HomeMy WebLinkAbout#02 - Landscape Ordinance1
STAFF REPORT DATE: 9/13/2022 DISCUSSION TO: City Council
FROM: Molly Just, Planning Director
AGENDA ITEM: City Code Landscaping Ordinance – Provisions for Screening
INTRODUCTION: As the City continues to develop and uses of different intensities develop side by side the City should review its standards for mitigating the impacts of a more intense use on a less intense use. One of the ways
cities do this is through landscaping standards. The City Council has directed staff to bring this matter to a City Council Workshop for discussion. Staff is seeking direction on any specific changes to bring forward. ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL: Should the City Council consider changes to the City of Lake Elmo Code landscaping provisions that provide screening between more and less intense uses?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
City Code Article VIII Environmental Standards provides for the City’s tree preservation and landscaping
standards for new development. The purpose statement for this article is as follows: “The purpose of this section is to provide regulations of general applicability for property throughout the city that are intended to protect or enhance natural resources and processes, and minimize conflicts between uses.”
Article VIII provides tree preservation standards, recently updated, that layout when a tree preservation plan is necessary, prioritizes preservation of healthy and significant trees, and lays out requirements for tree replacement and protective measures for preserved trees. The second part of Article VIII lays out the City’s landscape requirements. This section was to be updated with the tree preservation standards but changes did not move forward at that time. The landscape requirements lay out when a landscape plan is necessary, sets out minimum size standards for landscape materials, and provides for where landscaping should be located. In regards to perimeter landscaping that can provide a transition between uses, landscaping is required in the setback areas, and to screen parking lots from public spaces and adjacent residential properties. In addition, screening is required to provide visual and noise separation of intensive uses from less intensive uses.
At this City Council Workshop, staff and consultant staff will explain the ordinance provisions and how they work together. The presentation will be oral and visual. You will be able to ask questions to better understand the ordinance and then discuss possible changes. FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENT:
Article VIII Environmental Performance Standards
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ARTICLE VIII ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
105.12.460 Purpose
105.12.470 Tree Preservation
105.12.480 Landscape Requirements
105.12.460 Purpose
The purpose of this section is to provide regulations of general applicability for property throughout the
city that are intended to protect or enhance natural resources and processes, and minimize conflicts
among land uses.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
105.12.470 Tree Preservation
(a)Purpose. Within the City of Lake Elmo, trees and woodlands are considered a valuable asset to
the community. The City places a priority on protecting this asset and finds that it is in the best
interest to regulate the development and alteration of wooded areas within the community. All
applicants shall comply with all the provisions in the Zoning Code which address the preservation
of existing significant trees, including this section. All applicants are encouraged to preserve all
healthy trees of significant value even if the trees do not meet the size requirements to be
considered significant trees.
(b)Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a
different meaning:
Applicant means any person or entity submitting an application to the City for approval of a land
use permit including preliminary plat, final plat, conditional use permit, interim use permit,
planned unit development, variance or grading permit.
Common tree means and includes Ash, Aspen, Basswood, Catalpa, Elm, Hackberry, Locust,
Poplar, Silver Maple, Willow and any other tree not defined as a hardwood deciduous tree or a
coniferous/evergreen tree.
Coniferous/evergreen tree means a wood plant, which, at maturity, having foliage on the
outermost portion of the branches year-round. Tamaracks are included as a coniferous tree
species.
Construction area means any area in which construction activity has or is occurring.
Construction activity means any disturbance to the land that results in the movement of earth, the
alteration in the topography or existing soil cover (both vegetative and non-vegetative) that may
result in accelerated stormwater runoff, leading to soil erosion and movement of sediment into
surface water or drainage systems. Examples of construction activity may include clearing,
grading, filling, excavating, building construction and landscaping.
Construction damage means any action such as filling, scraping, trenching, or compacting the
soil around trees or wounding trees in such a manner that it may result in the eventual death of
the tree.
Critical root zone (CRZ) means an imaginary circle surrounding the tree trunk with a radius
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distance of one (1) foot per one (1) inch of tree diameter. E.g., a 20-inch diameter has a critical
root zone with a radius of twenty (20) feet.
Deciduous hardwood tree means a tree that loses its foliage or leaves annually such as Birch,
Cherry, Hickory, Ironwood, Hard Maples, Oak and Walnut.
Development means any activity or proposal that requires City approval of a preliminary plat,
final plat, building permit, demolition permit, conditional use permit, interim use permit, planned
unit development, variance or grading permit.
Diameter breast height (DBH) means the diameter of trees at breast height, measured 4 1/2 feet
(54 inches) above the ground.
Drip line means the farthest distance away from the trunk of a tree that rain or dew will fall
directly to the ground from the leaves or the branches of the tree.
Healthy tree means a healthy tree has:
(1)A live top (live crown) that is greater than one-third (1/3) the total tree height;
(2)Dead branches that make up less than fifteen percent (15 %) of the total crown;
(3)Less than fifteen percent (15%) of the tree crown with missing branches;
(4)Consistent growth of foliage throughout the live portion of the crown; and
(5)A tree trunk with no open wounds that are greater than one-third (1/3) the diameter of the
tree, with no wounds in contact with the ground and no wounds that have soft, punky
wood or other indication of decay.
New development means all sites with construction activity or development that are not defined
as redevelopment.
Nuisance tree means:
(1)Any living or standing tree or part thereof infected to any degree with a shade tree
disease (see Tree disease below) or shade tree pest;
(2)Any logs, stumps, branches, firewood or other part of dead or dying tree(s) infected with a
shade tree disease or shade tree pest unless properly treated; and
(3)Any standing dead trees or limbs which may threaten human health or property.
