The intent of this chapter is to provide minimum landscape standards which are adopted in order to promote the general health, safety and welfare of the city's citizens by:

A.

Reducing unwanted light, glare and noise;

B.

Maintaining and protecting property values;

C.

Enhancing the appearance of development and visually unifying the city;

D.

Reducing visual impacts by appropriate planting and screening;

E.

Providing pervious surfaces to allow natural groundwater recharge;

F.

Promoting proper plant selection and continuous maintenance so that plant materials can flourish;

G.

Reducing the greenhouse effect by the preservation, replacement and addition of trees and other vegetation.

(Ord. 543 § 1 (part), 2001)

As used in this chapter, unless the content or subject matter clearly requires otherwise, the words and phrases defined in this section shall have the indicated meanings:

"Buffer" and "buffering" means space, either landscaped or in a protected natural state, intended to reduce the impact of development, traffic, undesirable sights, sounds and odors.

"Caliper" means the diameter of a tree or shrub trunk measured six (6) inches above grade.

"Evergreen" means any broadleaf or coniferous tree, shrub, or ground cover that holds foliage year round.

"Ground cover" means a plant listed as ground cover in the most recent edition of Sunset Western Garden Book.

"Interior property line" means any property line that is not adjacent to a public right-of-way, street, access easement or private road.

"Landscaping" means the placement, preservation, and the replacement of trees, shrubs, plants and other living vegetative materials installed to meet the provisions of this chapter. Bark and ornamental rock can be considered to be substitutes for ground cover.

"Landscape area" means all portions of a site not used for a building parking lot, driveway, storage, or accessory uses; and is referred to as the landscape area. A landscape area may include patios, plazas, walkways, walls and fences, water features such as a fountain or pool, and planting areas. Ponds, streams, natural areas, or areas for the detention of storm water runoff, natural or man made, are not considered part of the landscaped area of a site unless they are integrated with required landscaping as a water feature.

"Maintenance" means and includes the continual maintenance of planting areas and landscape plants in a healthy, living condition, and the replacement of dead, diseased or damaged plant materials.

"Mulch" means any material defined as "mulch" to be used for moisture retention or any other purposes specified in the most recent edition of Sunset Western Garden Book.

" O.C". means "on-center", referring to spacing of landscaping plants.

"Public works director" means the city of Gold Bar public works director or his designee.

"Planting area" means parts of a site that are planted or proposed to be planted.

"Shrub" means a plant listed as a shrub in the most recent edition of Sunset Western Garden Book. Height of shrubs is size in five (5) years: small shrubs are those less than three and one-half (3½) feet tall; medium shrubs are those between three and one-half (3½) to six (6) feet tall; large shrubs are those greater than six (6) feet.

"Tree" means a plant listed as a tree in the most recent edition of Sunset Western Garden Book and Hortus Third.

(Ord. 543 § 1 (part), 2001)

A.

The requirements of this chapter shall apply to the following permit applications:

1.

Any permit to construct a multi-family dwelling containing more than two (2) units;

2.

Binding site plans;

3.

Manufactured home and recreational vehicle parks;

4.

All commercial and industrial parking lots, storage yards or containment facilities;

5.

All new commercial and industrial construction; and

6.

Proposals which result in a thirty (30) percent increase of floor space or valuation for projects adjoining residential zones and a fifty (50) percent increase in floor space or valuation for projects which do not adjoin residential zones.

B.

Irrigation shall be installed for landscaping required by this chapter. The public work director may waive irrigation requirements to the extent permitted by GBMC Section 17.60.070(B)(4).

C.

The city council may authorize alternatives to the requirements of this chapter to the extent the alternative meets or exceeds the manner in which the requirements of this chapter satisfy the purposes identified in GBMC Section 17.60.010. In addition, the alternative must incorporate one (1) or more of the following:

1.

The proposed landscaping represents a superior result than that which would be achieved by strictly following requirements of this chapter;

2.

Incorporates the increased retention of significant trees and naturally occurring undergrowth;

3.

Historic features; or

4.

Unique architectural features such as fountains or sculptures.

(Ord. 595 § 31, 2005; Ord. 543 § 1 (part), 2001)

A.

