Landscaping standards are hereby established to guarantee the pleasant appearance of Nampa's corridors, open spaces and built environment; to provide partial relief from heat, noise, and glare through proper placement of plants and trees and to generally ensure that Nampa remains a livable and beautiful community.

A.

Definitions.

Drought tolerant: The ability of a plant to live without supplemental irrigation for a period of time.

Groundcover: Living plants that have a horizontal and low-profile growth pattern.

Landscape buffer: A landscaped area from the property line (or future right-of-way where known or determined by the city engineer) that abuts a street edge into a property. See section 10-33-4 of this title.

Landscaping: A landscape that contains trees, shrubs, groundcover, flowers, turf grass, stones, boulders, water features, walls, fences, furnishings, landscape structures, recreational elements, pathways, decorative paving, planters, and/or artistic features designed and arranged to improve the environmental setting.

Mulch, clean wood: Shredded wood material that is uniform in size, color, quality, and overall appearance, and free of material injurious to plant growth. Sources of wood mulch shall be free of weeds and invasive plant parts or seeds. Sawdust, dirt, garbage, or other debris mixed in the mulch shall not be permitted.

Native: Plants and trees indigenous to the local area.

Natural: Having a look that is natural or like native but not necessarily from the local area.

Ornamental: Typically, a plant chosen primarily for its aesthetic value.

Plant, artificial: Imitations of natural plants used for decorative purposes. Artificial plants are not permitted as a substitute for landscape plants and trees specified in this chapter.

Shrub: Any woody plant that has several stems, none dominant, and is usually less than ten feet tall.

Tree: A large, tall, woody, perennial plant with a single, unbranched, self-supporting stem holding an elevated and distinct crown of branches, which can grow greater than ten feet in height.

Turf, artificial: Turf that is manufactured to appear like living turf. Artificial turf is not permitted as a substitute for turf or turf grass specified in this chapter.

Turf grass: Narrow-leaved grass species that form a uniform, long-lived ground cover that can tolerate traffic and low mowing heights.

WaterSense: WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is both a label for water-efficient products and a resource for helping to save water. WaterSense labeled products are backed by independent, third-party certification and meet EPA's specifications for water efficiency and performance.

Water wise: A water- and plant-management practice that emphasizes using plants that have lower supplemental water needs and grouping plants by water needs to encourage more efficient water use.

Xeric: Containing little water, or dry.

Xeriscape: A landscape that is designed, installed, and maintained to reduce water usage. This can be achieved by reducing use of plants that require high water application to be successful; the strategic utilization of plants (native and non-native) that thrive with a minimal use of water; the appropriate arrangement of plants, such as zoning based on water usage; appropriate treatment of soils prior to planting; an appropriate fertilization, aeriation and mulching program; and appropriate irrigation system design, operation and maintenance.

Zeroscape: A landscape that is designed to require no irrigation.

(Ord. No. 4617, § 1(Exh. A), 10-4-2021; Ord. No. 4777, § 1(Exh. A), 12-18-2023; Ord. No. 4809, § 1(Exh. A), 6-3-2024)

A.

Landscaping required. Landscaping is required in all residential subdivision, planned unit (PUD), master planned community (MPC), multi-family, cluster, commercial, industrial, industrial park, healthcare, institutional, and institutional campus developments.

B.

Application of general scope of landscaping standards and requirements. These general standards are in addition to specific zone or district standards. These general standards shall not apply to undeveloped/vacant portions of property or existing single-family residential dwelling lots/parcels, except by council or commission action as part of a conditional use permit or development agreement. These standards shall apply to new development and redevelopment as defined in this title, including, but not limited to: residential, subdivision, planned unit development, master planned community, multi-family, cluster, commercial, industrial, industrial park, healthcare, institutional, and institutional campus.

1.

