The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning. The word "building" includes the word "structure." The word "person" includes a firm, corporation, county, municipal corporation or natural person. The word "used" shall be deemed to include the words "arranged, designed, or intended to be used." The word "occupied" shall be deemed to include the words "arranged, designed, or intended to be occupied." Any word or term not interpreted or defined by this section shall be used with a common dictionary meaning or common or standard utilization.

Automatic controller means a mechanical or electronic timer, capable of operating valve stations to set the days and length of time of a water application.

Emitter means devices which are used to control the application of irrigation water. This term is primarily used to refer to the low flow rate devices used in micro-irrigation systems.

Ground cover means plants, other than turfgrass, normally reaching an average maximum height of not more than 24 inches at maturity.

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

Irrigation system means a permanent artificial watering system designed to transport and distribute water to plants.

Landscaped area means the entire parcel less the building, footprint, driveways, nonirrigated portion of parking lots, landscapes such as decks and patios, and other nonporous areas. Water features are included in the calculation of the landscaped area. The landscaped area includes xeriscape as defined in F.S. § 373.185(1)(b).

Landscaping means any combination of living plants (such as grass, ground cover, shrubs, vines, hedges, or trees) and nonliving landscape material (such as rocks, pebbles, sand, mulch, walls, fences, or decorative paving materials).

Lot coverage includes all buildings and paved areas, including swimming pools and parking areas, and may not exceed 65 percent of the total site.

Micro-irrigation (low volume) means the frequent 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). Micro-irrigation encompasses a number of methods or concepts, including drip, subsurface, bubbler, and spray irrigation, previously referred to as trickle irrigation, low volume, or low flow irrigation.

Mulch means nonliving organic or synthetic material customarily used in landscape design to retard erosion and retain moisture.

Native vegetation. See "vegetation, native."

Naturally occurring existing plant communities. See "vegetation, native."

Open space includes total pervious surface, including drainage retention, landscaped areas and sod. Open space areas shall consist of a minimum of 35 percent of the total development site.

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

Rain sensor device means a low voltage electrical or mechanical component placed in the circuitry of an automatic lawn irrigation system which is designed to turn on a sprinkler controller when precipitation has reached a preset quantity.

Runoff means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied and flows from the area.

Silt texture means the classification of soil based on the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in the soil.

Site-specific plant means a selection of plant material that is particularly well suited to withstand the physical growing conditions that are normal for a specific location.

Turf and turfgrass mean continuous plant coverage consisting of grass species suited to growth in the city/county.

Valve means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.

Vegetation, native, means any plant species with a geographic distribution indigenous to all, or part, of the state.

Water use zone means a grouping of sprays, sprinklers, or micro-irrigation emitters so that they can be operated simultaneously by the control of one valve according to the water requirements of the plants used.

Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.

(a)

The purpose of this article is to establish minimum standards for the development, installation, and maintenance of landscaped areas without inhibiting creative landscape design. This article requires specific water conservation measures, including the preservation of natural vegetation where applicable. Implementation will aid in improving environmental quality and the aesthetic appearance of public, commercial, industrial, and residential areas. It is the intent of this article, therefore, that the establishment of these minimum requirements and the encouragement of resourceful planning be incorporated to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare in the areas of water conservation and preservation.

(b)

Creative site development concepts shall be used in order to promote water conservation. Water requirements may be reduced by providing for:

(1)

The preservation of existing plant communities;

(2)

The reestablishment of native plant communities;

(3)

The use of site-specific plant materials;

(4)

The use of pervious paving materials;

(5)

The use of water efficiency in landscaping; and

(6)

Other environmentally sensitive site development concepts.

(c)

The land clearing/vegetation protection and preservation objectives are to:

(1)

Reduce the use of irrigation water in open space areas by promoting the preservation of existing plant communities.

(2)

Prevent the removal of existing vegetation in advance of the approval of land development plans.

(3)

Prevent the removal of existing vegetation when no comparable vegetation plan has been prepared for the site.

(d)

To achieve the objectives of this article, this article incorporates six basic principles of water efficient landscaping. These principles, listed in this article with detailed explanation, are included in this section for the purpose of giving guidance and direction for the administration and enforcement of the regulations contained in this article:

(1)

Planning and design.

