Clarkdale City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 9

LANDSCAPE DESIGN STANDARDS

Prior legislation: Prior code 9-5.

Section 9-010 Purpose and Intent

A. The intent of this chapter is to set forth landscape design requirements that promote and preserve the use of native vegetation and conserve water through low-water usage plantings.

B. The purpose of the landscape design standards is to:

1. Preserve and enhance the natural beauty and environment.

2. Mitigate the impacts of parking and other vehicular areas.

3. Ensure safety.

4. Minimize the effects of temperature extremes, noise, pollution, wind and glare.

5. Promote water and energy conservation.

6. Provide a buffer between land uses.

7. Soften and complement new and existing structures.

C. Landscaping may include a mix of vegetation (trees, shrubs and decorative accent plants) and surface treatments such as permeable surfaces, boulders and hardscape. (Revised by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26; Revised by Ordinance #438 on 12/10/24; effective 1/10/25; Revised by Resolution #1599 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; Revised by Ordinance #396 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; by Prior Code on )

Section 9-020 Applicability

A. Landscaping is required for all new buildings and uses of land, redevelopment of a building or land; including single-family residential dwelling units and residential development under a unified/master development plan.

B. A landscape plan shall be provided for all projects subject to design review requirements.

C. Alterations to existing multifamily, commercial and industrial sites and buildings will be required to conform to the standards herein if the value of improvements exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the assessed value of the subject property. (Revised by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26; Revised by Resolution #1599 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; Revised by Ordinance #396 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; by Prior Code on )

Section 9-030 Requirements

A. Surface areas of a project not used for buildings, drives, parking or permitted outside uses shall be either landscaped, retained in their natural state or revegetated.

B. Any portions of a site disturbed by site preparation and/or construction, especially cut or fill slopes, shall be landscaped or revegetated. A minimum of four (4) inches of topsoil shall be placed on the disturbed area and erosion of the topsoil shall be mitigated.

C. Landscape areas may include organic and inorganic materials.

D. Preservation and reuse of viable native vegetation existing on the site is strongly encouraged.

E. Plant materials used shall be primarily native or drought tolerant.

F. The majority of each design plan should incorporate xeriscape concepts, including:

1. Use of mulch or landscape rock.

2. Installation of a drip system.

3. Use of drought tolerant plants.

4. Use of permeable ground cover.

5. Incorporation of shade.

6. Incorporation of passive drainage into parking lot landscaping.

G. Landscape must be suitable for the terrain.

H. The landscape plan must account for site drainage and retention.

I. The landscape plan design should promote pedestrian/ bicycle traffic where applicable.

J. The landscape plan must incorporate energy and water conservation concepts.

K. Landscaping must be installed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy or receiving a final inspection from the Town of Clarkdale, or the owner shall provide the Town with financial assurances, or other legal instrument in an amount sufficient to complete one hundred percent (100%) of the landscaping, as evidenced by a written estimate from a licensed landscape architect or contractor.

L. All landscaping, irrigation and other site work shall be installed as shown on the approved landscape and irrigation plans.

M. Front yard residential landscaping in a unified/master plan development shall be installed prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.

N. All landscaping, irrigation and other site work shall be installed as shown on the approved landscape and irrigation plans.

O. An irrigation plan shall be submitted with the landscape plan and shall include a weather-based irrigation controller with rain sensors and automatic shut-off valves during rain events.

P. The developer and subsequent owners shall be responsible for maintaining the landscaping as shown on the approved plan. Maintenance shall include regular irrigation, weeding, fertilizing and pruning. This includes maintaining landscaping in the adjacent public right-of-way.

Q. Dead vegetation shall be replaced within sixty (60) days of discovery or by the next planting season, whichever occurs first.

