of the park strip area, unless otherwise required by city code.
(c) Turf area shall not exceed 15% of the total landscaped area, outside of active recreation areas.
(d) Note: Please visit weberbasin.com for a list of recommended water-conserving plants (not a comprehensive list).
(2) Mulch. After completion of planting, all irrigated non-turf areas shall be covered with a minimum three-inch layer of mulch to retain water, inhibit weed growth and moderate soil temperature. Non-porous material such as concrete or asphalt shall not be placed under the mulch.
(3) Tree selection. Tree species shall be selected based on growth characteristics and site conditions, including available space, overhead clearance, soil conditions, exposure and desired color and appearance. Trees shall be selected as follows:
(a) Broad canopy trees shall be selected where shade or screening of tall objects is desired;
(b) Low-growing trees shall be selected for spaces under utility wires;
(c) Trees shall be selected from which lower branches can be trimmed to maintain a healthy growth habit where vision clearance and natural surveillance is a concern;
(d) Narrow or columnar trees shall be selected where awnings or other building features limit growth, or where greater visibility is desired between buildings and the street for natural surveillance;
(e) Street trees shall be planted within existing and proposed park strips, and in sidewalk tree wells on streets without park strips. Tree placement shall provide canopy cover (shade) and avoid conflicts with existing trees, retaining walls, utilities, lighting and other obstacles. All street trees shall comply with the clear vision standards of this subchapter; and
(f) All trees to be installed on public property or on property to be maintained by the city shall be subject to approval by the City Arborist or designee.
(4) Plant material size at installation.
(a) Deciduous trees shall be installed at a minimum size of two inches in caliper, measured eight inches above the soil line.
(b) Evergreen trees shall be installed at a minimum height of six feet.
(c) Shrubs shall be installed at a minimum size of three gallons.
(d) Ornamentals grasses and perennials shall be installed at a minimum size of one gallon.
(e) Ground cover shall be installed at a minimum height of three inches.
(C) Landscape and irrigation plan submittal. A copy of a landscape and irrigation plan shall be submitted to and approved by the city prior to the issue of any permit. The plans shall be prepared by a registered landscape architect and shall consist of the following items:
(1) Landscape plan. A detailed landscape plan shall be drawn at a scale that clearly identifies the following:
(a) Project name and address, and landscape architect’s information;
(b) Location of all plant materials, a legend with botanical and common names and size of plant materials;
(c) Location of landscape features, ground and water forms, walks, hardscape, mulch and other features;
(d) Property lines and street names;
(e) Existing and proposed buildings, walls, fences, utilities, paved areas and other site improvements;
(f) Existing trees and plant materials to be removed or retained;
(g) Scale: graphic and written;
(h) Date of design;
(i) Designation of a landscape zone; and
(j) Details and specifications for tree staking, soil preparation and other planting work.
(2) Irrigation plan. A detailed irrigation plan shall be drawn at the same scale as the planting plan and shall contain the following information:
(a) Layout of the irrigation system and a legend summarizing the type and size of all components of the system, including manufacturer name and model numbers;
(b) Static water pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI) at the point of connection to the public water supply;
(c) Flow rate in gallons per minute and design operating pressure in psi for each valve and precipitation rate in inches per hour for each valve with sprinklers; and
(d) Installation details for irrigation components.
(D) Plan review, construction inspection and post-construction monitoring.
(1) As part of the land use approval process, a copy of the landscape and irrigation plans shall be submitted to the city for review and approval before construction begins.
(2) All installers and designers shall meet state and local license, insurance and bonding requirements, and be able to show proof of such.
(3) During construction, site inspection of the landscaping may be performed by the city.
(4) Following construction and prior to issuing the approval for occupancy, an inspection shall be scheduled with the Community Development Department to verify compliance with the approved landscape plans.
(5) The city reserves the right to perform site inspections at any time before, during or after the irrigation system and landscape installation, and to require corrective measures if requirements of this subchapter are not satisfied.
(Ord. 13-2022, passed 7-6-2022)