The objective of this article is to provide regulations for the installation and maintenance of Florida-friendly landscaping and landscaped open space, to utilize landscaping and landscaped open space as an effective means of conserving energy, to preserve open space, to maintain and improve the aesthetic quality of the City of Coral Springs, thereby promoting the health and general welfare of the citizenry. In addition, it is the policy of the city commission that every effort shall be made to preserve and maintain natural plant communities within the City of Coral Springs, as identified in the city's comprehensive plan. Specific examples include:

(a)

Promote Florida-friendly landscape principles by using drought-tolerant plants, grouping plant material by water requirements, using irrigation systems that conserve water, maximize the use of appropriate mulch and limit the amount of fertilizer used.

(b)

Provide food, cover and habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

(c)

Prevent the destruction of the city's tree canopy and promote the expansion of a healthy, sustainable urban forest as set forth in the comprehensive plan.

(d)

Promote the use of drought-tolerant trees and shrubs for energy conservation by encouraging cooling through the provision of shade and the channeling of breezes, thereby helping to offset global warming and local heat island effects.

(e)

Contribute to the processes of air movement, air purification, oxygen regeneration, ground water recharge, and stormwater retention, while aiding in the abatement of noise, glare, heat, air pollution and dust generated by major roadways and intense use areas.

(f)

Improve the aesthetic appearance of commercial, industrial and residential development through the use of attractive, drought-tolerant plant material, thereby protecting and increasing property values within the city while also conserving South Florida's precious freshwater resources.

(g)

Reduce the negative impacts of invasive plant species that invade native plant communities by prohibiting their use and encouraging the use of native plants.

(h)

Promote the use of trees to protect and buffer the effects of high winds on structures.

(i)

Promote the principle of planting the right tree or plant in the right place to avoid problems such as clogged sewers, cracked sidewalks and power service interruptions.

(j)

Promote the principle of choosing low-maintenance plants that are able to tolerate short periods without rainfall and that are relatively free from pests and diseases.

(k)

Promote the principle of replacing high-maintenance and/or problem-prone plants with low-maintenance plant species that have low water and fertilizer requirements and few pest and disease problems.

(l)

Implement Florida-friendly landscaping principles as identified by the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program operated by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Services Extension ("UF/IFAS Extension") and Best Management Practices ("BMPs") identified in the Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries (2008) as amended and as provided by law;

(m)

Specific management guidelines to minimize negative secondary and cumulative environmental effects associated with the misuse of fertilizers.

(Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11)

For the purpose of this article, the following terms, phrases, words, and their derivatives shall have the meanings given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural include the singular, and words in the singular include the plural. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.

(1)

Address: Refers to the "house number" (a numeric or alphanumeric designation) that, together with the street name, describes the physical location of a specific property. If a property has no address, it shall be considered "even-numbered."

(2)

Application or apply: The actual physical deposit of fertilizer to turf or landscape plants.

(3)

Applicator: Any person who applies fertilizer on turf and/or landscape plants in Coral Springs.

(4)

Athletic play area: All golf course fairways, tees, and greens, and other athletic play surfaces, including football fields, baseball fields, soccer fields and tennis courts.

(5)

Best Management Practices (BMPs): Turf and landscape practices or combination of practices based on research, field-testing, and expert review, determined to be the most effective and practicable on-location means, including economic and technological considerations, for improving water quality, conserving water supplies and protecting natural resources.

(6)

Clear trunk: The point above the rootball along the vertical trunk or trunks of a tree at which lateral branching or fronds begin.

(7)

Commercial fertilizer applicator: Any person who applies fertilizer on turf and/or landscape plants in exchange for money, goods, services, or other valuable consideration.

(8)

Common area: Area under common ownership of a subdivision (e.g. recreation area, open space) excluding rights-of-way.

(9)

Dumpster: A refuse container of one (1) cubic yard or larger.

(10)

Even-numbered address: An address ending in the numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, or no address, or the letters A—M.

(11)

Existing landscaping: Any landscaping which has been planted and been in the ground for more than ninety (90) days.

(12)

Fertilize, fertilizing, or fertilization: The act of applying fertilizer to turf, specialized turf, or landscape plants.

(13)

Fertilizer: Any substance or mixture of substances, except pesticide/fertilizer mixtures, such as "weed and feed" products, that contain one (1) or more recognized plant nutrients and promotes plant growth, controls soil acidity or alkalinity, provides for soil enrichment, or provides other corrective measures to the soil.

(14)

Florida Friendly Landscaping: Quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are appropriate for local conditions, and are drought, wind, and/or salt tolerant. The principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping include planting the right plant in the right place, efficient watering, appropriate fertilization, mulching, attraction of wildlife, responsible management of yard pests, recycling yard waste, reduction of stormwater runoff, and waterfront protection. Additional components of Florida Friendly Landscaping include planning and design, soil analysis, the use of solid waste compost, practical use of turf, and proper maintenance.

(15)

Foundation plantings: Consists of landscape material placed in a minimum of three (3) distinct tiers (i.e. shrubs, ground covers, trees) so as to hide structure foundations from view at eye level from the center of the structure as seen from the adjacent street rights-of-way.

(16)

Gray wood: The portion of the palm trunk which is mature, hard wood measured from the top of the rootball to the base of the new, green, soft, terminal growth or fronds.

(17)

Groundcover: Low growing plants, other than turfgrass, used to cover the soil and form a continuous, low mass of foliage reaching a maximum height of not more than eighteen (18) inches.

(18)

Hand watering: The watering of landscape by one (1) person with one (1) hose fitted with a self-canceling or automatic shut-off nozzle.

(19)

Hardscape: Areas such as patios, decks, driveways, paths and sidewalks that do not require irrigation.

(20)

Heat island: An unnaturally high temperature microclimate resulting from sunlight reflection off of unshaded, impervious surfaces.

(21)

Hedge: An evenly spaced planting of shrubs to form a compact, dense, visually opaque living barrier or screen.

(22)

Historic tree: A tree which has been determined by the city commission to be of notable historic interest because of its age, type, size or historic association and has been so designated as part of the official records of the city.

(23)

Hydrozone: A distinct grouping of plants with similar water needs and climatic requirements. Also referred to as water use zone.

(24)

Infiltration rate: The rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (inches per hour).

(25)

Institutional applicator: Any person, other than a non-commercial or commercial applicator (unless such definitions also apply under the circumstances), that applies fertilizer for the purpose of maintaining turf and/or landscape plants. Institutional applicators shall include, but shall not be limited to, owners and managers of public lands, schools, parks, religious institutions, utilities, industrial or business sites and any residential properties maintained in condominium, common ownership, and/or common management.

(26)

Integrated pest management: A pest management strategy that focuses on long-term prevention or suppression of pest problems through a combination of techniques such as encouraging biological control, use of resistant plant varieties, and adoption of alternate cultural practices to make the habitat less conducive to pest development. Pesticides are used only when careful monitoring indicates they are needed or to prevent pests from significantly interfering with the purposes for which plants are being grown.

(27)

Irrigation system: A constructed watering system designed to transport and distribute water to plants.

(28)

Irrigation zone: A grouping of soakers, sprinkler heads, bubblers, or microirrigation emitters operated simultaneously by the control of one (1) valve.

(29)

Landscaping material: Any of the following or a combination thereof such as, but not limited to: Grass, ground cover, shrubs, vines, hedges, trees or palms; non-living materials such as rocks, pebbles, sand, mulch but not including paving.

(30)

Landscape plans: Landscape plans may include a planting plan, a landscape layout plan, an irrigation plan, a grading and drainage plan, detail sheets and written specifications. Plans shall be numbered, dated, North arrow indicated, scaled, and sealed by an appropriately licensed professional where required by F.S. Pt. II, Ch. 481, F.S., as amended.

(31)

Low maintenance zone: An area a minimum of ten (10) feet wide adjacent to water bodies which is planted and managed in order to minimize the need for fertilization, watering, mowing, etc.

(32)

Microirrigation: The application of small quantities of water directly on or below the soil surface, usually as discrete drops, tiny streams, or miniature sprays through emitters placed along the water delivery pipes (laterals). Microirrigation encompasses a number of methods or concepts including drip, subsurface, bubbler, and spray irrigation that deliver water directly to plant root zones with a high degree of efficiency, no runoff, and little to no evaporation.

(33)

Medium tree: A tree which naturally develops an average height between twenty (20) and thirty (30) feet at maturity as characteristic of the species. Trees with a multiple trunk growth characteristic shall have no more than five (5) main trunks.

(34)

Moisture sensor for soils: A device to indicate soil moisture in the root zone for the purpose of controlling an irrigation system based on the actual needs of the plant.

(35)

Mulch: An organic material such as wood chips, or bark placed on the soil to reduce evaporation, prevent erosion, control weeds, enrich the soil and lower soil temperature. The use of heat-treated mulch obtained from Melaleuca, Eucalyptus, or other invasive plant species is encouraged in order to reduce their impact on the environment and to preserve the remaining native plant communities. For this reason, the use of Cypress mulch is strongly discouraged.

(36)

Native plant communities: An association of native vegetation that is dominated by one or more prominent species, or a characteristic physical attribute.

(37)

Native vegetation: Any plant species with a geographic distribution indigenous to all, or part, of the State of Florida as identified in: Guide to the Vascular Plants of Florida, R.P. Wunderline, 1998, University Press of Florida, Gainesville or the Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/) as amended. For the purpose of this Article, native vegetation shall consist of those plant species indigenous to the ecological communities of South Florida.

(38)

New landscaping: Any landscaping which has been planted and in the ground for ninety (90) days or less.

(39)

Nuisance trees: Certain non-native trees, often termed exotic, specifically Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian Pepper), Metopium toxiferum (Poison Wood), Melaleuca quinquenervia (Punk Tree, Cajeput or Paper Bark), Casuarina spp. (Australian Pine, all species), Brassaia actinophylly (Schefflera), Acacia auriculiformis (Earleaf Acacia), Bischofia javanica (Bishopwood), Dalbergia sissoo (Indian Rosewood), Leucaena leucocephala (Lead Tree), Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island Pine), Cupaniopsis anacardioides (Carrotwood).

(40)

Natural features: Trees, hammocks, native plant communities, bodies of water, historical spots and similar assets. Factors used in evaluating natural features shall include size and shape, topography, geology, tree cover, access and location.

(41)

Odd-numbered address: An address ending in the numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or the letters N—Z.

(42)

Palm: A monocot tree which attains an overall height of at least twenty (20) feet.

