Draper City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 23
LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
9-23-010: PURPOSE:
The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum standards for the preservation, installation and continued maintenance of landscaping. The objectives of this chapter are:
A. To protect existing vegetation and trees.
B. To promote water conservation by requiring the use of water-wise landscape design principles and water-conserving plants.
C. To enhance the value and appearance of property.
D. To buffer and mitigate impacts between conflicting land uses.
E. To maintain and improve environmental conditions through mitigations in air, water, soil, and, noise pollution as well as reductions in solar glare, urban heat effect, and stormwater runoff.
F. Improve public health and general welfare of city residents, employees and visitors. (Ord. 1132, 2-17-2015; amd. Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-020: SCOPE; EXEMPTIONS:
A. Except as otherwise provided in this title, the standards of this chapter shall apply to all new development and to expansions and modifications of existing development. All landscaping, buffering and site design features required by this chapter and previous regulations shall be continuously maintained according to the approved development plans and the standards contained herein.
B. Bona-fide agricultural uses within agricultural zones and Residential Agricultural zones, shall be exempt from the standards of this chapter. Properties and areas of a property engaged in agricultural industry, agricultural processing, and agricultural sales and service uses as defined in section 9-3-040, are not included in this exemption.
C. Landscaping for properties containing a detached single-family or two-family dwellings are exempt from the standards found in sections 9-23-040, 9-23-055, 9-23-070, 9-23-090, 9-23-100, 9-23-110, 9-23-120, and the tables found in section 9-23-170, but shall comply with all other requirements pertaining to water-wise landscaping, including the installation and maintenance of street trees and park strips. (Ord. 394, 8-7-2001; amd. Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-030: JORDAN VALLEY WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT EFFICIENCY STANDARDS:
A. In addition to the specific requirements and design standards of this title, developer or contractor installed residential, commercial, institutional and industrial construction shall comply with the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District (JVWCD) standards for water efficiency, as applicable. The JVWCD outdoor landscaping standards are also required for new landscaping construction installed by homeowners.
B. JVWCD Outdoor Landscaping Standards.
1. All new and rehabilitated landscaping for public agency projects, private development projects, developer-installed landscaping in multi-family and single-family residential projects within the front and side yards, and homeowner provided landscape improvements within the front and side yards of single and two-family dwellings shall comply with the landscaping standards below:
a. Activity zones: Portions of the landscape designed for recreation or function, such as storage areas, fire pits, vegetable gardens, and playgrounds.
b. Active recreation areas: Areas of the landscape dedicated to active play where Lawn may be used as the playing surface (ex. sports fields and play areas).
c. Central open shape: An unobstructed area that functions as the focal point of Localscapes and is designed in a shape that is geometric in nature.
d. Gathering areas: Portions of the landscape that are dedicated to congregating, such as patios, gazebos, decks, and other seating areas.
e. Hardscape: Durable landscape materials, such as concrete, wood, pavers, stone, or compacted inorganic mulch.
f. Lawn: Ground that is covered with grass or turf that is regularly mowed.
g. Localscapes: A landscaping approach designed to create locally adapted and sustainable landscapes through a basic 5-step approach (central open shape, gathering areas, activity zones, connecting pathways, and planting beds).
h. Mulch: Any material such as rock, bark, compost, wood chips or other materials left loose and applied to the soil.
i. Park strip: A typically narrow landscaped area located between the back-of-curb and sidewalk.
j. Paths: Designed routes between landscape areas and features.
k. Planting bed: Areas of the landscape that consist of plants, such as trees, ornamental grasses, shrubs, perennials, and other regionally appropriate plants.
l. Total landscaped area: Improved areas of the property that incorporate all of the completed features of the landscape. The landscape area does not include footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, and other non-irrigated areas intentionally left undeveloped.
C. JVWCD Landscaping Requirements. The following reflect the published requirements of the JVWCD water efficiency standards not specifically contained elsewhere in this chapter. They are applicable as outlined in subsection 9-23-030(A) above.
1. All irrigation shall be appropriate for the designated plant material to achieve the highest water efficiency.
2. Lawn shall not be installed on slopes greater than twenty-five percent (25%) or in areas less than eight feet (8') in width. To the extent reasonably practicable, lawn shall be free from obstructions (trees, signs, posts, valve boxes, etc.).