(2)

Appropriate plant selection.

(3)

Practical turf areas.

(4)

Efficient irrigation.

(5)

Use of mulches.

(6)

Appropriate maintenance.

(a)

The provisions of this article shall apply to the development, redevelopment, rehabilitation, and maintenance of all property within present or future incorporated areas of the city which are subject to the provisions of chapter 98, pertaining to land development criteria, or appendix A to this Code, pertaining to zoning. Except for the exemptions listed in this section, no permit shall be issued for new construction or site development unless the water efficiency actions included within the landscape plan comply with the provisions of this article, and no certificate of occupancy shall be issued until the requirements in this article are met.

(b)

Specific application of the provisions shall include, but not be limited to:

(1)

All new landscaping for public agency projects and private development projects, including but not limited to residential, commercial and recreation projects.

(2)

Developer-installed landscaping at entrances into the common area for single-family neighborhoods and multifamily projects.

(c)

Exemptions from the provisions of this article include one or more of the following as applicable:

(1)

Bona fide agricultural activities.

(2)

Landscaping for a single-family house or duplex.

(3)

Electrical transmission and distribution lines.

(d)

Conditional exemptions may be granted by the city for individual projects if the applicant can demonstrate acceptable reasons for the requested exemption.

Whenever, in the course of administration and enforcement of this article, it is necessary and desirable to make any administrative decision, then, unless other standards are in this article, the decision shall be made so that the result will not be contrary to the spirit and purpose of this article or injurious to the surrounding neighborhood or the community at large.

Implementation and enforcement of this article shall consist of the following: The city code enforcement officer or designated inspectors shall be authorized and empowered to make inspections at reasonable hours of all land uses or activities regulated by this article, in order to determine if applicable provisions of this code and regulations relating to submitted plans for water-efficient landscaping are being followed.

When the construction upon or the development of a new site is such that site plan review by the building official is required prior to the issuance of a building permit, the provisions of this article shall be applied to such site. Any such construction or development activity requiring a site plan or landscape plan which requires local approval shall be designed to be consistent with the water-efficient landscaping standards established in this article and submitted in compliance with the principles and practices of Florida Friendly Yards. All site development plans that include parking shall provide landscape plans prepared, signed and sealed by a state landscape architect.

Site plans shall identify all vegetated areas to be preserved based on the site preparation permit application requirements set forth in chapter 74. Installed trees and plant materials shall be grouped together into zones according to water use needs. The water use zones shall correlate to the water use zone designations of plants listed in the recommended plant guide of this article.

Plants with similar cultural (soil, climate, sun, and light) requirements should be grouped together and irrigated based on their water requirements. The use zones shall be shown on the landscape plan. Newly installed plants may require regular, moderately applied watering for the first year to become established. Installed trees and vegetation shall be spaced and located to accommodate their mature size on the site.

Five buffer types are required for all development, unless otherwise specified development:

(a)

Compatibility buffers. These are buffers required to achieve compatibility between abutting properties in different zoning districts. For the purpose of this requirement, abutting properties means the properties share a property line. Compatibility buffers do not apply between properties separated by a public street.

(b)

Parking buffers. These are buffers required to reduce the visual impact of parking lots as viewed from abutting or nearby properties.

(c)

Drainage buffers. These are buffers required to reduce the visual impact of drainage detention/retention areas as viewed from abutting or nearby properties.

(d)

Frontage buffers. These are buffers required to achieve a visually appealing green space along street frontages.

(e)

Non-frontage perimeter buffers. These are buffers required along the perimeter of properties, except along street frontages.

The following requirements apply to all buffer types as referenced in section 10.8 and buffer classifications as referenced in section 10.8.2.

(a)

Buffers are intended to provide a year-round screen. To achieve this intent, ground cover, shrubs and trees shall be appropriately selected from the permissible species set forth in this article.

(b)

In order to reduce the monotony of site design, no more than one-third of the canopy and understory trees may be of the same species on a site where a total of 15 or more canopy trees are required.

(c)

Buffers may consist of landscaping, buffer walls, fencing, berms, or combinations thereof which work cohesively to achieve the intent of buffering as further specified in this article.

