Rogue River City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 17
140 LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
§ 17.140.010 Purpose.
This chapter contains standards for landscaping and screening. The regulations are intended to protect public health, safety, and welfare by:
A.
Reducing development impacts (e.g., glare, noise, and visual impacts) on adjacent uses; and
B.
Minimizing erosion; and
C.
Slowing the rate of surface water runoff, thereby reducing infrastructure costs; and
D.
Buffering pedestrians from vehicle maneuvering areas; and
E.
Protecting the city's resistance to fire; and
F.
Using fewer resources; and
G.
Cooling buildings and parking lots in summer months with shade; and
H.
Enhancing the city's appearance.
(Ord. 23-418-O § 124 (Exh. A-4))
§ 17.140.020 Applicability.
The design standards in this chapter are required:
A.
RRMC § 17.140.030 establishes design standards for landscaping, and applies to residential, commercial, and manufacturing developments that are subject to Chapter 17.115 RRMC, Site Design Review.
B.
RRMC § 17.140.040 requires that the front and exterior yards of all development in the R-E, R-1, and R-2 zones be landscaped in accordance with Table 17.140.040.
C.
RRMC § 17.140.050 states that some uses which have the ability to detract from the visual character of the area or result in adverse impact necessitate screening. Typical uses requiring screening include outdoor storage, parking lots, and other similar items as deemed by the planning commission.
D.
RRMC § 17.140.060 requires that parking lots incorporate landscaping and trees to help minimize surface runoff and reflection of heat.
(Ord. 23-418-O § 124 (Exh. A-4))
§ 17.140.030 General landscaping standards.
All portions of a lot not otherwise developed with buildings, accessory structures, vehicle maneuvering areas, or parking shall be landscaped, according to the following standards. Parking and vehicle maneuvering is not to be done on any landscaped area, including grass, gravel, dirt, or a streambed.
A.
General Landscape Area Standards. A minimum percentage landscape coverage is required. Coverage is measured based on the size of plants at maturity or after two years of growth, whichever comes sooner. The minimum required landscaping is 15 percent of the gross lot area for the following uses:
1.
Residential – Multiple-unit developments.
2.
Commercial and office developments.
3.
Mixed-use developments.
4.
Industrial developments. Seventy-five percent of the required 15 percent site landscaping shall be located within the front yard setbacks and parking areas or other areas visible to the public, unless otherwise required as a condition of approval.
B.
Landscape Materials. Landscape materials include live trees, shrubs, ground cover plants, nonplant ground covers, and outdoor hardscape features, as described below:
1.
Plant Selection. Native vegetation shall be preserved or planted where practical. A combination of live deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs and groundcovers shall be used for all planted areas, the selection of which shall be based on local climate, exposure, water availability, and drainage conditions. Fire resistive plants should be planted in forested areas or on slopes where necessary to reduce the risk of fire spreading to structures. As necessary, soils shall be amended to allow for healthy plant growth.
2.
Hardscape Features. Ground-level areas for passive use, such as patios, decks, plazas, paved dining areas, etc., may count towards up to 15 percent of the required 15 percent landscape area; swimming pools, sports courts and similar active recreation facilities may not be counted toward fulfilling the landscape requirement.
3.
Nonplant Ground Covers. Bark dust, chips, aggregate or other nonplant ground covers may be used and are not considered a substitute for ground cover plants. Measures must be taken to prevent erosion of nonplant ground covers onto adjacent properties or rights-of-way, storm drains, or other city systems.
4.
Tree Size. Required deciduous trees shall have a minimum caliper size of two inches or larger at time of planting, including trees planted adjacent to a public right-of-way.
5.
Shrub Size. Generally, shrubs shall be planted from two-gallon containers, unless utilized specifically for screening, where a minimum five-gallon size is required at the time of planting.
6.
Ground Cover Location and Size. All of the landscaped area that is not planted with trees and shrubs or covered by allowable hardscape features must be planted in ground cover plants, including grasses. Ground cover plants shall be sized and spaced in the following manner: planted at a rate of at least one plant per 18 inches on center, in triangular spacing based on plant habitat (growth rate) with an expected coverage of 80 percent within five years of the time of planting.