3. In residential landscapes, the landscaping shall adhere to the following Localscapes® requirements:
a. If size permits, the landscaped areas of the front yard and back yard shall include a designed central open shape created by using lawn, hardscape, groundcover, gravel, or mulch.
b. Gathering areas shall be constructed of hardscape and placed outside of the central open shape. In a landscape without lawn, gathering areas may function as the central open shape.
c. Activity zones shall be located outside of the central open shape and shall be surfaced with materials other than lawn.
d. Paths shall be made with materials that do not include lawn, such as hardscape, mulch, or other groundcover.
e. Lawn areas shall not exceed the greater of two-hundred fifty (250) square feet, or thirty-five percent (35%) of the total landscaped area.
f. Small residential lots, which have no back yards, which the total landscaped area is less than two-hundred fifty (250) square feet, and which the front yard dimensions cannot accommodate the minimum eight feet (8') wide lawn area requirement of the landscaping requirements of subsection 9-23-030(C)(2) are exempt from the eight feet (8') minimum width lawn area requirement.
4. The JVWCD outdoor standards are not intended to be in conflict with other landscaping requirements as defined by Utah law, including stormwater retention requirements and low-impact development guidelines. Notwithstanding the JVWCD outdoor standards, whenever any JVWCD requirement may be in conflict with Utah law, the conflicting JVWCD requirement shall not apply. (Ord. 1132, 2-17-2015; amd. Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023; Ord. 1610, 4-23-2024)
9-23-040: LANDSCAPE PLANS:
Landscape plans required by this title shall:
A. Demonstrate compliance with the provisions of this chapter;
B. Be submitted in accordance with the administrative and development review procedures of chapter 5 of this title; and
C. Be sealed by a landscape architect or landscape designer licensed to practice in the state of Utah. (Ord. 394, 8-7-2001; amd. Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-050: LANDSCAPE DESIGN CRITERIA:
Landscaping and landscape plans shall comply with the standards of this chapter and the following design requirements:
A. Plant Selection and Arrangement:
1. Plants and trees shall be well-suited to the microclimate and soil conditions of the site. Both native and locally-adapted plants are acceptable.
2. Plants with similar water needs shall be grouped together and placed on the same irrigation circuit in order to create irrigational system efficiency and prevent overwatering.
3. Areas with slopes greater than twenty five percent (25%) shall be landscaped with deep rooting, water-conserving plants, and shall not include turf.
4. Tree species shall be selected based on growth characteristics and site conditions, including available space, overhead clearance, soil conditions, exposure, and screening capabilities.
a. Deciduous tree species with a broad canopy shall be utilized to provide shade in parking lots and above paved areas of the site, and to help screen large or tall objects.
b. Where trees are required to be planted under overhead utility wires, low-growing trees shall be selected. Recommended species include those listed in the adopted Draper City approved tree list for use in parking strips beneath power lines.
c. Trees planted adjacent to vehicular or pedestrian areas of the site, or in areas that would impede the implementation of natural surveillance as part of efforts to incorporate CPTED design principles into the site, shall select specimens and species that allow lower tree branches to be trimmed to maintain the minimum clearance between the ground and the tree canopy for site safety, without creating detrimental impact to the health or growth habit of the tree.
d. Narrow or columnar trees shall be planted in small spaces, or where awnings or other building features limit growth. Columnar trees may also be placed in the area between a building and the sidewalk, or within the right-of-way where there is no sidewalk, in order to provide greater visibility for natural surveillance.
e. Street trees shall be planted and maintained in compliance with section 9-23-080 of this chapter.
5. Turf areas must be eight feet (8') wide or wider.
6. For non-residential, multiple-family, and mixed use landscapes turf may not cover more than twenty percent (20%) of the total landscaped area not including areas utilized for active recreation such as sports fields.
7. All landscaped areas adjacent to buildings shall have trees, shrubs, and other plantings, except where entries or other paving preclude it.
8. The particular characteristics of a tree or plant species and the locational relationship to the building, sightlines, utilities, and required maintenance shall factor into the selection and placement of trees and plants within the landscape.
B. Climate: Planting layout and design shall include the placement of trees, plants, shrubs, and other landscape features in locations that mitigate the negative effects of extreme or elevated temperatures, sunlight, wind, and other climatic factors.
C. Grading: Site grading shall be designed and implemented to:
1. Retain existing trees and vegetation within required perimeter planting areas, land use buffers, yards and other areas of the site per the requirements of section 9-23-070;
2. Make use of existing natural drainage ways; and
3. Minimize increased runoff and erosion.
D. Water-Wise Landscape Techniques: Water-wise landscape practices are required and shall implement at a minimum the following:
1. Using water-wise plant species;
2. Selecting plants on the basis of specific slope, aspect, soil and microclimate conditions;
3. Minimizing the amount of turf area;
4. Planting and designing slopes to minimize runoff;
5. Separating irrigation zones according to plant water requirements and using drip/trickle irrigation systems to conserve water;
6. Conserving existing topsoil and making improvements to the soil by deeply loosening soil, and incorporating organic matter and amendments; and
7. Using mulch in planting areas to reduce water evaporation, weed growth, and to promote soil cooling.
E. Storm Water Infrastructure: Detention and retention basins shall be landscaped and maintained. The use of low impact development systems and techniques is required.
