Chapter 11.90
LANDSCAPING, SCREENING, AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Sections:

11.90.010    Purpose.

11.90.020    Landscape screening.

11.90.030    Landscape materials and design requirements.

11.90.040    Maintenance.

11.90.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish landscape, screening, and property maintenance standards to enhance the aesthetic appearance of commercial and industrial property throughout the city. In addition, the standards are established to protect the health and safety of the residents and users of the properties. A landscape plan and maintenance schedule are required as part of the review process. (Ord. 2041 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1024 § 11.03.021, 2001).

11.90.020 Landscape screening.

A. Screening shall provide a filtered, but not blocked, view and may be provided by existing vegetation, landscaped areas, including the use of hedges, berms, fencing or a combination thereof. The use of vegetation (trees and columnar shrubs) is encouraged.

B. Perimeter screening shall be provided as follows:

1. An all-season visual separation and windbreak shall be provided between commercial uses when adjacent to a residential use or district. Perimeter landscaping shall be provided along the side and rear property lines and shall shield the views of industrial or commercial land uses, including outdoor storage, service, parking and loading areas, from roads and adjacent uses. If, however, the rear of the site is adjacent to an agricultural use, no rear yard perimeter screening is required.

2. A 50-foot-wide minimum vegetative buffer strip shall be provided between an industrial use and a residential district. The vegetative buffer shall consist of trees that attain a minimum of seven feet in height. Additional screening may be required between dissimilar land uses, at the discretion of the planning commission.

3. If a parking lot is located adjacent to a street, a perimeter screening minimum of 10 feet in width shall be provided between the street and the parking lot.

4. Trees and columnar shrubs shall be a minimum of four feet in height at the time of planting and shall grow to a minimum of eight feet within five years.

5. Screening requirements may be relaxed if warranted by the use of clustering or shared access, at the discretion of the planning commission.

C. Interior screening shall be required for parking areas according to the following minimum requirements:

1. Landscaping shall be provided at a minimum of 10 percent of the parking area.

2. One tree for every 10/20 (single/double) row parking spaces shall be provided, for summer shade.

3. Minimum tree size at planting shall be two-inch caliper.

4. Trees shall be planted a minimum three feet from curbs and sidewalks.

5. Screening shall include shrubs suitable to be maintained at a height of three feet.

6. Avoid obstructing views of crosswalks, intersections, and streetlights. (Ord. 2041 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1024 § 11.03.022, 2001).

11.90.030 Landscape materials and design requirements.

A. The use of plant materials to achieve a variety of heights, shapes and/or textures upon maturity is encouraged.

B. A combination of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and groundcover shall be used.

C. The use of drought-tolerant plant materials is encouraged.

D. The retention of existing trees is encouraged.

E. Fencing materials shall be attractive, durable, and complement or blend with the natural colors of the surrounding environment. (Ord. 2041 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1024 § 11.03.023, 2001).

11.90.040 Maintenance.

A. Provisions shall be made for the continuing maintenance, including irrigation as necessary, of required landscape areas.

B. Trees and shrubs in required landscaped areas, which die within 12 months of planting, shall be replaced by the property owner.

C. All yards shall be maintained such that there will be no accumulation of silt, mud or standing water causing unsightly or hazardous conditions either within the yard or on adjacent properties.

D. All yards and buildings shall be maintained in a neat, tidy manner, including trimming and upkeep of all landscaped areas, and the removal of debris and unsightly objects.

E. All undeveloped land areas shall be maintained in permanent vegetative cover, or alternatively be landscaped with an approved combination of materials to control runoff.

F. All yards shall be maintained free of noxious weeds consistent with the regulations of the Adams County weed board. (Ord. 2041 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1024 § 11.03.024, 2001).