(d)

Natural buffers resulting from existing topography and/or existing forested areas shall be preserved within required buffer areas, unless a compelling site design requirement precludes that option. The city council shall review any proposed tree clearing with a required buffer.

(e)

Buffer shall not include buildings, structures (other than buffer walls or buffer fences), storage of materials, parking or any other use or activity, except a buffer may be used for pedestrian, bike or equestrian trails, provided that:

(1)

The minimum required buffer plantings are provided.

(2)

The width of the buffer is increased to account for the width of the pedestrian, bike or equestrian trail.

(3)

All other requirements of this code are met.

(f)

Buffers shall not be located on any portion of an existing or dedicated right-of-way.

(g)

Arrangement of plantings in buffers shall avoid damage to existing trees and plant material, and take mature growing sizes into consideration regarding shade, root damage, and interference with nearby utilities.

(h)

Buffer plantings shall be irrigated appropriately for the specific plant species and characteristics of the site to promote healthy growth.

(i)

Buffer areas shall be continually maintained and kept free of all trash and debris.

(a)

Applicability. The buffer classifications shall apply to each of the buffer types set forth in section 8.10, as further specified in sections 10.8.4 through 10.8.7.

(b)

Buffer specifications. The specifications for each buffer classification are set forth below. The design professional shall use these requirements to provide well designed buffers, accounting for the topography of the site, adjacent uses and other design considerations. Visual screening shall be achieved through the use of proper plant material, arrangement, and layering. Where buffers are required, the length shall be measured along each property line, and shall exclude driveways and sight triangles (see section 3.11) required for driveways and intersections. In cases where more than one buffer requirement applies along a property line, the buffer with the highest buffering specifications shall be required. For this determination class A is considered the highest and each succeeding class is considered as lower buffering requirements. For example, class D is considered as a lower buffer requirement than class C.

(1)

A Class-A buffer shall consist of a 25-foot wide landscape strip without a buffer wall. The buffer shall contain at least three canopy trees and five understory trees for every 100 lineal feet or fractional part thereof. Shrubs and groundcovers, excluding turfgrass, shall comprise at least 50 percent of the required buffer area. Shrubs shall be planted at a minimum of three feet in height and shall be of a species capable of reaching a mature height of five feet. Shrubs and groundcovers shall form a layered landscape screen.

(2)

A Class-B buffer shall consist of a 12-foot wide landscape strip with a buffer wall. Chain link fences with screening material shall not be utilized. The buffer shall contain at least two canopy trees and three understory trees for every 100 lineal feet or fractional part thereof. Shrubs and groundcovers, excluding turfgrass, shall comprise at least 60 percent of the required buffer.

(3)

A Class-C buffer shall consist of a 12-foot wide landscape strip without a buffer wall. The buffer shall contain at least two canopy trees and three understory trees for every 100 lineal feet or fractional part thereof. Shrubs and groundcovers, excluding turfgrass, shall comprise at least 35 percent of the required buffer. Shrubs shall be a minimum of two feet in height and shall be of a species capable of maturing with a minimum height of three feet. Shrubs and groundcovers shall form a layered landscape screen.

(4)

A Class-D buffer shall consist of an 8-foot wide landscape strip without a buffer wall. The buffer shall contain at least two canopy trees and three understory trees for every 100 lineal feet or fractional part thereof. Shrubs and groundcovers, excluding turfgrass, shall comprise at least 35 percent of the required buffer area. Shrubs shall be a minimum of two feet in height and shall be of a species capable of maturing with a minimum height of three feet. Shrubs and groundcovers shall form a layered landscape screen.

(5)

A Class-E buffer shall consist of a 5-foot wide landscape strip without a buffer wall. The buffer shall contain at least four understory trees for every 100 lineal feet or fractional part thereof. Shrubs shall be planted at a minimum of two feet in height and be capable of reaching a maintained height of four feet at maturity. Groundcovers and/or turfgrass shall not be used in this buffer.

(c)

Buffer walls, buffer fences, and berms.

