A.

Intent. The intent of the landscape and site design standards is to:

1.

Improve and maintain the image of the City and build value with a well-designed public realm, including streetscapes, trail systems, open spaces, and natural areas.

2.

Emphasize distinct areas throughout the City with the location and design of landscape areas.

3.

Leverage the impact of landscape and design amenities across multiple sites by coordinating the design of streetscapes, lot frontages, and other open spaces.

4.

Strengthen the character, quality, and value of development with landscape design that serves multiple aesthetic, environmental, recreational, and social functions.

5.

Enhance the ecological function of unbuilt portions of sites, and protect and integrate established natural amenities into development projects.

6.

Screen and mitigate the visual, noise, or other impacts of sites and buildings.

7.

Conserve water and shift to water-conscious landscape design that is regionally appropriate and specific to the arid Front Range climate.

B.

Applicability.

1.

Construction or development of a site in one of the following categories shall not be undertaken until a landscape plan that meets or exceeds the standards of this Chapter has been approved by the Director. This shall apply to the following:

a.

Common and public areas of any new major or minor subdivision.

b.

New or substantially amended site plans.

c.

New or substantially improved multifamily and nonresidential structures.

d.

New or substantially improved parking lots.

e.

Infill and rehabilitation of existing sites. The Director may prorate the requirements to the extent of the development or site work, where full compliance is not possible or practical, and only apply the standards to portions of the site subject to development.

C.

Design objectives. Landscape plans shall meet the following design objectives:

1.

Frame important streets and emphasize gateways with street trees, landscape massing, and other vertical elements.

2.

Provide comfort, spatial definition, and visual interest to active outdoor spaces including walkways, civic spaces, parks, trails or other similar outdoor gathering places.

3.

Improve resource and energy efficiency with landscape arrangements that consider wind blocks, heat gain, water usage, solar access, and other elements inherent to the site.

4.

Promote storm water management and prevent erosion through natural landscape elements that intercept, infiltrate, store, or convey precipitation and runoff.

5.

Locate plants, landscape features, and site design elements sensitive to seasonal solar and shading conditions, particularly maximizing summer shade and winter sun on active portions of sites.

6.

Encourage the protection and preservation of healthy plants and landscape features that can meet current and future needs of the site through development, rather than plant and design new ones.

7.

Mitigate impacts of parking and circulation, utility and service areas, or other high impact areas of sites on adjacent property.

(Ord. 804-23, § 2(Exh. A), 2023)

A.

Required landscape. Required landscape for each site element is outlined in Table 18-8-1, Plant Requirements, and Table 18-8-2, Buffer Requirements.

1.

Streetscape. Generally, that space within six (6) to ten (10) feet of a street, but also applies to walkways and trails. The width of the streetscape may be narrower to account for infill situations or more compact, urban conditions; or may be wider when combined with additional landscape or setback requirements.

2.

Front yard. The area between the building line and the right-of-way, including street sides of corner lots.

3.

Parking. Areas on the perimeter, or interior of parking lots.

4.

Open spaces. Areas of the site designed as part of a broader system of formal and natural open spaces. See Section 18.04.060.

5.

Unbuilt areas. All other required unbuilt or unpaved surfaces or common areas. All other unbuilt or unpaved areas require ground cover, perennials, grasses, decorative rock, mulch or other natural and permeable surfaces. Landscaped areas may consist of inorganic (non-living) decorative material such as river rock, colored pea gravel, boulders, pavers, or similar natural material, provided it is designed and arranged in a way that can infiltrate runoff through associated planting areas and includes plantings in or around the design. Artificial turf is not acceptable for public or common areas.

6.

Dimensions. "Linear dimensions" in Table 18-8-2 refer to the outside length of the perimeter or the linear feet of a use or area requiring the screen or buffer.

7.

Tree substitution.

a.

Where shade or evergreen trees are impractical, ornamental trees may be substituted at a rate of two (2) for one (1) up to fifty percent (50%) of the requirement. Ornamental trees may be used where trees are to be located within ten (10) feet of any overhead wires.

b.

Evergreen trees, where allowed, may be substituted for ornamental or shade trees at a rate of one (1) for (1) for up to fifty percent (50%) of the requirement.

8.

Shrub substitution. Three (3) ornamental grasses may be substituted for each shrub up to fifty percent (50%) of the requirement.

a.

Credits for existing vegetation. Preservation of existing landscape material that is healthy and of a desirable species may count for landscape requirements, subject to the following:

1)

Landscape plans shall provide an inventory of all existing trees or significant woody vegetation including size, health, species, and any proposed for removal.

2)

Existing landscape credits shall only count towards the portion of the site where it is located, according to the site elements in Table 18-8-1. For example, an existing tree may only count towards the required planting for parking lot perimeters if it remains in the parking perimeter in the final design.

