14.240.010 General Provisions.
A. Purpose. The intent of this chapter is to provide landscaping and site buffering requirements for proposed developments in order to:
1. Maintain and protect property values.
2. Enhance the appearance of the development.
3. Preserve any existing natural wooded character.
4. Reduce erosion.
5. Promote utilization of natural systems.
6. Provide permeable surface areas to recharge subsurface aquifer and reduce quantity of storm water runoff.
7. Maintain or replace existing vegetation.
8. Provide screening between different land uses.
9. Promote public safety.
10. Moderate the microclimate.
11. Minimize noise, glare, and other negative impacts.
12. Protect and enhance watercourses, riparian habitat, and associated wildlife.
13. Provide a transition between different land uses.
14. Reduce impacts of development on the storm drain system.
B. Scope. The landscape standards in this chapter are minimum requirements. This chapter does not apply to the development of individual single family residential lots.
C. Submittal requirements. All proposed development or redevelopment proposals shall include plans for landscaping in accordance with an approved landscaping plan that meets the requirements of this Chapter. If irrigation is to be provided, then plans shall be submitted with the landscape plans. Any existing significant trees shall be shown on the plans. Plans shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, certified nurseryman or other trained person determined by the City Planner as competent to provide acceptable landscape plans. Tree preservation plans shall be prepared by a certified arborist or landscape architect. All plans shall be drawn to a minimum scale of 1”=30’ and fit on a maximum sheet size of 24” x 36”. Landscaping plans shall identify the common name, the quantity, and location of any plant material used. The landscape plan and existing vegetation plan shall show the following:
1. Methods of protection.
2. Dripline of trees to be saved.
3. Location of all proposed underground utilities.
4. Site improvements, including building eaves, foundations, paving and areas to be graded (cut and fill).
D. Approvals. All landscape plans shall be reviewed and approved by the City Planner or designated representative, prior to the issuance of a building permit for the related structure.
E. Exemptions. The following activities are exempt from the requirement to obtain plan approval:
1. Maintenance of required landscape areas.
2. Replacement of plants or plant material, which are dead or damaged.
F. Alternative landscaping options. The applicant can submit for consideration a landscaping plan that differs from the specific criteria set forth in this chapter, if the proposed landscaping complies with the stated purpose and intent of the chapter and, in the opinion of the Design Review Board or City Planner, is more effective than would result by following this chapter.