11.06.140 Landscaping Plan

A landscaping plan shall be submitted as part of all building permits, and shall demonstrate the following: 1. How the surface of the earth as approved for a building will be maintained to preserve the final grade for the drainage and storm water plan 2. Control of noxious weeds 3. How the danger of wildfire will be limited 4. Economy of maintenance 5. Water use and environmental protection, as well as providing aesthetic enhancement suitable to the project. 6. Lawns are prohibited. 7. No landscaping shall be approved which, upon maturity, shall obstruct the existing views from neighboring properties. 8. For fire protection, trees and tall shrubs shall not be planted closer than 30 feet from new construction. In all cases, such a plan will show the finished grade, location, type, and size of plants. Native or naturalized plant species shall be used in order to conserve water. The purpose of the landscaping requirement in this Title shall be to provide a plan that when implemented, will provide the means to: • Reasonably protect buildings, utilities, surrounding properties and public facilities from damage from surface drainage • Conserve water • Control dust • Increase efficiency of maintenance for landscaped areas • Enhance the appearance of buildings • Protect and enhance the beauty of the property and Town • Stabilize property values by encouraging pleasant and attractive surroundings and thus create the necessary atmosphere for the orderly development of a pleasant community. Landscaping also contributes to the relief of heat, noise, and glare through the proper placement of plants and trees. A. Scope of Requirement. Where landscaping is required, such landscaping shall comply with the requirements set forth in this Section for the specific use and location, and shall be specific enough so that the implementation of the plan can be valued for installation costs, monitored for compliance with the plan by the Town or a third party as approved by the Town and, if required by the terms of this Title, be secured for completion by a construction and a warranty bond. B. Site Grading Plan. Provide reasonable drainage away from the buildings by establishing grade lines to positively control water in coordination with existing or approved storm water drainage plans, to minimize erosion, and to protect landscaped surfaces from damage by concentrated runoff. C. When landscaping is required as a part of any project approved under this Title, such landscape plans shall incorporate compliance with all other required conditions of the Town for the project. D. Maintenance Required. Required landscaped areas shall be maintained in a neat, clean, orderly, and healthful condition. This is meant to include proper pruning, weeding, removal of litter, fertilizing, replacement of dead plants, and the watering as required to establish all native and naturalized plantings. E. Screening Requirements. Where landscape screening is required, said screening shall consist of evergreen shrubs, closely spaced and maintained at substantially the specified height of said required screening. When not otherwise specified, natural screening shall be maintained at a height of at least 6 feet. F. Site Plan Required. Where landscaping is required in this Title, a site plan showing the proposed landscaping development, and use of the property shall be submitted to the Planning Commission. Otherwise, the same plan used to show parking layout or other requirements for the issuance of a building permit may be used to show landscaping, providing all required landscaping is detailed adequately on said plot plan. The Town Council may disapprove such plans if it determines that they are not consistent with the requirements and purposes of this Chapter. G. Non-Conforming Status. Any use of property, which, on the effective date of this Chapter is non-conforming only as to the regulations relating to landscaping, may be continued in the same manner as if the landscaping were conforming, unless such use constitutes a nuisance. H. It is not required that any particular species of plants or grasses shall be provided, except that the landscape plan shall explain the choice for each plant material and demonstrate that the plant material is appropriate to the function of the landscape plan and can survive in this climate with little to no irrigation. The landscape plan shall include water wise plantings and must demonstrate how noxious weed species can be controlled within the landscape plan area.