Site improvement permit. For new construction/redesign/updating of landscape-only on a site, a landscape development plan shall be submitted with the site improvement permit application to the city planning department for review and approval, prior to actual site development. The plan shall indicate the proposed landscape design including, locations of structures, drainage basins, landscape features, plantings, hardscape, edging, curbing, irrigation layout, and planting/irrigation details per Nampa City Code, title 10, chapter 33. For details regarding reconstruction of a parking lot, refer to subsection 10-22-5.K.4.

C.

Land between ROW and property line. Any land within the right-of-way between the property line (or future right-of-way where known or determined by the city engineer) and the developed roadway shall be landscaped with-crushed rock/gravel and low growing shrubs and flowers selected from the City of Nampa approved water-wise plant list (CNAWPL). No more that 50 percent of this area may be planted in turf grass. Turf grass is prohibited in landscape areas less than five feet wide, and on slopes steeper than 3:1. In all cases, landscape and irrigation plans for any proposed planting within public rights-of-way are required. Plans shall be designed and stamped by an Idaho licensed landscape architect, or if the entire parcel is under one acre, the plans may be signed by a professional landscape designer or qualified nursery professional. Plans shall be approved by the planning and zoning director or his/her designee.

Trees may be planted in the right-of-way if located between the back of an existing or planned future curb and the property line, or as designated for such purpose and approved by the engineering division and planning and zoning director or his/her designee. Tree species shall be approved by the city forester and shall be appropriate for the size of the existing/future planter strip. Trees shall be selected from the Treasure Valley Tree Selection Guide. Species selection, placement, and planting method shall be shown on the landscape plan. Plans shall demonstrate that the methodology for placement and planting of trees shall alleviate potential damage to existing or planned future public infrastructure (road, sidewalk, utilities, drainage facilities, etc.).

D.

Interior yards of specific zones. The interior yards of commercial, industrial, institutional, multi-family residential (two or more residences on one parcel), subdivisions, and all common areas (including but not limited to landscape buffers, parking lots, trails, pathways, qualified open space, and common open space) shall be landscaped. Additional landscaping requirements are outlined in the code requirements for each specific zone.

E.

Vision clearance area. Trees and visual obstructions over 30 inches in height, are prohibited in vision clearance areas as defined in section 10-1-2, unless otherwise approved by the city.

F.

General tree requirements.

1.

Tree selection. All trees shall be selected from the Treasure Valley Tree Selection Guide (TVTSG), incorporated herein by reference, except for species that are determined to be incompatible or prohibited for any reason by the planning and zoning director, city forester, or as stated in this chapter. Additional species may be used if approved by the city forester.

a.

Water-wise species requirements. At least 75 percent of proposed trees must be rated as "lower-water" or "moderate water" demand in the Treasure Valley Tree Selection Guide (TVTSG).

b.

Trees discouraged from use in Nampa.

• Acer freemanii (Freeman Maple).

• Acer platanoides (Crimson King).

• Acer rubrum (Red Maple).

• Betula nigra (River Birch).

• Betula pendula (White, Silver or European Birch).

• Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' (Blue Atlas Cedar).

• Juglans regia (English Walnut).

• Populus spp. (Poplars/Aspens).

• Salix spp. (Willow).

• Other species as identified by the city forester.

c.

Trees prohibited from use in Nampa.

• Acer freemanii (Autumn Blaze Maple).

• Fraxinus spp. (Ash).

2.

Tree caliper requirements. All trees shall be one and one-half inch caliper at one foot above the top of the root ball. Exceptions to the tree caliper requirement and species selection will be made for trees purchased through the City of Nampa's "Right-of-Way Tree Program."

3.

Tree spacing. All trees shall be specified on plans and planted utilizing the following general tree spacing guidelines:

• Class I trees — Minimum 25 feet between tree trunks.

• Class II trees — Minimum 35 feet between tree trunks.

• Class III trees — Minimum 45 feet between tree trunks.

4.

Tree planting requirements. All trees shall be planted in accordance with best management practices and the applicable planting standards in NCC title 5 or ANSI A300.

a.

Tree staking. All newly planted trees shall be staked. All landscape plans shall include tree staking specifications that meet or exceed the approved City of Nampa tree detail. If no landscape plans are required, trees shall be staked according to the approved City of Nampa tree detail specifications.

