(1) “Crown width” means the horizontal dimension of the full extent of the branches and leaves of a tree or shrub at full maturity, as measured at its widest point. As used in this chapter, projected crown width shall mean the estimated crown width of a young tree or shrub once that tree or shrub reaches full maturity.

(2) “Deciduous” shall mean a tree or shrub that sheds its leaves annually.

(3) “Evergreen” shall mean a plant that retains its leaves year-round. Having foliage that remains green and functional (i.e., photosynthesis, evapotranspiration, etc.) through more than one growing season.

(4) “Hedge” means small trees and shrubs planted in close proximity to form a continuous canopy.

(5) “Landscape screen” is intended to ensure compatibility between existing and proposed land uses, and to promote aesthetically pleasing development of new or expanded development as set forth in CCC 33.53.050(2), subject to the landscaping applicability requirements found in CCC 33.53.020.

(6) “Large tree” means a tree that has a projected crown width that equals or exceeds the width of the required landscape screen or visual buffer.

(7) “Noxious weeds” means species of plants defined in Chapter 16-750 WAC or by the Clallam County Noxious Weed Department.

(8) “Streetscape” means landscaping required along road frontages for all uses set forth in CCC 33.53.050(4), which is intended to provide for the aesthetic character and visual enhancement of the development site.

(9) “Understory vegetation” means a layer of trees and/or shrubs with a projected height and/or crown width of half the size of a large tree.

(10) “Vision clearance triangle” consists of an area in which no visual obstruction, such as a structure, signage, fence, tree or shrub or other visual obstacle higher than 24 inches above grade shall be permitted along each street frontage. Such triangular area shall have one angle formed by the front lot line and the side lot line separating the lot from the side street, extending 15 feet along both street frontages. The third side of the triangle shall be a straight line connecting the two lot lines at the 15-foot point on each. No trees, shrubs or other visual obstructions over 24 inches in height shall be permitted along the street within the vison clearance triangle.

(11) “Visual buffer” means the specification of landscaping required to soften the appearance of a barrier as set forth in CCC 33.53.050(3), subject to the landscaping applicability requirements found in CCC 33.53.020.

(1) Proposed retention of existing vegetation and plant types.

(2) The location of existing and proposed plants.

(3) Spacing between individual plants.

(4) Location, quantity, size and name, both botanical and common names, of all proposed plants.

(5) Location of impervious surfaces and hardscape features.

(6) Location and dimensions of all existing or proposed structures, property lines, easements, parking lots and driveways, roadways and rights-of-way, sidewalks, monuments/freestanding signs, refuse dumpsters, fences, walls, freestanding electrical equipment, and stormwater facilities.

(7) Proposed location of fencing, decorative block wall, berms, and/or hedges.

(8) Location of a vision clearance triangle on corner lots.

(9) Location and specification of outdoor and security lighting and mitigation measures consistent with CCC 33.53.090, which can be provided as a separate document.

(1) General Requirements.

(e) Corner lots shall maintain a vision clearance triangle (Figure 1). Larger vision triangles may be required, based on the road classifications, as specified by City, State or federal transportation agencies or departments.

Figure 1 – 15-ft clearance triangle example.

(2) Landscape Screen.

(b) The standard landscape screen shall include large trees planted no greater than 20 feet on center and understory vegetation planted no greater than six feet on center within the width of the landscape screen (Figure 2). Ground cover (evergreen or deciduous plantings) shall be planted at three-foot spacing in all directions within the width of the landscape screen.

Figure 2 – Overhead view of example landscape screen.

(3) Landscape Barrier.

(b) The standard visual buffer shall include an assortment of large trees planted no greater than 25 feet on center and comprised of no less than 50 percent evergreen species (Figure 3).

Figure 3 – Overhead view of example visual buffer.

(4) Streetscape.

(1) The perimeter landscaping shall incorporate trees, shrubs and groundcover plantings consistent with the streetscape standards found in CCC 33.53.050(4).

(2) Surface parking lots with more than 20 parking spaces shall provide landscaping islands at the end of every parking row with a maximum spacing of at least one island for every 12 parking spaces. Each island shall cover an area no less than one parking space (nine feet by 18 feet) and shall contain no less than one tree, shrubs and groundcover.