(1)

Where buffer walls are required by this article, a combination of buffer walls/fences and berms may be used to meet the intent of buffering. Note that should a fence/wall or berm meeting the requirements of this Section exist on the adjoining property where such a fence/wall or berm would ordinarily be required by this Section, the adjoining structures shall be considered as meeting this requirement, and additional fences/wall or berms shall not be required for this area of the subject property. Additionally, in the event that two adjoining properties both requiring a fence/wall or berm along a common property line are being developed concurrently, the property which first applied for development approval shall be responsible for constructing the fence/wall or berm. All buffer walls and fences shall comply with the following requirements:

a.

Not be constructed or installed in a manner which creates a threat to public safety or interferes with vehicular circulation;

b.

Be designed to be compatible with existing and proposed site architecture and the character of the surrounding and adjacent settings including the style and selection of materials;

c.

Be situated so that the wall or fence components are within the buffer limits and any required buffer landscaping shall be installed on the public view side of the wall;

d.

Shall remain in good appearance/repair, and be cleaned, repainted, and/or repaired by the property owner as required to maintain such condition;

e.

Not be constructed of chain link or include barbed wire.

f.

Ensure that historic and/or proposed water flow patterns are accommodated;

g.

Not interfere with or obstruct any stormwater facilities;

h.

Provide sufficient ingress/egress for bicycle traffic and pedestrians access with proper arrangement to limit visibility into the proposed development; and

i.

Where fences are required by Article 10 or otherwise proposed on multifamily or non-residential properties, decorative fence types shall be utilized in accordance with the following requirements:

1.

Chainlink, chicken-wire type and similar fences are prohibited. Metal, woods and synthetic materials may be utilized, subject to the design criteria below.

2.

For opaque fences, the bottom of the fence shall be slightly above grade to avoid blocking stormwater runoff.

3.

Opaque fences shall be designed so that the top of the fence creates an interesting, visual pattern. Stockade fences with a uniform height across the fence would not meet this intent. Rather, this intent shall be achieved by utilizing posts that rise above the plane of the top of the fence at regular intervals of no more than 8' apart, using lattice within one foot of the top of the fence, using curvilinear design such that the height of fence varies in a regular pattern or other similar designs.

4.

Fences that are not opaque shall achieve the same intent as specified for opaque fences with an exception allowed for picket type fences and decorative metal fences, which may have a uniform height.

(1)

A Class-A buffer shall consist of a 25-foot wide landscape strip without a buffer wall. The buffer shall contain at least three canopy trees and five understory trees for every 100 lineal feet or fractional part thereof. Shrubs and groundcovers, excluding turfgrass, shall comprise at least 50 percent of the required buffer area. Shrubs shall be planted at a minimum of three feet in height and shall be of a species capable of reaching a mature height of five feet. Shrubs and groundcovers shall form a layered landscape screen.

(2)

A Class-B buffer shall consist of a 12-foot wide landscape strip with a buffer wall. Chain link fences with screening material shall not be utilized. The buffer shall contain at least two canopy trees and three understory trees for every 100 lineal feet or fractional part thereof. Shrubs and groundcovers, excluding turfgrass, shall comprise at least 60 percent of the required buffer.

(3)

A Class-C buffer shall consist of a 12-foot wide landscape strip without a buffer wall. The buffer shall contain at least two canopy trees and three understory trees for every 100 lineal feet or fractional part thereof. Shrubs and groundcovers, excluding turfgrass, shall comprise at least 35 percent of the required buffer. Shrubs shall be a minimum of two feet in height and shall be of a species capable of maturing with a minimum height of three feet. Shrubs and groundcovers shall form a layered landscape screen.

(4)

A Class-D buffer shall consist of an 8-foot wide landscape strip without a buffer wall. The buffer shall contain at least two canopy trees and three understory trees for every 100 lineal feet or fractional part thereof. Shrubs and groundcovers, excluding turfgrass, shall comprise at least 35 percent of the required buffer area. Shrubs shall be a minimum of two feet in height and shall be of a species capable of maturing with a minimum height of three feet. Shrubs and groundcovers shall form a layered landscape screen.

(5)

A Class-E buffer shall consist of a 5-foot wide landscape strip without a buffer wall. The buffer shall contain at least four understory trees for every 100 lineal feet or fractional part thereof. Shrubs shall be planted at a minimum of two feet in height and be capable of reaching a maintained height of four feet at maturity. Groundcovers and/or turfgrass shall not be used in this buffer.

