The purpose of this article 12 is to provide standards and regulations for the installation of landscaping, walls and related materials for all new and expanded development within the City of Avondale. The standards and regulations of this article 12 shall promote the following objectives:

(a)

To promote the general welfare of the community.

(b)

To effectuate attractive and logical development.

(c)

To aid in the enhancement of property values.

(d)

To create an attractive appearance along city streets.

(e)

To complement the visual effect of buildings.

(f)

To provide buffers between various land uses and protection from intense activities and to avoid or reduce negative impacts regarding visual, sound, privacy and/or glare to and from land uses.

(g)

To aid in conserving water by encouraging the use of varieties of plants, trees and shrubs indigenous to arid regions which are characterized by low water consumption.

(h)

To improve the shade canopy coverage within the city that will aid in cooling the air; absorbing carbon dioxide and stormwater run-off; and creating a more sustainable environment.

(a)

Except as specifically set forth herein, all of the provisions of this article 12 shall apply to the following:

(1)

All new development or construction.

(2)

All building exterior remodeling, alterations, additions or expansions that:

(A)

Increase the number of stories in a building on the lot.

(B)

Increase by more than ten (10) percent or ten thousand (10,000) square feet, whichever is less, the combined floor areas of all buildings on the lot.

(C)

Increase the parking coverage on the lot by more than two thousand (2,000) square feet.

(3)

All changes of occupancy in the use or development of land which require the approval of a site plan, minor land division or subdivision plat by the city.

(b)

The provisions of this Section 12 shall not apply to the following:

(1)

Lots or sites within an approved and unexpired planned area development (PAD) that has been approved with its own landscape plan and/or written landscaping standards prior to the adoption of this section.

(2)

Site plans that include landscaping approved and/or submitted for review prior to the adoption of this section.

(3)

Lots or sites subject to the provisions governing amendment to approved site plans, set forth in article 1.

(c)

Agricultural uses and single-family and two-family residences and their accessories shall comply with the walls and fences requirements of this section with the exception of subsection 28-297(b)(4). Agricultural uses, single-family and two-family residences and their accessories shall be exempt from the landscape and maintenance requirements of this article 12.

(d)

For all development within the City Center Zoning District, landscaping shall meet or exceed the development standards for street design, street trees, parks, open space, landscaping, and overall design and development guidelines as set forth in the City Center Specific Plan; provided, however, that the provisions of subsections 28-293, 28-295, 28-296 and 28-297 shall be applicable to developments within the City Center Specific area.

(e)

The standards and regulations of this article 12 shall be held to be the minimum requirements necessary for the promotion of the objectives set forth in section 28-291 above.

(a)

Planting criteria.

(1)

All trees and plant material used within public rights-of-way shall conform to the most current version of the Arizona Department of Water Resources ("ADWR") "Drought Tolerant/Low Water Use Plant List" for the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA). Plant types not currently on the ADWR Phoenix AMA list proposed for on-site landscaping shall be approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

(2)

All tree sizes shall be in accordance with the standards as described by the Arizona Nursery Association's "Recommended Average Tree Specifications".

(3)

Plants in the public right-of-way shall be planted per the Arizona Nursery Association Container Grown Tree Guide and recommended planting techniques to maximize survivability. After planting, if not deemed viable despite available and feasible treatment, diseased, dying, or dead trees and shrubs shall be removed and replaced promptly in kind.

(4)

The following plant material varieties shall be prohibited:

(A)

Invasive plants and noxious weeds including, but not limited to, Desert Broom (Baccharis sarothroides), Salt Cedar or Tamarisk (Tamarix sp.), Giant Reed (Arundo donax), Mexican Palo Verde (Parkinsonia aculeata), Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare), Fountain Grass (Pennisetem setaceum), African Sumac (Rhus lancea), Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissma).

(B)

Mulberry Trees (Morus sp.).

(C)

Olive Trees (Olea europaea) with the exception of the Swan Hill™ and Wilson™ Olive varieties.

(5)

Plant material that meets the planting criteria as set forth herein, but which is not found on the current ADWR Low Water Use/Drought Tolerant Plant List may be found acceptable for areas outside of street rights-of-way, subject to approval of the zoning administrator or authorized designee. Any material considered an invasive species shall not be permitted.

(6)

Tree size minimum standards.

(A)

All trees required on site shall have a minimum box size of twenty-four (24) inches.

(B)

All trees shall be specified in the schedule of plant material (required as part of the Preliminary Landscape Plan and the Final Landscape Plan) by height, width and by any other relevant information which defines the exact specifications of the plant material being proposed. Trees specified by nursery container sizes only shall not be accepted.

(C)

All palm trees (fan palms, date palms, and queen palms) shall have a minimum twelve-foot trunk height measured from the base of the trunk to the base of the fronds.

(7)

All plants shall have full crowns, be fully rooted in their containers without being root-bound, and meet the criteria as specified on the drawings and meet or exceed industry standards.

(8)

Shrub and vegetative groundcover minimum criteria.

(A)

All shrubs shall be no less than one (1) gallon in size. A minimum of seventy-five (75) percent of the required number of shrubs shall be at least five (5) gallons in size.