7.
Significant Vegetation. Significant vegetation preserved in accordance with this chapter may be credited toward meeting the minimum landscape area standards in subsection (D) of this section. Credit shall be granted based on the total square footage of the preserved canopy.
a.
Significant Vegetation Defined. Significant vegetation means individual trees with a specific trunk diameter as measured four feet above the ground (known as DBH, "diameter at breast height"); shall be inventoried during the site design process and protected during construction unless otherwise approved for removal through the site plan review process. For the purpose of this section, deciduous trees measuring six inches or greater and coniferous trees measuring 10 inches or greater shall be considered significant vegetation.
b.
Protection Standards. Significant trees identified as meeting the criteria in subsection (B) of this section shall be retained unless approved by the city to be removed for development. Preservation shall be considered impracticable when it would prevent development of public streets, public utilities, needed housing or land uses permitted by the applicable land use district. The term "prevent" in this standard means that the development cannot be designed to avoid the significant tree(s). An inability to achieve maximum permitted density by complying with this subsection shall not in itself be considered to prevent development. Building envelopes commensurate with the lot coverage standard of the zone shall be depicted on the tree protection plan. Trees outside the envelope shall be protected unless they prevent development. In instances where applying exceptions to certain development standards would make tree preservation practical, the city may allow one or more of the following exceptions to the development standards when individual trees with a DBH of 24 inches or larger or stands of trees that are in good health as determined by a qualified professional, are preserved by a proposed development with an approved tree preservation plan:
i.
Reductions of setbacks up to 25 percent.
ii.
Reduction of required on-site parking up to 10 percent.
iii.
Increased lot coverage up to 15 percent.
iv.
Reduced landscape coverage up to five percent.
8.
Stormwater Facilities. Stormwater facilities (e.g., detention/retention ponds and swales) shall be landscaped. Landscaped bioswales are encouraged and can be counted in the required amount of landscaped area on the site. Planting of broad leaf canopy trees is encouraged as effective surface water interceptors.
C.
Plan Submission. Landscape plans are to be submitted simultaneously with any other relevant application (building permit, land use, site design review, etc.) and at the direction of the city administrator, public works director, or city planner shall include the following:
1.
A planting schedule containing the location, size, and species of the existing and proposed plant materials (at time of planting);
2.
Existing and proposed building and pavement outlines;
3.
Irrigation plans, written soil specifications at time of planting, and anticipated plant installation timeline;
4.
The location of existing and proposed terraces, retaining walls, decks, patios, shelters, and play areas;
5.
Existing and proposed abutting street right-of-way landscaping;
6.
Locations of existing and proposed fences, as well their heights.
D.
Plant Selection. A combination of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, and ground covers shall be used for all planted areas, the selection of which shall be based on local climate, exposure, water availability, and drainage conditions, among other factors. To maintain the city of Rogue River's status as a Tree City, USA, and to provide for cooling shade and city beautification, the planting of trees is encouraged. When new vegetation is planted, soils shall be amended and irrigation shall be provided, as necessary, to allow for healthy plant growth.
The selection of plants shall be based on all of the following standards and guidelines:
1.
Use plants that are appropriate to the local climate, exposure, and water availability. The presence of utilities and drainage conditions shall also be considered. The city may rely on Oregon State University Extension Service bulletins, University of Washington Urban Forestry Program guidelines, Jackson County Soil and Water District recommendations, or other Fire Wise expert sources and its own Tree City committee resources in evaluating landscape plans.
2.
Plant species that do not require irrigation once established (naturalized) are preferred over species that require irrigation.
3.
Trees shall be not less than two-inch caliper for street trees and one and one-half inch caliper for other trees at the time of planting. Trees to be planted under or near power lines shall be selected so as to not conflict with power lines at maturity.
4.