(c)

Buffer walls, buffer fences, and berms.

(1)

Where buffer walls are required by this article, a combination of buffer walls/fences and berms may be used to meet the intent of buffering. Note that should a fence/wall or berm meeting the requirements of this Section exist on the adjoining property where such a fence/wall or berm would ordinarily be required by this Section, the adjoining structures shall be considered as meeting this requirement, and additional fences/wall or berms shall not be required for this area of the subject property. Additionally, in the event that two adjoining properties both requiring a fence/wall or berm along a common property line are being developed concurrently, the property which first applied for development approval shall be responsible for constructing the fence/wall or berm. All buffer walls and fences shall comply with the following requirements:

a.

Not be constructed or installed in a manner which creates a threat to public safety or interferes with vehicular circulation;

b.

Be designed to be compatible with existing and proposed site architecture and the character of the surrounding and adjacent settings including the style and selection of materials;

c.

Be situated so that the wall or fence components are within the buffer limits and any required buffer landscaping shall be installed on the public view side of the wall;

d.

Shall remain in good appearance/repair, and be cleaned, repainted, and/or repaired by the property owner as required to maintain such condition;

e.

Not be constructed of chain link or include barbed wire.

f.

Ensure that historic and/or proposed water flow patterns are accommodated;

g.

Not interfere with or obstruct any stormwater facilities;

h.

Provide sufficient ingress/egress for bicycle traffic and pedestrians access with proper arrangement to limit visibility into the proposed development; and

i.

Where fences are required by Article 10 or otherwise proposed on multifamily or non-residential properties, decorative fence types shall be utilized in accordance with the following requirements:

1.

Chainlink, chicken-wire type and similar fences are prohibited. Metal, woods and synthetic materials may be utilized, subject to the design criteria below.

2.

For opaque fences, the bottom of the fence shall be slightly above grade to avoid blocking stormwater runoff.

3.

Opaque fences shall be designed so that the top of the fence creates an interesting, visual pattern. Stockade fences with a uniform height across the fence would not meet this intent. Rather, this intent shall be achieved by utilizing posts that rise above the plane of the top of the fence at regular intervals of no more than 8' apart, using lattice within one foot of the top of the fence, using curvilinear design such that the height of fence varies in a regular pattern or other similar designs.

4.

Fences that are not opaque shall achieve the same intent as specified for opaque fences with an exception allowed for picket type fences and decorative metal fences, which may have a uniform height.

(2)

For compatibility and perimeter buffers, opaque buffer fences may be used as a substitute for buffer walls with approval of the council. When buffer walls, berms and/or combinations of each are used as part of a compatibility or perimeter buffer, they shall achieve a final elevation of six feet in height. Buffer walls and fences along a side property line shall not extend closer to a street than the nearest face of an existing or proposed structure and in no case shall extend to within 15 feet of a property line along a street frontage.

(3)

Walls and fences utilized for frontage buffers shall not exceed four feet in height from grade, and shall be located along the edge of the buffer adjacent to the proposed development. Fences shall not be opaque within frontage buffers. Walls and fences shall not be utilized where the required buffer is less than 12 feet in width. Walls and fences utilized in conjunction with buffer reductions permitted by section 10.8.3 shall not be placed underneath the canopy of a preserved tree, except where it can be demonstrated to the community development manager that the preserved tree will not be negatively impacted.

(4)

Drainage retention/detention areas shall be located to avoid proximity to pedestrian paths and sidewalks. Drainage buffers shall not require a buffer wall or fence, except where the proposed vertical to horizontal slope is greater than 1:4 or unless otherwise required by another permitting agency with jurisdiction. When such walls and fences are required or otherwise proposed, the edge of the retention/detention area shall be setback a minimum of 15 feet from all property lines along a street frontage and shall not exceed four feet in height from grade. Any proposed fences utilized for a retention/detention area shall not be opaque. Any proposed fence not meeting these standards shall be require approval by the city council. The city council may waive one or more of these requirements where it is demonstrated that a proposed detention/retention area is located and designed in a manner to ensure public safety and provide acceptable aesthetic design where visible from a street frontage. The city council may impose conditions to achieve these objectives.