3)

Credits shall be on a one (1) for one (1) basis, provided it meets the minimum specifications for new plants. The Director may approve landscape material that is larger or of exceptional quality due to species, location, health, or maturity on a two (2) for one (1) basis.

4)

Trees or other existing landscape that contribute to the standard shall be identified on a landscape plan. Tree protection measures shall be based on applicable industry standards and best practices to ensure survival of the landscape.

5)

Any desirable and mature tree that cannot be maintained may require mitigation in the landscape plan. Replacement shall generally be one (1) tree for every four (4) inches of DBH (diameter at breast height or four and one-half (4.5) feet from the ground) lost from tree removal.

B.

Standard overlap. Where landscape standards for different elements of a site overlap, effective site and landscape design may enable the space and plants to count toward more than one requirement, based on the greater plant requirement applicable to that area. For example, a required buffer area may coincide with a required parking perimeter, or a parking area perimeter may also be along a frontage, and the greater planting requirement between these areas can satisfy both requirements.

C.

Design and location. The landscape required by Table 18-8-1 and Table 18-8-2 shall be arranged and designed in a way that best achieves the intent of this chapter and design objectives of this section, considering the context and adjacencies proposed on the site. Required plantings shall be planted in the following specific locations on the lot.

1.

Streetscape trees. Streetscape and frontage trees shall be located at regular intervals and in line with other trees along the block to create a rhythm along the streetscape and promote enclosure of the tree canopy.

a.

In the absence of a clearly established line along the block, trees may be planted in the following locations in order of priority:

1)

Centered between the sidewalk and curb where there is at least a six (6) square-foot landscape area for shade trees and at least a four (4) square-foot landscape area for ornamental trees;

2)

Planted in tree wells within wider walks on pedestrian-oriented or mixed-use streets. Tree well shall be at least twenty (24) square feet and at least four (4) feet in all directions;

3)

Five (5) to ten (10) feet from the back of curb where no sidewalk exists or from the sidewalk in other situations where the sidewalk is attached;

4)

Within the first ten (10) feet of the adjacent lot line where significant constraints in the right-of-way would prevent other preferred locations.

b.

Gaps between thirty-six (36) and seventy (70) feet shall require one (1) tree. Gaps between seventy-one (71) and one hundred (100) feet shall require two (2) trees.

2.

Front yard planting. Front yard plantings shall be located in open spaces near the building and in planting beds along the building frontage.

a.

Ornamental and evergreen trees shall be located within twenty-five (25) feet from the building.

b.

Shrubs and smaller plantings shall be located within six (6) feet of the foundation.

c.

Where planting beds are used within hardscape around a foundation, they should be at least four (4) feet wide, at least sixty (60) square feet, and concentrated along at least fifty percent (50%) of the building frontage.

d.

Foundation plantings are not required in service and loading areas

e.

Use larger and vertical landscape elements to frame entries, anchor the corners of buildings, and break up the visual impact of large or long building expanses.

3.

Parking lot landscape. Parking lot landscape requirements shall be planted in perimeter buffers and landscape islands planned and designed according to Section 18.07.120, Parking Design.

D.

Buffers. Buffer plantings shall be used to buffer and screen more intense uses or elements of sites according to the design objectives of this section.

1.

Transition buffers shall be required:

a.

At a common boundary between multi-unit projects with ten (10) or more units and detached houses.

b.

At a common boundary between commercial and residential uses.

c.

At a common boundary between industrial and commercial uses.

d.

In a common open space along any residential lots that back to a collector or arterial street.

e.

Along any side or rear boundary of a commercial or industrial use adjacent to highway or interstate.

2.

Barrier buffers shall be required:

a.

At any transition between industrial and residential uses.

b.

At any permitted outdoor storage area or our other outside industrial activity visible from the right-of-way or from a lessor intense use or zone district.

c.

Along any residential boundary adjacent to state highway or interstate.

E.

Screening. The following site elements shall be screened from streets or adjacent property by placement of buildings, landscape, decorative fences or walls, or a combination of these screening strategies.

1.

Electrical and mechanical equipment such as transformers, air conditioners, or communication equipment and antennas whether ground-, wall-, or roof-mounted.

2.

Permanent or temporary outdoor storage areas where supplies, equipment or vehicles are stored.

3.

Trash enclosures.

4.

Utility stations or fixtures.

5.

Delivery and vehicle service bays, except that bays do not need to be screened from adjacent property with the same or more intense zoning.

6.

Large blank walls or the rear and sides of buildings visible from public streets, public or common areas or other sensitive boundaries.

7.

Nonresidential or multi-family parking lots over ten (10) spaces adjacent to residential lots.

F.

General location guidelines.

1.

Utilize three (3) layers of landscape planting to provide depth, spatial definition, and better mitigation of noise and other impacts, considering:

a.