Existing mature trees that can thrive in a developed area and that do not conflict with other provisions of this code shall be retained where specimens are in good health, have desirable aesthetic characteristics, and do not present a hazard.
5.
Deciduous trees may be used where summer shade and winter sunlight is desirable.
6.
Evergreen plants shall be used where a sight-obscuring landscape screen is required or desired. Where plants are used to screen outdoor storage or mechanical equipment, the selected plants shall have growth characteristics that are compatible with such features.
7.
Shrubs shall be planted from five-gallon containers minimum where they are for required screens or buffers, and a minimum of two-gallon containers elsewhere.
8.
Shrubs shall be spaced in order to provide the intended screen or canopy cover within two years of planting.
9.
Where stormwater retention or detention, or water quality treatment, facilities are proposed, they shall be planted with water-tolerant species.
10.
Where landscaping is not otherwise feasible, planter boxes or decorative tubs shall be installed. Planting shall be consistent with in-ground landscaping requirements.
(Ord. 23-418-O § 124 (Exh. A-4))
§ 17.140.040 R-E, R-1, and R-2 yard landscaping standards.
All required landscaped yards and buffer strips shall meet the standards of the appropriate landscape and buffer type and the general provisions of this section.
A.
Landscaping Required. Landscaping in accordance with one of the four landscape design types listed in Table 17.140.040 is required for all new development or redevelopment requiring a building permit in the R-E, R-1, and R-2 zones.
1.
Site Design Landscaping Prioritized. When a development provokes the landscaping requirements associated with site design review, as stated in RRMC § 17.140.030(A), yet is located within an R-E, R-1, and R-2 zone, the more stringent landscaping standards associated with site design review shall only apply.
Table 17.140.040(A): Landscape Design Types | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Landscape Design Type | Example Ground Cover | Example Shrubs | Example Trees | Minimum Plant % Coverage at Maturity | Resources |
Fire-safe | 1. Dianthus 2. Mahala mat 3. Kinnikinnick 4. Sod, rock, or compost | 1. Oregon boxwood 2. Oregon grapeholly 3. Burning bush 4. Oceanspray | 1. Ponderosa pine 2. Oregon white oak 3. Red oak 4. White ash | 60% | 1. OSU Fire Resistant Plants for Home Landscapes 2. Fire-Resistant Plants for Eastern Washington |
Low water usage | 1. Hens and chicks 2. Thyme 3. Stonecrop 4. Sulfur buckwheat | 1. Russian sage 2. Fernbush 3. Spirea 4. Sagebrush | 1. Ponderosa pine 2. Chokecherry 3. Rocky Mountain maple 4. Western larch | 50% | 1. WaterWise Gardening In Central Oregon 2. Ashland Water Wise Plant List |
Native plant/pollinator supportive | 1. Strawberry (beach, wild, or woodland) 2. Oregon wood-sorrel 3. Kinnikinnick | 1. Oregon grape 2. Bristly manzanita 3. Huckleberry (red or evergreen) 4. Pacific rhododendron | 1. Pacific madrone 2. Oregon white oak 3. Douglas fir 4. Western crabapple | 70% | 1. Gardening with Oregon Native Plants 2. Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes to Protect Pollinators |
Traditional | Any combination of the above | Any combination of the above | Any combination of the above | 80% | All resources listed in the other landscape design types |
Table 17.140.040(B): Minimum Landscaping | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Net Lot Width | Amount of Ground Cover | Number of Shrubs | Number of Trees | Minimum Plant % Coverage at Maturity |
21 – 75 feet | To reach required ground coverage | Four one-gallon shrubs or accent plants | One tree at least six feet in height, and one and one-half inches in caliper measured six inches from the root flare | Dependent on design type |
76 feet and above | To reach required ground coverage | Six one-gallon shrubs or accent plants | Two trees at least six feet in height, and one and one-half inches in caliper measured six inches from the root flare | Dependent on design type |
B.
Design Type Requirements. The following are the guidelines and requirements for each of the four landscape design type options:
1.