G.

Tree removals. For all tree removals or pruning within or along the public right-of-way (ROW); refer to NCC sections 5-2-6 and 5-2-7 (street tree removal, trees on private property).

1.

Right-of-way tree permit. A ROW tree permit must be obtained from the city forester prior to pruning or removal of street trees within or along a city ROW.

2.

Licensed tree contractor. A city licensed tree contractor must be hired to perform tree removal and pruning within and along the public ROW.

H.

General shrub, groundcover and turf grass requirements.

1.

Shrub and groundcover plant selection. All shrubs and groundcover plants shall be selected from the City of Nampa approved water-wise plant list (CNAWPL), incorporated herein for reference. Other shrubs, ornamental grasses, and groundcovers that are available from local area landscape nurseries may be considered if approved by the planning and zoning director or city forester.

a.

Water-wise species requirements. At least 75 percent of proposed shrub and groundcover plants must be rated as "lower-water" or "moderate water" demand in the City of Nampa approved water-wise plant list (CNAWPL).

2.

Shrub and groundcovers planting. Shrubs and groundcovers shall be in good health after delivery to the job site and at the time of planting. Planting shall adhere to best management practices and applicable planting standards in NCC title 5.

a.

Shrub and groundcover placement adjacent to turf areas. The base of all shrubs shall be planted at least 18 inches from any turf. Shrub beds shall be covered in clean wood mulch or decorative rock mulch that is at least three inches deep.

3.

Turf grass selection. The use of water thrifty turf grass species, such as ryzomatious tall fescue (RTF), is strongly encouraged. All turf grass specified and utilized shall be species that perform well in the climate and soils in the Nampa area.

a.

Decorative turf grass. Turf grass that is not utilized for play surfaces, foot traffic or utilitarian purposes. Turf grass utilized for decorative purposes, such as in a landscape buffer, shall not compose more than 50 percent of the area of the site that is landscaped unless RTF is used.

4.

Groundcover and turfgrass sod and seed planting. Groundcovers and turf grass sod shall be in good health after delivery to the job site and at the time of planting. Groundcover, turf sod and seeding shall adhere to best management practices and applicable planting standards in NCC title 5 or ANSI A300.

5.

Artificial turf. Artificial turf may be used in limited quantities in multi-family, commercial, industrial, and subdivisions as follows:

• Artificial turf may be used for athletic field play surfaces, areas that surround playgrounds, common areas and landscape buffers.

• The artificial turf specified for a specific use must meet or exceed industry standards for pile height, pile/face weight, stitch rate, gauge, density, backing and infill for that specific use.

• Artificial turf that abuts living turf grass must be divided by a 6" wide (min) hard surface edging/curbing (concrete, masonry, etc.).

• All artificial turf areas must be bordered on all sides by a six-inch wide hard surface edging/curbing (concrete, masonry, etc.).

• Samples of all artificial turf specified for use must be delivered with the landscape plan to the planning and zoning department for approval. The planning and zoning director or his/her designee, is authorized to require alternatives to the proposed artificial turf layout and artificial turf and infill specification, including different color schemes and higher quality turf and infill.

• The planning and zoning director or his/her designee is authorized to determine the appropriateness of utilizing artificial turf in any location and can require that living turf grass or other landscaping be used in lieu of artificial turf.

• All landscape plans specifying the use of artificial turf must outline a maintenance plan, tools, and equipment necessary to maintain the artificial turf in good condition.

• Artificial turf installations in all multi-family, commercial, industrial, and subdivision developments that are visible from the public right-of-way must be maintained in good condition.

I.

Landscape plan set.

1.

Projects requiring submittal of landscape plan set. A landscape plan set shall include a planting and irrigation plan. A landscape plan set is required for changes to the landscaping as per subsection 10-1-6.A.6.

2.