Shade trees for high level layers, thirty (30) feet or greater;

b.

Evergreen or ornamental trees for middle level layers, six (6) feet to thirty (30) feet;

c.

Shrubs, annuals, perennials, and ground cover for low level layers, under six (6) feet.

2.

Avoid locating evergreen trees, fences, and other opaque screens that cause winter shade and freezing on the south sides near roads, sidewalks, trails, or other active outside social areas. Use deciduous ornamental or shade trees that provide summer shade and winter sun in these locations.

G.

Visibility at intersections. Screens, buffers and landscape shall be located and designed to maintain proper lines of sight at all intersections of streets, alleys, driveways, and internal access streets as provided in the adopted Engineering Standards and Specifications.

H.

Design review criteria. Alternatives to the landscape design standards in this Section may be permitted by the design review process in Section 18.03.140. The alternative shall equally or better meet the design objectives when considering the specific site and context, and be justified by any of the following additional applicable criteria:

1.

The alternative results in better design of common or civic space on the site.

2.

The alternative results in a better allocation of plants in relation to adjacent streetscapes or other public spaces.

3.

The alternative is necessary to improve the longevity or survival of plant materials

4.

The alternative protects areas of environmental significance, including habitat, floodplains, and river or riparian corridors.

5.

In all cases the deviation is the minimum necessary to address the circumstance, the alternative equally or better meets the design objectives of this section, and there are no negative impacts on other design standards applicable to the building or site.

(Ord. 804-23, § 2(Exh. A), 2023)

A.

Species. All trees, shrubs, and seed mixes shall be selected and planted according to the planting list provided by the City. In addition to any species on these lists, alternatives may be proposed and approved as part of the development review provided, they:

1.

Are documented by a landscape architect or other credible entity comparable in type and performance to any species on this list;

2.

Are adaptable to the climate of the Front Range region and the specific conditions in which they are proposed;

3.

Are not invasive or otherwise problematic to the overall health of the landscape; and

4.

Are approved by City staff.

B.

Plant specifications. All landscape materials shall meet the American Standards for Nursery Stock standards, and be selected for their native characteristics or survival in the climate for the Front Range region. Plants shall meet the specifications in Table 18-8-3 at planting. "DBH" is diameter at breast height or the diameter of the tree trunk at four and one-half (4.5) feet from the ground.

C.

Tree diversity. The required trees planted shall promote diversity with the species selection criteria in Table 18-8-4. Any streetscape or public area plan may achieve street tree diversity on a broader or block-scale basis while planting the same species on individual segments or specific areas for the urban design effect.

D.

Design review criteria. Alternatives to the plant specification standards in this section may be permitted by the design review process in Section 18.03.140. The alternative shall equally or better meet the design objectives when considering the specific site and context, and be justified by any of the following additional applicable criteria:

1.

The alternative is necessary to improve the longevity or survival of plant materials.

2.

The alternative improves the health or general species mix specific to the context and vicinity of the site.

3.

In all cases the deviation is the minimum necessary to address the circumstance, the alternative equally or better meets the design objectives of this Section, and there are no negative impacts on other design standards applicable to the building or site.

(Ord. 804-23, § 2(Exh. A), 2023)

A.

Maintenance.

1.

Landscaped areas shall be maintained by the owner of the property. Property owners shall also maintain landscaped areas within the adjacent right-of-way unless an approved owners association assumes this obligation. Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, irrigating, mowing, pruning, removal of trash and weeds and replacement of any required plantings that become diseased, infested or otherwise unhealthy.

2.

All plantings shall be properly maintained. Plant materials which fail to grow within two (2) years, or which exhibit evidence of insect pests, disease, or damage, shall be appropriately treated. Any plant in danger of dying or already dead shall be removed and replaced. The Director may order the plants be removed and replaced, or otherwise enforce this as a violation of this Title.

3.

All required plants shall be irrigated. The use of non-potable water is encouraged. The Director may approve temporary irrigation system for plants that can survive without irrigation once established.

4.

Soil in areas intended for plantings shall first be amended according to City standards outlined in the adopted Water Conservation Guidelines in order to loosen compacted soil, improve the viability of plantings and reduce the amount of watering required. Rock mulch or gravel shall not be placed within two (2) feet of required trees. Pea gravel shall not be placed within twelve (12) inches of sidewalk or driveway Weed barriers shall be made of materials other than plastic.

5.

All elements of an approved landscape plan, including plant materials, shall be considered material elements of the project in the same manner as parking, buildings, or other details and are similarly enforceable.

B.

Installation.

1.

All landscape plans shall require installation specifications including a watering system and statement of maintenance methods.

2.

Landscape associated with a subdivision shall be installed in accordance with Section 18.04.080, Required Improvements.

3.