(B)

All groundcover plants shall be no less than one (1) gallon in size.

(9)

No artificial plant materials may be used to satisfy the requirements of this Section, with the exception of artificial turf at recreational facilities if approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

(10)

If existing trees are to be preserved in place or salvaged and relocated, such trees shall be shown on the landscape plan as specified herein, together with a statement as to how such trees are to be protected or salvaged during land clearing and construction.

(b)

Ground-level treatment.

(1)

General.

(A)

All landscaped areas shall be composed of a combination of plant materials and non-vegetative ground cover designed to accomplish the objectives set forth in section 28-291 above and to the minimum standards as set forth below.

(B)

All landscape surface areas shall be finished with turf or a natural material including, but not limited to, the following: decomposed granite, native fractured rock, native surface rock, river run rock, or chipped or shredded wood as set forth herein. A pre-emergent herbicide shall be applied to the ground after the placement of non-vegetative mulch materials to prevent weeds.

(2)

Materials.

(A)

Decomposed granite shall be three-quarter (¾) inch screened material or larger and installed at a minimum of two (2) inch depth for all non-residential uses.

(B)

Any rock material that is embedded in a mortar or concrete base shall be to a depth of two-thirds (⅔) the dimension of the rock to prevent its removal or relocation. Each rock shall not be spaced further than one-half (½) inch from another rock. Mortar or concrete areas between rocks shall be raked and all splatter on rocks removed. When installed in loose form, material depth shall be no less than four (4) inches, and if removed shall be reinstalled at the owner's expense.

(C)

The use of turf shall be restricted according to the provisions as set forth herein. Sod shall be specifically cultivated to thrive in the conditions present at the particular site (e.g., shade- or sun-tolerant species). The applicant must provide specifications for the type of sod being proposed as part of the detailed plant list. The use of seed or sprigs for turf installation shall be prohibited.

(D)

Other non-vegetative or inert groundcover materials may be used subject to approval by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

(3)

The installation of turf shall be limited to the following uses: single-family residences and their accessories, outdoor recreation facilities including parks and golf courses, schools, churches, resorts, and retention basins and retention basin slopes. Turf may also be utilized at commercial and business park developments, provided that such turf shall not occupy more than twenty-five (25) percent of the landscape area except as approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

(c)

Irrigation.

(1)

All landscaping shall be serviced with a permanent underground automated irrigation system designed in compliance with the "Minimum Standards for Landscape Irrigation" as published by the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Irrigation Consultants. A backflow prevention assembly shall be provided and caged according to standard details adopted by the city. All irrigation systems and landscaped areas shall be designed, constructed and maintained so as to promote water conservation and prevent water overflow or seepage.

(2)

Any areas requiring native re-vegetation or restoration shall be irrigated with an underground automated irrigation system until all plants have been established as determined by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

(a)

General.

(1)

Design manuals.

(A)

All landscaping for Single-Family Residential development shall meet or exceed the guidelines for landscaping as set forth in the city's Single-Family Residential Design Manual.

(B)

All landscaping for commercial, employment and/or multi-family zoning districts shall meet or exceed the guidelines for landscaping as set forth in the city's applicable design manual.

(c)

All landscaping in the public right-of-way shall meet or exceed the guidelines contained in the City of Avondale Street Tree Master Plan.

(2)

All development projects shall provide landscaping in all portions of the development site not required for buildings, structures and loading and vehicular access ways in accordance with the required landscape improvements as set forth herein.

(3)

Plant material shall be utilized to aid screening of parking, dumpster enclosures, outdoor storage areas, alleys, infrastructure such as utility cabinets, transformers, wireless facility or a transmitting tower equipment enclosures, backflow preventers, and service and utility areas. The property owner shall coordinate this screening requirement with the appropriate utility authorities to avoid access conflicts.

(4)

Plants and trees that have a mature width and/or height capable of interfering with overhead utility lines shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from the utility line alignment or at such other distance as required by the utility provider.

(5)

When the primary entrance of a building is more than one hundred fifty (150) feet from the nearest point of a public sidewalk, and the entrance is accessed by a pathway traversing a parking lot, an overhead shade structure or tree canopy is required along the pathway. Shade elements may include opaque structures (e.g., arbor, pergola, portico, awning, and canopy) and/or shade trees planted with a minimum of one (1) tree provided for every twenty-five (25) feet of lineal pathway. Tree location and spacing shall be established through the development plan review.

(6)

Landscaping shall be designed and maintained in accordance with the height, location and sight visibility requirements as set forth herein.

(7)

Mounding and contouring of landscaped areas shall be required. Berms up to three (3) feet in height and depressions up to two (2) feet in depth are allowed based on adjacent finished grades. Slopes shall not exceed a four to one (4:1) ratio in planted areas or a five to one (5:1) ratio in turf areas.

(8)

Landscaped areas shall not be used for parking of vehicles, display of merchandise or other uses detrimental to the landscaping.