Projects requiring landscape plan set stamp by a registered landscape architect. All landscape plan sets for residential subdivision, planned unit (PUD), master planned community (MPC), multi-family, cluster, commercial, industrial, industrial park, healthcare, institutional, and institutional campus developments for landscaped area that is greater than one acre in size shall be designed and stamped by a State of Idaho licensed landscape architect who is in good standing.

3.

Landscape plan set design considerations.

a.

Landscape plan set general requirements. Landscape plans shall be artfully and technically organized in a way that conveys coherence, design, and organization. The landscaping shall enhance the physical environment as well as the project's aesthetic character.

b.

Landscaping for defining spaces. Where feasible, landscaping shall be used to define specific areas, to help focus on entrances to properties, to screen any loading areas or vehicle or material storage areas, to beautify the community, and to provide a healthy and livable environment. Landscaping used to define spaces shall adhere to all code requirements for public safety and access.

c.

Landscape protection. Landscape designs shall utilize curbing, raised planting beds, depressed walks, or other methods to prevent encroachment by vehicles or pedestrians. A concrete mow strip shall separate any parking lot or service drive area from the landscape strip.

d.

Impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces shall not encroach the drip line of trees except in the downtown areas and areas with compact development, such as entertainment districts, planned unit developments, master planned communities, and cluster developments. In such instances, tree wells that encroach the dripline with protective tree grates and planter beds of an appropriate size, as determined by zoning regulations, planning and zoning director or city forester may be used.

e.

Existing vegetation.

i.

Retention of existing trees. Existing desirable street trees within the landscape buffer area shall be retained, unless otherwise approved for removal by the city forester. Trees removed from the landscape buffer area shall be replaced with tree species and size approved by the city forester within one growing season (typically from April to October) in accordance with subsection 10-33-2.F.4 of this title.

ii.

Use of existing vegetation. Existing vegetation that is deemed healthy and appropriate for the landscape setting by the city forester or planning and zoning director or his/her designee may be used to satisfy landscaping requirements.

f.

Screening requirements. When not otherwise specified, screening shall consist of closely spaced evergreen shrubs that will grow to a height of five to six feet within three years.

4.

Landscape plan set — Organization and submittal requirements.

a.

Landscape plan set base sheet. The following shall be included on all plan layout base sheets in the landscape plan set:

• North arrow.

• Scale block.

• Title block with:

º Project name.

º Project address or parcel number.

º Draftsman initials.

º Date.

º Firm or company information.

º State of Idaho licensed landscape architect's stamp with signature, or, if one acre or less as stated in subsection 10-33-2.H.2, landscape designer name, business information and signature.

• Property lines.

• Easements.

• Overhead powerlines and power poles.

• Utility locations and easements.

• Drainage basins.

• Parking lots.

• Existing trees (to remain and proposed for removal).

• Irrigation canals and drainages (exposed and tiled).

• Bridges.

• Entry signage and other signage poles.

• Standpipes.

• Bodies of water.

• Landscape buffer area boundary (clearly delineated).

• Pathways.

• Sidewalks.

• Trails.

• Roadways.

• Right-of-way boundary.

• Vision triangles.

• Finished grade slope contours at one-foot intervals for slopes that are greater than 3:1.

• Retaining walls.

• Structures.

• Building footprints.

• Hardscape areas.

• Planting beds.

• Borders/edging.

• Turf areas.

• Boulders greater than 30 inches in diameter.

• Outcroppings.

• Play apparatus.

• Sport courts and apparatus.

• Trash enclosures.

• Other features outlined in the civil engineering drawings.

b.

Planting plan section requirements (all projects). The planting plan section shall show the entire site followed by detail sheets of the same, scaled no smaller than 1"=30'-0." The planting plan section shall include the following:

i.

A plant legend that identifies the following:

• Tree/plant symbol unique to each tree/plant.

• Quantity.

• Trees/plants by botanical and common name.

• Class of trees.

• Tree/plant container size at time of planting.

• Tree/plant size at maturity.

