303.03: LANDSCAPE DESIGN PRINCIPLES:

The following design principles are general standards to be used by City staff in evaluating whether landscape plans conform to the requirements of this chapter:

A. Natural Landscapes. Landscape designs shall incorporate and enhance existing natural landscapes and existing specimen trees and native vegetation (including canopy, understory, and ground cover). Particular care shall be given to preserve intact natural landscapes. Where previous landscaping has dramatically altered natural landscapes, new designs shall seek to reestablish natural landscape patterns and plantings. Natural landscapes and native vegetation do not include weeds. B. Composition. The quality of a landscape design is dependent not only on the quantity and selection of plant materials but also on how that material is arranged. Landscape materials shall include a combination of ground covers, shrubs, vines and trees with a variety of plant heights and colors.

C. Buffering and Screening. The placement of natural landscape materials (trees, shrubs, and hedges) is the preferred method for buffering differing land uses, for providing a transition between adjacent properties, and for screening the view of any parking or storage area, refuse collection, utility enclosures, or other service area visible from a public street, alley, or pedestrian area. Plants may be used with fences or berms to achieve the desired screening or buffering effect. When used to screen an activity area such as a parking lot, landscaping shall not interfere with public safety.

D. Responsive to Local Context and Character. Landscape designs shall build on the site’s and area’s unique physical characteristics, conserving and complementing existing natural features. Naturalistic design elements such as irregular plant spacing, undulating berm contours, and mixed proportions of plant species shall be used to ensure that new landscaping blends in and contributes to the quality of the surrounding area. Selection and spacing of plant material shall be reflective of the surrounding area’s character.

E. Use of Native and Drought Resistant Plants. Landscape designs shall feature native and/or related plant species and avoid invasive species, especially in areas adjacent to existing native vegetation, to take advantage of the unique natural character and diversity of the region and the adaptability of native plants to local environmental conditions. Where feasible, the re-establishment of native habitats shall be incorporated into the landscape design. In the same manner, landscape designs shall utilize drought tolerant plant materials to the maximum extent feasible. The use of drought tolerant plants shall enrich the existing landscape character, conserve water and energy, and provide as pleasant and varied a visual appearance as plants that require more water.

e-establishment of native habitats shall be incorporated into the landscape design. In the same manner, landscape designs shall utilize drought tolerant plant materials to the maximum extent feasible. The use of drought tolerant plants shall enrich the existing landscape character, conserve water and energy, and provide as pleasant and varied a visual appearance as plants that require more water.

F. Continuity and Connection. Landscaping shall be designed within the context of the surrounding area, provided that the landscaping is also consistent with these design principles. Where the design intent and the surrounding landscape is naturalistic, plant materials shall blend well with adjacent properties, particularly where property edges meet, to create a seamless and natural landscape. Where the design intent and the surrounding landscape is formal, consistent or similar plant

material and spacing shall be utilized. Exceptions shall be made when seeking to create a transition between uses, districts, and tiers.

G. Enhancing Architecture. Landscape designs shall be compatible with and enhance the architectural character and features of the buildings on site, and help relate the building to the surrounding landscape. Major landscape elements shall be designed to complement architectural elevations and rooflines through color, texture, density, and form on both vertical and horizontal planes. Landscaping shall be in scale with on-site and adjacent buildings. Plant material shall be installed at an appropriate size and allowed to accomplish these intended goals. When foundation planting is required, plantings and window boxes shall incorporate artistic elements and be compatible with a building’s architectural character. (Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)