(43)

Pervious paving materials: A porous asphaltic, concrete or other surface and a high-void aggregate base which allows for rapid infiltration and temporary storage of rain on, or runoff delivered to, paved surfaces.

(44)

Plant bed: A grouping of trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials or annuals growing together in a defined area devoid of turfgrass, normally using mulch around the plants.

(45)

Planting plan: Specifications and installation details for plant materials, soil amendments, mulches, edging, gravel, staking materials, and other similar materials.

(46)

Point of connection (POC): The location where an irrigation system is connected to a water supply.

(47)

Preserved area:

(a)

Any area identified on the City of Coral Springs Environmentally Sensitive Lands Map or,

(b)

An area identified on an approved site plan containing native plant communities which will remain undisturbed when the property is fully developed, or

(c)

Areas located within or along the perimeter of a developed property with a significant concentration of native vegetation and whose primary function is natural feature preservation, functional wildlife habitat and aquifer recharge characterized by upland or wetland plant communities native to South Florida.

(48)

Pressure tank: A pressurized holding tank for irrigation water coming from wells to minimize cycling of the water pump.

(49)

Prune: The removal of dead, dying, diseased, weak or objectionable branches in a manner consistent with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI A-300) standards as incorporated herein, and as may be amended from time to time.

(50)

Retention area: An area designed and used for the temporary or permanent storage of stormwater runoff, which may be either dry or wet retention as defined below:

(a)

Dry retention is an area which is designed for temporary storage of stormwater runoff and which is one (1) foot above the ground water level as established by the Water Control District and has a maximum slope of 4:1.

(b)

Wet retention is an area which is designed for the permanent storage of water and is at least one-half (½) acre in size, with an average width of not less than one hundred (100) feet and a minimum depth of eight (8) feet below ground water level as established by the Water Control District, with a maximum slope 4:1 extending down to a point two (2) feet below the water line.

(51)

Rootball: The earthen ball encompassing the root system of a tree or plant.

(52)

Runoff: The water that results from and occurs following a rain event, or following an irrigation event, because the water is not absorbed by the soil or landscape and flows off from the area.

(53)

Setback and yard areas: The front, side and rear areas or yards as established and required under this chapter and within the zoning district requirements applicable thereto.

(54)

Shade tree: A dicot or conifer tree, usually with one (1) vertical stem or main trunk which naturally develops a more or less distinct and elevated crown and provides at maturity a minimum shade crown of thirty (30) feet in diameter. Shade trees attain a height of more than thirty (30) feet at maturity.

(55)

Shrub: A bushy, woody plant, usually with several permanent stems, and usually not over ten (10) feet in height at its maturity.

(56)

Site appropriate plant: A plant that, after establishment, will thrive within the environmental conditions that are normal for a specific location without artificial inputs or supplements such as irrigation.

(57)

Small tree: Any self-supporting woody perennial plant which at maturity normally attains an overall height less than twenty (20) feet at maturity. Trees with a multiple trunk growth characteristic shall have no more than five (5) main trunks. These trees shall provide the mid-level landscaping within the specified height range.

(58)

Sod or lawn: A piece of turf-covered soil held together by the roots of the turf.

(59)

Soil texture: The classification of soil based on the percentage of sand, silt and clay in the soil.

(60)

Specimen tree: A tree which has a diameter at breast height (dbh), usually measured four and one-half (4.5) feet above the ground, of eighteen (18) inches or greater, with the exception of the following:

(a)

Non-native fruit trees that are cultivated or grown for the specific purpose of producing edible fruit, including but not limited to mangos, avocados or citrus.

(b)

Nuisance trees as defined in section 250832(39).

(c)

All multi-trunk palms.

(d)

Trees that are in poor condition or form as determined by the city based on "A Photographic Guide to the Evaluation of Hazard Trees in Urban Areas" by Nelda Matheny and James R. Clark as amended.

(61)

Street tree: Any approved tree planted within the public right-of-way or along private roads with the express purpose of shading impervious surfaces thereby minimizing the heat island effect.

(62)

Storage area: Any exterior area used for the keeping of garbage or trash cans, dumpsters, newspaper containers, oil and bottled gas tanks, swimming pool equipment, air conditioners and mechanical appurtenances.

(63)

Structure: Manmade improvements that, for the purposes of this article, will include buildings, swimming pools, patios and terraces, driveways, sidewalks and roads.

(64)

Tiered landscaping beds: The combination of different types or heights of appropriate plant material creating a multi-level landscape mitigating the vertical appearance of structures or berms.

(65)

Topsoil: A medium composed of naturally occurring mineral particles and organic matter which provides physical, chemical and biological properties necessary for plant growth.

(66)

Trafficway: A street designed as a trafficway by the City Commission of the City of Coral Springs as found in the Land Development Code.

(67)

Tree: Any living, self-supporting woody perennial plant which at maturity attains a trunk diameter of at least three (3) inches or more when measured at a point four and one-half (4½) feet above ground level and which normally attains an overall height of at least fifteen (15) feet, usually with one (1) main stem or trunk and many branches. Plants that were originally planted as hedges for privacy or screening purposes but then not maintained as a hedge but allowed to grow excessively tall are not considered to be trees as defined above. The same applies to clumping or clustering palms, bamboo, etc that are planted for the purpose of privacy or screening.

(68)

Tree abuse:

(a)

Improper pruning that reduces the height or spread of a tree that has not attained a height or spread of thirty (30) feet, by altering the dominant stem(s) within the tree crown to such a degree as to remove the natural canopy of the tree; or

(b)

Improper pruning that leaves stubs or results in a flush cut; or splitting of limb ends; or

(c)

Peeling or stripping of bark; or the removal of bark to the extent that, if a line is drawn at any height around the circumference of the tree, over one-third (⅓) of the length of the line falls on portions of the tree where bark no longer remains; or

(d)

Using climbing spikes, nails or hooks, except for purposes of total tree removal or as specifically permitted by American National Standards Institute (ANSI A-300) as the same may be amended from time to time and incorporated herein;

(e)

Destroying the natural habit of growth which causes irreparable damage and permanent disfigurement to a tree such that, even with regrowth, the tree will never regain the original characteristics of its tree species, or is a danger to the public or property; or

(f)

Improper pruning that results in flat-cutting the top or sides of a tree, to sever the leader or leaders or to prune a tree by stubbing off mature wood, except where removal of a branch is necessary to protect public safety;

(g)

Pruning of live palm fronds which initiate above the horizontal plane ("9 o'clock, 3 o'clock" rule) unless this reflects the natural growth habit of the species in question (i.e. Phoenix dactylifera).

(h)

Girdling of trees by guying, staking, supports, string trimmers, nonremoval of planting materials from root balls and trunks.

(i)

Exception: The removal of diseased or dead portions of a tree (such as palm fronds), the removal of an interfering, obstructing or weak branch shall not constitute tree abuse under this section. Interference with or obstruction of street lights, stop signs or traffic signals is an example of pruning which, if accomplished by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI A-300), is not a violation of this section.

(69)

Turf or turfgrass: A mat laver of monocotyledonous plants such as, but not limited to, Bahia, Bermuda, Centipede, Seaside Paspalum, St. Augustine, and Zoysia and their cultivars.

(70)

User: Any person, individual, firm, association, organization, partnership, business trust, corporation, company, agent, employee, or other legal entity whether natural or artificial, the United States of America, and the state and all political subdivisions, regions, districts, municipalities, and public agencies thereof, which directly or indirectly takes water from the water resource, including uses from private or public utility systems, and uses from individual wells or pumps.

(71)

Valve: A device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation zone.

(72)

Vines: Plants which normally require support to reach mature form.

(73)

Visual screen: A physical obstruction used to separate two (2) areas or uses which is at least seventy-five (75) per cent opaque. Visual screens shall be living plant material, natural or manmade construction material or any combination thereof.

(74)

Wasteful and unnecessary use of water: Allowing water to be dispersed without any practical purpose to the water use, such as, excessive landscape irrigation, leaving an unattended hose on a driveway with water flowing; allowing water to be dispersed in a grossly inefficient manner regardless of the type of water use, allowing landscape irrigation water to unnecessarily fall onto pavements, sidewalks, and other impervious surfaces or allowing water flow through a broken or malfunctioning water delivery or landscape irrigation system.

(75)

Water Control District: The governmental agency with primary responsibility for the conveyance or retention of stormwater within an established area. A reference within the Land Development Code to a Water Control District shall include but not be limited to Sunshine Water Control District, Coral Springs Improvement District, North Springs Improvement District, Turtle Run Community Development District, Pine Tree Water Control District and Royal Water Works as the jurisdiction for each district is defined in the Florida Statutes.

(76)

Water resource: Any and all water on or beneath the surface of the ground including natural or artificial water courses/bodies, lakes, ponds or diffused surface water, and water percolating, standing, or flowing beneath the surface of the ground.

(Ord. No. 95-038, § 19, 6-20-95; Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11; Ord. No. 2023-101, § 175, 4-19-23)

(1)

All projects subject to the Development Review process as described in Article I, section 201 or redevelopment as described in section 2501019 shall require submittal of a landscape plan. Landscape plans shall be prepared by a registered landscape architect, or other person authorized pursuant to F.S. Pt. II, Ch. 481, as amended. Landscape plans for single-family and duplex dwellings may be prepared by the owner of the property.

(2)

The following shall be exempted from the provisions of this article:

(a)

Athletic fields;

(b)

Golf course play areas

(c)

Any development with an approved site development plan or a valid building permit prior to the effective date of this ordinance;

(d)

Turfgrass in stormwater management areas;

(e)

Community play areas.

(Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11)

(1)

Low impact site design practices, such as preserving existing native trees and vegetation, shall be used if feasible. Where established native vegetation is incorporated into the landscape design, irrigation of those areas shall not be required.

(2)

The plant palette and irrigation system shall be appropriate for site conditions, taking into account that, in some cases, soil improvement can enhance water use efficiency.

(3)

Plants shall be grouped together by irrigation demand. The percentage of landscaped area in irrigated high water use hydrozones should be minimized.

(4)

All landscapes must be designed and planted in accordance with Florida-friendly landscaping principles. The percentage of landscaped area, excluding turfgrass areas, in irrigated high water use hydrozones shall be minimized to no more than twenty (20) per cent of the total non-turfgrass landscaped area.

(5)

Site designs and landscape plans shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of all applicable Florida and local laws, rules, regulations and ordinances. All landscape and irrigation system designs shall be consistent with the standards required by F.S. § 373.228, as amended.