• Special treatments or considerations.

ii:

All plantings located on the plan with identification symbols or acronyms that refer to each tree, shrub, groundcover, turf grass or ground cover type.

iii:

Planting and staking/support details that meet ANSI 300 planting standards.

iv:

Notes with details to contractors regarding plant selection, soil preparation, fertilizers, tree protection, planting procedures and maintenance.

c.

Irrigation plan section design principles (all projects).

i.

Separate zones for plant types (turf grass, trees, shrub/groundcovers).

ii.

Turf grass zones specified with MPR (matched precipitation rate heads) within each zone.

iii.

Check valves on all spray heads in sloped areas to avoid low-head drainage.

iv.

Spray heads designated on the plan that have precipitation rates that match onsite infiltration rates, or an indication of the controller programming required to avoid runoff from the spray head application rates specified on the plan.

v.

Tree and shrub zones irrigated with low-flow drip emission devices (emitters, bubblers, dripline). Overhead spray is prohibited in shrub and flower beds.

º For driplines, provide emitter and row spacing based on soil type and site conditions

º For emitters, emission points shall be located halfway between the edge of root ball and crown of the plant

º On slopes, emission points shall be on the upslope side of the root ball

vi.

The irrigation system shall be designed to eliminate overspray onto impervious surfaces.

d.

Irrigation system plan section requirements (all projects). The irrigation system plan section shall show the entire site followed by detail sheets of the same scaled no smaller than 1"=30'-0." The irrigation plan section shall include the following:

i.

Indication of proposed water source (secondary / domestic) and location of the irrigation point of connection (POC).

ii.

Location call outs or symbols of the following irrigation system components:

• Controller(s).

• Sensor(s).

• Pump (if applicable).

• Mainlines.

• Valves and valve boxes.

• Hose bibs.

• Laterals.

• Irrigation heads.

• Drip lines.

• Emission devices.

iii.

A Legend indicating the following:

Symbol, manufacturer, model number, description, arc, radius, PSI, GPM and quantity of:

• Irrigation heads.

• Drip line.

• Drip emitters.

Symbol, manufacturer, model number, description and quantity of:

• Controller(s).

• Sensor(s).

• Pump (if applicable).

• Valves.

• Valve boxes.

Symbol, type, pipe size — SDR, class, schedule of:

• Mainlines.

• Laterals.

iv.

A sheet showing all applicable system detail elevations, manufacturers cut sheets and specifications, note to contractors, and installation details.

e.

Irrigation flow sensor and controller requirements (subdivisions, commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects over one acre).

• Must include master valve/flow sensor.

• Controller must be "WaterSense" labeled, capable of seasonal watering adjustments based on temperature, precipitation, weather forecasts, etc.

f.

Landscape and irrigation plan application and review. Landscape and irrigation plans shall be submitted with an application to the planning and zoning department. The plans shall be reviewed for compliance with the Nampa City Code by the planning and zoning director (or his/her designee) and the city forester.

5.

Open space plan. Subdivisions and multi-family developments shall include a colored open space plan in the landscape plan set with the following information:

a.

Qualified open space locations and elements provided within. The size of each qualified open space area (expressed in square feet and acres) and the total area of qualified open space (expressed in acres and expressed as a percentage of the gross buildable area) shall be indicated on the plan.

b.

Common open space locations. The size of each common open space area (expressed in square feet and acres) and the total area of common open space (expressed in acres) shall be indicated on the plan.

c.

Cut sheets, manufacturer details and landscape architectural, architectural or structural engineering elevations of the recreational elements, furnishings, lighting, paving, and structures shall be included.

J.

Maintenance of landscaped areas. All trees, shrubs groundcover, turf grass and landscaped areas on each lot shall be maintained in good health by each respective property owner. Maintenance shall include mowing of lawns, weeding, trimming, removal of litter, proper tree pruning, elimination or replacement of dead or diseased trees and plants, and watering sufficient to maintain landscaping in good condition without overwatering. Tree branches and shrubs shall not encroach into adjacent properties, block vision triangles, cover posted signs, or impede pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicular movement on public sidewalks or streets. Tree and shrub branches lower than eight feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above roadways shall be in violation of this Code. Maintenance of street trees shall be completed by a licensed city tree contractor (see NCC title 5).

