Areas within the setback and all other portions of the lot not covered by permitted structures shall be landscaped with grass, trees, shrubbery and/or other appropriate ground cover or landscaping material, which at all times shall be maintained in good and healthy condition.
(a) Installation.
(1) Each tree at the time of installation shall have a minimum caliper of 2 inches and a clear trunk height of at least six (6) feet, unless otherwise specified.
(2) When a small tree is permitted by this Chapter, such tree shall have a minimum caliper of 1.5 inches and a clear trunk height of at least five (5) feet at the time of installation.
(3) If installation of plantings is not completed in a planting season, then landscaping must be installed during the next planting season.
(b) Performance Guarantee. No landscape plan required by this Code shall be approved and no zoning certificate issued until the owner of the lot and/or building in question has posted a performance guarantee with the City conditioned upon satisfactory installation of the approved landscaping in the owner's landscape plan. Such guarantee shall be in the form of a performance, surety bond, certified check or any other such type of guarantee approved by the City Attorney. The financial guarantee shall cover the estimated cost of all required landscaping, installation of such landscaping and any other landscaping obligations on the part of the owner.
(c) Planting Arrangement. Trees and shrubs shall be arranged to create varied and attractive views and plant material should provide a variety of color displayed throughout the year.
(d) Screening. All screening and buffer yards shall be free of advertising or other signs, except for directional signs and other signs for the efficient flow of vehicles.
(e) Parking. Vehicle parking shall not be permitted in landscaped areas.
(f) Pedestrian Movement. Materials shall not be placed where they will prevent pedestrian movement unless so planted for that or similar purpose.
(g) Maintenance. The owner of landscaping required by this Code shall maintain such landscaping in good condition so as to present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance, free from refuse and debris. When necessary, plant materials shall be replaced, and replacement material shall conform to the original intent of the landscape plan.
(h) Acceptable Trees. Acceptable trees, for the requirements of this Chapter, include, but are not limited to those identified as suitable for the intended use in Schedule 1155.11, Recommended Tree Species.
(Ord. 2006-35. Passed 5-25-06.)