F. Landscape Area Amounts:
1. Non-residential and mixed use: Except where a lesser amount is specified elsewhere in this title, at least twenty percent (20%) of the gross area of the development site shall be devoted to landscaping. Required landscaping in park strips and other similar areas within the right-of-way are not included in this total.
a. The area of planting beds designed exclusively for annual or biennial plants shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the landscaped area of the site, not including area covered with turf or groundcover.
2. Multiple-family residential: Landscaping amounts shall follow the development standards found in chapter 32 of this title.
3. Single-family and two-family residential: Minimum landscape area amounts shall be as follows:
a. Front yard:
(1) Fifty percent (50%) of the total area of each front yard, for lots and parcels equal to or greater than eight-thousand square feet (8,000 ft²) in size,
(2) Two-hundred and fifty square feet (250 ft²), for lots and parcels less than eight-thousand square feet (8,000 ft²) in size.
b. Side and rear yards: As determined by the homeowner(s).
G. Plant Coverage: Live plant materials (not including trees) shall cover a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the landscaped area within the first two (2) growing seasons following planting, and a minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of the landscaped area at ten (10) years. Planting beds that include annual or biennial plantings shall be planted annually each spring with sufficient plants to create a minimum annual coverage with live plant materials of seventy-five percent (75%) of the area of the planting bed at the time the annual or biennial plants reach maturity.
1. For non-residential, mixed use, and multiple-family properties, the landscape architect or landscape designer shall calculate and include the plant coverage rates as notations on the landscape planting plan, in accordance with the following:
a. Tree and plant symbols shown within the site layout of a landscape planting plan shall be scaled to indicate their typical coverage or spread equivalent to their size at ten (10) years from planting, or at their full maturity, whichever comes first.
H. Species Diversity: Landscape planting plans, as required by this title, shall include a variety of plant, shrub, and tree species in order to provide visual and biological diversity within the landscape and as a safeguard against the detrimental effects that might occur should a particular plant or species succumb to disease. Within the landscape planting plan, the following shall apply:
1. No species of plant or shrub, shall account for more than twenty percent (20%) of the total coverage area of all plants and shrubs.
2. A single species of tree may not be utilized for:
a. More than twenty-five percent (25%) of the total number of trees for sites with ten (10) or more required trees;
b. More than fifty percent (50%) of the total number of trees for sites with between four (4) and ten (10) required trees;
3. Trees may be of a single species where three (3) or fewer trees are required.
I. Soil Preparation: Soil preparation shall be suitable for providing healthy growing conditions for the plants and encourage water infiltration and penetration. Soil preparation shall include scarifying the soil to a depth of six inches (6") or greater and amending the soil with fertilizer or organic material.
1. For non-residential, mixed-use, and multi-family properties, the landscape architect or landscape designer shall have a laboratory analysis of the site soils composition preformed and included details regarding the type, quantity, and rate of soil amendments to be added to each planting area with respect to the nutrient needs of the selected plants within the landscape plan.
2. For new single-family and two-family residential sites obtaining a laboratory analysis of the site soils to help inform the type, quantity, and rate of soil amendments is recommended but not required. (Ord. 1132, 2-17-2015; amd. Ord. 1498, 8-3-2021; Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-055: IRRIGATION:
A. A Landscape Irrigation Plan is required to be submitted as part of a complete landscaping plan package. The plans shall include at a minimum the details required in this section and subsection 9-5-090(D)(1)(d)(4)(C).
B. Pressure Regulation: In areas where the static service pressure from the water meter exceeds eighty pounds per square inch (80 PSI), a pressure regulating valve shall be installed as part of the irrigation system design and shall be maintained by the property owner. The pressure-regulating valve shall be located between the water meter and the first point of water use, or first point of division in the pipe, and shall be set at the manufacturer's recommended pressure for sprinklers.
C. Irrigation Controller: Landscaped areas shall be provided with an EPA-certified irrigation controller or equivalent which automatically adjusts the frequency and duration of irrigation events in response to changing weather conditions. All controllers shall be equipped with automatic rain delay or rain shut-off capabilities.
D. Each irrigation valve shall irrigate landscaping with similar site, slope and soil conditions, and plant materials with similar watering needs. Lawn and Planting Beds shall be irrigated on separate irrigation valves. In addition, drip emitters and sprinklers shall be placed on separate irrigation valves.
E. All non-turf landscape areas shall be irrigated by drip irrigation or bubblers.
F. Drip irrigation systems shall be equipped at a minimum with a pressure regulator, filter, and flush-end assembly.
G. Where pop-up sprinkler heads are used to irrigate turf areas they must clear the top level of the turf.
H. Sprinklers shall be scheduled to operate between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.
I. Program schedules shall be set to water plants for multiple short cycles with a rest or soak period between cycles to reduce runoff in areas with slow infiltration rates and where slopes are equal to or greater than fifteen percent (15%).