R. Areas left in their natural state must be monitored on a regular basis and any trash and debris removed immediately.

S. Failure to properly maintain the property will subject the property owner to the penalties set forth in Town Code. (Revised by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26; Revised by Ordinance #438 on 12/10/24; effective 1/10/25; Revised by Resolution #1621 on 2/25/20; Revised by Ordinance #403 on 2/25/20; effective 3/26/20; Revised by Resolution #1599 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; Revised by Ordinance #396 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; by Prior Code on )

Section 9-040 Sustainable Design

A. Sustainable design aspects including but not limited to the following should be incorporated into the landscape plan as much as possible:

1. Good soil preparation and depth.

2. Use of mulch and/ or landscape rock.

3. Use of sunken tree basins.

4. Use of low water-use drought tolerant plants/ trees.

5. Use of efficient irrigation.

6. Active incorporation of passive water harvesting shall be encouraged and reduce the parking required by ten percent (10%).

7. Planting of symbiotic groupings of native species.

8. Incorporation of shade techniques over public areas such as sidewalks, trails, bikeways and parking lots.

9. Use of shade structures and plants/ trees to mitigate the impact of sun and wind on structures and public areas.

B. In addition, projects should include active water harvesting and storage as an offset to groundwater pumping. (Revised by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26; Created by Resolution #1599 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; Created by Ordinance #396 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19)

Section 9-050 Shading Techniques

A. Purpose. To promote safe, comfortable pedestrian environments in residential and commercial areas, reduce urban heat impacts, and improve access to the community’s trail network by integrating shading and connectivity into site design.

B. Applicability. This chapter applies to:

1. Any residential development or commercial property that directly abuts or shares a property line with a designated public trail, bike path or multi-use corridor.

2. Any residential development or commercial property that provides direct access to a designated public trail, bike path or multi-use corridor, whether through a dedicated easement, shared-use path or access point.

3. Any new development, redevelopment or major site improvement on a residential development or commercial property that results in improvements valued at more than fifty percent (50%) of the property’s assessed value.

4. Any project that proposes new pedestrian connections, public access or site circulation that interfaces with a designated public trail, bike path or multi-use corridor.

1. Shade Coverage Standard. All public-facing sidewalks and pedestrian walkways within or adjacent to the development should aim to achieve minimum seventy-five percent (75%) shade coverage at solar noon on June 21st (measured over the sidewalk area).

2. Shade Elements. Shade may be provided through:

a. Desert-adapted shade trees spaced no more than 20 – 25 feet apart, such as but not limited to Desert Willow, Velvet Mesquite, Arizona Ash or similar.

b. Architectural or structural elements including but not limited to awnings, arcades or solar shade panels.

c. Landscape-integrated solutions such as vine-covered trellises or living walls.

3. Building Orientation Incentive. Developments oriented to maximize natural building shade on pedestrian areas may count built shadow toward the total shade coverage requirement.

1. Connectivity. Residential or commercial developments located within five hundred (500) feet of an existing or planned trail, multi-use path, or bike corridor should provide:

a. A direct, pedestrian and bicycle connection to the trail system, unless topography or physical barriers prevent it.

b. Wayfinding signage placed at visible points (e.g., storefronts, parking areas) to indicate trail direction and distance.

2. Trailhead enhancements (if applicable).

3. Where a development borders a trail, it must provide a “soft” trailhead or access node including:

a. A shaded seating/rest area.

b. Trash/recycling receptacles.

c. Bicycle parking or racks.

d. Lighting if within one hundred (100) feet of a public entrance.

1. All shade-providing trees and structures must be maintained to provide effective shading throughout the year.

2. Trees must be irrigated for the first two (2) years to become established.

3. Dead trees must be replaced within sixty (60) days of discovery or by the next planting season, whichever occurs first, with species of similar canopy potential.