All development applications subject to GBMC Section 17.60.030(A) shall include a preliminary conceptual landscape plan for staff review. A final landscape plan, prepared in accordance with this chapter, shall be submitted prior to the issuance of any clearing, grading, or building permit. The final plan must conform with the preliminary concept unless revision have been made at the request of the city.

B.

A final landscape plan consistent with the requirements of this chapter shall be prepared by any of the following: licensed landscape architects, state certified nurserymen, landscapers, landscape designers or the property owners.

C.

Landscape plans shall be submitted to the public works department. Unless consolidated with another development application as permitted by GBMC Section 19.01.020(B), the public works director shall review all submitted site landscape development plans for all new development or redevelopment in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

D.

Revisions to the plan may be approved by the public works director if the revisions meet the purpose of this chapter. A revised landscaping plan may be approved by the public works director in the event there are significant physical elements, such as unsuitable soils, which were discovered during or after plan review which may prevent installation of the required landscaping. Any revisions shall be consistent with the requirements of this chapter.

E.

Revisions to the approved landscaping plan may also be required if the public works director determines that the installed landscaping has failed to perform as intended.

(Ord. 543 § 1 (part), 2001)

Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy/final plat for a project:

A.

The approved landscaping must be installed or a performance security in an amount determined by the public works director shall be required by the city to guarantee installation of the required planting and/or irrigation. The amount of the security shall be based on a current cost estimate of plant material and landscape construction costs.

B.

Required planting and/or irrigation shall be installed within six (6) months of the date of issuance of certificate of occupancy or final plat approval. An extension may be granted by the public works director only if unusually harsh weather conditions prohibit planting within the six (6) month period. If the planting requirements and/or irrigation requirements are not met in the allotted time or not installed as approved, the city may use the security to initiate or complete the installation. Security shall be released upon completion and acceptance by the public works director of the required landscaping and/or irrigation.

(Ord. 543 § 1 (part), 2001)

A.

Long-term Maintenance. All landscaping required by this chapter shall be continually maintained in a healthy growing conditions by the owners of the landscaping. The planting area shall be provided for and routinely maintained in the following manner:

1.

Dead or dying trees or shrubs shall be replaced immediately;

2.

Sodded areas shall be mowed, fertilized and irrigated on a regular basis to maintain a well-kept appearance for the life of the project;

3.

Trees or shrubs shall receive only normal, necessary pruning. Extraordinary pruning is permitted only to avoid the creation of a safety hazard or nuisance;

4.

All landscape areas shall have underground irrigation systems installed unless exempted in Section 17.60.030(B) If the proposal is exempt from automatic irrigation installation, at least one (1) water outlet shall be located within one hundred fifty (150) feet of all plant material to be maintained. Installed irrigation systems and/or water outlets will be required to be a metered service. Payment of charges incurred for this water connection will be the responsibility of the property owner. In the case of landscaping installed within public right-of-ways, this requirement may be waived by the public works director.

B.

Maintenance Guarantee. The property owner shall guarantee all landscaping and irrigation improvements for a period of one (1) year from the date of completion and final acceptance of landscaping and irrigation requirements and shall correct any and all defects or deficiencies arising during that period of limitation, as a result of the acts or omissions of the property owner, its agents, or employees. The maintenance guaranty shall be backed by a bond or cash deposit in the amount of twenty-five (25) percent of the cost of improvements. The city shall provide written notice of the defect or deficiency. In any instance where the property owner fails to take action within the specified time, or when immediate action is required to protect the public health, safety and/or welfare, the city may cause the work to be performed and call on the surety for reimbursement. The maintenance security shall be submitted prior to final acceptance of the landscaping and irrigation improvements by the city.

C.

Forfeiture of Surety. In the event that the property owner fails to complete all improvement work in compliance with the provisions of this section and the improvement agreement, and the city shall have to complete the same, the city shall call on the security for funds necessary to complete the improvement as reimbursement or shall appropriate from any cash deposit funds reimbursement. If the amount of any security shall be less than the cost and expense incurred by the city, the property owner shall be liable to the city for such difference. Any cash remaining in the possession of the city after completion of the improvement, shall be returned to the originator minus normal administrative costs.

(Ord. 543 § 1 (part), 2001)

A.