K.

Damage during construction. Existing trees, and their critical root zones (dripline to trunk), shall be protected from damage during construction. Any tree severely damaged while site construction is proceeding shall be inspected by the city forester for an assessment of the damage and the appropriate mitigation measures in accordance with subsection 10-33-2.F of this title.

(Ord. No. 4617, § 1(Exh. A), 10-4-2021; Ord. No. 4727, § 1(Exh. A), 4-3-2023; Ord. No. 4777, § 1(Exh. A), 12-18-2023; Ord. No. 4809, § 1(Exh. A), 6-3-2024; Ord. No. 4843, § 23, 2-3-2025; Ord. No. 4873, § 18, 6-16-2025)

A.

Residential trees required in the RA, RS and RD zones. A new residence or subdivision in the RA, RS and RD zoning districts shall plant two trees per dwelling unit; one "Class II" tree in the right-of-way, and one "any class" tree on each lot. If the right-of-way planting area is less than 100 square feet, the tree that is required in the right-of-way may, in lieu, be planted in the front yard of the property. In all cases, any proposed planting within public rights-of-way shall require approval from the city forester and planning and zoning director.

B.

Residential street trees required in the GB2, RML, RMH and RP Zones. Any new single family detached, duplex, multi-plex or multi-family development in the GB2, RML, RMH and RP zoning districts shall plant street trees in the right-of-way per section 10-33-4.

C.

Multi-family development tree requirements. At least one "any class" tree shall be planted within the interior of any multi-family development for every 1,000 square feet of unpaved landscape area (excluding the required landscape buffer area, and parking lot planters that are subject to the parking lot landscaping requirements per chapter 22 of this title).

(Ord. No. 4617, § 1(Exh. A), 10-4-2021; Ord. No. 4777, § 1(Exh. A), 12-18-2023)

A.

Corridors defined. "Corridors" are defined as all arterials and collectors, as shown on the currently utilized Nampa functional classification map, all state highways and interstates.

B.

Local roads and streets defined. "Local roads" and "streets" include all public roads and streets that are not classified as arterial, collector, state highways, interstates and gateways.

C.

Landscape standards specific to corridors, local roads and streets.

1.

Landscape buffer area defined. The buffer area shall be an area of ground that is on private property that abuts the edge of any street frontage, roadway easement or right-of-way adjacent to that property. Subject to approval of the planning and zoning director or his/her designee, the buffer area may contain curb cuts, signage, fire hydrants, architectural or artistic elements, mailboxes, telephone poles, light poles, bisecting service drives, short sections of other service drives and hard surfaced/ramped or at grade vehicle display pads on automobile dealership sales lots. Temporary or permanent buildings, public sidewalks, and public parking spaces shall not be allowed within the buffer landscape area. Outdoor seating areas for café's, restaurants, or commercial establishments adjacent to a landscape buffer may encroach into no more than 25 percent of the landscape buffer area. Outdoor seating areas that encroach into the landscape buffer must have additional landscape features than are normally required, such as benches, trellises, denser landscaping, and potted plants or raised flower beds.

2.

Landscape buffers required on road corridors. Along arterial collector, and local roads, a landscape buffer area is required and shall be clearly delineated and identified as such on the landscape plan regardless of zoning district.

3.

Required landscape buffer widths — Corridors, local road and streets. A 15-foot minimum landscaped buffer area shall be installed and maintained along street frontages on any property that is developed, redeveloped, has a change in use, or has a use or building expanded by more than 25 percent, unless otherwise indicated in each zoning district, or as indicated in the table in subsection 10-33-4.C.3.c (see below). A 15-foot landscape buffer may be reduced or altered from code requirements in this section:

• Within the DB, DV, DH, P-1, or P-2 zones, or in the airport corridor landscape district when an existing structure is located closer than 15 feet to the front property line.