J. Areas of a site left undeveloped or as natural open space shall not include permanent irrigation.
K. For areas that will be revegetated with native water-wise plant species with the intent to naturalize or restore the area to resemble natural open space, details for any necessary temporary irrigation to support plant establishment shall be included in the landscape irrigation plan. Temporary irrigation systems shall be removed after plant establishment. (Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-060: VISUAL OBSTRUCTIONS:
Landscaping and landscape plans shall conform to the visual obstruction requirements of section 9-27-080 of this title. (Ord. 394, 8-7-2001; amd. Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-070: TREE AND VEGETATION PROTECTION:
A. Development and landscape designs shall be designed to preserve existing trees and vegetation within the areas of required perimeter plantings, land use buffers, and yards.
B. Existing trees and vegetation located within the areas described in subsection 9-23-070(A) above shall be preserved and may not be removed, except as provided for in subsection 9-23-070(F) below.
C. Existing trees four inches (4") in caliper or greater and vegetation located within the areas described in subsection 9-23-070(A) above shall be identified on site plans and preliminary subdivision plat including the caliper measurement of each tree.
D. A minimum protection zone shall be established on the site plan or preliminary subdivision plat around each tree or vegetated area at or beyond the drip line of the trees or vegetation to be preserved.
E. Prior to the commencement of grading or construction activities on a site the developer shall install temporary protective fencing around the perimeter of the tree and vegetation protection zones identified on the site plan or preliminary subdivision plat. The developer shall be responsible to see that the trees and vegetation being fenced are protected from construction activities, including but not limited to, earthwork operations, the movement and storage of equipment and materials, and the dumping of chemicals.
F. The zoning administrator may permit the removal of existing trees and vegetation under the following conditions:
1. All existing trees and vegetation proposed for removal must be indicated as such on the site plan or subdivision preliminary plat.
2. Existing trees and vegetation located within the required perimeter planting, land use buffer, or yard area may not be removed, except where:
a. Planned vehicular or pedestrian access to or on the property necessitates the removal of specific trees or areas of existing vegetation;
b. Necessary site grading to control storm water requires the removal of specific trees or areas of existing vegetation;
c. The developer or property owner provides written certification from a certified arborist that an existing tree is diseased, dead, dying or is an invasive species and should be removed;
d. Additional tree or plant installation for screening or buffering is required in the same area and the preservation of the existing vegetation (not including existing trees) would prevent or inhibit installation of the required landscaping; or
e. The location or other characteristic of an existing tree is causing or is likely to cause a nuisance or damage to adjoining properties. The dropping or blowing of leaves, needles, cones, or seeds shall not be considered a nuisance under this section. (Ord. 394, 8-7-2001; amd. Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-080: PARK STRIP LANDSCAPING:
All park strips shall be landscaped pursuant to the following.
A. Street Trees:
1. Street trees shall be selected from the adopted Draper City street tree guide.
2. Street trees shall not be located within park strips less than five feet (5') wide.
3. Street trees shall be provided at a minimum ratio of one (1) tree for each forty feet (40') of street frontage.
4. Street trees shall be at least two inches (2") in caliper at time of planting.
5. In areas where there is no sidewalk or five feet (5') or less between the sidewalk and curb, street trees shall be installed within fifteen feet (15') of the right-of-way.
6. Street trees shall be irrigated through the use of bubblers or drip irrigation.
B. Maintenance: Property owners are responsible for the irrigation and maintenance of required street trees and other vegetation in park strips abutting their property pursuant to Section 9-23-140. (Ord. 394, 8-7-2001; amd. Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-090: PERIMETER LANDSCAPING:
This section is applicable to all developments not otherwise exempted under the provisions of section 9-23-020 of this title. Minimum perimeter landscaping shall be required as follows:
A. The perimeter of each development site shall be landscaped as specified in this section and tables 9-23-1 and 9-23-2 in section 9-23-170 of this chapter.