(3) If the parking lot is located behind the building and is not adjacent to a residential zone or road frontage, landscaping islands are not required, but are encouraged.

(1) Native trees and shrubs are encouraged as they tend to utilize less water, provide habitat functions, and require less maintenance compared to nonnative plants. To encourage their use, younger and smaller native trees and shrubs are allowed. The specification for native trees is one inch at breast height; the specification for native shrubs is one gallon; and the specification for native groundcover is four-inch containers.

(2) The Administrator may allow the use of smaller sized trees, shrubs, and ground cover upon a demonstration that adequate stock of the sought-after species, or suitable substitute, are not reasonably available in the required specification size; and the plan is modified to increase the planting density of the type of vegetation commensurate to the reduction in plant size.

(3) The following sources provide the characteristics (such as height, crown width, native plants, etc.) of trees, shrubs, hedges, and groundcover: The Pierce County preapproved trees, shrubs, and groundcover outlined in Table 18J.15.100-1 as adopted in the Pierce County Landscaping Code (Exhibit A of Ordinance 2021-124s2); the Great Plant Picks website at https://greatplantpicks.org; Plants of the Pacific Northwest by Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon; the Sunset Western Gardens Book; WSU Extension Publications; or other sources approved by the Administrator or Hearing Examiner.

(1) Existing significant site constraints due to unusual lot size or shape, topography, soil conditions, existing development (buildings, utilities, power lines, irrigation lines, sidewalks, etc.), existing easement restrictions, or other unique circumstances are such that full compliance with these standards is impractical for such development or use.

(2) Alternative screen landscaping designs and widths may be considered by the Administrator or the Hearing Examiner that provide for an effective, natural screen of the development site that is appropriate based on the existing conditions, zoning and existing and potential land uses to prevent nuisances and is aesthetically pleasing.

(3) Alternative landscape designs and widths may be considered by the Administrator or Hearing Examiner that promote effective landscaping of the development site.

(4) The Administrator or the Hearing Examiner may attach conditions to any alternative landscape plan or modification from the standards of this chapter necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare, or to assure that the spirit and intent of this chapter are maintained.

(1) The Administrator or the Hearing Examiner may require, as a condition of the granting of a development permit requiring an approved landscaping plan, that the applicant furnish security in the form of (a) a bond, (b) cash escrow account, (c) an irrevocable letter of credit or other security acceptable to the County, in its sole discretion, in an amount determined to be sufficient to complete the restoration and replanting of the property in accordance with the terms of the approved landscaping plan. The security shall be in an amount equal to 110 percent of the fair market value (i.e., bids or invoices) of the implementation of the approved landscaping plan, including material and labor costs.

The creation of this security account of the required landscaping may be required through a public hearing, or when the Administrator or the Hearing Examiner determines that the success of the landscaping is needed to ensure compatibility with the existing and/or potential adjacent land uses. The account shall be held by, or in the name of, the Clallam County Treasurer for a minimum of three years. The Administrator may use the funds in the account to have the required landscaping installed as designed if the landscaping installed by the applicant is unsuccessful, or if the applicant does not replace dead trees and shrubs within 90 days of notification by the Administrator.

(2) Alternatively, the Administrator may allow the landowner to sign a maintenance contract with a landscape company for up to three years to ensure that the landscaping installed is maintained, and that dead trees and shrubs are replaced within 90 days of notification by the Administrator. The Administrator may also require documentation with photos for up to three years to ensure that the landscaping is successful.

(1) The Administrator is authorized to carry out inspections for the life of the project to ensure compliance with these landscaping standards.

(2) If approved landscaping per the issued development permit is dead or altered over the life of the project then required landscaping shall be replaced within 90 days of notification by the Administrator.

(3) Any person who fails to comply with the standards contained within this chapter and/or any person who fails to comply with a final written order may be subject to enforcement as outlined in CCC Title 20.

(1) This chapter shall become effective on September 8, 2023.

(2) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to existing required landscaping or approved landscaping plans for which all previously required permits were obtained, implemented, and approved prior to the effective date of this chapter.