(9)

Plant material shall be arranged in such a manner that is representative of their natural habitat or in small architectural groupings to create visual accent features. Cacti and succulents should be used to the fullest extent possible. Thorny plants and cacti shall not be planted where their mature spread would be closer than three (3) feet from any walkways or parking area curbing.

(b)

Required landscape improvements per zoning districts.

(1)

Trees planted in the public right-of-way/street frontage may be counted toward the overall tree minimums required by this ordinance.

(2)

Single-Family Residential Zoning Districts. For all development within the Single-Family Residential Zoning Districts (AG, R1-35, R1-15, R1-10, R1-8, R1-7, R1-6, R1-5) a minimum of three (3) trees per dwelling unit shall be provided. One (1) of the required trees per lot shall be placed between the dwelling unit and right-of-way that is adjacent to the front yard.

(3)

Multi-Family Residential Zoning Districts. For all development within the Multi-Family Residential Zoning District (R-4, R-3, R-2) a minimum of one and one-half (1½) trees per dwelling or guest unit shall be provided. This number of trees shall not include the trees required in a landscape buffer, parking lot, landscape setback or right-of-way planting as specified in this article 12.

(4)

City Center District. For all development within the City Center District, landscaping shall meet or exceed the design guidelines and requirements for street design, street tree criteria, parks, open space, landscaping and overall design and development guidelines as set forth in the City Center Specific Plan.

(c)

Required landscape areas.

(1)

General. All development projects shall provide on-site landscaped areas located in accordance with the following standards and requirements:

(A)

For Employment Zoning Districts, landscaped areas shall be provided in an amount equal to or greater than fifteen (15) percent of the ground floor area of all buildings or ten (10) percent of the net site area, whichever is greater.

(B)

For all developments within the Multi-Family Residential Zoning Districts (R-2, R-3, R-4), landscaped areas shall be provided in an amount equal to or greater than twenty (20) percent of the net site area; and shall be increased by five (5) percent for each additional floor over one (1) story to a maximum of fifty (50) percent of the net site area.

(C)

For all development within all other zoning districts, landscaped areas shall be provided in an amount equal to or greater than twenty (20) percent of the net site area.

(D)

Future building pads within a phased development shall be improved with a minimum one-quarter (¼) inch decomposed granite.

(E)

Landscape setback requirements shall be as specified below.

(2)

Street right-of-way landscaping.

(A)

The landscaping of all street rights-of-way contiguous with the proposed development site not used for street pavement, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, transit facilities or driveways or other facilities as required shall be landscaped as set forth herein.

(B)

Street right-of-way plantings shall include a minimum of one (1) tree and ten (10) shrubs for every twenty-five (25) feet of street frontage. Trees shall be located in a manner that provides maximum shade for pedestrians. Trees must be planted in areas five (5) feet and greater width when such areas are located (i) between the back of curb and edge of a sidewalk or (ii) between the edge of sidewalk and the right-of-way line. Shrubs and groundcovers shall be planted in areas three (3) feet and greater in width.

(C)

Trees may be located within three (3) feet of either edge of the public utility easements, leaving a minimum five-foot clear zone within the easement, as approved by the city engineer or authorized designee. Shrubs and groundcover are permissible within the full width of the easement area.

(D)

Median landscaping shall be designed with colorful and contrasting plant and pavement materials planted and maintained in such a way that does not obstruct the required sight visibility lines at median breaks or intersections, and does not create other safety issues.

(E)

The minimum width for a planted median is three (3) feet. Median width is measured from the back of curb to back of curb.

(F)

Median widths less than three (3) feet shall have a durable, decorative pavement or inert surface treatment as approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

(G)

Median widths ten (10) feet and greater shall have a minimum of one (1) tree and five (5) shrubs for every thirty (30) lineal feet of median.

(H)

Median plantings may include cacti and succulents as accent features covering no more than fifteen (15) percent of the total landscape area. Shrub and accent plants shall be less than four (4) feet in width and three (3) feet in height at their mature growth.

(I)

All shrub and accent plants located within sight visibility lines shall be less than two (2) feet in height at their mature growth unless otherwise approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee. All trees located within sight visibility lines shall be single-trunked with canopies higher than seven (7) feet.

(J)

For medians in arterial roadways that will be built in phases, landscaping shall be located to minimize future relocation of trees, pavers and irrigation.

(K)

The zoning administrator may authorize reduced landscaping quantities if easements or other special site conditions reduce the available planting area.

(3)

Landscape setback.

(A)

Landscaping shall be planted along all street frontages in a designated landscape setback as approved through the development plan review process. The landscape setback shall be measured from the right-of-way line to the nearest building, structure, on-site parking or outdoor storage area. Plantings in the landscape setback may be integrated into the adjacent street right-of-way landscaping.

(B)

Parking and maneuvering areas shall not be permitted in the landscape setback except access drives and access walkways.

(C)

The landscape setback shall be a minimum width along a particular street frontage and shall be established and maintained along all classified streets between any building and/or structure, on-site parking area or outdoor storage area and the nearest point of the property line. Landscape setbacks shall be as follows:

i.

Single-Family Residential Zoning Districts: For arterial streets, a landscape setback of thirty (30) feet shall be required. For collector streets, a landscape setback of fifteen (15) feet shall be required.

ii.