B. The minimum depth of the perimeter landscaped area along front, rear and interior lot lines shall be ten feet (10'), except:
1. In locations where a land use buffer is required, the width requirements of the land use buffer shall supersede;
2. In locations not subject to a land use buffer where the building is setback less than ten feet (10') as permitted by the zone;
3. In locations where vehicular access or cross access touches or crosses shared property lines as permitted or required by this code; or
4. Along shared rear and side property lines not subject to a land use buffers, the minimum depth adjacent to vehicular parking areas, including applicable access aisles and drives, may be reduced to five feet (5'). (Ord. 1132, 2-17-2015; amd. Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-100: PARKING LOT LANDSCAPING:
Except for developments exempted under section 9-23-020 of this title, every parking lot with more than ten (10) spaces and three thousand five hundred (3,500) square feet shall contain internal landscaped areas based on the following design criteria:
A. Amount Of Landscaping: Except in zoning districts where a different amount is specified, the amount of landscaping within each parking lot shall be as follows:
1. Multiple-family residential sites: Ten percent (10%) of total parking lot area.
2. Office and commercial sites: Seven percent (7%) of total parking lot area.
3. Industrial or warehouse sites: Five percent (5%) of total parking lot area. (Ord. 394, 8-7-2001)
4. For mixed-use sites, the amount shall be determined based on the predominant use based on the square footage of the building(s) served by the parking spaces.
B. Calculations:
1. Total parking lot area shall be calculated along the perimeter of the lot, including all parking spaces, access ways, and landscaped islands within the perimeter and at the corners of the lot, as demonstrated in Figure 9-23-1 below. A chart with the calculations shall be included on the site plan. Total parking lot area shall not include building footprints or applicable loading and service areas, but shall include customer service drive-up areas and access ways used jointly by those utilizing the parking lot and service traffic.
2. Landscaping areas within the parking lot area shall be calculated exclusive of impervious paving and curbing, but shall include the area of required outdoor amenities located within the parking lot perimeter (if any).
3. For purposes of compliance with this section, parking area landscaping shall be calculated independently from overall site area landscaping, but shall also count towards the required percentage of overall site area landscaping.
C. Location and Design:
1. Location: Parking lot land scaping shall be provided:
a. As a landscaped island at the end of parking rows;
b. Between rows of head-to-head parking stalls;
c. As landscaped islands within rows of parking stalls;
d. At aisle intersections; and
e. Along major drives and access ways.
2. Design:
a. The design of the planting plan layout for the parking area shall:
(1) Address expected foot traffic patterns;
(2) Mitigate expected pedestrian safety concerns;
(3) Provide necessary visibility for the safety of pedestrians and vehicles;
(4) Include water-wise landscaping techniques, including but not limited to plant selection and low impact design elements;
(5) Include at least one (1) tree for each three-hundred square feet (300 ft²) of total overall parking lot landscape area;
(6) Not include turf; and
(7) Address the expected snow removal and snow storage needs of the parking area.
b. Landscaped islands within the parking lot area shall be at least five feet (5') wide and one hundred (100) square feet in area, and shall include the following:
(1) A minimum of one tree shall be planted in each island;
(2) Additional landscaping with shrubs, ground cover, or planting beds to achieve a minimum of 50% coverage by plants at maturity (plants and trees may be grouped); and
(3) Drip irrigation adequate to meet tree and plant needs.
c. No more than fifteen (15) parking stalls may be in a row between landscaping islands as shown in figure 9-23-2 below.
d. Rows of adjacent parking shall be separated by landscaping of at least nine feet (9') in width as shown in figure 9-23-3 below. If wheel stops are included to prevent vehicles from overhanging the landscaping, this minimum width can be reduced down to five feet (5').
e. All parking area landscaping and landscaping adjacent to parking areas shall be bordered and separated from the parking area by minimum six inch (6") high back concrete curbing. Sections of curbing may be non-contiguous or eliminated in order to implement low impact development (LID) storm water features within the development. Where high back curbing is eliminated as part of a LID design, the installation of wheel stops will be required between the parking stall and adjacent landscaping to prevent the intrusion of automobiles into the landscaped areas.
(Ord. 394, 8-7-2001; amd. Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-110: LAND USE BUFFERS:
Except for developments exempted under section 9-23-020 of this title, land use buffers shall be provided along the side and rear property lines of commercial, multifamily, and industrial properties to enhance community appearance and welfare by protecting residents and visitors from the traffic, noise, glare, trash, activity, vibration, odor, visual disorder and other adverse or harmful effects typically associated with such land uses.
A. Land Use Buffer Requirements: The amount of landscaping and type of fencing required for a land use buffer shall be as follows:
1. A landscape buffer of twenty feet (20') shall be provided between all commercial and office uses when located adjacent to a residential zone and when a multi-family use is located adjacent to a single-family zone.
2. A landscape buffer of thirty feet (30') shall be provided between industrial uses and residential uses or zones.
3. Trees within the buffer area described in 9-23-110(A)(1) and (2) above shall be planted at one tree per four hundred (400) square feet of buffer area.
a. Trees may be grouped.
b. At least one buffer tree shall be planted between commercial, office, multi-family and industrial uses and each single-family residential lot. Trees shall be arranged to provide linear coverage between commercial, office and industrial uses and adjacent residential units.
4. The rest of the buffer area shall consist of ground covers, shrubs and planting beds, wherein a maximum of seventy five percent (75%) of the buffer area may be planted with ground covers.