(1) “Crown width” means the horizontal dimension of the full extent of the branches and leaves of a tree or shrub at full maturity, as measured at its widest point. As used in this chapter, projected crown width shall mean the estimated crown width of a young tree or shrub once that tree or shrub reaches full maturity.

(2) “Deciduous” shall mean a tree or shrub that sheds its leaves annually.

(3) “Evergreen” shall mean a plant that retains its leaves year-round. Having foliage that remains green and functional (i.e., photosynthesis, evapotranspiration, etc.) through more than one growing season.

(4) “Hedge” means small trees and shrubs planted in close proximity to form a continuous canopy.

(5) “Landscape screen” is intended to ensure compatibility between existing and proposed land uses, and to promote aesthetically pleasing development of new or expanded development as set forth in CCC 33.53.050(2), subject to the landscaping applicability requirements found in CCC 33.53.020.

(6) “Large tree” means a tree that has a projected crown width that equals or exceeds the width of the required landscape screen or visual buffer.

(7) “Noxious weeds” means species of plants defined in Chapter 16-750 WAC or by the Clallam County Noxious Weed Department.

(8) “Streetscape” means landscaping required along road frontages for all uses set forth in CCC 33.53.050(4), which is intended to provide for the aesthetic character and visual enhancement of the development site.

(9) “Understory vegetation” means a layer of trees and/or shrubs with a projected height and/or crown width of half the size of a large tree.

(10) “Vision clearance triangle” consists of an area in which no visual obstruction, such as a structure, signage, fence, tree or shrub or other visual obstacle higher than 24 inches above grade shall be permitted along each street frontage. Such triangular area shall have one angle formed by the front lot line and the side lot line separating the lot from the side street, extending 15 feet along both street frontages. The third side of the triangle shall be a straight line connecting the two lot lines at the 15-foot point on each. No trees, shrubs or other visual obstructions over 24 inches in height shall be permitted along the street within the vison clearance triangle.

(11) “Visual buffer” means the specification of landscaping required to soften the appearance of a barrier as set forth in CCC 33.53.050(3), subject to the landscaping applicability requirements found in CCC 33.53.020.

(1) Proposed retention of existing vegetation and plant types.

(2) The location of existing and proposed plants.

(3) Spacing between individual plants.

(4) Location, quantity, size and name, both botanical and common names, of all proposed plants.

(5) Location of impervious surfaces and hardscape features.

(6) Location and dimensions of all existing or proposed structures, property lines, easements, parking lots and driveways, roadways and rights-of-way, sidewalks, monuments/freestanding signs, refuse dumpsters, fences, walls, freestanding electrical equipment, and stormwater facilities.

(7) Proposed location of fencing, decorative block wall, berms, and/or hedges.

(8) Location of a vision clearance triangle on corner lots.

(9) Location and specification of outdoor and security lighting and mitigation measures consistent with CCC 33.53.090, which can be provided as a separate document.

(1) General Requirements.

(e) Corner lots shall maintain a vision clearance triangle (Figure 1). Larger vision triangles may be required, based on the road classifications, as specified by City, State or federal transportation agencies or departments.

Figure 1 – 15-ft clearance triangle example.

(2) Landscape Screen.

(b) The standard landscape screen shall include large trees planted no greater than 20 feet on center and understory vegetation planted no greater than six feet on center within the width of the landscape screen (Figure 2). Ground cover (evergreen or deciduous plantings) shall be planted at three-foot spacing in all directions within the width of the landscape screen.

Figure 2 – Overhead view of example landscape screen.

(3) Landscape Barrier.

(b) The standard visual buffer shall include an assortment of large trees planted no greater than 25 feet on center and comprised of no less than 50 percent evergreen species (Figure 3).

Figure 3 – Overhead view of example visual buffer.

(4) Streetscape.

(1) The perimeter landscaping shall incorporate trees, shrubs and groundcover plantings consistent with the streetscape standards found in CCC 33.53.050(4).

(2) Surface parking lots with more than 20 parking spaces shall provide landscaping islands at the end of every parking row with a maximum spacing of at least one island for every 12 parking spaces. Each island shall cover an area no less than one parking space (nine feet by 18 feet) and shall contain no less than one tree, shrubs and groundcover.