4. Structural shading elements must be maintained for safety, usability, and aesthetic quality. (Created by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26)

Section 9-060 Buffering

A. Buffering is required when nonresidential uses are proposed adjacent to existing or proposed residential uses, and between proposed or existing multifamily and single-family uses, or where there is a transition from one type of land use or density to another land use and for the screening of mechanical equipment, service or storage areas. Landscape buffers shall be placed between adjacent land uses and zoning districts as described in the following table:

	Adjacent Streets/Zoning Districts/Land Use
Districts/Land Uses	Residential	Office	Commercial	Industrial	Multifamily	Mobile Home Park
Residential Subdivision^*	X	X	X	X	X	X
Office	X	--	X	X	X	X
Commercial	X	X	--	X	X	X
Industrial	X	X	X	--	X	X
Multifamily	X	X	X	X	--	X
Mobile Home Park	X	X	X	X	X	--

*Four lots or more.

B. The buffering may consist of landscape screening, berming, solid walls, or a combination thereof and the depth shall be the equivalent of the required setback.

1. Buffering must be designed to provide a year-round visual screen in order to minimize adverse impacts. It may consist of fencing, block, evergreens, berms, rocks, boulders, grade changes or a combination thereof.

2. Sufficient buffering shall be provided when topographical or other barriers do not provide reasonable screening and where there is a need to shield neighboring properties from any adverse visual or other effects of the development.

C. The width of the landscape buffer between two incompatible uses shall increase with the setback of the building as follows:

1. Less than fifty (50) feet: ten (10) feet wide landscape buffer.

2. Fifty (50) to seventy-four (74) feet: fifteen (15) feet wide landscape buffer.

3. Seventy-five (75) to ninety-nine (99) feet: twenty (20) feet wide landscape buffer.

4. One hundred (100) feet or more: twenty-five (25) feet wide landscape buffer.

5. Averaging of the buffer area is permitted as long as a minimum of one-half (0.5) of the required buffer is maintained. (Renumbered by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26; Revised by Resolution #1621 on 2/25/20; Revised by Ordinance #403 on 2/25/20; effective 3/26/20; Renumbered by Resolution #1599 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; Renumbered by Ordinance #396 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; by Prior Code on . Formerly 9-040, 9-050)

Section 9-070 Minimum Plant Size and Spacing Requirements

	Minimum Caliper Size	Minimum Box Size	Minimum Height at Planting	Maximum Distance Detween Trees on Center
Residential	2"	15 gallons	6'	20'
Commercial	3"	24" – 50% 36" – 50%	8'	20'
Industrial	4"	36"	8'	20'
Mixed Use	3"	24"	8'	20'

	Minimum Distance Between Trees on Center	Maximum Distance Between Trees on Center
Residential	15'	20'
Commercial	15'	30'
Industrial	15'	30'
Mixed Use	15'	20'

(Revised by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26; Created by Resolution #1599 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; Created by Ordinance #396 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19)

Section 9-080 Restricted Planting Areas

1. At the intersection of two (2) arterial and/or collector streets, or at the intersection of a street and an alley, a triangle measuring thirty (30) feet in length along the curb lines or edge of roadway or alley from the point of intersection shall be left unobstructed.

2. At the intersection of a street and a driveway a triangle measuring twenty (20) feet along the curb line or roadway edge and the edge of the driveway from the point of intersection, and connecting diagonally, shall be left unobstructed.

3. Specific visibility triangle requirements for intersections shall be determined per the Town Engineering Standards.

4. Landscape materials shall not exceed a height of eighteen (18) inches above the grade of the roadway or driveway within the sight visibility triangle.

5. Trees in the sight visibility triangle shall have a minimum eight (8) feet of clearance between the lowest limbs of the tree and the roadway. (Revised by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26; Created by Resolution #1599 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; Created by Ordinance #396 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19)

Section 9-090 Parking Lots

A. Parking lot landscaping shall be included as part of the overall landscape plan.

B. An area or combination of areas equal to no less than ten percent (10%) of the total parking lot area shall be landscaped.