5. Non-residential, mixed use, and multiple-family developments shall install a six feet (6') tall, solid, sight obscuring fence along the property perimeter where adjacent to single-family or two-family residential zoning or development.
a. The fence shall be constructed of masonry, precast concrete, or lightweight precast fiber reinforced concrete.
b. The fence shall extend from the adjacent finish grade of the property upward to the required height, excluding required footings and foundations. Any gaps between the bottom of the fence panel and the adjacent finish grade of the property may not exceed four inches (4"). Such gaps are not counted towards the total required minimum height of the fence.
c. The height of fences shall be reduced in clear view triangle areas or where they may impact sight visibility with a driveway as specified in section 9-27-080.
B. Exemptions: No land use buffer shall be required between land uses located in the same zone.
C. Reductions:
1. The zoning administrator or designee may reduce land use buffer requirements based on the character of specific uses, building orientations, topographic features, or other unique characteristics of adjoining uses. A reduced buffer shall consist of a minimum ten foot (10') wide landscape buffer and an eight foot (8') tall, solid, sight obscuring fence in compliance with all other specifications of 9-23-110(A)(5). In approving reductions under this section the zoning administrator shall not reduce the tree and plant requirements of subsections 9-23-110 (A)(3) and (4).
D. Relationship To Other Requirements: When the requirements of a land use buffer exceed those of other requirements along a property line, the land use buffer requirements shall apply.
E. Existing Buffer Vegetation And Trees: Retention of existing shrubs, trees, plants and groundcovers within land use buffers shall comply with the provisions of section 9-23-070. Scraping, grading, sodding and other construction activity within the land use buffer area shall be avoided. Where development standards call for additional trees or shrubs to be installed in an existing landscaped land use buffer, precautions shall be taken, to minimize disturbance to existing trees and shrubs.
F. Compatibility Of Plantings: Supplemental buffer plantings shall be compatible with any existing vegetation within the buffer area.
G. Development Within Land Use Buffers: Land use buffers may contain nonmotorized trails. In no event shall structures or uses, such as, but not limited to, play fields, stables, swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts, parking lots and vehicular use areas, generators, trash receptacle enclosures, equipment storage and other open storage, or buildings be permitted within land use buffers. (Ord. 1132, 2-17-2015; amd. Ord. 1474, 2-2-2021; Ord. 1485, 4-6-2021; amd. Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-120: SITE FEATURE BUFFERING AND SCREENING:
Except for developments exempted under section 9-23-020 of this title, site features, such as, but not limited to, the following, shall be effectively screened from view as seen from adjacent roadways and sites in compliance with the site design requirements of section 9-22-050 and the following landscape standards:
A. Trash Receptacle Enclosures:
1. Evergreen shrubs shall be utilized and shall be provided at a minimum rate of one (1) shrub for each five lineal feet (5') of enclosure as measured around the perimeter, excluding gates.
2. Evergreen shrubs utilized for screening the enclosure shall be a minimum height of eighteen inches (18") at the time of planting, and of a species capable of growing to a height equal to or greater than the height of the enclosure.
B. Service And Loading Areas:
1. Shrubs used for the purpose of screening service and loading areas, shall include evergreen shrubs, either exclusively or mixed.
2. All shrubs shall be minimum height of eighteen inches (18") at the time of planting, and of a species capable of growing to a height of at least four feet (4').
C. Ground Mounted Utility Boxes, Meters And Mechanical Equipment:
1. Evergreen shrubs shall be used for the purpose of screening ground mounted mechanical equipment, utility meters, other utility equipment and boxes, and similar areas or appurtenances.
2. Except as provided for in 9-23-120(C)(5) below, evergreen shrubs shall be planted no further than five feet (5') from the appurtenance they are screening.
a. Minimum clearances between equipment and plantings established by utility companies or manufacturers shall be adhered to. Where minimum clearances require screening to be placed further than five feet (5') from the appurtenance additional plantings will be required to achieve the same or greater ratio of screening coverage that would have been achieved with plants being placed within feet (5').
3. The evergreen shrubs shall be a minimum height of eighteen inches (18") at the time of planting, and of a species capable of growing to a height equal to or greater than the height of the equipment, enclosure, or appurtenance they are screening.
4. A minimum of four (4) evergreen shrubs shall be required for each box or appurtenance located within the landscape and plantings shall be planted with additional evergreen shrubs so that each side of the box otherwise visible to a street or neighboring properties is screened.