(6)

The landscape plan shall consider natural drainage features to minimize runoff. The use of pervious surface and areas is preferred, therefore impervious surfaces and materials within the landscaped area shall be limited to borders, sidewalks, step stones, and other similar materials, and shall not exceed ten (10) per cent of the landscaped area. Use of pervious paving materials, where appropriate, is encouraged.

(7)

The landscape plan should consider the soil requirements for trees based on their size at maturity and their distance from any adjacent paved/hardscape areas and utility infrastructure. Larger soil volumes lead to greater tree size, better tree health, longer tree life, greater environmental benefits, and fewer costs, such as those associated with tree replacement and damage by roots to property improvements and infrastructure.

(8)

Reclaimed or non-potable water should be used for irrigation if an acceptable source is determined to be available by the water provider.

(Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11)

(1)

The landscape plan shall meet the following standards:

(a)

A recommended scale of one (1) inch equals twenty (20) feet.

(b)

Location of all trees, vegetation, or natural features to be preserved, or a tree survey as approved by the City of Coral Springs development services department.

(c)

Location and outline of existing buildings and site improvements to remain.

(d)

Location and outline of proposed buildings, site improvements, and water bodies.

(e)

Location of all underground and overhead utilities

(f)

Location of all landscape material to be used.

(g)

Landscape material schedule listing all plants being used with their botanical and common name and where applicable, cultivar name; spacing, quantities and size of each type of plant by container size and by mature height and spread, and degree of drought tolerance (as determined by the South Florida Water Management District's Waterwise Guide, as amended) and indication of whether native to South Florida.

(h)

Existing and proposed hardscape features such as driveway(s) and sidewalk(s) as necessary

(i)

Existing and proposed structures such as pool(s), fountain(s), fence(s), and retaining wall(s)

(j)

A table showing the total square footage(s) of the various landscape hydrozones on the plan. If more than one (1) water meter serves the site, the total hydrozone square footages of the various hydrozones must by identified with each Point of Connection and meter providing water service.

(2)

The irrigation plan shall meet the following standards:

(a)

A recommended scale of one (1) inch equals twenty (20) feet.

(b)

Location of existing trees, vegetation and ecological communities to remain, if applicable.

(c)

Location of existing buildings, paying, and site improvements to remain.

(d)

Location of proposed buildings, paving, site improvements, and water bodies.

(e)

Irrigation POCs and design capacity.

(f)

Water service pressure at irrigation POCs.

(g)

Water meter size.

(h)

Major components and location of the irrigation system, including all pumps, filters, valves, and pipe sizes and lengths.

(i)

Reduced-pressure-principle backflow- prevention devices for each irrigation POC on potable water systems and specifications.

(j)

Controller locations and specifications. Location of rain shut-off devices and/or soil moisture sensors.

(k)

The irrigation legend will have the following elements: Separate symbols for all irrigation equipment with different spray patterns and precipitation rates and pressure compensating devices; general description of equipment; manufacturer's name and model number for all specified equipment; recommended operating pressure per nozzle and bubbler and low-flow emitter; manufacturer's recommended overhead and bubbler irrigation nozzle rating in gallons per minute or gallons per hour for low flow point applicators; minimum (no less than seventy-five (75) per cent of maximum spray radius) and maximum spray radius per nozzle; and manufacturer's rated precipitation rate per nozzle at specified psi

(l)

Zone layout plan (recommended scale one (1) inch equals twenty (20) feet);

i.

Indicating headtype, specifications and spacing; and

ii.

Indicating methods used to achieve compliance with landscape irrigation design standards as required by F.S. § 373.228, as amended.

(Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11; Ord. No. 2023-101, § 176, 4-19-23)

(1)

Where landscape plans are required, applicants are encouraged to seek a soil analysis performed by a reputable soil testing lab to determine soil texture, indicating the percentage of organic matter; measurement of pH, and total soluble salts; and estimated soil infiltration rate.

(2)

Existing horticulturally suitable topsoil shall be stockpiled and re-spread during final site grading.

(3)

Any new soil required shall be similar to the existing soil in pH, texture, permeability, and other characteristics, unless convincing evidence is provided that a different type of soil amendment approach is justified.

(4)

The use of solid waste compost as a soil amendment is encouraged where it is appropriate.

(Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11)

(1)

This section shall apply to all development permitted after the effective date of this ordinance of this regulation. Parcels or lots independent of larger developments that are less than five (5) acres in size shall not be subject to these set-aside requirements. Individual single-family lots are exempt from this requirement; however, multi family and planned unit developments are not exempt. Tree preservation ordinances shall remain applicable to all development as described in Chapter 2, section 212, of the City of Coral Springs Land Development Code.

(2)

Natural features, shall be preserved pursuant to Chapter 2, section 212(B)(2)(a)1. of the City of Coral Springs Land Development Code. On sites which consist of five (5) acres or more, where there are no natural features, the applicant shall show on the landscape plan and provide an area or areas equivalent to two and one-half (2½) per cent of the site to be planted and maintained as a preserved area as defined in section 250832(47).

(3)

Notwithstanding the requirements of Chapter 2, section 212, of the Land Development Code, when clearing, care should be taken to preserve as much of the native woody vegetation on the site as possible. If native woody vegetation is not present on site, established open space zoning and landscape ordinance criteria shall be followed.

(4)

Vegetation that is set aside for preservation shall be protected from all on-site construction. Protective barriers shall be installed along the perimeter of all preserve areas. Protective barriers shall be constructed at such intervals to prevent machinery from passing between them. No equipment or materials shall be permitted to be stored within the set-aside areas, and dumping of excess soil, liquids, or any other construction debris within the preservation areas is prohibited. Removal or re-grading of soils within preservation areas is prohibited unless the purpose is to restore a beneficial, natural feature. Any natural feature restoration activities in preserve areas will require a tree dripline encroachment permit as described in section 212 of the Land Development Code. Any damaged vegetation within the set-aside areas shall be replaced with vegetation equivalent to the vegetation destroyed before any certificates of occupancy or other approvals may be issued.

(5)

Utilities, stormwater easements, and right of ways are exempt from provisions (1) through (4) of this section, but should avoid preserved areas where possible. Rights-of-way and utility or drainage easements shall not be allowed as designated preservation areas.

(Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11; Ord. No. 2023-101, § 177, 4-19-23)

(1)

RS-1: Each plot shall have a minimum of:

(a)

Four (4) trees and twenty (20) shrubs in the front half of the plot. A minimum of two (2) of these trees shall be shade trees. Foundation plantings are required.

(b)

Two (2) trees and ten (10) shrubs in the rear half of the plot. A minimum of one (1) of these trees shall be a shade tree. All RS-1 properties shall comply with these regulations by March, 2000.

In addition, each plot shall have a minimum of one (1) tree and five (5) shrubs for each seven thousand two hundred sixty (7,260) square feet of plot area over forty-three thousand five hundred sixty (43,560) square feet of which fifty (50) per cent of these additional trees shall be shade trees. Shrubs used to screen accessory structures shall not be counted for minimum plot requirements.

Corner plots shall contain a minimum of one (1) shade tree and four (4) shrubs in the required street side yard in addition to other requirements of this section.

(2)

RS-3, RS-4, RS-5, RS-6 RC-6 and RD-8: Each plot shall have a minimum of:

(a)

Four (4) trees on the plot in addition to the required street trees. Of these four (4) trees two (2) may be small trees with the other two (2) being shade trees. Palms may be used 1:1 to meet the small tree requirement and 3:1 to meet the shade tree requirement. However, palms may not make up more than fifty (50) per cent of the required trees per plot.

(b)

Fifteen (15) shrubs in the front one-half (½) of the plot and ten (10) shrubs in the rear of the plot.

(c)

Foundation plantings are required.

(d)

In addition, each plot shall have one (1) tree and five (5) shrubs for each two thousand (2,000) square feet of plot over twelve thousand (12,000) square feet, or portion thereof. Not less than fifty (50) per cent of these additional trees shall be shade trees.

(e)

Shrubs used to screen accessory structures shall not be counted for minimum plot requirements.

(f)

Corner plots shall contain a minimum of one (1) tree and four (4) shrubs in the required street side yard in addition to other requirements of this section.

(3)

Zero lot line developments: Each zero lot line dwelling site shall have a minimum of:

(a)

Three (3) trees on the site in addition to any required street trees. One (1) of these trees may be a small tree with the others being from the medium or shade tree category. Palms may be used 1:1 to meet the small tree requirement and 3:1 to meet the shade tree requirement. However, palms may not make up more than fifty (50) per cent of the required trees per plot. If no street trees are present in the right-of-way adjacent to the site, one (1) of these trees shall be a shade or medium tree located within ten (10) feet of the property line.

(b)

Fifteen (15) shrubs in the front one-half (½) of the plot and ten (10) shrubs in the rear of the plot.

(c)

Foundation plantings are required.

(d)

Zero lot line common areas shall have a minimum of one (1) tree and five (5) shrubs for each one thousand (1,000) square feet of site area or portion thereof, not utilized for structures or vehicular use areas.

(4)

RC-12, RC-15 and RM districts: Each plot shall contain a minimum of one (1) tree and six (6) shrubs per two thousand (2,000) square feet of plot area, or portion thereof, not utilized for structures or vehicular use areas, in addition to landscaping requiring in other portions of this chapter. A minimum of fifty (50) per cent of these trees shall be shade trees. Multifamily buildings shall provide foundation plantings.

(5)

B, IC, CF-G, CF-E, SU, GU, IRD, MC and EC districts: Each plot shall contain a minimum of one (1) tree and five (5) shrubs for every one thousand (1,000) square feet of plot area, or portion thereof, not utilized for structures, outdoor storage, or vehicular use areas in addition to landscaping required in other portions of this chapter. A minimum of fifty (50) per cent of these trees shall be shade trees.

(6)

A-1, GC and P: Each plot utilized for other than athletic playing fields or courts, open play areas, golf courses or water bodies shall contain a minimum of one (1) tree and five (5) shrubs for every one thousand (1,000) square feet of plot area, or portion thereof, not utilized for structures or vehicular use areas in addition to landscaping required in other portions of this chapter. A minimum of fifty (50) per cent of these trees shall be shade trees.

(7)

Special provisions:

(a)

In all districts where a planting strip or planting easement is designated or required, landscaping shall be required in the said planting strip or planting easement of a minimum of one (1) tree and twelve (12) shrubs per forty (40) lineal feet.

