9-402.040 - GENERAL LANDSCAPING STANDARDS

(a)

General. Landscaping may consist of a combination of ground cover materials, shrubs, and trees. Ground cover may include grasses, shrubs, perennials, vines, or other plants. Ground cover also includes mulch, such as gravel, rock, cinder, bark, or other permeable materials. Landscaping may include incidental features, such as stepping-stones, site furniture, water features, art, or other ornamental features placed within a landscaped setting.

(b)

Composition. Where required, planting shall include the installation and maintenance of no less than one item from each of the following groups:

(1)

Group One: Trees;

(2)

Group Two: Shrubs or Vines; and

(3)

Group Three: Ground Cover, Flowers, or Turf.

(c)

Plant Materials.

(1)

Turf Allowance. The maximum amount of turf in required landscape areas is 30 percent for non-residential uses and 50 percent for residential uses, except for turf areas that comprise an essential component of a

project (e.g., golf courses or playing fields), which are exempt from this limit. Turf is prohibited on slopes greater than 20 percent. The Zoning Administrator may grant exceptions for the following areas:

(A)

Cemeteries, schools, and parks; and

(B)

Any area for which the Zoning Administrator finds that the proposed design is in substantial compliance with the purpose and intent of this Chapter.

(2)

Plant Selection.

(A)

Any plant that is not specifically prohibited may be selected for the landscape, providing the Estimated Total Water Use in the landscape area does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance.

(B)

Plants should be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site, including water efficiency. Methods to achieve water efficiency include:

(i)

Using the Sunset Magazine Western Climate Zone System which takes into account temperature, humidity, elevation, terrain, latitude, and varying degrees of continental and marine influence on local climate;

(ii)

Recognizing the horticultural attributes of plants (i.e., mature plant size, invasive surface roots) to minimize damage to property or infrastructure (e.g., buildings, sidewalks, power lines) and to allow for adequate soil volume for healthy root growth; and

(iii)

Using solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade and winter solar gain.

(3)

Native Plant Preference. Native plants, particularly native trees and shrubs, shall be considered as the first alternative when selecting plants.

(d)

Water Features. Recirculating water systems must be used for water features. The surface area of a water feature must be included in the high water use hydrozone area of the required water budget calculation.

(e)

Tree Size. When planted, trees shall be at least five gallons in size.

(f)

Earth Berms.

(1)

An earth berm may count toward the minimum height of any planting, fencing, or wall; and

(2)

Mounds of earth used to screen or for planting shall not maintain a slope greater than 2:1.

(g)

Soil Preparation. Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted soils must be transformed to a friable condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need meet this requirement.

(h)

Mulch. A minimum three-inch layer of mulch must be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, areas receiving closely spaced plugs as a lawn alternative, or direct seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated. To provide habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife, up to five percent of the landscape area may be left without mulch. Stabilizing mulching products must be used on slopes that meet current engineering standards. The mulching portion of the seed/mulch slurry in hydro-seeded applications must meet the mulching requirement.

(i)

Erosion Control. Erosion shall be controlled as follows:

(1)

Slopes created through grading during construction shall be (re)planted with groundcover at a maximum of 18 inches on center or (re)planted with shrubs;

(2)

Slopes shall be restricted to a maximum 2:1 slope ratio;

(3)

Slopes greater than six feet in vertical height shall be planted with groundcover a maximum of 18 inches on center;

(4)

Erosion shall be controlled on all graded sites which remain vacant prior to building construction; and

(5)

Protective netting may be required on an interim basis to ensure bank stability.

(j)

Protective Curbing. Protective six-inch concrete curbs or standard concrete wheel stops shall be required where planting abuts parking stalls, loading areas, driveways, or turn-around areas.

(k)

Timing of Installation. Required landscaping, including irrigation systems, shall be completely installed prior to the use of the property.

(l)

Common Interest Development Guidelines. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, such as a community apartment project, a condominium, or a planned residential development, shall not prohibit, or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low-water use plants as a group.