Preliminary Plans. A conceptual landscaping plan shall be submitted during the pre- application or technical staff review. A preliminary plan may indicate existing and proposed shrubs and trees as masses rather than showing individual plants. Quantities are not required on the preliminary plan.

B.

Final Plan. Three (3) copies of the final landscape plan should be submitted for final approval. Plans should be drawn to scale showing all property lines with name and location of property. Any proposed or existing physical elements, such as fencing, berms, walls, buildings, curbs and signs, that affect the overall landscape should be shown on the plan. Final plan shall also include the following:

1.

Planting Schedule. A planting schedule which indicates for all plants the botanical and common names, location, quantities, sizes at planting and spacing shall be required. Quantities are not required on a preliminary landscape plan. The final plan must show individual plants and shrubs and quantities, except on- center placement of groundcover.

2.

Elevation Drawing. An elevation and/or cross section drawing is required for steep slopes that exceed five (5) feet in height and are steeper than one unit vertical to one and one-half units horizontal (1:1.5). The scale should be appropriate to show structures and plantings at time of installation.

3.

Grading Details. Existing and proposed grading contours with spot elevations shall be drawn to scale on the preliminary and final site or landscape plans. The location and cross-section of all proposed landscape berms or mounds shall be shown on the plans.

4.

Irrigation Details. An as-built irrigation drawing to scale shall be submitted prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, or release of the performance security. The method of irrigation, automatic or manual, for all landscaped areas shall be shown on the plans. In addition, the location of any automatic sprinkler heads or manual water source, shall be shown on the final plans. If drought-tolerant plants are used exclusively throughout a project, automatic irrigation may be waived. Drought-tolerant plants shall be manually irrigated for two growing seasons after installation until plants are established. The automatic irrigation requirements may also be waived for wetland plantings in areas classified as wetlands. See Table 17.60A, following, for acceptable plantings in these two categories.

Table 17.60A

Wetlands and Drought Tolerant Plants

Plants That Grow Well in Wet Places*

Plants That Grow Well in Dry Places*

*  Source: Sunset Western Garden Book

5.

Existing Tree Survey. Applicant should submit a tree survey indicating the name, caliper and location of and existing tree greater than six (6) inches in caliper. If stands of trees are on the site, the boundaries and species of the stand of trees shall be submitted. The plan shall note which trees will be retained. The trees to be retained shall be noted on the grading plan by a drip line boundary.

C.

Preservation of Existing Trees. In order to improve the environmental quality and complement the project design, the preservation of existing trees on a site shall be encouraged to the maximum extent possible. Exceptions are as follows:

1.

When the tree(s) will be hazardous or may otherwise damage the structure, sidewalks, streets, driveways, sewer, water or utility lines; and

2.

When the tree(s) will not likely survive the impacts of construction due to its condition, age, disease, alteration of water regime, increased or decreased exposure, or location outside of a natural grouping.

D.

Existing Plant Material. Where healthy plant material exists on a site prior to its development, property owners are encouraged to retain the landscaping. Credit may be given for incorporation of existing plant material into the design if it meets the intent of this chapter, survives through the first year, and is continually maintained in healthy condition. If a contractor or property owner removes a tree that has been designated to be retained on the approved landscape plans, a penalty shall be incurred as specified in subsection (F). of this section.

E.

Sight Distance Triangle Adjacent to Public Right-of-way and Points of Access. Please see city of Gold Bar design and construction standard No. 335.

F.

Penalty. On construction sites, it shall be unlawful to remove trees that have been designated for retention on the approved landscape plans. The applicant or property owner, if they or their agents/representatives or contractor(s) are responsible for removal of trees shall replace the tree(s) with a tree(s) that is the same or similar species, and the largest size available from grade A nursery-grown stock. Size and species are subject to the public works director's approval. Timing of replacement shall coincide with the time lines established in Section 17.60.050 of this chapter. Unauthorized removal of any trees shall also subject the offending person(s) to the enforcement procedures and penalties of Chapter 17.84 of the Gold Bar Municipal Code.

The following table sets forth the type of required landscaping to be installed by the proposed use. Landscaping is to be provided along interior side and rear property lines as follows, unless otherwise noted:

* Landscaping required for two or more dwelling units

(Ord. 543 § 1 (part), 2001)

The following landscape design standards shall exist within the city:

A.