(b)

Single-family and duplex properties may use a cluster of three (3) palm trees from the approved palm tree list to meet the on-site shade or medium tree requirements. Palm trees may also be used on a one-for-one basis to satisfy the small tree requirement. However, no more than fifty (50) per cent of the required on-site trees may be palm trees.

(c)

Landscape material shall be placed on all areas not covered by main and accessory structures, walks and vehicular use areas. Landscape material shall extend to any abutting street pavement edge and to the mean water line of any abutting canal, lake or waterway (not to exceed thirty (30) feet from the property line). Where the slope does not exceed 2:1, landscape material shall be used and installed in such a manner as to allow reasonable maintenance. Where existing slopes are steeper than 2:1, they shall be cut back at time of construction to result in a slope of 2:1 or less. No slope shall be changed without approval of the city engineer and water control district having jurisdiction. No landscaped area shall be constructed with more than ten (10) per cent of the total area of non-living landscape material, excepting necessary walks and vehicular use areas.

(d)

The development services department may grant special written permission to allow the planting of trees or shrubs less than the required sizes outlined in this section if qualify plants, such as Florida Department of Agriculture "Florida Fancy" grade, are used; or if a greater number of plants than the minimum number required by the ordinance are planted. However, the increased number of trees that may be required shall not exceed fifty (50) per cent of those otherwise required by this chapter. No such permitted tree shall be less than six (6) feet in height, nor shall any permitted shrub be less than nine (9) inches in height by eighteen (18) inches in width at the time of planting. Written approval for such deviation shall be obtained prior to the planting of such trees and/or shrubs.

(e)

In all districts a tennis court must be screened on all sides visible from off site with a contiguous hedge at least two (2) feet in height at time of planting.

(f)

The city manager or their designee may consider a written request by a property owner to allow the planting of less than the minimum required landscaping if one (1) of the following conditions is met:

1.

The size or configuration of the property does not allow for the planting of the required trees or shrubs;

2.

Trees or shrubs planted will not thrive due to existing site specific features. Examples include but are not limited to:

(i)

Conflicts with existing improvements, utilities or structures that will require extensive and/or repeated pruning of branches or roots;

(ii)

Existing and established mature trees that preclude the establishment of smaller younger trees.

(g)

Street trees: Street trees shall be shade trees or palm trees as described below, unless restricted by other provisions of this chapter and placed in rights-of-way by the developer or builder prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy and maintained in accordance with this article. The function of a street tree is to provide canopy and shade thereby reducing the heat generated by adjacent impervious surfaces (heat island effect). Any pruning that significantly reduces the ability of the street tree to fulfill this function will be considered tree abuse. Variety and species shall be according to the approved list maintained by the development services department. Minimum size shall be in accordance with the standards set forth in this article for the zoning of the project for which the trees are required. One (1) tree shall be required for every forty (40) feet of street frontage or fraction thereof with a minimum of one (1) street tree per property. Accessways permitted in accordance with the land development code from the public rights-of-way through all such landscaping shall be permitted to service the parking of other vehicular use areas. Such accessways may be subtracted from the lineal dimensions used to determine the number of trees required. Trees shall be planted no further apart than sixty-foot intervals and no closer than fifteen (15) feet apart. All street trees are to be placed in a location in accordance with the requirements of the city engineer in order to accommodate location of utilities and street widening. If insufficient rights-of-way exists for street tree installation, these requirements shall be added to the overall requirements of the site. Street trees are required in all zoning districts in accordance with the street tree requirements stated above. The number, location and size classification of street trees may be field verified by the city manager or their designee to avoid infrastructure conflicts or other existing conditions (i.e. too close to sidewalk, street light, sight distance triangle, fire hydrant, overhead wires or existing trees).

Use of palm trees as street trees:

1.

Existing shade trees utilized for street trees may not be removed for the sole purpose of planting palm trees.

2.

Palm trees used for the purpose of street trees must be in accordance with the definition for palm trees in this section and be able to reach a mature height of at least twenty (20) feet. See the landscape manual for more details on accepted species.

3.

Palm trees used for the purpose of street trees must be planted in clusters of three (3) with no palm being planted further than ten (10) feet apart.

4.

Certain large growing palms such as Bismarckia, Royal palms and Date palms (not Pygmy) may be used 1:1 to meet the street tree requirement. See the landscape manual for more details on acceptable species.

5.

B, IC, CF-G, CF-E, SU, GU, IRD, MC, EC and RM districts can use palm trees as outlined above for perimeter planting but no more than twenty-five (25) per cent of the required perimeter trees may be palm trees.

(8)

Sight distance for landscaping adjacent to public right-of-way and points of access:

(a)

When an accessway intersects a public right-of-way, or when the subject property abuts the intersection of two (2) or more public rights-of-way, all landscaping within the triangular areas described below shall provide unobstructed cross-visibility at a level between thirty (30) inches and six (6) feet provided that they are located so as not to create a traffic hazard, with the following exceptions:

1.

Trees or palms having limbs and foliage trimmed in such a manner that no limbs or foliage extend into the cross-visibility area;

2.

Horizontal rail fences;

3.

No landscaping other than grass or ground cover shall be permitted in the public right-of-way without written approval of the city engineer;

4.

Required grass or ground covers.

(b)

Any landscaping located within the triangular areas described herein shall be maintained to the standards set forth in the "City of Coral Springs Minimum Engineering Standards" so as to not create an obstruction.

LANDSCAPING RELATING TO PERIMETERS

(9)

Zero lot line developments: On all zero lot line development, the following landscaping along the perimeters of the development shall be provided.

(a)

The landscaping shall include two (2) trees for each forty (40) lineal feet or fraction thereof. A minimum of one (1) of these trees shall be a shade tree. Shade trees shall be planted no further apart than sixty-foot intervals and no closer than fifteen (15) feet apart. Palms utilized to meet the non-shade tree portions of this requirement shall be substituted on a three (3) for one (1) basis and planted in groups of three (3) except for those palm trees allowed to be used 1:1 as shade tree substitutes. The trees shall be located along the perimeters of the development. In addition, a hedge, wall or other durable landscape barriers of at least three (3) feet in height shall be placed within the landscape strip not adjacent to canals, lakes, or golf courses. If the durable barrier is of non-living material, for each five (5) feet thereof, one (1) shrub or vine shall be planted along the street side of the barrier. Walls shall have a continuous hedge on the exterior side of the wall. The remainder of the required landscaped areas shall be landscaped with grass, ground cover or other landscape treatment except paving.

These provisions shall not be applicable where the development abuts on existing landscape strip containing the required hedges and trees of this subsection.

(10)

RC, RD and RM Districts not utilized for zero lot line development:

(a)

The landscaping shall include three (3) trees for each forty (40) lineal feet or fraction thereof. A minimum of two (2) of these trees shall be a shade tree. Shade trees shall be planted no further apart than sixty-foot intervals and no closer than fifteen (15) feet apart. Palms shall not be substituted for required shade trees. Palms utilized to meet the non-shade tree portions of this requirement shall be substituted on a three (3) for one (1) basis and planted in groups of three (3). The trees shall be located along the perimeters of the development. In addition, a hedge, wall or other durable landscape barrier of at least three (3) feet in height shall be placed along the interior perimeter of the landscape strip. If the durable barrier is of non-living material, for each five (5) feet thereof, one (1) shrub or vine shall be planted along the street side of the barrier. Walls shall have a continuous hedge on the exterior side of the wall. The remainder of the required landscaped areas shall be landscaped with grass, ground cover or other landscape treatment except paving.

(b)

Multifamily developments shall provide appropriately scaled berms, or tiered landscaping beds with a variety of colors, heights, textures and species along site perimeters abutting public rights-of-way.

(11)

B, IC, IRD, CF-G, CF-E, SU, GU, GC, EC AND MC districts: On all B, IC, IRD, CF-G, CF-E, SU, GU, GC, EC, and MC district developments, the following landscaping along the perimeters of the development not covered by building structures shall be provided:

(a)

The landscaping shall include three (3) trees for each forty (40) lineal feet or fraction thereof. A minimum of one (1) of these trees shall be a shade tree. Shade trees shall be planted no further apart than sixty-foot intervals and no closer than fifteen (15) feet apart. Palms shall not be substituted for required shade trees. Palms utilized to meet the non-shade tree portions of this requirement shall be substituted on a three (3) for one (1) basis and planted in groups of three (3). The trees shall be located along the perimeters of the development not covered by building structures. In addition, a hedge, wall or other durable landscape barrier of at least three (3) feet in height shall be placed along the interior perimeter of the landscape strip. If the durable barrier is of non-living material, for each five (5) feet thereof, one (1) shrub or vine shall be planted along the street side of the barrier. Walls shall have a continuous hedge on the exterior side of the wall. The remainder of the required landscaped areas shall be landscaped with grass, ground cover or other landscape treatment except paving.

These provisions shall not be applicable where the development abuts an existing landscape strip containing the required hedges and trees of the subsection or when zero side yard setbacks are utilized.

(12)

Landscaping requirements for construction-related structures as defined in Chapter 2 of the Land Development Code when said structures are utilized for real estate sales are as follows:

(a)

Plot area: The plot area to be landscaped shall be the area of the sales structure plus the following:

1.

Fifteen (15) feet on each side of the proposed sales location;

2.

Twenty-five (25) feet immediately in front of the proposed sales location;

3.

Minimum plot size shall be five thousand (5,000) square feet.

(b)

Landscaping requirements:

1.

One (1) tree for one thousand (1,000) square feet of plot area or fraction thereof;

2.

One (1) shrub for every one hundred (100) square feet of plot area or fraction thereof;

3.

A continuous hedge shall be required around all vehicular use areas except at points of vehicular and pedestrian ingress and egress;

4.

All landscaping shall be kept in a healthy growing condition at all times.

(13)

Parking interiors: In the RC-12, RC-15, RM, B, IC, IRD, CF-G, CF-E, SU, GU, P, GC, MC and EC districts, interior landscaping for parking areas shall:

(a)

Provide a total area of interior landscaping in all off-street parking areas, with the exception of master parking areas, equal to not less than fifteen (15) per cent of the total paved vehicular use areas. Any perimeter landscaping areas may be counted as part of the parking interior area requirements as long as such landscaping is contiguous to the vehicular use areas.

(b)

Be installed in landscaped areas designed and arranged for the purpose of controlling traffic, providing shade, screening unnecessary views into and within the vehicular use areas and separating the parking circulation and service area.