Multi-Family and Employment Zoning Districts: The minimum depth of a landscape setback shall be equal to the required street-side setback for the Zoning District in which the development is located.

iii.

Commercial Zoning Districts: For commercial developments, the minimum depth of a landscape setback shall be equal to the required parking setback for the district that the development is located in, except in the instance where a building(s) encroaches into a required parking setback, the minimum landscape setback shall be the shortest distance between the street-side property line and nearest point of the building(s).

iv.

The landscape setback requirements shall not be applied to the OTAB District and Cashion District.

(D)

The installation of trees, shrubs and vegetative groundcover shall be required in an amount equal to or greater than one (1) tree and ten (10) shrubs for every twenty (20) feet of street frontage, and vegetative groundcover as required to meet a minimum of sixty-five (65) percent cover of the total street frontage landscaped area. The minimum percentage of total vegetative cover shall be calculated by using two thirds the mature plant canopy width or spread.

(E)

All landscaping located in the landscape setback adjacent to driveway exits and street intersections, and within sight visibility lines shall be designed, installed and maintained in a manner that preserves sight line visibility.

(F)

The zoning administrator may authorize reduced landscaping quantities if easements or other special site conditions reduce the available planting area.

(4)

Arterial intersections.

(A)

Landscaping shall be enhanced within arterial rights-of-way as determined through development review, and shall not be less than what is required for street frontages.

(B)

All landscape treatments within this planting easement shall meet the requirements adopted by the city relating to sight visibility.

(5)

Land use buffers.

(A)

Minimum landscape buffers shall be required along all property lines of a site developed for Multi-Family Residential, Commercial or Employment Zoning Districts or uses when such property lines are "contiguous" with any Single-Family Residential use or Single-Family Residential Zoning District. For the purpose of this subsection 28-294(c)(5), "contiguous" shall include properties separated only by an alley. Buffers shall be required as follows:

i.

Fifteen (15) feet where any Multi-Family Residential Zoning District or use abuts a Single-Family Residential Zoning District or use.

ii.

Twenty-five (25) feet where any Commercial Zoning District or use abuts a Single-Family Residential Zoning District or use.

iii.

Thirty-five (35) feet where any Employment Zoning District or use abuts a Single-Family Residential Zoning District or use.

iv.

Forty (40) feet where any loading docks, trash enclosures and service drives abut a Single-Family Residential Zoning District or use.

(B)

Minimum landscape buffers shall be required along all property lines of a site developed for Commercial or Employment Zoning Districts or uses when such property lines are "contiguous" with any Multi-Family Residential use or Multi-Family Residential Zoning District. For the purpose of this Subsection 28-294(c)(5), "contiguous" shall include properties separated only by an alley. Buffers shall be required as follows:

i.

Fifteen (15) feet where any Commercial Zoning District or use abuts a Multi-Family Residential Zoning District or use.

ii.

Twenty-five (25) feet where any Employment Zoning District or use abuts a Multi-Family Residential Zoning District or use.

C)

No landscape buffers shall be required for Multi-Family residential uses contiguous with other Multi-Family Zoning Districts or uses.

(D)

The landscape buffer areas as set forth herein shall provide a vegetative screen improved with a minimum of one (1) tree and three (3) shrubs for every fifteen (15) lineal feet of the property boundary being screened.

(E)

Parking and maneuvering areas shall not be permitted in the landscape buffer.

(6)

Parking lot landscaping and parking structures.

(A)

Parking lots shall have landscape treatments that provide shade and allow for line-of-sight surveillance. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a minimum of fifteen (15) percent of all parking lot areas shall be landscaped. This requirement is exclusive of any on-site landscape area requirement as set forth herein.

(B)

Parking islands shall be installed at least every eight (8) consecutive parking spaces and located at the ends of each row of parking spaces. Such islands shall be a minimum of five (5) feet wide interior dimension measured from inside curb to inside curb, and a length equal to the adjacent parking stall length. Diamond-shaped parking islands are prohibited.

(C)

Parking islands shall be planted with at least one single-trunk shade tree compliant with the specifications in subsection (a)(6) of this section. Tree species selection shall be made to provide maximum shade canopy and avoid excessive litter.

(D)

Landscaped medians shall be provided for all double rows of parking that exceed thirty (30) total spaces. Each median shall be a minimum width of five (5) feet exclusive of a two-foot parking overhang on both sides. Curb breaks may be provided to accommodate drainage flows. A deviation or alternative to this requirement may be considered by the zoning administrator or designee provided the intent of the landscape median is satisfied.

(E)

Parking areas shall include a minimum of twenty-foot wide landscaped medians to divide large parking fields into smaller areas of one hundred fifty (150) parking spaces or less. Medians must be oriented for pedestrian use and navigation and must include a minimum of five-foot wide sidewalks. The zoning administrator or authorized designee may waive this requirement for any project where buildings or pedestrian plazas serve to break the parking field into areas of one hundred fifty (150) spaces or less.