Type I — Sight Barrier Buffers. Buffers between incompatible uses that create a noise and sight-obscuring barrier that shall consist of the following:

1.

A minimum of a twenty (20) foot wide strip planted with evergreen trees. Trees must be a minimum height of six (6) feet at the time of planting and should be spaced to grow together in three (3) years; and

2.

Evergreen shrubs and ground cover to provide seventy-five (75) percent coverage of designated area within two (2) years from planting; or

3.

Type I-Alternate.

a.

A minimum of a ten (10) foot wide planting strip may be substituted when planted with a continuous row of evergreen trees in combination with either a continuous six (6) feet high sight-obscuring wood or metal fence, or a brick, masonry or textured concrete wall. Evergreen trees are to be six (6) feet high, minimum, at time of planting and spaced to grow together in three (3) years; and

b.

Evergreen shrubs and groundcover to provide seventy-five (75) percent coverage of designated area within two years of planting.

B.

Type II -Visual Separation Buffers. Buffers to create a visual separation between similar uses shall consist of the following:

1.

A minimum ten (10) foot wide strip planted with trees, of which a maximum of fifty (50) percent may be deciduous. One (1) tree shall be provided for each twenty (20) lineal feet of landscaped area and may be spaced irregularly or clustered rather than uniformly spaced; and

2.

Evergreen shrubs and groundcover to provide seventy-five (75) percent coverage of designated area within two (2) years from planting.

3.

Type II— Alternative.

a.

A minimum of a five (5) foot wide planting strip may be substitute when planted with trees, of which a maximum of fifty (50) percent may be deciduous. One tree shall be provided for each twenty (20) lineal feet of landscaped area and may be spaced irregularly or clustered rather than uniformly spaced when planted in combination with either a continuous six (6) feet high sight-obscuring wood or metal fence, or a brick, masonry or textured concrete wall.

C.

Type III—Visual Relief Buffers. Transparent buffers to provide visual relief between compatible uses and to soften the appearance of parking lots. Landscaping for parking lots shall consist of the following and meet the specifications listed below:

1.

Minimum three (3) foot wide strip planted with trees of which a maximum of seventy (70) percent may be deciduous. One tree shall be provided for each thirty (30) lineal feet of landscaped area and may be spaced irregularly or clustered rather than uniformly spaced; and

2.

Evergreen shrubs and ground cover to provide seventy-five (75) percent coverage if designated area within two (2) years from planting;

3.

Type III - Alternative.

a.

A continuous six (6) feet high sight-obscuring wood or metal fence.

D.

Type IV — Parking Lot Canopy Buffers. Buffers to provide visual relief and shade in parking lots. Landscape areas must be designated to the specifications established in Section 17.60.100(G). Landscaping within parking areas shall be pursuant to Section 17.60.090(E).

E.

Landscaping Within Parking Lots. A minimum of fifteen percent of the net area of all surface parking lots shall be landscaped as follows:

1.

Where parking lots adjoin a public right-of-way, a ten (10) foot landscaped planting strip shall be established and continuously maintained between the public right-of-way and parking lot. Any planting, sign, or other structure within safety sight-distance of a driveway shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches in height.

2.

The maximum spacing between trees in parking lots shall be sixty (60) feet; however, appropriate clustering of trees may be permitted, as approved by the public works director.

3.

All areas in a parking lot not used for driveways, maneuvering areas, parking spaces, or walks shall be permanently landscaped with suitable materials and permanently maintained, pursuant to a program submitted by the applicant and approved by the public works director.

4.

All landscaped areas shall be bordered by a concrete curb that is at least six (6) inches high and six (6) inches wide. All landscaped areas shall be a minimum of five (5) feet in width by ten (10) feet in length. Concrete mow strips at least six (6) inches deep and four (4) inches wide shall be required to separate turf areas from shrub areas.

5.

The landscaping plan shall provide for a variety of plant materials and shall include a legend showing common names, sizes and quantities, location, dimensions of planted area, and percentage of parking lot landscaping.

6.

Tree trunks and shrubs shall be planted at least two and one-half (2½) feet from the inside edge of the curb or wheel stop to avoid damage by vehicles.

F.