(c)

Interior parking landscape areas shall have the following dimensional requirements:

1.

Islands in parking bays shall have a minimum landscaped areas-of nine (9) feet width and sixteen-foot length. The island shall include at least one (1) tree.

2.

Apart from islands, no landscaped area shall have any dimension less than five (5) feet.

3.

Islands must be located every ten (10) parking spaces and at the terminus of all rows of parking. The location of islands can deviate from the above if the purpose of this is to preserve existing on site trees as approved by the city manager or their designee.

4.

The distance between parking islands can be increased up to fifteen (15) parking spaces but the width of the parking island must be increased by one (1) foot for each additional space (i.e. if the distance between parking islands is fourteen (14) parking spaces the parking island would have to be thirteen (13) feet wide).

5.

A minimum of seventy-five (75) per cent of trees installed in parking islands shall be appropriate shade trees. No more than twenty-five (25) per cent of the islands shall contain palm trees.

6.

Developers may submit plans showing aggregate clusters of tree planting equivalent to or greater than the total area of all required parking islands. These plans must be reviewed and found acceptable by the city.

(14)

Berms: All berms shall be planted with ground cover or sod. Berms provided to meet buffer provisions shall be planted with a continuous hedge.

(15)

[Reserved.]

(16)

Other: All yard areas and areas used for the display or parking of any and all types of vehicles or equipment, whether such vehicles or equipment are self-propelled or not, and all land upon which vehicles traverse the property as a function of the primary use, heretofore referred to as "other vehicle uses," including but not limited to, activities of a drive-in nature, such as service stations, grocery and dairy stores, banks, restaurants, new and used car lots, and the like, shall conform to the minimum landscaping requirements herein provided, including areas used for parking or other vehicular uses and parking areas serving residential dwellings.

(Ord. No. 95-038, § 20, 6-20-95; Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11; Ord. No. 2023-101, § 178, 4-19-23)

(1)

Plant selection should be based on the plant's adaptability to the existing conditions present at the landscaped area and native plant communities, particularly considering appropriate hardiness zone, soil type and moisture conditions, light, mature plant size, desired effect, color, and texture. Plant species that are drought and wind tolerant are preferred. For purposes of determining prohibited and controlled plant species, refer to the department of agriculture and consumer services, Chapter 5B-57, Florida Administrative Code ("F.A.C.") Plants named in this rule may not be used, except as allowed in Chapter 5B-57.

(2)

All required plant materials shall conform to the Grades and Standards for Florida No. 1 or better as given in Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants, Part 1 (current edition) by the Florida Department of Agriculture, Consumer Services Division. Plant material shall be on the city-approved plant list. Any plants listed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Category 1 list will be identified during plan review and an alternative, more appropriate, plant species will be recommended for use instead. A written explanation regarding the use of plant material not on the city-approved list or on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Category 1 list is needed and can be submitted to the city forester for review. If approved, the use of the requested plant material will be restricted to the specific site for which the request is being made.

(3)

Plants shall be grouped in accordance with their respective water and maintenance needs. Plants with similar water and cultural (soil, climate, sun, and light) requirements shall be grouped together. The hydrozones shall be shown on the irrigation, layout, and planting plans as required. Where natural conditions are such that irrigation is not required, the presence of site appropriate plants shall not be considered a high water use hydrozone.

(4)

The combined size of all high water use hydrozones, other than turfgrass areas, shall be limited to twenty (20) per cent of the total landscaped area. In landscapes irrigated with reclaimed water, the allowable size of all high water-use zones shall not be limited. These high water-use limits do not apply to landscaped areas requiring large amounts of turf for their primary functions.

(5)

Standards: All elements of landscaping shall be installed so as to meet applicable City Code requirements. The Coral Springs Landscape Manual is an illustrative interpretation and guide for landscaping in accordance with the standards required. Landscaped areas abutting front-end parking shall require protection from vehicular encroachment by placing curbing at least three (3) feet from the edge of such landscaped areas except in RS, RC-6, and RD-8 districts. Other landscaped areas abutting curved or angular drives shall be curbed. The city manager or their designee shall inspect all landscaping and no certificate of occupancy or similar authorization will be issued unless the landscaping meets the requirements herein provided.

(6)

Dimensions: All minimum dimensions of landscape material refer to dimensions at the time of planting.

(7)

Topsoil: Topsoil shall be clean and free of construction debris, weeds, rocks, noxious pests and diseases. The topsoil for planting areas shall be amended with horticultural acceptable organic material. All soils used shall be suitable for the intended plant material. The source of the topsoil shall be known to the applicant and shall be acceptable to the city.

(a)

The minimum topsoil depth shall be six (6) inches for ground covers, flowers, shrubs and hedges. The minimum topsoil depth for sod shall be three (3) inches.

(b)

Trees shall receive twelve (12) inches of topsoil around and beneath the rootball. No topsoil shall be placed on top of the rootball. The root flare of all newly installed trees shall be visible after installation is complete.

(c)

Native topsoil on the site shall be retained on-site and used when there is sufficient quantity to cover at least some of the on-site landscaped areas at least twelve (12) inches deep.

(8)

Use of organic mulches: A three-inch maximum layer of approved organic mulch material, after initial watering, shall be added to all landscaped areas not covered by buildings, pavement, sod, decorative stones, preserved areas and annual flower beds. Each tree shall have a ring of organic mulch no less than eighteen (18) inches beyond its trunk in all directions. Mulch must be kept a minimum of six (6) inches from the trunk of any tree. The use of heat-treated mulch obtained from Melaleuca, Eucalyptus, or other invasive plant species is encouraged in order to reduce their impact on the environment and to preserve the remaining native plant communities. For this reason the use of Cypress mulch is strongly discouraged.

(9)

Stabilization: All trees and palms planted as trees shall be securely guyed, braced and/or staked at the time of planting until establishment. All stabilization systems shall be clearly marked (flagging, painted, etc.) to prevent hazards. An approved stabilization detail is contained in the city's Landscape Manual. Trees shall be restaked in the event of blow over or other failures of the staking and guying. The use of nails, wire, rope, or any other methods which damage the tree or palm is prohibited. All plants shall be installed so that the top of the rootball remains even with the soil grade. All guys and staking material must be removed when the tree is stable and established but in no case more than one (1) year after initial planting of tree. Failure to do so will be considered tree abuse and will lead to enforcement action which may include fines and removal and replacement of impacted plant material.

(10)

Protection of public infrastructure: All shade and medium trees installed within six (6) feet of [a] public infrastructure shall utilize a root barrier system, as approved by the city.

(11)

Proximity to overhead utilities: No large trees shall be located closer than twenty (20) feet from street lights. The spacing of trees from electric utility lines must follow those guidelines established by Florida Power and Light publication "Right Tree, Right Place". No palms shall be located closer than one hundred fifty (150) per cent of the average mature frond length for the species from street lights or overhead utility lines.

(12)

Ground cover: Ground covers shall be planted with a minimum of seventy-five (75) per cent coverage, with one hundred (100) per cent coverage occurring within three (3) months of installation.

(13)

Vines: Vines shall be a minimum of thirty (30) inches in supported height immediately after planting and may be used in conjunction with fences, visual screens or walls.

(14)

Native species required: Fifty (50) per cent of the trees required shall be water-conserving, native plant material indigenous to South Florida. Fifty (50) per cent of shrubs required shall be installed as native plant material. Compliance with this section will be required for any development or redevelopment projects submitted after the effective date of this revision (2007).

(15)

Nuisance vegetation (exotics): The eradication of nuisance vegetation (exotics) is required on all sites, including abutting rights-of-way, prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Privately owned natural areas shall be included in this requirement.

(16)

Growth of plant material: Growth of plant material at maturity shall be considered prior to planting, where future conflicts such as views, signs, overhead and underground utilities, security lighting, fire access, drainage easements and traffic circulation, might arise.

(17)

Trees:

(a)

No one (1) species of tree shall exceed twenty-five (25) per cent of the minimum number of trees required. Neither existing trees nor trees in excess of the minimum number required shall be subject to this limitation.

(b)

Palms: Palms shall be considered trees in accordance with standards set forth in the current official "Landscape Manual" available at the development services department. The minimum height of a palm at planting shall be twelve (12) feet. This minimum height shall be measured from the base of the palm to the tip of the bud of the palm. However, if a palm is not commercially available at the twelve-foot overall planting height, the city forester may approve the placement of a palm with a minimum overall planting height of ten (10) feet. All palms that have substantial gray wood characteristics at the time of maturity shall have a minimum of two (2) feet of gray wood at the time of planting.

(c)

Shade trees: Shade trees shall be considered in accordance with standards set forth in the current official "Landscape Manual" available at the development services department. In all zoning districts, shade trees shall have a minimum trunk diameter of two (2) inches measured at four and one-half (4½) feet from top of rootball at the time of planting. In all zoning districts, shade trees shall be a minimum of twelve (12) feet overall height with a spread approaching five (5) feet and a minimum of four and one-half (4½) feet clear trunk immediately after installation. Exceptions to the above can be made for trees whose natural growth habit differs from these standards.

(d)

Medium trees: For medium trees, as defined herein, the minimum planting height shall be ten (10) feet overall planting height at the time of installation. However, if a medium tree is not commercially available at the ten-foot overall planting height, the development services department may approve the placement of a medium tree with a minimum overall planting height of eight (8) feet. Trees with a multiple trunk growth characteristic shall have no more than five (5) main trunks. All medium trees shall have a minimum of three and one-half (3½) feet of clear trunk at the time of planting. Exceptions to the above can be made for trees whose natural growth habit differs from these standards.

(e)

Small trees: For small trees, as defined herein, the minimum planting height shall be eight (8) feet overall planting height at the time of installation. However, if a small tree is not commercially available at the eight-foot overall planting height, the development services department may approve the placement of a small tree with a minimum overall planting height of six (6) feet. Trees with a multiple trunk growth characteristic shall have no more than five (5) main trunks. All small trees shall have a minimum of thirty (30) inches of clear trunk at the time of planting. Exceptions to the above can be made for trees whose natural growth habit differs from these standards.

(f)

Sod: Sod shall be clean, free of weeds and noxious pests or diseases. Grass seed shall be delivered to the job site in bags with Florida Department of Agriculture tags attached, indicating the seed grower's compliance with the department's quality control program.

(18)

Shrubs:

(a)

Shrubs shall have a minimum height of eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) inches with a minimum spacing between eighteen (18) and twenty-four (24) inches, when measured immediately after planting.