(5)

If planted berms are used, the top of the berm shall have a four-foot wide maintainable area. The maximum side slope for a berm planted with shrubs and woody groundcovers shall be 3:1. The maximum side slope for a berm planted with turfgrass shall be 3.5:1. Planting trees or shrubs on the very top of a berm shall be avoided.

(Ord. No. 2020-02, § 2, 3-9-2020)

(1)

The buffer width shall be calculated parallel to the property line. Where intersecting buffers occur at the intersection of two property lines, each buffer shall be applied as applicable to its property line. Buffer width variations are encouraged for the purpose of preserving trees and shall be the only instances where an average buffer calculation shall be allowed. To incentivize tree preservation, the minimum buffer width required for the applicable type of buffer may be calculated as an average along a property line wherever the minimum required buffer includes at least one tree with a DBH of four inches or greater and where at least 50 percent of the canopy of that tree exist within the minimum required buffer. Such trees are referred to below as an "existing buffer tree." In that limited case, the following methodology shall be utilized to calculate the average buffer:

a.

Step 1. For each existing buffer tree, measure the square footage of its canopy occurring outside of the minimum buffer width. This shall be measured by placing two points where the canopy intersects the buffer line (buffer line points) and placing a point at the farthest location where the canopy extends beyond the buffer (outside buffer point). Draw a line perpendicular from each buffer line point to where the line would intersect a line drawn parallel to the buffer line and through the outside buffer. Draw a line between the two buffer line points. This will form a rectangle that will be measured to obtain the square footage referenced above.

b.

Step 2. Sum the areas calculated in step 1 for each existing buffer tree. This is the square footage "credit" that shall be applied to allow a reduction in the width of the buffer in buffer areas not covered by an existing buffer tree canopy.

c.

Step 3. Sum the distance between the nearest points of each existing buffer Tree canopy and between the he property line at each end of the buffer) and the nearest existing buffer tree canopy. Divide the sum from step 2 by the sum from step 3. This results in the maximum width reduction allowed to the buffer outside of all existing buffer tree canopies, provided that such reductions do not result in a minimum resulting buffer width of less than 75 percent of the standard buffer.

For all calculations above, a driveway crossing the buffer shall not be included in any required measurement. The buffer averaging option set forth in this section shall not be applied to type E buffers.

Table 10.8 shall apply for the purpose of determining the buffer classification required for the compatibility buffer in accordance with Section 10.8.2. Compatibility buffers are not required where a "-" is indicated. The symbol "-" indicates a property under development sharing the same zoning as the adjoining property, requiring reference to the Perimeter requirements of the table in Section 10.8.7. Compatibility buffers do not apply to street frontages. See the table in Section 10.8.7 for street frontage requirements.

a.

When a new but less intense land use is developed adjoining a pre-existing or previously permitted developed site with a higher intensity use, the new use is subject to providing the required land use buffer.

b.

When a new but less intense land use is responsible for providing the required land use buffer, the developer may reduce the required buffer by one buffer type with acknowledgement of the buffer reduction clearly noted on the development plan.

PUD compatibility buffer requirements will vary depending on the types of land uses proposed in the PUD and their location and scale in relation to the abutting properties. In general, PUD buffers shall achieve comparable buffering for abutting properties as indicated in the chart for other zoning relationships. For example, if a PUD proposes uses at a scale and intensity comparable to a B-4 zoning district, and the abutting property is zoned R-5, then the compatibility buffer shall be at least a "B" type buffer as required for the compatibility buffer between the B-4 zoning district and the R-5 zoning district.

(Ord. No. 2020-02, § 2, 3-9-2020)

A type E buffer shall be required between parking areas (including parking aisles, service and loading areas) and each nearest property line. This buffer requirement shall not apply along a property line where the nearest point of any parking area is more than 50 feet from that property line.

A type E buffer shall be required between drainage retention/detention areas and each nearest property line. This buffer requirement shall not apply along a property line where the nearest point of the drainage retention/detention area is more than 100 feet from that property line.

The following buffers are required for frontage buffers (along all streets) and non-frontage perimeter buffer (along all property lines except street frontages).