Nonresidential and multifamily site landscape shall be installed prior to issuance of the first certificate of occupancy for the site or prior to commencement of use for a site that does not require a certificate of occupancy, unless otherwise specified in an approved improvements agreement between the property owner or tenant and the City.

4.

Single-family or duplex residential site landscape shall be installed within two (2) years of the date of the original occupancy certificate. The owner of such property shall install groundcover, as defined by this Chapter, over all land not within the building footprint, paved or otherwise overlain by impervious surface, including such areas located on adjoining rights-of-way.

5.

Required landscape is subject to inspection one (1) year after commencement of use unless otherwise specified in an approved improvements agreement between the property owner or tenant and the City.

6.

The City may require a performance guarantee or other surety for one hundred fifteen percent (115%) of the cost of required landscape as part of an approved improvements agreement if installation is expected to exceed the limitations of this Section. See 18.03.020, General procedures—Site improvements agreement.

(Ord. 804-23, § 2(Exh. A), 2023)

All landscape plans shall conserve water with landscape materials and design technique using the following xeric principles:

A.

Incorporate a "zoned planting scheme" to reduce water demand by grouping plants with similar water requirements together in the same hydrozone.

B.

Limit high-irrigation turf and plantings to appropriate high-use areas with high visibility and functional needs and use water-conserving or drought-tolerant grasses.

C.

Use drought tolerant plants, suitable to the region, with low watering and pruning requirements. Ensure that continued operations and maintenance of the landscape utilizes water-efficient strategies.

D.

Incorporate soil amendments and use of organic mulches that reduce water loss and limit erosion. All plant areas should receive soil amendments of at least three (3) cubic yards per one thousand (1,000) square feet.

E.

Install efficient automatic irrigation systems that incorporate water conservation measures, including spray heads for ground cover, drip irrigation for shrubs and trees, and high-efficiency or precision nozzles. Provide regular and attentive maintenance to ensure irrigation systems are functioning properly.

F.

Alternative sources of irrigation for all landscape areas are encouraged.

(Ord. 804-23, § 2(Exh. A), 2023)

A.

Stormwater in landscape areas. Landscape amenities that incorporate stormwater treatment are recommended, provided they can meet both the landscape design standards and the stormwater management performance standards. Techniques such as bioswales, water quality ponds, and rain gardens should be used to infiltrate runoff from parking lots, streets, civic spaces, and other impervious surfaces wherever possible.

B.

Detention requirements. Stormwater detention areas, whether or not located on property separate from the development, shall meet all of the following provisions:

1. Design and construction in a natural form to blend with the surrounding area.

2. Trickle channels designed to appear natural, using materials such as cobble, river rock or similar materials.

3. Installation of trees within and around the perimeter of the area at the rate of one (1) tree for every two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of surface area, with no more than twenty-five percent (25%) being ornamental trees.

4. No trees or shrubs shall be located where they reduce the volumes below the design capacity.

5. Installation of an irrigation system approved by the City.

(Ord. 804-23, § 2(Exh. A), 2023)

A.

Design objectives. Exterior lighting of sites and buildings shall meet the following design objectives:

1.

Provide safety and security in publicly accessible areas.

2.

Create comfort and atmosphere with softer and warmer lighting in gathering spaces, social places, and pedestrian-oriented areas and streetscapes.

3.

Accent the architectural features of buildings, gateways or other portions of sites visible from the streetscape or other public spaces.

4.

Design the appropriate scale of light considering pedestrian-oriented or vehicle-oriented portions of sites.

5.

Limit backlighting, uplighting, glare, or other impacts that outdoor lighting could have on adjacent sites.

6.

Comply with the "dark sky" principles for responsible outdoor lighting, including useful, targeted, controlled, low-level, and color-appropriate lighting.

7.

Use the appropriate design, location, and type of fixture to minimize lighting impacts and reinforce the character of distinct areas.

8.

Develop energy efficient lighting strategies in balance with other site lighting objectives.

B.

Placement. All exterior lighting placement shall be limited as specified in Table 18-8-5.

C.

Performance standards. In addition to the height and location standards, exterior site lighting shall meet the following performance standards:

1.

All exterior fixtures shall be fully shielded and installed so that the direct illumination shall be confined to the property boundaries of the source, except for ornamental lights below five hundred (500) lumens, or two hundred (200) lumens where multiple fixtures are used.

2.

The location, height, and fixture shield shall prevent indirect luminance onto any adjacent property or any public right-of-way, other than building mounted lighting on street-front buildings.

3.

Lighting shall be designed to meet the functional and security needs of the site. Performance and operational characteristics, such as dimming interfaces or timers that reduce lights to minimal security levels for off hours, should be used.

4.

A photometric plan prepared by a qualified professional may be required by the Director for large-scale uses or where certain compatibility and adjacency issues exist because of anticipated lighting.

(Ord. 804-23, § 2(Exh. A), 2023)