C. All applicable developments that have five (5) or more vehicle parking spaces shall provide landscaping in their parking areas as follows:

1. Canopy Trees. Within a parking area, one (1) canopy tree is required for each eight (8) vehicle parking spaces or fraction thereof, as follows:

a. Canopy trees shall be evenly distributed throughout the vehicle use area and have a minimum of eight (8) feet of vehicle clearance.

b. Canopy trees shall be placed and distributed in a way to encourage the optimum shade level for parking stalls based on the stall alignment.

2. Planter Area. Each canopy tree required by this chapter shall have a planter area with a minimum unpaved area of seven (7) feet by eighteen (18) feet with one thousand (1,000) cubic feet of soil to provide successful tree growth.

3. Plant Protection. Areas where plants are susceptible to injury by vehicular or pedestrian traffic shall be protected by appropriate means, such as curbs, bollards, or low walls.

a. The planter area shall have a raised border four (4) inches high to prohibit the tires of a vehicle from encroaching onto the planter. Raised borders may include cuts that allow stormwater to flow into the planter areas for rainwater harvesting purposes.

b. Standard wheel barriers are acceptable but not encouraged, as they can be easily moved and could allow damage to the tree.

a. Any site with six (6) or fewer vehicle parking spaces including ADA required spaces.

b. Home occupations.

c. Vehicle storage.

d. Covered parking areas.

e. For expansion of an existing development, the existing parking areas are exempt from the canopy tree standard if the existing parking area is subject to an approved site plan on or before the effective date.

D. In developments where it is necessary to bring the existing parking areas into conformance with these regulations, the tree coverage/distribution requirement may be modified by the Community Development Director or designee.

E. A landscape buffer is required around the perimeter of any parking area adjacent to the street or a residentially zoned property.

F. All landscape areas and parking area planters may also be used as water retention basins. Basins within a landscape buffer shall maintain slopes no steeper than four (4) to one (1), except as otherwise approved by the Town Engineer. (Revised by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26; Renumbered by Resolution #1599 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; Renumbered by Ordinance #396 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; by Prior Code on . Formerly 9-070)

Section 9-100 Minimum Landscaping for New Construction

1. A minimum of thirty percent (30%) of the total lot area shall be landscaped.

2. A minimum fifteen (15) foot wide strip of land area adjacent to the street right-of-way shall be landscaped.

3. Averaging of the street landscaping strip area is permitted if a minimum of one-half (1/2) of the required setback is maintained.

1. A minimum of thirty percent (30%) of total lot area shall be landscaped.

2. A minimum fifteen (15) foot wide strip of land area adjacent to the street right-of-way shall be landscaped.

3. Averaging of the street landscaping strip area is permitted if a minimum of one-half (1/2) of the required setback is maintained.

1. A minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the total lot area shall be landscaped.

2. A minimum fifteen (15) foot wide strip of land adjacent to the street right-of-way shall be landscaped.

3. Averaging of the street landscaping strip area is permitted if a minimum of one-half (1/2) of the required setback is maintained. (Revised by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26; Revised by Ordinance #438 on 12/10/24; effective 1/10/25; Revised by Ordinance #427 on 8/13/24; effective 9/14/24; Renumbered by Resolution #1599 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; Renumbered by Ordinance #396 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; by Prior Code on . Formerly 9-090)

Section 9-110 Variances

A. The Community Development Director may recommend a waiver or modification to the Landscape Design Standards Code that supports sustainable development prior to the application moving forward to the design review process. The Director’s recommendation may be accepted, rejected, or modified during the design review process.

B. Modifications to an approved landscape design plan determined to be minor (ten percent (10%) or less of a change in area, number of plantings, or type of plantings) may be allowed by the Community Development Director through an administrative process.

C. The Community Development Director has the discretion to waive the application of this chapter upon a finding that implementation of the requirements would reduce the fair market value or developability of the property. (Renumbered by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26; Created by Resolution #1599 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; Created by Ordinance #396 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19. Formerly 9-120)

Section 9-120 Approved Plant List

A. Approved Plant Materials. All landscaping plans shall include plant varieties selected from the approved plant list provided in this chapter.