• When FAA regulations limit landscaping (see subsection 10-33-4.C.3.d below).

A 15-foot landscape buffer is not required:

• For single-family residential properties on a single lot/parcel that have direct street frontage on a right-of-way.

• When exempted in certain situations by the planning and zoning director or his/her designee in accordance with provisions listed in this section.

a.

Landscape buffer in the P-1 district (Nampa/Caldwell Boulevard). Unless the property has insufficient space, commercial, industrial and institutional properties that have Nampa/Caldwell Boulevard frontage shall install a 15-foot landscape buffer, and multi-family developments that have a Nampa/Caldwell Boulevard frontage shall install a 25-foot landscape buffer when they change use, develop or redevelop, or expand beyond 25 percent of their existing building or use.

b.

Landscape buffer in the P-2 district (Garrity Boulevard). Properties adjacent to the city's 11-foot landscape buffer, with Garrity Boulevard frontage shall install four feet or more of additional landscape buffer for a total of 15 feet minimum when they change use, develop or redevelop or expand beyond 25 percent of their existing building or use. All other properties shall be required to install a 15-foot minimum landscape buffer along Garrity Boulevard.

c.

Landscape buffer for a single-family residential subdivision, multi-family residential development, commercial, industrial, and institutional development. Landscape buffers shall be provided as listed in the table below. Subdivisions shall adhere to any additional standards listed in chapter 27 of this title.

^* Except downtown zones which have a 0' setback on local roads — no landscape buffer is required.

d.

Trees prohibited in areas near the Nampa Airport. No trees shall be allowed in the airport runway protection zone (RPZ), building restriction line (BRL), or within 500 feet of the North Kings Road/Airport Road or E. Victory Road/Happy Valley Road intersection centers.

4.

Front yard setback greater than landscape buffer depth. In the event that a front yard setback area is required to be deeper than the landscape buffer area from the street line, the landscape buffer area shall be contained in the greater front yard setback area and shall be made a part of the overall landscaping of that yard area. Exception: In the downtown historic DH zone, the Nampa Downtown Historic District streetscape standards shall apply.

5.

Land within the right-of-way between the developed roadway and property line. See subsection 10-33-2.C.

D.

Landscape buffer tree spacing and placement (corridors, local roads and streets).

1.

Street trees — Classification. Only Class I and Class II deciduous trees selected from the Treasure Valley Tree Selection Guide or approved equal by the city forester are classified as street trees in the City of Nampa. Class III and evergreen trees are not classified as street trees in the City of Nampa.

2.

Use of evergreen and Class III trees in a landscape buffer. Evergreen trees and Class III trees may be utilized in a landscape buffer area, but do not contribute to the street tree quantity requirements.

3.

Street tree — Quantity required in a landscape buffer. One Class I street tree is required for every 25 feet and/or one Class II street tree is required for every 35 feet of street frontage.

4.

Street tree layout on a street frontage. At least 50 percent of landscape buffer Class I and Class II street trees shall be placed in a linear layout parallel to the street frontage(s). The remainder the Class I or Class II street trees shall be in the landscape buffer area in any layout configuration.

a.

Tree spacing variations. Vision triangles, visibility of traffic or way finding signs, underground utility locations, and above grade clearance shall be factors affecting tree location within buffer areas. The planning and zoning director is authorized to review and approve species and spacing variations to accommodate these factors.

5.

Street tree proximity to sidewalks and pathways. Class I and Class II street trees shall be placed no closer than six feet from any public sidewalk or pathway.

6.

Evergreen and Class III tree proximity to sidewalks and pathways. Evergreen and Class III trees shall be placed no closer than 15 feet from any public sidewalk or pathway.

7.

Landscape buffer tree spacing and caliper requirements.

E.

Trees specification for rights-of-way and landscape buffers. Class I and Class II street trees specified for planting in the right-of-way and landscape buffers shall be deciduous. The city forester and city planning and zoning director shall have discretion to require a substitution for any tree species specified. Tree species that are not specified in the TVTSG list and trees placed in common areas shall require review and approval from the city forester or planning and zoning director.