(b)

Hedges, where required, shall be planted and maintained so as to form a continuous visual screen. Shrubs used as hedges shall be Florida Department of Agriculture Grade No. 1 or better with a minimum height of twenty-four (24) inches and a spread between eighteen (18) and twenty-four (24) inches, when measured immediately after planting and shall be capable of reaching a minimum of three (3) feet in height within two (2) years from the date of planting. Hedges shall be planted with branches touching, so as to create a solid screen with no visual spaces between plants at time of installation. Plant spacing shall be adjusted according to plant sizes so long as a solid screen is achieved.

(19)

Turf areas shall be sodded with a species of grass that will survive as a permanent lawn in Coral Springs (assuming adequate watering and fertilizing). Sod provided must be viable, reasonably free of weeds, and capable of growth and development. In general, sod strips shall be aligned with tightly fitted joints and no overlap of butts or sides. Subgrade of lawn area shall be reasonably free of all stones, sticks, roots and other matter prior to the placement of sod. However, grass areas may be seeded to meet these requirements provided that the area presents a finished appearance and complete coverage before a certificate of occupancy is issued. Ground covers used in lieu of grass in whole or in part shall be planted in such a manner as to present a finished appearance and complete coverage. Mulch rings should extend to at least three (3) feet around freestanding trees and shrubs.

(20)

Irrigated turf areas, as opposed to non-irrigated turf areas, are considered to be a high water use hydrozone. Irrigated turf shall not be treated as a fill-in material but rather as a planned element of the landscape.

(21)

Irrigated turfgrass areas shall be consolidated and limited to those areas on the site that receive pedestrian traffic, provide for recreation use, provide cover for septic tank drainfields and required drainfield reserve areas, or provide soil erosion control such as on slopes or in swales. As a matter of public safety, no turfgrass that requires mowing shall be allowed on slopes greater than 4:1 or within ten (10) feet of the water's edge, except where needed to control erosion. Turf areas shall be identified on the landscape plan as required. The following provisions will apply to new development or redevelopment that involves the demolition and rebuilding of an existing structure.

(a)

No more than seventy (70) per cent of the landscaped area for single-family and duplex dwellings may be in turfgrass.

(b)

No more than sixty (60) per cent of the landscaped area for multifamily dwellings may be in turfgrass.

(c)

No more than fifty (50) per cent of the landscaped area for other development uses may be in turfgrass.

(22)

Drought-tolerant landscaping.

(a)

A minimum of forty (40) per cent of the non-turfgrass landscaped area on single family and duplex dwellings must be in low water use or drought-tolerant landscaping, with the exception of agricultural, rural and estate zoning districts.

(b)

A minimum of forty (40) per cent of the non-turfgrass landscaped area of multifamily dwellings must be in low water use or drought-tolerant landscaping.

(c)

A minimum of fifty (50) per cent of the landscaped area of all other development uses must be in low water use or drought-tolerant landscaping.

(23)

All native trees which are preserved on site may be counted toward the minimum native tree percentage required. For the purposes of satisfying the requirements established in this section, not more than twenty-five (25) per cent of the required trees brought on site may be of the same species. Fifty (50) per cent of the required trees brought on site shall be native species. Fifty (50) per cent of the required shrubbery brought on site shall be native species.

(Ord. No. 95-038, § 21, 6-20-95; Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11; Ord. No. 2014-129, § 3, 1-21-15; Ord. No. 2023-101, § 179, 4-19-23)

All irrigation systems installed after the effective date of this ordinance shall meet the irrigation standards identified in F.S. § 373.228, as amended. All landscape areas, excluding single-family residences and duplex dwellings, shall be provided with an automatically operating, underground irrigation system designed to have head-to-head coverage (one hundred (100) per cent coverage with one hundred (100) per cent overlap). The use of drip, trickle or other low-volume or micro-irrigation systems is encouraged. Irrigation systems shall be designed to minimize application of water to impervious areas.

(a)

Irrigation systems shall be designed to meet the needs of the plants in the landscape.

(b)

Irrigation systems shall be designed to separately serve turf and non-turf areas.

(c)

The irrigation system plans and specifications shall identify the materials to be used and the construction methods.

(d)

The design shall consider soil, slope, and other site characteristics in order to minimize water waste, including overspray, the watering of impervious surfaces and other non-vegetated areas, and off-site runoff.

(e)

The system shall be designed to minimize free flow conditions in case of damage or other mechanical failure.

(f)

The system shall be designed to use the lowest quality water available at the time of the installation.

(g)

A recommended seasonal operating schedule and average precipitation rates for each irrigation zone for both establishment and maintenance conditions shall be provided.

(h)

Control systems shall provide the following minimum capabilities:

(1)

Ability to be programmed in minutes, by day of week, season and time of day;

(2)

Ability to accommodate multiple start times and programs;

(3)

Automatic shut off after adequate rainfall or detection of adequate soil moisture;

(4)

Ability to maintain time during power outages for a minimum of three (3) days; and

(5)

Operational flexibility to meet applicable year-round water conservation requirements and temporary water shortage restrictions.

(i)

Recommended maintenance activities and schedules shall be provided.

(j)

Precipitation rates for sprinklers and all other emitters in the same zone shall be matched, except that microirrigation emitters may be specified to meet the requirements of individual plants.

(k)

Irrigation systems shall be designed to maximize uniformity, considering factors such as emitter types, head spacing, sprinkler pattern, and water pressure at the emitter.

(l)

Irrigation systems with main lines larger than two (2) inches or designed to supply more than seventy (70) gallons per minute shall incorporate a means to measure irrigation water use, at a minimum of ninety-five (95) per cent accuracy across the flow range.

(m)

Irrigation system plans and specifications shall require the system installer to conduct final testing and adjustments to achieve design specifications prior to completion of the system and acceptance by the owner or owner's representative.

(n)

Irrigation system plans and specifications shall require that the installer provide property owners and users with the following post-construction documentation, including as-constructed drawings, recommended maintenance activities and schedules, operational schedule, design precipitation rates, instructions on adjusting the system to apply less water after the landscape is established, maintenance schedule, water source, water shut-off method, and the manufacturer's operational guide for their irrigation controller. To the extent feasible, similar information should be made available for subsequent property transfers.

(o)

To assist the end user to operate the system properly, the following should be provided to the owner at the time of installation. A map of the system shall be kept in a readily available location.

(1)

Irrigation scheduling information, with instructions for seasonal timer and sensor changes.

(2)

An irrigation valve site map detailing:

a.

Valve locations;

b.

Gallons per minute demands;

c.

Precipitation rates;

d.

Plant types within valve circuits; and

e.

Operating pressure requirements for each valve.

(p)

The irrigation system shall be designed to correlate to the organization of plants into hydrozones. These hydrozones shall be shown on the Irrigation Plan, as required. All plants require watering during establishment. Temporary facilities may be installed to facilitate establishment. Irrigation must be conducted in accordance with South Florida Water Management District restrictions. If local water restrictions are more restrictive, then irrigation must be conducted in accordance with the stricter restrictions.

(q)

Rain shut-off switch equipment shall be required on automatic irrigation systems to avoid irrigation during periods of sufficient rainfall or soil moisture pursuant to F.S. § 373.62, as amended. Said equipment shall consist of an automatic mechanical or electronic sensing device or switch that will override the irrigation cycle of the sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred.

(r)

The installation of tracer wire along main lines and laterals is strongly encouraged to permit easy location and prevent inadvertent cutting of pipes.

(s)

If the water supply for the irrigation system is from a well, a constant pressure flow control device or pressure tank with adequate capacity shall be required to minimize pump "cycling".

(t)

Check valves must be installed at irrigation heads as needed to prevent low head drainage and puddling.

(u)

Nozzle precipitation rates for all heads within each valve circuit must be matched to within twenty (20) per cent of one another.

(v)

No water spray from irrigation systems shall be applied under roof overhangs.

(w)

Irrigated areas shall not be less than four feet wide, except when using micro or drip irrigation.

(x)

A pressure-regulating valve shall be installed and maintained if static service pressure exceeds eighty (80) pounds per square inch.

(y)

Preserved ecological communities shall not be irrigated after establishment unless required by the city forester.

(z)

On non-conforming lots under five thousand (5,000) square feet in size requiring landscape upgrades, irrigation may be accomplished by the installation and use of hand watering in accordance with current water restrictions

(Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11)

(1)

Year-round landscape irrigation measures shall be applicable to all users as defined in section 250832.72. These measures apply to all water sources, except that landscape irrigation accomplished using reclaimed water is subject to only subsection (b)(1) of this section.

(2)

The following requirements or exceptions shall apply to all users unless specified otherwise herein:

(a)

Landscape irrigation shall be prohibited daily between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., except as provided herein.

(b)

Irrigation of existing landscaping shall comply with the following provisions:

i.

Even-numbered addresses, as defined in section 250832 of this article, and rights-of-way or other locations without an address, may accomplish necessary landscape irrigation only on Thursday and/or Sunday.

ii.

Odd-numbered addresses, as defined in section 250832 of this article, may accomplish necessary landscape irrigation only on Wednesday and/or Saturday.

(c)

Irrigation of new landscaping shall comply with the following provisions:

i.

On the day the new landscaping is installed, the new landscaping may be irrigated once without regard to the normally allowable watering days and times. Irrigation of the soil immediately prior to the installation of the new landscaping is also allowable without regard to the normal allowable watering days and times.

ii.

The ninety (90) day period begins the day the new landscaping is installed. The new landscaping shall be installed within a reasonable time from the date of purchase, which may be demonstrated with a dated receipt or invoice.

iii.

Irrigation of new landscaping which has been in place for thirty (30) days or less may be accomplished on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and/or Sunday.

iv.

Irrigation of new landscaping which has been in place for thirty-one (31) to ninety (90) days may be accomplished on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and/or Saturday.

v.

Irrigation of the new landscaping is limited to areas containing the new landscaping only. An entire zone of an irrigation system shall only be utilized for landscape irrigation under this paragraph if the zone in question is for an area that contains at least fifty (50) per cent new landscaping. If a zone contains less than fifty (50) per cent new landscaping, or if the new landscaping is in an area that will not typically be irrigated by an irrigation system, only the individual new plantings are eligible for additional irrigation under this paragraph. Targeted watering may be accomplished by low volume hand watering, or any appropriate method which isolates and waters only the new landscaping.