B. Use of Unlisted Plant Materials. If a plant, shrub, bush or tree proposed on a landscaping plan is not included on the approved plant list, the Community Development Director, or designee, may authorize its use upon submission of documentation demonstrating that the species is:

1. Noninvasive; and

2. Drought-tolerant; and

3. Classified as having very low to moderate water demand.

Common Name (Botanical Name)	Size	Water Demand	Notes
Barberry (Algerita) (Berberis haematocarpa)	3-10'	Low
Catclaw Acacia (Senegalia greggii)	4-10'	Very low	Common shrub or small tree
Beargrass (Nolina microcarpa)	4-6'	Very low	Agave family, high stalks, high slopes
Cliffrose (Purshia subintegra)	3-6'	Very low	Dry, rocky steep slopes
Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata)	4-8'	Very low	Roots emit repellents
Feather Dalea (Dalea formosa)	1-2'	Very low	Dry, rocky slopes
Graythorn (Ziziphus obtusifolia)	6-10'	Very low	Riparian edge, grasslands, bird habitat
Manzanita (Pointleaf) (Arctostaphylos pungens)	4-6'	Very low	Dry hillsides above 4,000'
Mesquite (Velvet) (Prosopis velutina)	10-25'	Low	Washes, riparian edges below 4,000'
Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus)	15'	Very low	High slopes
Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis)	2-6'	Very low	Dry soil
Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)	8-15'	Very low	Steep hillsides, needs drainage
Shrub Live Oak (Scrub) (Quercus turbinella)	6-10'	Very low	High slopes, dry washes
Four-Wing Salt Bush (Atriplex canescens)	4-6'	Very low	Common wildlife habitat
Broom Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae)	2-4'	Very low	Common. Over-grazed areas
Sugar Sumac (Rhus avata)	2-15'	Very low	Part shade, dry slopes
Winter Fat (Krascheninnikovia)	2-3'	Very low	Open rangeland

Common Name (Botanical Name)	Size	Water Demand	Notes
Angel’s Hair (Artemisia schmidtiana)	2"	Very low	Fine silver leaves
Arizona Rosewood (Vauquelinia californica)	8'	Low when est.	Evergreen
Australian Laurel (Pittosporum tobira)	6-15'	Low
Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)	2x2'	Low-mod	Water demand is dependent on sun exposure
Bird of Paradise Bush (Erythrostemon gilliesii)	4-6'	Low	Tree variant, 12' – aka Caesalpinia gilliesii
Butterfly (Fountain) Bush (Buddleja alternifolia)	8-12'	Low	Long flower clusters
Cotoneaster, Spreading (Cotoneaster)	5-6'	Low	Hardy deciduous – aka Cotoneaster divaricatus
Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana)	2x2'	Very low	Evergreen, yellow flowers spring and fall
Dusty Miller (Artemisia stelleriana)	2-3'	Low	Evergreen shrub
Flame Honeysuckle (Anisacanthus quadrifidus)	3-4'	Low	Deciduous, orange/red flowers late summer/fall
Juniper (Savin) (Juniperus sabina)	2-4'2-15'	Very low	Evergreen
Photinia (Chinese) (Photinia serrulata)	6-12'2-4'	Low	Water to establish
Pyracantha (Firethorn) (Pyracantha coccinea)	6-12'6-12'	Low	Trains to fence
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)	2-6'6-12'	Very low	Needs drainage
Santolina (Santolina virens)	1-2'2-6'	Very low	Evergreen, good ground cover
Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)	3-8'1-2'	Very low	Semi-evergreen, many variations
Turpentine Bush (Ericameria laricifolia)	2-3'3-8'	Very low	Evergreen, yellow flowers in fall
Viburnum (various) (Viburnum lantana)	4-12'2-3'	Low-mod	Deciduous, partial sun
Xylosma (Xylosma congestum)	8-10'4-12'	Low	Heat tolerant