(F)

Each parking island shall contain a minimum of one (1) tree and five (5) shrubs, exclusive of perimeter landscaping and street trees. All shrubs in parking islands shall not exceed three (3) feet in height at maturity and be of a species that will not interfere with line-of-sight surveillance of the area. Groundcover plants may be used in the parking islands if approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

(G)

The overhang area of two (2) feet in front of a parking stall shall not contain any trees or shrubs.

(H)

Trees and lighting shall be located to avoid conflicts with each other and with existing and proposed structures.

(I)

Parking lot light poles shall be placed within a landscaped area.

(J)

Parking structures shall have perimeter landscaping consistent with building setbacks and designed to provide partial screening of walls and vehicle lights, shade along sidewalks and line-of-sight surveillance into parking structures.

(7)

Retention basins.

(A)

All on-site drainage retention areas, other than paved surfaces, shall be entirely landscaped. Stormwater retention basins with maximum basin depth exceeding three (3) feet below grade shall not occupy more than fifty (50) percent of the on-site street frontage landscape setback area. Where maximum basin depth is less than or equal to three (3) feet and exceptional design is exhibited through contouring and landscaping, as determined by the zoning administrator or designee, a greater use of the frontage for retention purposes may be allowed.

(B)

Retention basin slopes shall not exceed a four to one (4:1) ratio when planted, and shall not exceed a five to one (5:1) ratio in turf areas.

(C)

Retention basins shall be designed to provide varying side slopes and natural contouring by meandering the top and toe of slopes. Rectilinear and geometric basin shapes shall only be allowed if approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

(D)

Retention basins, including basin bottoms, shall meet the landscape criteria set forth herein for street frontages.

(8)

Building frontage.

(A)

Foundation planting shall be required adjacent to buildings fronting on streets or drive aisles. A minimum of fifty (50) percent of the building frontage shall be landscaped as set forth herein.

(B)

The minimum width for a foundation planter shall be five (5) feet, measured from the foundation to the nearest curb, sidewalk, or parking lot. The foundation planting area shall include, at a minimum, shrubs and groundcover. Trees shall be included when a foundation planter is adjacent to a sidewalk or pedestrian area.

(C)

A deviation or alternative to the building frontage requirements, including but not limited to, raised planter with seatwalls and potted trees or shrubs, may be considered by zoning administrator or authorized designee as long as the intent of the requirement is met.

(9)

Sight-visibility easements. All landscaping and plant materials installed within City of Avondale sight distance lines and/or within an Arizona Department of Transportation sight distance triangle shall be installed and maintained so that no shrub or groundcover shall exceed two (2) feet in height above the top of curb at maturity and all trees shall be limbed up to seven (7) feet of clearance.

(10)

All plant material utilized for screening of trash enclosures and service and utility areas, including Wireless Facility equipment enclosures, shall be a minimum five-gallon can size at a maximum four (4) feet on-center spacing. At Wireless Facility or Transmitting Tower locations, provide a minimum of four (4) live thirty-five-foot tall trees at locations where "stealth" structures are proposed (i.e., palm trees at location of a "monopalm").

(11)

Single-family new residential subdivision developments: A landscaping package for each lot shall be provided by the builder/developer consisting of a minimum of two (2) trees per unit, as specified herein, to be planted adjacent to the street frontage.

(12)

Multi-family: Common and open space areas adjacent to street frontages shall receive special landscaping treatment to provide an enhanced aesthetic setting for both the residents of the project and the general public. Special entry features, including architectural and vegetative treatments, shall be provided at major entrances into the development that reflects the unique identification of the community.

(Ord. No. 2045-1220, §§ 22, 23, 12-7-20)

(a)

General landscape plan requirements. Landscape plan submittals consisting of a preliminary landscape plan and a final landscape plan shall be prepared, submitted and approved for all applicable development projects in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth herein and as required under article 1 of this zoning ordinance. All plans shall be stamped and signed by a registered landscape architect licensed in the State of Arizona.

(b)

Preliminary landscape plan. The preliminary landscape plan shall illustrate the site layout, site amenities, plant material and plant locations. The preliminary landscape plan shall include the following information:

(1)

Proposed locations for all landscape material, organic and inorganic.

(2)

A preliminary landscape materials schedule identifying each plant's common and botanical name, plant sizes and quantities, and the specification, size, and color of any inert materials.

(3)

Preliminary landscape details and construction notes, including the required City of Avondale notes.

(4)

Preliminary locations of all easements on the site including, but not limited to, public utility easements, drainage easements, roadway easements, construction easements, and United States of America irrigation easements.

(5)

A completed planting data sheet.

(6)

Locations of all above-grade and underground detention/retention drainage basins.

(7)

All preliminary utility locations that impact the locations of any plant material including, but not limited to, underground utilities, transmission lines, site lighting, transformers and utility cabinets, backflow preventers, street lights and sign poles.

(8)

Preliminary irrigation mainline alignment, sleeving, product information, schedule, and details.

(9)

Any other pertinent information as requested by the zoning administrator or authorized designee as necessary to evaluate the landscape design.