1.

Additional trees not permitted in the ROW. The following trees shall not be planted in a right-of-way:

• Acer freemanii (Freeman Maple).

• Acer negundo (Box Elder).

• Acer rubrum (Red Maple).

• Betula payrifera (Paper Birch).

• Betula pendula (European Weeping Birch).

• Conifers and Evergreens.

• Fraxinus spp. (Ash).

• Juglans nigra (Black Walnut).

• Populus spp. (Poplars/Aspens).

• Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust).

• Salix spp. (Willow).

F.

Shrubs, ground cover and turf grass in the landscape buffer area. Shrubs, turf, and ground cover shall be provided throughout the landscape buffer area. Planting applications shall be as follows:

G.

Irrigation. Landscape buffers shall have underground irrigation systems (see subsection 10-33-2.H.a for design requirements). Watershed from the system shall be contained on site.

H.

Medians in roadways — All zoning districts. Medians in roadways shall be fully covered with landscaping that consists of a balanced combination of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers as specified in this section. Turf grass is prohibited within landscape medians. Median island landscape design shall be included in the landscape plan. Design layout shall match the landscaping scheme provided in adjacent landscape buffers, subdivision entrance areas, and commercial corridor plantings. Medians with trees shall be a minimum of four feet wide and shall be fully landscaped with a balance of shrubs, groundcover, and rock or wood mulch. Shrub planting shall provide a minimum of 50 percent vegetative coverage at maturity in planting beds. Tree selections for all median planters shall be reviewed by the city forester for use, columnar species are recommended. Rock mulch may be utilized to cover bare ground between plantings in all medians but shall not be a substitute for planting.

I.

Drainage and irrigation district facilities in landscape buffer areas. Drainage and irrigation district facilities are only allowed within a landscape buffer as long as the buffer is able to accommodate the required tree and shrub planting outlined in this section.

(Ord. No. 4617, § 1(Exh. A), 10-4-2021; Ord. No. 4671, § 1(Exh. A), 5-16-2022; Ord. No. 4727, § 1(Exh. A), 4-3-2023; Ord. No. 4777, § 1(Exh. A), 12-18-2023; Ord. No. 4809, § 1(Exh. A), 6-3-2024; Ord. No. 4873, § 18, 6-16-2025)

A.

Landscape buffer development variation(s). Spacing, landscape coverage, and species variations from the corridor, local and street landscape buffer requirements may be granted by the planning and zoning director in the following instances:

1.

Parking and backing. The variation is for required parking and/or backing space;

2.

Existing buildings. The variation is required because of existing buildings or public sidewalks lying within the landscape buffer area. In such cases, the planning and zoning director may authorize the use of landscape "pods" or planters in lieu of a contiguous landscape buffer;

3.

Vision clearance. The variation is required to provide property vision clearance for vehicles;

4.

Freestanding sign. The variation is required to accommodate a future freestanding sign;

5.

Sixty percent in setback. The variation is required because the setback would take up more than 60 percent of the property left to be used for the nonsetback yard;

6.

Variation prepared by registered landscape architect. The variation is based on a landscape plan prepared by an Idaho licensed and registered landscape architect that substantially complies with this section, and is provided in conjunction with an application for a building permit;

7.

Utility conflict. The variation is based upon adjustments necessitated by utility infrastructure conflicts and is authorized by the planning and zoning director; or

8.

No irrigation. The variation is required because no irrigation is available.

B.

Landscape corridor area conversion. Landscape corridor buffer areas shall be kept in a condition compliant with the requirements of this chapter. Conversion or modification of 50 percent or more of the landscape buffer area shall require preapproval by the planning and zoning department.

(Ord. No. 4617, § 1(Exh. A), 10-4-2021; Ord. No. 4727, § 1(Exh. A), 4-3-2023; Ord. No. 4777, § 1(Exh. A), 12-18-2023)