(d)

Irrigation systems may be operated outside restricted days and/or times for the purpose of system repair and maintenance, with an attendant on-site in the area being tested. Landscape irrigation systems may routinely be operated for such purposes no more than once per week, and the run time for any one (1) test should not exceed ten (10) minutes.

(e)

Landscape irrigation for the purpose of watering-in insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, where such watering-in is required by the manufacturer, or by federal, state or local law, shall be allowed under the following conditions:

i.

Such watering-in shall be limited to one (1) application in the absence of specific alternative instructions from the manufacturer; and

ii.

Such watering-in shall be accomplished during normal allowable watering days and times unless a professional licensed applicator has posted a temporary pesticide sign containing the date of application and the date(s) of needed watering-in activity.

(f)

Any plant material may be watered using low-volume hand watering methods without regard to the water days or times allowed pursuant to this section.

i.

In addition to the specific measures enumerated above, all wasteful and unnecessary water use as defined in section 250832 is prohibited.

ii.

In the event the district imposes restrictions on landscape irrigation for new and existing installations which are more restrictive than those imposed by this section, the more restrictive regulations shall apply.

iii.

All other uses of the water resource as defined in this article, including, but not limited to, agricultural, nursery, and golf course uses, shall be restricted pursuant to the rules, orders, and regulations issued from time to time by the district.

(Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11)

(a)

Any user may request relief from the provisions of section 250834.2. For landscape irrigation uses within City of Coral Springs by filing a petition for variance with the City of Coral Springs, Development Services Department. Development Services and the relevant water utility district will review such petitions and provide a written approval or denial.

(1)

Petitions may request a variance from the specific day or days for landscape irrigation identified in this section and must demonstrate with particularity that compliance with the schedule of days for landscape irrigation will result in a substantial hardship on the petitioner requesting the variance, or those served by the petitioner. Variances granted pursuant to this section may not increase the total number of days per week per zone that irrigation is allowed. Subject to the other requirements for the consideration of a petition, the following are examples of circumstances that may result in a substantial hardship:

a.

Two (2) or more properties share a common source of water which is not sufficient to provide for concurrent landscape irrigation on the same day or days; or

b.

A public or private water system is experiencing, or reasonably anticipating, distribution problems that cannot otherwise be addressed.

(2)

Each variance granted shall include a requirement for a notice to be posted at each parcel to which the variance pertains that the parcel is subject to a variance for landscape irrigation issued pursuant to section 250834.2 of the City of Coral Springs Land Development Code and the days on which irrigation of the parcel is authorized by the variance.

(3)

A petition for variance may be withdrawn by the petitioner any time during the process.

(4)

A variance under this section is invalid if it has expired or if its terms are violated by the user or any officer or agent of the user.

(5)

A petition must contain the following information:

a.

A caption including "Petition for Variance" from section 250834.2 of the City of Coral Springs Land Development Code;

b.

The name, address, telephone number, and any facsimile number of the petitioner and any attorney or qualified representative of the petitioner;

c.

The applicable section, or portions of a section, of the Land Development Code for which a variance is being requested;

d.

The specific day or days for landscape irrigation that pose a substantial hardship to comply with, and the alternative day or days during which the petitioner can comply without such a hardship;

e.

The specific facts that demonstrate a substantial hardship or a violation of the principles of fairness that would justify a variance;

f.

The reason why the variance requested would serve the purposes of this section;

g.

A statement of whether the variance requested is permanent or temporary. If the variance is temporary, the petition shall include the dates during which the petitioner requests the variance to be in effect; and

h.

A map or survey of each parcel affected by the requested variance.

(b)

Appeal of a decision granting or denying a petition for variance from 250834.2 of the City of Coral Springs Land Development Code shall be made within thirty (30) days. The written appeal will be directed to the City of Coral Springs City Commission, and submitted to the city clerk's office for scheduling.

(Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11)

All owners of land or their agents shall be responsible for the maintenance of all landscaping. This includes mowing and maintaining abutting rights-of-way, swales, lakes and canal banks. Landscaping shall be maintained in a good condition so as to present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance at least equal to the original installation and shall be mowed or trimmed in a manner and at a frequency so as not to detract from the appearance of the general area. Landscaping shall be maintained to minimize property damage and public safety hazards, including removal of living, dead or decaying plant material, removal of low hanging branches and those obstructing street lighting and maintenance of sight distance standards as set forth herein.

Dead or declining plant material considered to be part of a natural habitat feature located on public property are exempt from these landscaped maintenance provisions except where maintenance is necessary to avoid damage to public property or to mitigate safety hazards. Any necessary tree pruning must conform to ANSI A-300 standards. Tree removal may require a tree removal permit as described in Section 212 of the Coral Springs Land Development Code.

A.

(1)

All persons providing landscape maintenance services for hire (including city maintenance operations staff, and institutional landscape workers) shall perform their work in accordance with the recommendations in the Florida-Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries.

(a)

Within one (1) year of the effective date of this ordinance, any person that applies fertilizer either for hire, in the course of their employment with the City of Coral Springs, or on city properties shall attend training in the Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries.

(b)

All persons applying fertilizer either for hire, in the course of their employment with the City of Coral Springs, or on city properties must possess a current Certificate of Completion in the Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries on any job site while work is in progress.

Landscaping shall be maintained in accordance with the following standards:

B.

(1)

Insects, disease, etc.: Landscaping shall be kept shall be kept free of visible signs of insects and disease and appropriately irrigated and fertilized to enable landscaping to be in a healthy condition.

(2)

Mulching: Three (3) inches of clean, weed-free, approved organic mulch shall be maintained over all areas originally mulched at all times until landscaped area matures to one hundred (100) per cent coverage. The use of heat-treated mulch obtained from Melaleuca, Eucalyptus, or other invasive plant species is encouraged in order to reduce their impact on the environment and to preserve the remaining native plant communities. For this reason, the use of Cypress mulch is strongly discouraged. Mulch is not required in annual beds. Mulch rings should extend to at least three (3) feet around freestanding trees and shrubs. All mulch should be renewed periodically. Mulches should be kept at least six (6) inches away from any portion of a building or structure, or the trunks of trees, and at least three (3) inches away from the base of shrubs. Plastic sheeting and other impervious materials shall not be used under mulched areas.

(3)

Turf edge trimming: All roadways, curbs and sidewalks shall be edged to prevent encroachment from the adjacent turfed areas. Line trimmers shall not be used to trim turf abutting trees or other plant material.

(4)

In no case shall grass clippings, vegetative material, and/or vegetative debris either intentionally or accidentally, be washed, swept, or blown off into stormwater drains, ditches, conveyances, water bodies, wetlands, or sidewalks or roadways.

(5)

Yard wastes shall not be disposed of or stored by shorelines, in ditches or swales, or near storm drains. Yard waste/compost sites must be hidden from street view, maintained to prevent odor, and be free of weeds.

(6)

Turfgrass clippings should be left on the lawn to replace nutrients. Shredded yard clippings and leaves should be used for mulch or be composted for use as fertilizer. However, diseased material should not be mulched and should be properly disposed of to avoid spreading disease.

(7)

Proper composting of yard wastes (see Landscape Manual) provides many benefits and is strongly encouraged.

(8)

Control of nuisance species: All areas developed after the effective date of this ordinance shall be maintained free of nuisance species. Preserved areas as defined in section 250832.47.a. through c. shall be maintained as close to the original preserved state as possible.

(9)

Tree removal: Commercial and multi-family properties require an approved tree permit as described in section 212 of the Coral Springs Land Development Code prior to removing any trees.

Single-family properties require a no cost tree permit prior to the removal of a tree from their property. Plants that were originally planted as hedges for privacy or screening purposes but then not maintained as a hedge but allowed to grow excessively tall are not considered to be trees for the purposes of permitting. The same applies to clumping or clustering palms, bamboo, etc that are planted for the purpose of privacy or screening. The permit application will consist of:

(a)

A permit application available from the development services department;

(b)

A survey or sketch of the property showing the approximate location of the tree(s) to be removed;

(c)

Common name of each tree to be removed;

(d)

The diameter measurement of the tree(s) to be removed measured four and one-half (4½) feet above the ground;

(e)

Location, quantity, species and size of required replacement planting(s) as described in the landscape manual available at the development services department; and

(f)

A brief description of the reason for removal. Acceptable reasons for tree removal will include:

(a)

The tree is a nuisance tree as defined in this section;

(b)

The tree is diseased, injured or destructively damaged;

(c)

The tree is in danger of materially impairing the structural integrity of existing or proposed structures, interferes with utility service, or adversely affects sight distance triangles and any other remedies (i.e., root pruning, pruning, relocation, etc.) will result in irreparable damage to the tree;

(d)

The tree is required to be cut down, destroyed, removed or relocated by a county, state or federal law, or by rules promulgated by a county, state or federal agency.

(10)

Trees that qualify as specimen trees as defined in this section require a tree removal permit as described in section 212 of the City of Coral Springs Land Development Code.

(11)

Any non-specimen trees approved for removal will have to be replaced with an appropriate tree unless the removed tree was in excess of the minimum landscape requirements.

(12)

In the result of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, the city manager, or their designee, can suspend the tree permitting requirement.

(13)

Trees that pose an imminent safety hazard and must be removed immediately should be photographed showing the nature and extent of the hazard and submitted with a permit application for after the fact approval.

(14)

Stump removal: The removal of a tree shall include the complete removal and grinding of the stump and associated roots systems to the greatest extent possible.

(15)

Replacement requirements: An owner is responsible to ensure that living material and trees which are required to be planted by this subsection of the code or are installed pursuant to a landscape code previously in effect, are replaced with Florida-Friendly plant species that will be at least equivalent in size at maturity if such living material or trees die, or are irreversibly abused, following the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Preserved vegetation which dies following the issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall be replaced with equivalent living material or trees. Nuisance tree species shall not be replaced in kind, but shall be replaced with a similar Florida-Friendly plant species approved by the city. Developed single-family properties need not replace nuisance trees provided that they meet the minimum landscape requirements for their zoning district without them.

(16)

Removal of root systems: Removal of root systems which show evidence of destroying public or private property is required. The removal of the root systems or any root pruning must be done so as to not irreparably damage the tree or create a safety hazard.

(17)

Tree abuse: Tree abuse, as defined in section 250832(68), is prohibited in the city. Abused trees shall not be counted toward fulfilling minimum landscape requirements and shall be replaced.