(c)

Final landscape plan. The final landscape plan shall be submitted concurrently with all other required site improvement and construction plans at the time of application for a building permit. Any alterations to the approved Preliminary Landscape plan must be approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee prior to the final landscape plan submittal. The following information shall be added to the final landscape plans for review:

(1)

Revised locations, if any, for all landscape material, organic and inorganic.

(2)

A final landscape materials schedule identifying each plant's common and botanical name, plant sizes and quantities, and the specification, size, and color of any inert materials.

(3)

Final locations of all easements on the site including, but not limited to, public utility easements, drainage easements, roadway easements, construction easements, and United States of America irrigation easements.

(4)

All final utility locations including, but not limited to, site lighting, transformers and utility cabinets, backflow preventers, street lights, and signs.

(5)

Final landscape details and corresponding construction notes. All required City of Avondale notes are to be shown on all sheets.

(6)

Final irrigation plans, irrigation details and irrigation construction notes shall be provided illustrating the layout and details of the irrigation system including the type and location of all materials utilized.

(7)

Any other pertinent information as requested by the zoning administrator or authorized designee as necessary to evaluate the final landscape plans.

(Ord. No. 2055-0823, § 20, 8-21-23)

(a)

All projects required by this article 12 to be landscaped must be inspected and receive approval from the zoning administrator or authorized designee prior to a certificate of occupancy being issued by the city. Such inspections shall be requested by the applicant at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance.

(b)

The zoning administrator or authorized designee shall refuse to approve any project not meeting the provisions set forth herein. The zoning administrator or authorized designee shall also reject landscape materials that are substandard as to size, condition, or appearance.

(c)

The applicant may request an inspection of plant materials either on site or at the supplier prior to planting; provided, however, that any such pre-inspection shall only provide assurance as to the type and condition of plant materials desired and shall not constitute an acceptance of the final landscaping as installed.

(d)

The applicant must provide samples of all inert materials to the zoning administrator or authorized designee for review and approval of use prior to installation. Such reviews shall only provide assurance as to the type of materials to be used and shall not constitute an acceptance of the final material installation.

(a)

In all locations where walls or fences are either required by this subsection or desired by the property owner, the walls and fences shall conform to all provisions as set forth herein.

(b)

General wall and fence design standards.

(1)

All walls and fences for single-family residential development shall meet or exceed the guidelines set forth in the Single-Family Residential Design Manual for the City of Avondale.

(2)

All walls and fences for commercial, employment and/or multi-family development projects shall meet or exceed the guidelines set forth in the applicable design manual.

(3)

All walls and fences shall meet all current building code material and construction standards. Minimum finished wall thickness shall be no less than six (6) inches.

(4)

All walls shall be articulated to create visual interest by means such as, but not limited to, a change in plane and/or height, an integration of curves, material and color accents, pillars, or sculptural insets.

(A)

All walls along arterial or collector streets, with a continuous length greater than one hundred fifty (150) feet shall use a horizontal undulating pattern or offset at minimum intervals of fifty (50) feet to provide variety and visual interest. The undulation/offset depth parallel to the street line shall be a minimum of three (3) feet.

(B)

A minimum of two (2) different types of materials or treatments is required for every wall on site. Wall materials shall be six (6) or eight (8) inches wide, cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete block, natural stone, or a similar solid, durable, equal or better quality material and shall conform to the following:

i.

Wall materials shall complement the primary on-site building materials and colors.

ii.

Color and texture variations may constitute a change in materials, however. A change in materials shall not exceed two (2) types of materials. More than two (2) types of material changes must be approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

iii.

Material accents, sculptural insets and other aesthetic wall treatments shall be considered a separate material use as approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

iv.

Walls that are completely veneered with stone, brick, or other similar quality materials may be excluded from this requirement if approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

v.

The color and texture of stucco walls shall complement the primary on-site building materials and colors.

vi.

Split-faced, scored, or similar decorative types of block shall not be stuccoed.

vii.

Proposed wall materials, colors, and textures, as well as the proposed aesthetic treatments shall be submitted with the preliminary site plan.

(5)

Walls shall be opaque and linear when separating different land uses. All masonry unit walls shall have a decorative cap not to exceed the maximum wall height allowed.

(6)

An ornamental painted metal fence with concrete or masonry-capped pillars may be approved as a substitute for an opaque wall if the wall is not required for visual screening such as for land-use buffer requirements, service areas, trash enclosures, outdoor storage areas, or parking areas.

(A)

Pillars for fencing shall be spaced as follows:

i.

One (1) pillar/fifty (50) feet (minimum two (2)) if less than one hundred (100) linear feet.

ii.

One (1) pillar/one hundred (100) feet if fence length if over one thousand (1,000) linear feet.

iii.

A reduction in pillars may be allowed for fencing greater than one thousand (1,000) linear feet if fencing is not visible from a public street as determined by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

(B)

The fence and pillar treatment as set forth herein may be used where a multi-family residential development is contiguous with other Multi-Family Residential Zoning Districts or uses.

(7)

Gates: In those instances where a wall is erected as an enclosure, a gate of equal height shall be required in order to secure the enclosure. The gate shall be an opaque, metal material and shall be compatible with the design of the buildings and related site features.

