9-8 Landscaping Requirements

A. Public Right-of-Way: The public right of way shall be landscaped with two inch (2") caliper trees and approved landscaping as described in Section 9-8(G). Landscaping is only required where curb, gutter, and/or sidewalk improvements are required. See Section 4-18 for curb, gutter, and sidewalk requirements. B. Street Frontage Landscaping: A minimum six foot (6’) wide landscaped area shall be installed along the entire frontage of the parcel, unless the buildings are at zero setback. The landscaped public right of way may be included as part of the six-foot requirement. Driveways and sidewalks shall be allowed to cross the six foot (6’) wide landscaped area. The Planning Commission may revise the landscaping plan to ensure the purposes of this chapter are substantively met. C. Landscape Plan Required: A landscape plan including a mix of landscape elements is required for all developments in which landscaping is required. The front, side, and rear yards of lots shall be landscaped and properly maintained with: 1. Living plant materials (e.g., lawn, ground cover, annual and perennial flowering plants, desert plants, vines, shrubs, trees and other plant materials.) planted directly on the property and kept free from all hard surfaces. 2. Use of water (e.g., pools fountain, falls and streams) and sculptures may be included as landscape design materials. 3. Paving materials (e.g., bricks, pavers, flagstones, textured concrete) may be included upon approval of the Planning Commission if they create a useful open space, add color or texture to the design, and create visual interest. 4. Landscaping rocks, gravel or wood chips may be used, provided such area does not cover more than twenty five percent (25%) of the area required to be landscaped. If more than twenty five percent (25%) is desired, approval must be given by the Planning Commission upon a finding that the excess coverage includes enough variety and plant material to fulfill the objectives of this section D. All areas in a development not approved for parking, buildings, or other hard surfacing, shall be landscaped and properly maintained with landscaping materials approved in conjunction with a Site Plan. E. A minimum of one (1) canopy tree in each landscaped area, within a project boundary, shall be required in addition to other trees required in this Title as determined by Planning Commission. F. Plastic Or Artificial Materials Prohibited: Landscape plants shall not include plastic or other artificial materials. G. Minimum Plant Sizes: The following minimum plant sizes shall be used: Landscape Element (Plants) Minimum Size At Planting Shade tree 2 inch caliper, balled and bur lapped Ornamental tree 1 inch caliper Evergreen tree 7 feet in height, balled and bur lapped Shrub 5-gallon container Perennial or ornamental grass or ground cover 10 square foot area Notes: 1. All calipers are measured 1 foot above the finish planting grade. 2. Root barriers shall be installed for all new trees planted adjacent to existing or proposed sidewalks and paving. 3. Building sidewalks on beds of course gravel will cause tree roots to grow deeper – they will not grow through and lift sidewalk. H. Retention of Existing Trees and Plants: Existing trees are encouraged to be retained and shall be accepted in lieu of new plantings. I. Energy Efficiency: All landscaping shall be designed to consider the site and surrounding properties by addressing sun, shade and wind for increased energy J. K. L. M. N. efficiency. 1. Landscaping shall provide a mix of deciduous trees, evergreens, ornamental plants and ground cover to provide year around screening. 2. Deciduous trees shall be included for providing shade in parking lots and around structures. Large trees are encouraged for maximum shade canopy. 3. Evergreen trees shall be included for windbreaks, screening and accent purposes. Spacing: Trees may be grouped together or spaced evenly as approved in the site plan. Clear View Triangle shall be observed in regard to all vegetation near streets and drives. No evergreen trees shall be planted within any sight triangle. The maximum height of any berm, fences, signs or vegetative ground cover at maturity within the view triangle is two feet (2'). The Clear View Triangle is the area of visibility required for the safe operation of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists in proximity to intersecting streets and driveways. The clear view triangle shall be regulated by AASTHO standards for signs and landscaping. Monument Signs: Five foot (5') landscaping strips shall be provided at the base of all monument signs. Installation and Maintenance: Installation of required landscaping shall be the responsibility of the property owner. 1. All plant materials shall be planted according to industry standards, using acceptable topsoil and automatically controlled permanent irrigation systems. 2. All proposed plant material shall be in accord with the American association of nurserymen standards in terms of size, character and quality. 3. All plant materials required within a public landscaped area shall be planted to completion prior to the city's issuance of a certificate of occupancy, unless an assurance completion bond has been provided. 4. Maintenance and replacement of required landscaping and screening shall be the responsibility of the property owner. 5. All plant materials shall be pruned, trimmed, watered and otherwise maintained to create an attractive appearance and a healthy growing condition. No trees shall be severely pruned or topped. 6. Dead, diseased, stolen or vandalized plant materials shall be replaced by the next planting season. 7. Property owners shall keep landscaped areas free of weeds and trash. Not withstanding the requirements herein, a water wise landscaping plan meeting the Utah State Code 10-9a-536 will be accepted. Also see Exhibit J & K