Fire-Safe Design Option.
a.
No plants are to be placed within five feet of any structure.
b.
Ground cover may not include any conifer species.
c.
Coverage with shrubs or living ground cover shall be at least 50 percent upon installation and 60 percent after three years.
d.
Up to 30 percent of required landscape area may contain hardscape such as landscape boulders, rocks, cobble, and gravel.
2.
Low Water Use Design Option.
a.
Coverage with shrubs or living groundcover shall be at least 25 percent upon installation and 50 percent after three years.
b.
Up to 50 percent of required landscape area may contain a minimum of two inches organic mulch such as compost or bark dust; or hardscape mulches such as landscape boulders, rocks, cobble, and gravel.
3.
Native Plant/Pollinator/Wildlife Design Option.
a.
Coverage with shrubs or living groundcover shall be at least 30 percent upon installation and 60 percent after three years.
b.
Up to 40 percent of required landscape area may contain a minimum of two inches of organic mulch such as compost or bark dust; or hardscape mulches such as landscape boulders, rocks, cobble and gravel.
4.
Traditional Design Option.
a.
Coverage with shrubs or living groundcover shall be at least 50 percent upon installation and 80 percent after three years. A minimum of two inches of organic mulch such as compost or bark dust shall cover this area upon installation.
b.
Up to 50 percent of installed groundcover may consist of non-native grasses, such as Bermuda or buffalo grass.
C.
Plan Submittal Requirements.
1.
A residential landscape plan may be conceptual and hand-drawn, but at the very least should indicate the dimensions of the required area to be landscaped, the plants to be planted, and the amount of coverage each plant provides at maturity.
a.
As deemed appropriate from the city administrator, repeated requests from the city planner to an applicant to revise and redraft a landscaping plan may incur further review costs, in accordance with the fee schedule.
2.
In the case where a property already features significant landscaping, photographic evidence may be submitted to the city planner so that they may determine whether an application and approval for residential landscaping is necessary.
D.
Review Procedure. Landscaping in accordance with one of the four landscape design types listed in Table 17.140.040(A) is required for all development in the R-E, R-1, and R-2 zones, and shall be administered in accordance with the Type I process.
(Ord. 23-418-O § 124 (Exh. A-4))
§ 17.140.050 Screening requirements.
Screening is required for outdoor storage areas, unenclosed uses, and parking lots, and may be required in other situations as determined by the planning commission. Landscaping shall be provided pursuant to the standards of:
A.
Outdoor Storage and Unenclosed Uses. All areas of a site containing or proposed to contain outdoor storage of goods, materials, equipment, and vehicles (other than required parking lots and service and delivery areas, per site design review), and areas containing junk, salvage materials, or similar contents, shall be screened from view from adjacent rights-of-way and residential uses by a sight-obscuring fence, wall, landscape screen, or combination of screening methods.
B.
Parking Lots. The edges of parking lots containing 10 or more spaces shall be screened to minimize vehicle headlights shining into adjacent rights-of-way and residential yards. Parking lots abutting a sidewalk or walkway shall be screened using a low-growing hedge or low garden wall to a height of between three and four feet. The design of the screening shall also allow for visual surveillance of the site for security. Any areas between the parking and maneuvering area and the street/driveway line shall be landscaped with plants or other ground cover. All walls and hedges shall be maintained in good condition, or otherwise replaced by the owner.
C.
Other Uses Requiring Screening. The planning commission may require screening in other situations as authorized by this code, including, but not limited to, outdoor storage areas, blank walls, and as mitigation where an applicant has requested an adjustment.
D.
Evergreen plants shall be used where a sight-obscuring landscape screen is required or desired to maintain year-round screening. Where plants are used to screen outdoor storage or mechanical equipment, the selected plants shall have growth characteristics that are compatible with such features.
(Ord. 23-418-O § 124 (Exh. A-4))
§ 17.140.060 Parking lot landscaping.
All of the following standards shall be met for parking lots. If a development contains multiple parking lots, then the standards shall be evaluated separately for each parking lot:
A.