(8)

Vinyl-coated chain-link fencing: The use of vinyl-coated chain-link fencing is restricted to single-family residential lots and recreational sport courts (i.e. tennis, basketball, volleyball, etc.). The height limitation may be exceeded when fencing is built around sports courts along the rear and side yards only and by approval of the zoning administrator or authorized designee. Vinyl coating for fencing shall be black, dark brown or dark green. Galvanized chain-link fencing is prohibited except on construction sites and locations of approved seasonal sales uses.

(9)

Barbed-wire fences: Barbed wire shall be prohibited except for temporary construction sites in all zoning districts, provided that the barbed wire is located six (6) feet or more above grade. If barbed wire has not been removed from the site at the time of final inspection, a certificate of occupancy shall not be issued.

(10)

Where a property owner(s) desires to extend an existing wall or fence that does not meet the requirements as stated above, the zoning administrator may approve a wall design consistent with the original, existing wall.

(11)

Frequent breaks in perimeter walls shall be provided to allow pedestrian access to adjacent streets and developments. These breaks should align appropriately with adjacent developments, open spaces and pathways when possible.

(c)

General wall and fence height standards.

(1)

The maximum height of any wall or fence shall be measured from the finished surface grade of the ground, paving or sidewalk where the wall or fence will be located.

(2)

Walls or fences located in a required front yard building setback, including walls for single-family dwellings, shall be three (3) feet six (6) inches maximum in height. An increase in the maximum height may be permitted subject to review and approval by the zoning administrator or authorized designee. Notwithstanding this authority, the maximum height that may be approved is six (6) feet. For all heights above three (3) feet-six (6) inches, the property owner shall demonstrate that line-of-sight surveillance to the street will be maintained by incorporating openings, providing transparent materials or varying height/materials.

(3)

In areas behind a required front yard building setback and within the required rear and side yards, including walls for single-family dwellings, the maximum height of walls shall be six (6) feet, except where a taller wall is necessary to screen service areas. For single-family uses, the maximum height shall be eight (8) feet when adjacent to an arterial road.

(4)

A masonry wall shall be required for through lots with rear lot lines adjacent to an arterial street, and the maximum height of such rear wall shall be eight (8) feet.

(5)

All walls shall be subject to review and approval through development plan review. Any wall in excess of seven (7) feet shall require a building permit, as required by the City's adopted Building Code.

(d)

Land-use buffer walls.

(1)

Screen walls shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions set forth herein and shall be required along all property lines of a site developed for multiple-family residential, commercial or employment uses when such property lines are contiguous with or separated only by an alley from a single-family residential development or zoning district.

(2)

Walls required for land-use buffers as set forth herein shall be located along all common property lines and shall meet the following height requirements:

(A)

Six (6) feet when a screen wall separates a Single-Family Residential District or use from a Commercial, and/or Multi-Family Residential District or use. The zoning administrator or authorized designee may determine that an eight-foot wall may be warranted in certain cases.

(B)

Eight (8) feet when a screen wall separates a Single-Family Residential District or use from an Employment District or use.

(3)

No screen walls shall be required for multi-family residential uses contiguous with other Multi-Family Zoning Districts or uses or along interior property lines separating individual development sites. However, if a property owner or applicant desires a screen wall at these locations, the wall must meet the requirements set forth herein for screen walls, and as approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

(e)

Perimeter walls at single-family residential developments.

(1)

Perimeter walls shall be architecturally enhanced with landscaping and materials that complement the development's architecture, provide a distinct design that represents the specific community, and meet the intent of the design standards as specified in subsection 28-297(b) above and herein.

(2)

Eight-foot tall, six-inch thick walls required along all arterials.

(3)

Six-foot tall, six-inch thick walls are required along all collectors and local streets.

(4)

Perimeter walls shall use an undulating pattern or offset as specified herein, with an aesthetic feature that contains a design/pattern every six hundred (600) feet and an architectural column every three hundred (300) feet. A minimum of a four-inch cap is required.

(5)

Accent materials shall be brick, natural stone, tile, travertine or other materials durable in a desert environment.

(6)

All perimeter walls shall be constructed concurrent with the associated phase of development.

(7)

Theme walls, reflecting the unique character of the community, shall be installed in all areas visible from public view with enhanced landscaping to compliment the architecture and related on-site features.

(8)

View fences shall be integrated into a development along open space areas with wrought iron, painted metal screens, Plexiglas or other decorative materials that promote view corridors and safety.

(f)

Interior walls at single-family residential developments. If a property owner or applicant desires a screen wall or fence at these locations, it must meet the requirements set forth herein and as approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

(g)

Parking lot screens. All on-site parking areas adjacent to any street shall be screened from street views according to the provisions as set forth herein. This standard can be met through the use of the following screening methods, which may be used individually or in combination:

(1)

Screen walls shall be a minimum of three (3) feet six (6) inches in height, constructed of masonry or concrete, be a minimum of six (6) inches in thickness, and incorporate offsets and relief as specified herein.