Common Name (Botanical Name)	Size	Water Demand	Notes
Arizona Ash (Velvet) (Fraxinus velutina)	30-40'	Mod	Riparian, aggressive root
Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica)	30-40'	Very low	Evergreen, dry soils
Netleaf Hackberry (Celtis reticulara)	20-30'	Low	Riparian edge
Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)	40-60'	Low	Evergreen, dry soils
Juniper (One-Seed) (Juniperus monosperma)	15-35'	Very low	Evergreen, dry mesas, hillsides
Juniper (Utah) (Juniperus osteosperma)	15-30'	Very low	Evergreen, one main trunk, dry areas
Mesquite (Velvet) (Prosopis velutina)	10-25'	Low	Washes, riparian edges below 4,000'
Oak (Emory or Live) (Quercus emoryi)	20-50'	Low	Evergreen, lower slopes
Oak (Gambel) (Quercus gambelii)	20-50'	Low	Deciduous, typically above 5,000'
Oak (Sonoran) (Quercus turbinella)	6-10'	Very low	Deciduous, high slopes, dry washes. Aka Shrub Live Oak, others
Willow (Desert) (Chilopsis linearis)	10-25'	Low-mod	Riparian edge, washes
Willow (Goodding) (Salix gooddingii)	30-50'	Mod	Deciduous, riparian, invasive roots * Limited to Pecks Park Area
Willow (Globe) (Salix matsudana)	20-30'	Mod	Deciduous

Common Name (Botanical Name)	Size	Water Demand	Notes
Cedar (Deodar) (Cedrus deodara)	60-80'	Very low	Evergreen, check varieties
Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)	3-16'	Low-mod	Purple flower
Chinaberry (Melia azedarach)	30-50'	Low	Grows in poor soil
Crabapple (Flowering) (Malus)	6-30'	Low-mod	Check available local varieties
Honeylocust (Thornless) (Gleditsia triacanthos)	35-70'	Low	Deciduous, good street trees
Little Leaf Ash (Fraxinus greggii)	8-10'	Mod	Semi-evergreen, slow, prune to tree
Locust (Idaho) (Robinia idahoensis)	30-40'	Very low	Deciduous, aggressive roots
Oak (Southern Live) (Quercus virginiana)	40'	Low	Deep rooted
Pine (Aleppo) (Pinus halepensis)	30-60'	Low	Evergreen, hardy to heat, aridity, wind
Pine (Pinion Nut) (Pinus edulis)	10-35'	Very low	Evergreen, hardy in desert mountains
Pine (Afghan) (Pinus eldarica)	30-50'	Low	Evergreen, now “Pinus brutia” – fast growing
Plum (Flowering) (Prunus varieties)	20-30'	Mod	Deciduous, requires maintenance
Raywood Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia)	60-100'	Mod	Fast growing

Common Name (Botanical Name)	Size	Water Demand	Notes
Century Plant (Agave parryi)	3'	Very low	Tall flower stalk
Cholla (Plateau) (Cylindropuntia whipplei)	2-4'	Very low	Long, branching sections
Claret Cup (Echinocereus triglochidiatus)	1-2'	Very low	Dense mounds of stems
Fendler Hedgehog (Echinocereus fendleri)	6"-1'	Very low	Small clumps, rocky
Prickly Pear (Desert) (Opuntia phaeacantha)	2-5'	Very low	Dry hillsides
Tonto Basin Agave (Agave delamateri)	2-3'	Very low	Extremely rare plant. Flower spikes may reach 20 feet.
Yucca (Banana) (Yucca baccata)	2-3'	Very low	Dense flower clusters
Yucca (Soaptree) (Yucca elata)	2-15'	Very low	Tall single trunk