(3) If the parking lot is located behind the building and is not adjacent to a residential zone or road frontage, landscaping islands are not required, but are encouraged.

(1) Native trees and shrubs are encouraged as they tend to utilize less water, provide habitat functions, and require less maintenance compared to nonnative plants. To encourage their use, younger and smaller native trees and shrubs are allowed. The specification for native trees is one inch at breast height; the specification for native shrubs is one gallon; and the specification for native groundcover is four-inch containers.

(2) The Administrator may allow the use of smaller sized trees, shrubs, and ground cover upon a demonstration that adequate stock of the sought-after species, or suitable substitute, are not reasonably available in the required specification size; and the plan is modified to increase the planting density of the type of vegetation commensurate to the reduction in plant size.

(3) The following sources provide the characteristics (such as height, crown width, native plants, etc.) of trees, shrubs, hedges, and groundcover: The Pierce County preapproved trees, shrubs, and groundcover outlined in Table 18J.15.100-1 as adopted in the Pierce County Landscaping Code (Exhibit A of Ordinance 2021-124s2); the Great Plant Picks website at https://greatplantpicks.org; Plants of the Pacific Northwest by Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon; the Sunset Western Gardens Book; WSU Extension Publications; or other sources approved by the Administrator or Hearing Examiner.

(1) Existing significant site constraints due to unusual lot size or shape, topography, soil conditions, existing development (buildings, utilities, power lines, irrigation lines, sidewalks, etc.), existing easement restrictions, or other unique circumstances are such that full compliance with these standards is impractical for such development or use.

(2) Alternative screen landscaping designs and widths may be considered by the Administrator or the Hearing Examiner that provide for an effective, natural screen of the development site that is appropriate based on the existing conditions, zoning and existing and potential land uses to prevent nuisances and is aesthetically pleasing.

(3) Alternative landscape designs and widths may be considered by the Administrator or Hearing Examiner that promote effective landscaping of the development site.

(4) The Administrator or the Hearing Examiner may attach conditions to any alternative landscape plan or modification from the standards of this chapter necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare, or to assure that the spirit and intent of this chapter are maintained.

(1) The Administrator or the Hearing Examiner may require, as a condition of the granting of a development permit requiring an approved landscaping plan, that the applicant furnish security in the form of (a) a bond, (b) cash escrow account, (c) an irrevocable letter of credit or other security acceptable to the County, in its sole discretion, in an amount determined to be sufficient to complete the restoration and replanting of the property in accordance with the terms of the approved landscaping plan. The security shall be in an amount equal to 110 percent of the fair market value (i.e., bids or invoices) of the implementation of the approved landscaping plan, including material and labor costs.

The creation of this security account of the required landscaping may be required through a public hearing, or when the Administrator or the Hearing Examiner determines that the success of the landscaping is needed to ensure compatibility with the existing and/or potential adjacent land uses. The account shall be held by, or in the name of, the Clallam County Treasurer for a minimum of three years. The Administrator may use the funds in the account to have the required landscaping installed as designed if the landscaping installed by the applicant is unsuccessful, or if the applicant does not replace dead trees and shrubs within 90 days of notification by the Administrator.

(2) Alternatively, the Administrator may allow the landowner to sign a maintenance contract with a landscape company for up to three years to ensure that the landscaping installed is maintained, and that dead trees and shrubs are replaced within 90 days of notification by the Administrator. The Administrator may also require documentation with photos for up to three years to ensure that the landscaping is successful.

(1) The Administrator is authorized to carry out inspections for the life of the project to ensure compliance with these landscaping standards.

(2) If approved landscaping per the issued development permit is dead or altered over the life of the project then required landscaping shall be replaced within 90 days of notification by the Administrator.

(3) Any person who fails to comply with the standards contained within this chapter and/or any person who fails to comply with a final written order may be subject to enforcement as outlined in CCC Title 20.

(1) This chapter shall become effective on September 8, 2023.

(2) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to existing required landscaping or approved landscaping plans for which all previously required permits were obtained, implemented, and approved prior to the effective date of this chapter.