(2)

All walls shall be articulated to create visual interest by means such as, but not limited to, a change in plane and/or height, offsets, and/or an integration of curves, material and color accents, pillars, or sculptural insets.

(3)

Fifty (50) percent of all required parking lot screen walls shall have specialty details, decorative materials, surface articulation, and at least two minimum types of materials, and/or aesthetic interest elements, and shall conform to the requirements specified in section 28-297(b). Provide the decorative finish on both sides if visible to the general public.

(4)

Open areas or portals for line-of-sight surveillance and pedestrian access from the street to the site shall be provided as required by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

(5)

Earth berms, if used in lieu of or in conjunction with screen walls, shall have a maximum slope ratio of four to one (4:1) in planted areas and a maximum slope ratio of five to one (5:1) in turf areas. Berms are allowed only when there is sufficient area to create a three-foot six-inch tall berm with natural contouring and varying slopes. Linear and geometric shaped berms shall only be allowed as approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee.

(6)

A natural vegetation screen may be used in conjunction with a manmade screen wall, but for only forty (40) percent of the required wall length as approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee. The natural vegetation screen must meet the screening and height requirements as specified herein as well as the landscape design requirements contained in section 28-294.

(h)

Outdoor storage areas. All outdoor storage areas for materials, vehicles, trailers, equipment, trash or other similar items shall be enclosed by a masonry or concrete wall with an opaque metal gate to screen the view of these uses from public rights-of-way and adjoining residential, commercial and mixed-use districts. This wall and gate shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet tall but not to exceed ten (10) feet tall, measured from the adjacent finished surface grade or street curb, whichever is higher.

(i)

Service areas. All service bays, loading docks, delivery and refuse areas shall be screened from street view by a minimum of a six-foot high concrete or masonry unit wall. Site conditions and surrounding uses will be used to determine maximum height of walls adjacent to loading areas, service bays, mechanical equipment, etc. that are required to be screened.

(j)

Utility cabinets. All utility cabinets including, but not limited to, transformers, shall be screened by architectural metal fencing, walls that match nearby perimeter walls, berming and/or dense landscaping as determined at development plan review. Screening shall not conflict with access requirements.

(k)

Alleys. Screening requirements along alleys shall be the same as for land use buffers.

(l)

Manufactured homes. Perimeter boundaries of all manufactured home parks shall contain a screen wall that conforms to the criteria and requirements as set forth herein.

(a)

Landscaped areas shall be maintained as follows:

(1)

All landscape material shall be maintained according to the standards as set forth herein on the approved landscape maintenance manual. Landscaping and irrigation systems shall be maintained in accordance with the landscape maintenance manual submitted according to subsection 28-295(c)(7) and as approved by the city.

(2)

All landscape areas and material shall be maintained in a healthy, neat, clean and weed-free condition.

(3)

Permanent modifications and/or removal of existing landscaping, other than necessary for utility, infrastructure, or other repairs caused by unforeseen damages, shall require prior approval by the zoning administrator or authorized designee. Any approved landscaping that has been permanently removed for any reason without the zoning administrator's or authorized designee's approval shall be reported to code enforcement and a notice of violation may be issued. Material replacement shall be in kind and not less than the minimums as set forth herein, at the owner's expense. Planting shall be replaced per the approved landscape plan or as necessary to meet the requirements stated herein.

(4)

Any plant material determined by the zoning administrator or authorized designee to be unhealthy or in decline and not able to be treated, as verified by a certified arborist shall be replaced in kind and not less than the minimums as set forth herein, at the owner's expense. This includes, but is not limited to, natural vegetation screens.

(5)

Plant material shall be pruned according to the approved landscape maintenance manual and conform to the current version of the American National Standard, ANSI A300 - Tree Care Operations - Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant maintenance - Standard Practices. Plants shall not be severely pruned such that the natural growth pattern or characteristic forms are significantly altered.

(6)

Tree topping is prohibited. Any tree that has been altered by this measure shall be immediately removed and replaced in kind with a new tree, at the owner's expense.

(7)

Landscape areas on-site, as well as in the adjacent right-of-way, shall be maintained by the owner or owner's association (if applicable), and shall be maintained as approved in the landscape maintenance manual. Any areas designated and intended for the purposes of on-site stormwater retention shall be maintained and reserved for that primary purpose. Any alteration or deterioration of those areas shall be considered a violation of this article 12.

(8)

It shall be a violation of the provisions of this section for any person to (a) abuse, destroy or mutilate any tree, plant or shrub within the public rights-of-way, (b) attach or place any rope, wire or other item to or on any plant (other than to appropriately support the plant), unless approved by the zoning administrator or (c) allow any gaseous, liquid or solid substance that is harmful to plants to come in contact with plant roots, trunks, or leaves.

(b)

Every wall or fence shall not be allowed to become and remain in a condition of disrepair, damage or unsightliness or in any condition that violates any provision of this zoning ordinance or other applicable city code, ordinance or regulation. Any wall or fence, or a portion of either, that is removed for any purpose or by any means whatsoever, shall be restored to its original or upgraded condition relative to construction, material and finish.