Parking Landscape Area Standards. A minimum percentage landscape coverage is required. Coverage is measured based on the size of plants at maturity or after two years of growth, whichever comes sooner. The minimum required landscaping is 10 percent of the total surface area of all parking areas, as measured around the perimeter of all parking spaces and maneuvering areas.
B.
Such landscaping shall consist of broad-canopied deciduous shade trees with shrubs and/or ground cover plants evenly distributed throughout the parking area. "Evenly distributed" means that the trees and other plants are distributed around the parking lot perimeter and between parking bays to provide a partial canopy. The trees shall be planted so that they provide a partial canopy cover over the parking lot within five years. At a minimum, one tree per 12 parking spaces on average shall be planted over and around the parking area.
C.
Any use or development proposing an off-street surface parking area of more than one-half acre (21,780 square feet) shall be required to show that the parking lot landscaping will achieve a tree canopy covering at least 40 percent of the new parking lot area at maturity but no more than 15 years after planting. New surface parking area shall be measured based on the perimeter of all new off-street parking spaces, maneuvering lanes, and maneuvering areas, including driveways and drive aisles. Development of a tree canopy plan in accordance with this standard shall be done in coordination with the local electric utility, including pre-design, design, building and maintenance phases.
D.
All parking areas with more than 20 spaces shall provide landscape islands with trees that break up the parking area into rows of not more than 12 contiguous parking spaces. Landscape islands and planters shall have dimensions of not less than 48 square feet of area and no dimension of less than six feet, to ensure adequate soil, water, and space for healthy plant growth.
E.
All required parking lot landscape areas not otherwise planted with trees must contain a combination of shrubs and groundcover plants so that, within two years of planting, not less than 50 percent of that area is covered with living plants.
F.
Wheel stops, curbs, bollards, or other physical barriers are required along the edges of all vehicle maneuvering areas to protect landscaping from being damaged by vehicles. Trees shall be planted not less than two feet from any such barrier.
G.
Trees planted in tree wells within sidewalks or other paved areas shall be installed consistent with minimum standards identified in the 2021 American National Standards Institute A300 standards. Trees planted to meet these standards will be planted and maintained to maximize root health and chances for survival, including having ample high-quality soil, space for root growth, and reliable irrigation according to the needs of the species. Off-street parking areas of more than one-half acre shall comply with the standards found in RRMC § 17.115.090(I).
(Ord. 23-418-O § 124 (Exh. A-4); Ord. 24-434-O § 10)
§ 17.140.070 Fencing.
RRMC § 17.65.030 establishes design standards for when a fence or a wall not attached to a building is to be erected, extended, or otherwise altered. It also applies to situations where this code requires screening or buffering (e.g., outdoor or unenclosed storage uses). (Refer to RRMC § 17.65.030, Fences and walls.)
(Ord. 23-418-O § 124 (Exh. A-4))
§ 17.140.090 Landscape plan review procedure.
A.
A landscape plan submitted in conjunction with an application that would normally be heard by the planning commission, in accordance with Type III procedure, shall be reviewed by the planning commission.
B.
A landscape plan submitted with an application that would normally be dealt with in accordance with Type I or Type II procedure shall be reviewed by city staff.
C.
In reviewing the plan, should the planning commission, city administrator, fire marshal, public works director, or any other relevant staff exhibit concern regarding the feasibility of the proposed landscape plan or its potential to provide wildfire fuels within urbanized areas of Rogue River, the officials or staff may mandate alternative plants.
D.
A deposit, set by fee resolution, shall be required at the time of an approved landscape plan's release to be returned to the applicant once the approved plan is implemented. The completion and inspection should be done by the end of a six-month period subsequent to completion of the associated development. Citizens meeting the residential landscaping requirements of RRMC § 17.140.040 may request an inspection upon complete installation, or request virtual review by submitting photographic evidence. An extension for landscaping implementation may be available upon request.
(Ord. 23-418-O § 124 (Exh. A-4))
