106-4-2.080 Street Trees

The purpose of this section is to provide guidance for the development and maintenance of landscaped areas, both natural and enhanced, and recognize the importance of trees within the community. The City has adopted and implemented landscaping standards to address both aesthetics and conservation concerns for new development. These provisions are included in various chapters of this Code relating to but not limited to water connection/development fees for residential and commercial development, master planned development and subdivision applications, and construction projects subject to sensitive lands criteria. Trees add to the beauty of the community, stabilize surface drainage and soil erosion, and mitigate siltation of streams. A well-designed landscape planting can reduce air and sound pollution, mitigate impacts due to urban heat islands, increase shady areas for pedestrians, and regulate solar radiation and wind control. 1. Street trees required. All new development shall submit a landscaping plan showing areas to be landscaped, including street cross sections and park strips, common areas, and other landscaped areas. Trees, shrubs, and other plantings shall be shown on the plans in accordance with the appropriate regulations and as noted herein. Street trees shall be included in the Financial Guarantee as outlined in Section 106-4-3. 2. Regulations for planting trees and landscaping in the City's right-of-way. Tree planting on public ways shall be coordinated with required open or landscaping areas on private property so as to achieve the most effective use of these areas and to accomplish the purposes of aesthetics and conservation. All trees planted in the public rights-of-way and all tree planting spaces shall be approved by the Planning Division Director who shall supervise such locating and planting according to approved plans and in a manner meeting the following considerations: 1. Replacement. Trees that must be removed shall be replaced by a new planting except in circumstances which the Planning Director deems impractical. 2. Spacing. Unnatural regularity of spacing and arrangement shall be avoided; staggered or irregular locations are preferred, depending upon tree type. 3. Distance from curb and sidewalk, street corners, fire hydrants, utilities, and snow storage. The City shall give special consideration to locations and species of plantings from curb and sidewalk, street corners (clear view triangle areas, as defined in Sec 108-7-7.030 Clear View of Intersecting Streets), fire hydrants, utilities and for snow removal. Determinations will be based on health and safety issues and will be based in what is best for the City’s needs. 4. Irrigation required. The installation of street trees in the City’s right-of-way shall be accompanied by an appropriate irrigation system providing water to the street trees. These irrigation systems shall be the responsibility of the developer to maintain until the adjacent property is sold, after which time it shall be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. All irrigation systems shall be reviewed by the Planning Division Director and installed by the developer at the time the street trees are planted. 5. Species list. A list of plant materials and trees is hereby adopted and maintained separately. These plant materials and trees are approved for use in the City's rights-of-way and public spaces. Any deviation from this list must be approved by the Planning Division Director. Information for each plant regarding botanical name, mature size, light exposure, foliage color, flower season, fruit, and if the plant is native or Water Wise is available through contacting the Planning Division. 6. Additions to required landscaping. Any deviation from the required landscaping plans may be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission, provided the proposed plans meet the minimum standards stated in this Section and other Sections of this Code.