.(Ord. 394, 8-7-2001; amd. Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-130: TREE AND LANDSCAPE MATERIAL STANDARDS:
Minimum required tree and landscape material standards shall be as follows:
A. General: Trees and plants used in landscape design pursuant to this chapter shall be:
1. Water-wise and drought tolerant;
2. Planted in areas where the recommended soil nutrients, water, and sun exposure are available;
3. Noninvasive; and
4. Low maintenance.
B. Plant Quality: All plants and trees installed pursuant to this chapter shall conform to or exceed the standards of the most recent edition of "American Standard For Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1",. (Ord. 1132, 2-17-2015)
C. Artificial Turf: Artificial turf installed over a permeable base surface may be used in lieu of actual turf. Artificial turf must be regularly maintained according to manufacturer specifications and shall be replaced once the manufacture’s recommended lifespan or functional lifespan has been reached, whichever comes first. No other artificial plants or vegetation shall be used to meet any standards of this chapter. (Ord. 394, 8-7-2001; amd. Ord. 1132, 2-17-2015)
D. Tree Diameter and Height:
1. Deciduous trees planted to satisfy the standards of this chapter shall have a minimum caliper of two inches (2").
2. Evergreen trees planted to satisfy the standards of this chapter shall have a minimum height of six feet (6'). (Ord. 999, 2-21-2012; amd. Ord. 1132, 2-17-2015)
E. Shrubs:
1. Shrubs utilized in a non-residential, mixed use, or multiple-family landscape plan shall be from nursery stock, a minimum size of three (3) gallons, or container class #3, at the time of planting.
2. Shrubs required as part of a land use buffer or as perimeter plantings adjacent to parking where fronting a street, shall have a minimum height of eighteen inches (18") at the time of planting.
3. Along the exterior of parking lots where potential light trespass from vehicular headlights would be directed towards adjoining residential properties or streets, evergreen shrubs shall be planted in a continuous row or hedge of sufficient height to block such trespass.
F. Ground Treatment:
1. The ground area within landscape areas shall present a finished appearance with a balanced distribution of plantings across each planting area.
2. Bark or rock mulch shall be installed and maintained at a minimum depth of three inches (3") on all planted areas except where ground cover plants are fully established and provide for complete coverage of the area. Mulch may be approved as a permanent ground treatment in landscape designs where ground cover or turf is impractical.
3. Rock mulch with an accompanying weed barrier may be used in a limited way as a ground treatment in areas where typical water drainage from the site would create conditions unsuitable for plant survival, or adjacent to buildings where plantings could create a health, safety, or operational hazard near entrances. The use of this type of treatment adjacent to non-residential and mixed-use buildings may not exceed ten percent (10%) of the landscape planting area located within ten feet (10') of the building.
4. Landscape edging shall be used to separate planting beds from turf and other areas predominantly planted with groundcovers, and shall also be provided at the transition between all mulched areas, ground covers, and turf. (Ord. 394, 8-7-2001; amd. Ord. 1132, 2-17-2015; Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-140: INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT:
Required landscaping shall be installed, maintained, irrigated and replaced in accordance with the following standards:
A. All landscaping shall be installed according to sound nursery practices in a manner designed to encourage vigorous growth.
B. Designers and installers for all commercial, industrial, institutional, civic, mixed use, and multiple-family residential sites shall meet all applicable state and local license, insurance, and bonding requirements and be able to show proof of such upon request.
1. Upon completion of the landscape installation, the landscape architect or landscape designer responsible for creating and stamping the plans shall inspect the installation and provide a signed certificate of substantial completion to the property owner or applicant and to the city.
2. After receiving the certificate of substantial completion from the landscape architect or landscape designer, the property owner or applicant shall schedule a landscape inspection with the Community Development Department for verification of ordinance compliance. If an improvement completion assurance has been posted, a certificate from the landscape architect or designer for the portion(s) installed must accompany each request for a partial refund of the improvement completion assurance.
C. Maintenance and Replacement:
1. Property owners shall be responsible for the regular maintenance of all landscape areas of their property, including adjacent park strips, in a way that presents a healthy, neat and orderly appearance. All landscaping shall be maintained free from disease, pests, weeds and litter. This maintenance shall include but is not limited to weeding, watering, fertilizing, pruning, mowing, edging, mulching, and etcetera, in accordance with generally accepted horticultural best practices.
2. Property owners shall be responsible for maintenance, repair or replacement of landscape structures (e.g., walls, fences) in a structurally sound condition and in a neat appearance without substantial deterioration.
3. Property owners shall actively prevent the establishment of undesirable and harmful plant and tree species within landscape and preservation areas through ongoing maintenance, including weeding, to prevent germination, growth and establishment of such plant and tree species, and prompt removal and disposal of such species once discovered.