The owner of an abused tree can provide the city manager, or their designee, with written documentation from an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or other qualifying organization stating that the degree of abuse is not sufficient to warrant the removal of the abused tree. The arborist's opinion must include a description of the proposed remedial pruning and a timeline for the proposed pruning. After reviewing the arborist's opinion, the city manager, or his designee, can agree to allow the tree to remain. If the abused tree is allowed to remain, it is the property owner's responsibility to follow through with any necessary corrective pruning or maintenance in a timely manner so as not to allow the tree to develop into a hazardous tree.

(18)

Tree pruning:

(a)

All property owners or their agents must prune trees in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI A-300). If the pruning is tree abuse and causes tree removal, a permit for tree removal shall be required from the city pursuant to Land Development Code Chapter 212.

(b)

Any pruning performed without conformance to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI A-300) shall be subject to enforcement by the city. All tree trimmers who provide services in Coral Springs shall hold a valid business tax receipt in Broward County as well as a valid Broward County tree trimmer license.

(c)

The practice of topiary pruning shade trees by shearing or trimming a tree into an unnatural shape, such as round like a lollipop is prohibited. Trees pruned in this manner will not be counted towards fulfilling the minimum landscape requirements outlined elsewhere in this chapter.

(d)

Emergencies: Failure to remove or properly prune a tree damaged by a natural disaster within a reasonable period of time corresponding to the severity of the disaster as determined by the city manager shall be a violation.

(e)

Tree pruning standards applied to utilities: The Hazard Pruning Standards and the Crown Reduction Standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI A-300), as may be amended from time to time, apply to utility companies.

(19)

Pruning exemptions: The removal of diseased or dead portions (such as palm fronds) of a tree or the removal of an interfering, obstructing or weak branch of a tree such that the result is a tree which is not a threat to public safety or to adjacent property is allowed. Pruning to reduce or eliminate interference with or obstruction of street lights, stop signs or traffic signals is an example of an allowed pruning activity, provided tree abuse does not occur.

(Ord. No. 95-038, § 22, 6-20-95; Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11; Ord. No. 2023-101, § 180, 4-19-23)

(1)

Applicability: The provisions of this section shall apply to all fertilizer applications within the City of Coral Springs with the exception of fertilizer applications for golf courses, parks, and athletic fields shall follow the provisions as indicated in Rule 5E-1.003, F.A.C, as amended.

(2)

Licensing and training of commercial fertilizer applicators:

(a)

By January 1, 2014, any person applying commercial fertilizer to an urban landscape must be certified by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services pursuant to F.S. § 482.1562, as amended.

(b)

All commercial and institutional applicators of fertilizer within the City of Coral Springs, shall successfully complete and apply fertilizers in accordance with the six-hour training program in the "Florida-Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries" offered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the UF/IFAS Extension.

(c)

Non-commercial applicators not otherwise required to be certified, such as private citizens on their own residential property, are encouraged to follow the recommendations of the UF/IFAS Extension and UF/IFAS Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program when applying fertilizers.

(3)

Fertilizer content, application rates and practices:

(a)

Fertilizers applied to turf and/or landscape plants shall be formulated and applied in accordance with requirements and directions as provided on the fertilizer bag and by Rule 5E-1.003, F.A.C. Nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer shall not be applied to turf or landscape plants except as provided for by the directions on the fertilizer bag unless a soil or plant tissue deficiency has been verified by UF/IFAS Extension or another accredited laboratory or test.

(b)

No applicator shall apply fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus to turf and/or landscape plants during times in which a tropical storm, or hurricane watch or warning issued by the National Weather Service is in effect for any portion of Broward County or a flood advisory has been issued for Coral Springs and immediate surroundings.

(c)

Fertilizer shall not be applied within ten (10) feet, or three (3) feet if a deflector shield or drop spreader is used, on any pond, stream, watercourse, lake, canal, or wetland or from the top of a seawall. Newly planted turf and/or landscape plants may be fertilized in this zone no more than once during the first sixty-day establishment period, unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer. Caution shall be used to prevent direct deposition of nutrients into the water.

(d)

A voluntary ten-foot low maintenance zone is strongly recommended, but not mandated, from any pond, stream, water course, lake, wetland or from the top of a seawall. A swale/berm system is recommended for installation at the landward edge of this low maintenance zone to capture and filter runoff. No mowed or cut vegetative material should be deposited or left remaining in this zone or deposited in the water. Care should be taken to prevent the over-spray of aquatic weed products in this zone.

(e)

Spreader deflector shields are required when fertilizing via rotary (broadcast) spreaders. Deflectors must be positioned such that fertilizer granules are deflected away from all impervious surfaces, fertilizer-free zones and water bodies, including wetlands.

(f)

Fertilizer shall not be applied, spilled, or otherwise deposited on any impervious surfaces.

(g)

Any fertilizer applied, spilled, or deposited, either intentionally or accidentally, on any impervious surface shall be immediately and completely removed to the greatest extent practicable.

(h)

Fertilizer released on an impervious surface must be immediately contained and either legally applied to turf or any other legal site, or returned to the original or other appropriate container.

(Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11; Ord. No. 2023-101, § 181, 4-19-23)

(1)

All landscape applications of pesticides, including Weed and Feed products, for hire should be made in accordance with state and federal law and with the most current version of the Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries.

(2)

Property owners and managers are encouraged to use an Integrated Pest Management Strategy as currently recommended by the UF/IFAS Extension publications.

(3)

When using pesticides, all label instructions are state and federal law and should be adhered to. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for enforcement of pesticide laws.

(Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11)

(1)

Grading and design of property adjacent to bodies of water shall conform to Federal, State and local regulations which may include, but is not limited to, the use of berms and/or swales to intercept surface runoff of water and debris that may contain fertilizers or pesticides.

(2)

Notwithstanding any more stringent Code regulations, a voluntary ten-foot low maintenance zone is recommended, but not mandated, from any pond, stream, canal, water course, lake or wetland. A swale/berm system is recommended for installation at the landward edge of this low maintenance zone to capture and filter runoff. No mowed or cut vegetative material should be deposited or left remaining in this zone or deposited in the water. Care should be taken to prevent the over-spray of aquatic weed products in this zone.

(3)

When mowing near the shoreline, direct the chute away from the water body. Riparian or littoral zone plants that do not require mowing or fertilization should be planted in these low-maintenance areas. Where water levels vary considerably, care must be taken in the selection of these plants.

(4)

Wet drainage retention areas one (1) acre or greater in size are required to include a planted littoral shelf unless prohibited by site constraints or not permitted by any regulatory agency. The plant material used shall consist of appropriate native wetland and aquatic plants.

(Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11)

The director of development services may recommend from time to time the designation of certain trees located within the city as specimen or historic trees. The city manager shall review such recommendation and add thereto their own comments and recommendations, and the matter shall be presented to the city commission for its determination. The city commission shall consider the report of the development services department and the recommendation of the city manager and shall either accept, modify or deny the recommendation and may designate by resolution those trees it deems appropriate as specimen or historic trees.

(Ord. No. 95-038, § 23, 6-20-95; Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11; Ord. No. 2023-101, § 182, 4-19-23)

In instances where healthy plant material exists on a site, and is to be retained, the city manager or their designee may adjust the application of the minimum requirements to allow credit for or consideration of such plant material, if such an adjustment is in keeping with and will preserve the intent of this chapter. When allowances are given, in no case shall the quantities of existing plant materials retained to be less than the quantities required in this chapter. In such cases, a survey shall be provided specifying the species, approximate height and caliper, as well as the location and condition of any plant material used as a basis for requesting this adjustment. Any adjustment shall be based on unique circumstances applicable to the plot in question with the object of such adjustment being to preserve existing vegetation or to maintain a tree canopy.

(Ord. No. 95-038, § 24, 6-20-95; Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11; Ord. No. 2023-101, § 183, 4-19-23)

(1)

No existing properties shall be permitted to increase the degree of nonconformity as it pertains to this article. Wherever existing developments have required landscaped areas, said areas are to conform to this article; specifically, sections 250832; 250833(9) and (14); 250834; and 250840.

(a)

Existing developments shall have two (2) years from the date of adoption of the article to conform as required above.

(b)

This section does not require removal of healthy plant material.

(c)

This section does not require meeting the native species ratio set forth elsewhere in this article.

(d)

Failure to comply with this section shall be a violation of this chapter.

(2)

Prior to May 1, 1994, all existing properties shall conform to the portions of sections 250833(10), (11), (12) and (13) relating to a three (3) feet in height continuous hedge and one (1) tree for each forty (40) lineal feet.

(Ord. No. 95-038, § 26, 6-20-95; Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11)

The city commission may grant a waiver from the height or spread of landscape material including street trees required by this chapter beyond that provided for herein based on the following:

(1)

Written statement supplied by the applicant specifying the section of the Land Development Code for which a waiver is requested, the precise extent and duration of said waiver and the reason for the request.

(2)

Written recommendation of the planning division based on evaluation of the request in view of its effect on the landscape objectives of the city.

Any waiver granted by the city commission shall specify the section of the Land Development Code waived and the precise extent and duration of the waiver. Said waiver shall apply only to lands and circumstances to which the waived section would apply.

(Ord. No. 95-038, § 27, 6-20-95; Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11; Ord. No. 2023-101, § 184, 4-19-23)

The planning division shall prepare, and from time to time revise, a landscape manual and make the same available to the public, which manual shall provide an illustrative interpretation of the above standards and suggested guide for landscaping in accordance with the above standards. Pruning standards established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI A-300) as amended from time to time and incorporated herein by reference shall be included in this document.

(Ord. No. 95-038, § 28, 6-20-95; Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11; Ord. No. 2023-101, § 185, 4-19-23)

Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be punished as provided herein:

(1)

Each violation of this section shall be punishable in a court of competent jurisdiction by a fine of no more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) plus the costs associated with investigation and prosecution together with any equitable remedies deemed reasonable and proper by the court. The city attorney's office is hereby directed to inform the judge in any prosecution brought under this section that this city commission views maximum penalties as an effective deterrent for those who would otherwise find it expedient to evade, avoid or ignore the law.

(2)

Failure to follow the procedures as required by this section shall constitute grounds for withholding site plan previously approved; revoking building permits, occupancy permits or any other appropriate approval necessary to permit or continue development. No such sanctions however shall be instituted without city commission approval. This approval shall be granted at a public hearing at which all interested parties have notice and opportunity to be heard.

(3)

Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit the city from enforcing this section by any other appropriate legal means.

(Ord. No. 95-038, § 29, 6-20-95; Ord. No. 2011-117, § 2, 7-5-11; Ord. No. 2023-101, § 186, 4-19-23)