Common Name (Botanical Name)	Water Demand	Notes
Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata)	Low	Biennial
Tufted Evening Primrose (Oenothera caespitosa)	Low	Perennial – maximum height of 4 inches
Penstemon (Variety of species)	Low	Perennial – may reach 6 feet in height Shades range from light pink to vivid red
Angelita Daisy (Hymenoxus acaulis)	Low
Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)	Low
Desert Globe Mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)	Low
Blue Gamma Grass (Bouteloua gracilis)	Low	Limited maintenance
Desert Lavender (Hyptis emoryi)	Low	Favored by honeybees

(Renumbered by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26; Renumbered by Resolution #1599 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; Renumbered by Ordinance #396 on 4/9/19; effective 5/10/19; by Prior Code on . Formerly 9-080, 9-130)

Section 9-130 Prohibited Plant List

Any plant species not explicitly listed in this section that are designated as prohibited or regulated under applicable state statutes or administrative rules shall also be prohibited for use in required landscape plans.

A. Prohibited High-Water-Use, Invasive and High-Pollen Species. The following plant species are prohibited in all required landscape plans:

1. Red brome (Bromus rubens). Non-native invasive winter grass.

2. Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), including all varieties. Self-seeding invasive perennial.

3. Mulberry tree (male) (Morus spp., male varieties only). High pollen producer.

4. Olive tree (Olea europaea). High-pollen producer.

a. Exception: Nonflowering, fruitless varieties such as “Swan Hill,” “Wilson Hill” or similar cultivars that do not produce pollen may be considered for approval.

5. Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana, Cortaderia jubata). High-water-use clumping grass.

6. Paradise tree (Ailanthus altissima). Also known as tree of heaven; nonnative and highly invasive.

7. Giant reed (Arundo donax). Large, fast-growing invasive nonnative grass.

8. Russian thistle (Salsola tragus, Salsola kali). Also known as tumbleweed; highly invasive.

9. Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.). Also known as saltcedar; aggressive invasive tree or shrub.

B. State-Designated Noxious Weeds. The Class A, B and C species as listed by the Arizona Department of Agriculture pursuant to A.A.C. R3-4-245 are designated as prohibited or regulated noxious weeds and shall not be approved for use in required landscape plans.

C. Plants Unsuitable for Low-Water or Drought-Tolerant Landscaping. The following plants are considered unsuitable for low-water or drought-tolerant landscapes and may be limited or prohibited at the discretion of the Community Development Director or designee to ensure compliance with water-use standards:

1. Large eucalyptus species (highly combustible).

2. Nonnative citrus trees requiring high irrigation.

3. Certain palm species with excessive water demands.

4. Plants with aggressive or invasive root systems.

5. Any plant species not listed on the Town of Clarkdale Approved Plant List.

D. Additional Species of Concern. The Town highly recommends that the species listed below be avoided in required landscape plans due to their highly invasive qualities:

1. Dwarf Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides (most cultivars) and P. setaceum).

2. Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera) – Not a citrus.

3. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica).

4. Vinca (Vinca major and V. minor).

5. Catalpa (Catalpa spp.).

6. English Ivy (Hedera helix).

7. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans).

8. Ornamental Brooms – Including Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), French broom (Genista monspessulana), Portuguese broom (Cytisus striatus), and related species.

9. Yellow Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii).

10. Mexican Palo Verde (Parkinsonia aculeata) – Prolific seed producer.

11. Weeping Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula).

12. Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea).

13. Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) – Highly problematic in riparian areas.

14. Common Reed (Phragmites australis ssp. australis).

15. Evening-Scented Stock (Matthiola longipetala).

16. Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana).

17. Princess Tree (Paulownia tomentosa).

E. Property owners may request approval for plants listed in this subsection by demonstrating compliance with adopted water-use limitations or by providing adequate mitigation measures, subject to administrative approval. (Created by Ordinance #454 on 5/12/26; effective 6/11/26)