Type V —Street Trees.

1.

When Required. For all new construction and major redevelopment of a site, street trees may be required on arterial and collector streets. Street trees may be required in addition to on-site and street frontage landscaping requirements and shall be planted in the right-of-way strip between the property line and the edge of the curb or paving according to city specifications. In addition to street trees, all of this area shall planted with grass or other appropriate groundcover and maintained by the abutting property owner.

2.

Maintenance and Removal. In cases where trees might interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic in the right-of-way, deciduous trees should have a clear trunk area of eight (8) feet above the ground for pedestrian areas and fourteen (14) feet above the ground for vehicle areas. Removal of healthy street trees without approval of the public works director is prohibited and may be subject to legal action and penalties, as per Section 17.60.070(F).

3.

Spacing of Street Trees on Arterial and Collector Streets. Where street trees are required, trees of the species listed in the recommended street tree list may be planted as specified on the following types of public streets, unless variations are approved by the public work's director:

a.

Arterial streets, forty (40) feet on-center;

b.

Collector streets, thirty (30) feet on-center.

(Ord. 543 § 1 (part), 2001)

A.

Installation. All plans shall indicate the method of planting and tree staking. All planting pits shall be twice as wide and one and one-half (1 ½) times as deep as the size of the root ball of the plant. All newly planted trees shall be staked through two (2) growing seasons to minimize root movement. The tree shall be secured to the stakes with loose attachment that will allow the tree to grow. The stakes shall be placed in such a manner that there will be no bark or limb damage. The stakes shall not damage or penetrate the root ball and shall extend at least twelve (12) inches below the tree pit into undisturbed ground. Stakes shall be placed on the lee side of the prevailing winds. All stakes and attachments shall be removed by the landscape contractor or property owner at the completion of the second growing season.

B.

Soil Preparation. Prior to any landscape installation, all soil shall be prepared to be friable and conducive to the healthy growth of newly planted landscape materials. The contractor or property owner is responsible for providing a soil mix that is rich in organic matter. In general, sand or clay fill shall not be acceptable. The contractor shall also be responsible for supplying soils that provide an adequate transition of new top soils to existing native soils.

C.

Mulching. All planting areas shall be mulched with a uniform two (2) inch layer of mulch material over a properly cleaned and graded subsurface.

D.

Minimum Plant Sizes at Installation.

1.

Two (2) inches minimum caliper for street trees and other deciduous trees;

2.

Six (6) feet minimum height multi-stemmed trees; e.g. vine maple;

3.

Six (6) feet minimum height evergreen trees;

4.

Twelve (12) inches minimum height for small shrubs;

5.

Eighteen (18) inches minimum height for medium and tall shrubs.

E.

Maximum Spacing for Shrubs.

1.

Small shrubs, three (3) feet on-center;

2.

Medium shrubs, four (4) feet on-center;

3.

Large shrubs, five (5) feet on-center.

F.

Ground Covers*. Ground covers required in all planting bed areas shall provide seventy-five (75) percent coverage within two (2) years and fifty (50) percent coverage at the time of planting, or spaces as follows:

1.

One (1) gallon, eighteen (18) inches on-center;

2.

Four (4) inch pots, fifteen (15) inches on-center;

3.

Two and one-quarter (2 ¼) inch pots, twelve (12) inches on-center;

4.

Grass sod areas to be one hundred (100) percent.

* Bark, mulch or decorative gravel satisfies the requirement for ground cover.

G.

Minimum Planting Area. To provide a proper planting area, the minimum dimension of any planting area shall be no less than five (5) feet in width and ten (10) feet in length.

H.

Quality. Plant materials used shall be equivalent to available nursery-grown stock.

I.

Grading. Graded slopes in landscaped areas should not exceed 1-3(H):1(V) slope. All graded landscaping areas should be planted as soon as possible after the disturbance. If landscaped areas are to be bonded and planted at a later date, graded areas shall be temporarily stabilized with erosion control devices when necessary.

J.

Irrigation. Irrigation systems shall be designed to industry standards including state approved backflow prevention devices, and shall provide complete coverage with the least amount of wasted water. All systems shall have a master valve to prevent systems from failure overnight or on the weekends.

(Ord. 543 § 1 (part), 2001)