PUD perimeter buffer shall not apply. PUD perimeters shall be addressed as a compatibility buffer only. PUD buffer requirements will vary depending on the types of land uses proposed in the PUD and their location and scale in relation to the street frontage. In general, PUD buffers shall achieve comparable buffering for the frontage as indicated in the chart for other zoning relationships. For example, if a PUD proposes uses at a scale and intensity comparable to a B-4 zoning district, then the frontage buffer would require a class A buffer.

(Ord. No. 2020-02, § 2, 3-9-2020)

(a)

Landscaping shall be provided for interior vehicular use areas to provide visual and climatic relief from broad expanses of pavement and to channelize and define pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

(b)

For developments requiring less than 200 spaces, a minimum of ten percent of the gross square footage of the paved parking lot area and entranceway shall be devoted to landscaping. For development requiring 200 or more parking spaces, 15 percent of the gross square footage of the paved parking area and entranceway shall be devoted to landscaping.

(c)

Interior landscaped areas shall be dispersed so as to define aisles and limit unbroken rows of parking to a maximum of ten contiguous parking spaces in a row will be permitted, although adjustments may be made to save trees over 12 inches DBH. Rows shall begin and end with a landscaped area. Interior landscaped areas in parking lots shall be a minimum of ten feet by 20 feet or the equivalent of 200 square feet. One-half of each separate interior landscape area shall contain at a minimum one canopy tree and one-half may contain at a minimum one understory tree.

(d)

All interior landscaping shall be protected from vehicular encroachment by curbing or wheel stops. Landscaped dividing strips, together with the required landscaped areas, shall be used to subdivide parking areas into parking bays with not more than 40 parking spaces. Landscaped dividing strips shall be a minimum of 16' wide and may include sidewalks.

(e)

Each planting area shall be landscaped with an approved ground cover, shrub or other approved landscaping material in addition to the required trees. Sod or turf shall not exceed 40 percent of the planting area; therefore, trees and shrubs should equal or exceed 60 percent of each planting area.

If a structure requiring a restoration plan, within the designated historic district, proves a hardship due to the historic nature of the site, the restoration plats must be submitted to the historic preservation advisory board for a recommendation to the planning and zoning commission.

(a)

The approved tree and plant species list for purposes of this article is as follows:

(1)

Canopy trees. Canopy trees are trees which normally grow to mature height of 40 feet or more. Canopy trees must have a minimum height of ten feet and a caliper of 2.5 inches measured four feet above the ground immediately upon planting or where required as replacement planting.

a.

Live oak (Quercus virginiana).

b.

Laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia).

c.

Shumard oak (Quercus shumardi).

d.

Water oak (Quercus nigra).

e.

Red maple (Acer rubrum).

f.

American holly (Ilex opaca).

g.

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua).

h.

Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora).

i.

Sweet bay magnolia (virginiana).

j.

Slash pine (Pinus elliottii).

k.

Sand pine (Pinus clauss).

l.

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris).

m.

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda).

n.

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum).

(2)

Understory trees. Understory trees are trees which normally grow to a mature height of 15 to 35 feet. Understory trees must have a minimum height of six feet and a caliper of 1.5 inches measured at four feet above the ground at the time of planting.

a.

Winged elm (Ulmus atata).

b.

Drake elm.

c.

Chinese elm (Ulmus parfolia).

d.

Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria).

e.

Weeping bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis).

f.

Loquat (Erobotrya japonica).

g.

Redbud (Cercia canadensis).

h.

Dogwood (Cornus florida).

i.

Jerusalem thorn (Parkinsonia aculeata).

j.

Tree of gold (Tabeguia argentea).

k.

Cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana).

l.

Chicksaw plum (Prunus angustifolia).

m.

Southern wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera).

n.

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica).

o.

Citrus trees (all kinds).

p.

Walter viburnum (Viburnum obovatum).

q.

Devilwood (Osmanthus americanum).

r.

Bumelia (Bumelia tenax).

s.

Tar flower (Befaria racemosa).

t.

Fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus).

(3)

Shrubs. Shrubs abutting roadways shall be a minimum of two feet in height immediately after planting and a minimum of three feet in height at maturity.

a.

Sandankwa viburnum (Viburnum suspensum).

b.

Glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum).

c.

Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum).

d.

Podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophylla).

e.

Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira).

f.

Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora).

g.

Cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana).

h.

Wax myrtle (Myrica cevifera).

i.

Native azaleas (Rhododendron viscosum).

j.

Star anise (Illicum parviflorum).

k.

Eleagnus (Eleagnus pungens).

l.

Florida leucothoe (Agavista populifovia).

m.

Walter viburnum (Viburnum obovatum).

n.

Sweet viburnum (Viburnum odoratissium).

o.

Devilwood.

p.

Red tip photinia.

(a)

Soil and backfilling. Backfill for plants and trees may be the native excavated soil provided that all air pockets have been eliminated. All plants and trees must be properly watered in to remove air pockets. Detection or air pockets by the building official will result in removal and replanting of new plants.

(b)

Staking. All trees ten feet in height or greater, and sable palms 12 feet in height or greater, must be staked to state department of transportation staking specifications. An exception to this requirement is sable palms, not more than 18 feet in height, with 36-inch by 36-inch by 36-inch square root balls planted in round 36-inch holes. Sable palms may not be plunged more than six inches.

(c)

Fertilizing and nutrition. Upon installation of trees, plants and ground cover, a one-year timed-release fertilizer shall be applied at the average rate of material recommended on the container.

Plant selection should be based on the plant's adaptability to the landscape area, desired effect, color, texture, and ultimate plant size. Plants shall be grouped in accordance with their respective water and maintenance needs. Plant material shall be selected that is best suited to withstand the soil and physical growing conditions which are found in the microclimate of each particular location on a site. Plant species that are freeze resistant and drought tolerant are preferred. Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in distinct water use zones. Undisturbed native plant communities do not require additional landscaping and may be used as part of the minimum requirements.

Turf grass areas shall be consolidated and limited to those areas on the site that receive pedestrian traffic, provide for recreation use, or provide soil erosion control such as on slopes or in swales, and where turf grass is used as a design unifier, or other similar practical use. Turf areas shall be identified on the landscape plan.

(a)

Water can be conserved through the use of a properly designed and managed irrigation system. Full coverage irrigation shall be provided on all pervious areas with the following exceptions:

(1)

All native plant communities that have been preserved, provided they are drought tolerant if located along an abutting a street or entranceway.

(2)

All other pervious areas where comprehensive xeriscaping principles are employed, except for those landscaped areas facing any street. Buffers and entranceways must be irrigated. The irrigation system must be on a timer. Quality and workmanship are to meet or exceed industry standards. Irrigation plans shall be submitted at the time of building.

(b)

Moisture sensor and/or rain shut-off switch equipment shall be required on automatic irrigation systems to avoid irrigation during periods of sufficient rainfall. Such equipment shall consist of an automatic mechanical or electronic sensing device or switch which will override the irrigation cycle of the sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred.

(a)

Mulches applied and maintained at appropriate depths in planting beds will assist soils in retaining moisture, reducing weed growth, and preventing erosion. Mulch can also be used in places where conditions are not adequate for, or conducive to, growing quality turf or ground covers. Mulches are typically wood bark ships, wood grindings, pine straw, nut shells, small gravel, and shredded landscape clippings.

(b)

A layer of organic mulch to a minimum depth of three inches shall be specified on the landscape plans in plant beds and around individual trees in turf grass area. Mulch shall not be required in annual beds. Mulch shall not come into contact with woody plant or tree trunks.

(a)

All landscaping shall be maintained in such a manner as to perpetually sustain the quality of the original landscaping to Florida No. 1 quality level. All trees, plants, ground covers and sod falling below Florida No. 1 quality shall be immediately replaced. If 25 percent or more of the trees, plants, ground covers or sod, or the landscaped areas cumulatively, are allowed to fall below Florida No. 1 standards, then the entire landscape shall be removed and a new landscape shall be installed to the original landscape specifications.

(b)

All areas shall be kept weed free and continually maintained for healthy, viable plant and tree life. All plants or trees not in Florida No. 1 condition shall be immediately removed from the job site. Inspection and approval shall be required from the building official prior to a certificate of occupancy or occupational license being issued. All defects shall be corrected within five days and prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy or occupational license.