4. Property owners shall promptly replace any tree or plant material required by this chapter or shown on approved plans that is diseased, dead or dying and unable to be restored to health. Replacement trees shall have a minimum caliper of two inches (2"). Any perennial landscaping required to be planted or preserved by this chapter that dies or is otherwise removed shall be replaced with vegetation which complies with the minimum size and other characteristics required at the time of initial installation, or larger specimens as available. (Ord. 394, 8-7-2001; amd. Ord. 1132, 2-17-2015; Ord. 1408, 10-15- 2019; Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-150: SUBSTITUTION OF PLANT MATERIALS:
The zoning administrator shall have the authority to approve the installation of comparable substitute plant species or materials to satisfy the requirements of an approved landscape plan when the approved plants and landscape materials are not available at the time that installation is to occur or when other unforeseen conditions prevent the use of the exact materials shown on the approved landscape plan. The zoning administrator may not reduce the number of plants required. Any significant change to landscaping plans previously approved by the planning commission shall be subject to review and approval of the planning commission. (Ord. 394, 8-7-2001; amd. Ord. 1132, 2-17-2015)
9-23-160: TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF LANDSCAPING INSTALLATION:
The physical installation of live plant material required by this chapter shall not occur during the winter months between October 1st and the following March 31st, or during a day in which the outdoor temperature exceeds ninety-nine degrees (99°) including the following five (5) calendar days, and may be temporarily suspended, in individual cases, by the zoning administrator during other periods of adverse weather conditions, or when plants and landscape materials are not available.(Ord. 394, 8-7-2001; amd. Ord. 1132, 2-17-2015; Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)
9-23-170: TABLES:
Minimum Ratios Per 100 Linear Feet | Freeway | Arterial | Collector | Local |
Adjacent to building or open area | 2 deciduous trees | 2 deciduous trees 1 evergreen tree 16 shrubs 100 sq. ft. of planting beds1 | 2 deciduous trees 1 evergreen tree 12 shrubs 75 sq. ft. of planting beds | 2 deciduous trees |
Adjacent to parking lot2 | As above plus evergreen shrubs or a combination of evergreen shrubs and a berm for continuous screening of the parking area | As above plus evergreen shrubs or a combination of evergreen shrubs and a berm for continuous screening of the parking area1 | As above plus evergreen shrubs or a combination of evergreen shrubs and a berm for continuous screening of the parking area1 | As above plus evergreen shrubs or a combination of evergreen shrubs and a berm for a minimum 75% screening of the parking area1 |
Adjacent to service areas (loading docks, outside storage, and trash compactors)2 | Trees as above plus evergreen shrubs providing for 100% screening of the service area2 | Trees as above plus evergreen shrubs providing for 75% screening of the service area2 | Trees as above plus evergreen shrubs providing for 75% screening of the service area2 | Trees as above plus evergreen shrubs providing for 50% screening of the service area2 |
Notes:
1. Screening shall be designed to be between three feet (3') and four feet (4') in height after five (5) years of normal growth, and shall be maintained so as to not exceed four feet (4') in height, or the height limitations found in section 9-27-080 as applicable. A three feet (3') tall decorative wall or fence, compatible with the architectural design and materials of the main building or site fencing, may be used in lieu of shrubs for parking lot screening.
2. Screening shall be designed to meet the above criteria after five (5) years of normal growth.
Minimum Ratios Per 100 Linear Feet | Side | Rear |
Adjacent to building1 | 1 deciduous tree 5 shrubs | 1 deciduous tree 5 shrubs |
Adjacent to parking lot2 | 1 deciduous tree 9 shrubs | 1 deciduous tree 9 shrubs |
Adjacent to service area3 | 1 Evergreen tree and 16 evergreen shrubs | 1 Evergreen tree and 16 evergreen shrubs |
Notes:
1. Where a building wall is located between ten (10) and five (5) feet from the property line, columnar species of trees shall be utilized and the required tree count shall be double. Where a building wall is located closer than five feet (5') from the property line, but greater than two feet (2'), in addition to the required shrubs, four (4) shrubs with columnar or vertical growth characteristics that will reach at least four feet (4') in height shall be substituted for each required tree. Where a building wall is located two feet (2') or closer to a property line, trees and shrubs shall not be required and the perimeter planting area shall include ground cover plantings or rock mulch and comply with the requirements of section 9-23-130(F).
2. Where a perimeter planting area adjacent to a parking lot is permitted to be less than ten feet (10') in width, the number of required trees may be reduced by up to fifty percent (50%) to account for the adjacent tree canopy of the adjoining property. The required shrub count shall remain the same.
3. Evergreen shrubs shall be of a species or variety that will grow to a minimum height of four feet (4') at maturity. The zoning administrator may permit a reduction in the number of evergreen shrubs upon demonstration that the evergreen shrubs within the landscape design will provide fifty percent (50%) screening of the service area within five (5) years of normal growth.
(Ord. 394, 8-7-2001; amd. Ord. 1132, 2-17-2015; Ord. 1583, 6-20-2023)