Also included are noxious or invasive trees such as Amur Maple, Japanese Barberry, Russian
Olive, Siberian Elm, Buckthorn, Boxelder, and Cottonwood.
Ornamental tree means a small tree, usually less than thirty (30) feet in height at maturity, often
planted for ornamental characteristics such as flowers or attractive bark.
Redevelopment means a site with construction activity that creates new or replaces existing
impervious surface, buildings or structures on a parcel that is fully or partially occupied by
buildings, structures, or other impervious surfaces.
Tree disease means Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma ulmi or Ophiostoma novo-ulmi), oak wilt
(Ceratocystis fagacearum) or any other tree disease of epidemic nature.
Tree pest means Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus plannipenis), European elm bark beetle (Scolytus
multistriatus), Native elm bark beetle (Hylurgopinus rufipes) or any other tree pest with potential
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to cause widespread damage.
Significant tree means a healthy tree measuring a minimum of six (6) inches in diameter for
hardwood deciduous trees, nineteen (19) feet in height or eight (8) inches in diameter for
coniferous/evergreen trees, or twelve (12) inches in diameter for common trees, as defined
herein.
Site means a parcel or area of land within which construction activity, development, or
redevelopment occurs or is to occur.
Specimen tree means a healthy, deciduous hardwood tree measuring equal to or greater than
thirty (30) inches in diameter breast height or a healthy coniferous/evergreen tree measuring
equal to or greater than twenty-five (25) feet in height.
Tree preservation plan means a plan prepared by a certified landscape architect or forester
indicating all of the significant trees in the proposed development or parcel. A Tree Preservation
Plan must include a proposed site plan, a proposed grading plan including all custom graded
lots, a tree inventory that includes the size, species, and location of all significant trees proposed
to be saved and removed on the area of development, and the measures proposed to protect the
significant and specimen trees that are to be saved. The applicant shall have the tree
preservation plan superimposed on the proposed development grading plan.
Woodland evaluation report means a report prepared by a certified landscape architect, forester,
or land surveyor indicating the general location, condition, and species of significant trees on a
parcel planned for future development or grading activity. The report must demonstrate that there
will be no impact to existing significant trees as part of the development or grading activity.
Finally, the report must include the measures proposed to protect significant trees on the site.
(c)Tree preservation standards for developing properties.
(1)Applicability.
a.A tree preservation plan, or suitable alternatives as determined by the City, shall
be submitted and approved by the City for the following activities:
1.New development or redevelopment in any Zoning District. A Tree
Preservation Plan shall be required as part of any new development,
redevelopment, or subdivision application.
2.Any grading or excavation project that results in the movement of greater
than 400 cubic yards of material per acre of site per LEC 105.08.060.
3.If the applicant is able to demonstrate that the proposed development,
redevelopment, construction activity or grading activity includes no impact
to the significant trees on the site, then the applicant may be exempt from
the requirement to submit a Tree Preservation Plan. It is the responsibility
of the applicant to demonstrate that there are no impacts to significant
trees through a Woodland Evaluation Report or some other form of tree
survey or study.
The Tree Preservation Plan shall reflect the applicant's best effort to determine the
most feasible and practical layout of lots, buildings, parking lots, driveways,
streets, storage, storm water management facilities and other physical features,
so the fewest significant and specimen trees are destroyed or damaged.
b.A Tree Preservation Plan is not required for the following activities:
1.The issuance of a development approval for the construction of a single-
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family residence on an existing platted lot of record.
2.The harvesting of trees. For the purposes of this section, "harvesting"
means cutting or clearing trees for purposes relating to forestry operations,
as defined in LEC 105.12.110. "Harvesting" does not include the clearing
of land for purposes of development, even where the trees are sold for
purposes of creating lumber for related purposes.
3.Additions to single-family homes, general homes improvements and the
construction of accessory buildings (i.e., garages, sheds) on residential
properties.
4.Home gardens or an individual's home landscaping, installation, repairs, or
maintenance work.
5.Tree removal related to public improvement projects and maintenance or
repairs to existing streets, roadways, sewers, parks, storm water facilities
and utility infrastructure.
6.Emergency removal of trees to protect the public health and safety or to
alleviate immediate dangers to life, limb, property, or natural resources.
7.Tree removal related to public improvement projects to restore or enhance
woodlands, savannas, or prairies.
8.Removal of dead or dying trees, unless those trees were planted as part of
tree replacement in which case the property owner shall replace such trees
based on the City-approved Tree Preservation Plan for the property.
9.Removal of nonnative trees that the City deems as nuisance or as an
invasive species.
(2)Tree preservation plan. All applicants shall submit a Tree Preservation Plan prepared by
a certified forester or landscape architect in accordance with the provisions of this section.
During the review of an application for a building permit, grading permit, site plan
approval, planned unit development, conditional use permit, interim use permit, or
preliminary plat, the City will review the project and the Tree Preservation Plans according
to the best available layout in order to preserve significant trees and to ensure that the
applicant used the best possible design to mitigate and minimize construction damage to
significant trees.
(3)Tree preservation plan requirements. The tree preservation plan shall be a separate plan
sheet(s) that includes the following information:
a.The name(s), certification(s), telephone number(s) and address(es) of the
person(s) responsible for tree preservation during the course of the development
project.
b.Tree inventory. The Tree Preservation Plan must include a Tree Inventory through
one of the following methods:
1.Individual tree inventory. An individual tree inventory including an
identification system linked to metal field tags located four and one-half (4
1/2) feet from grade on all significant trees must be identified on a plan
sheet in both graphic and tabular form.
2.Tree inventory sampling. In cases of sites with large tracts of significant
trees, the City may approve the use of a sampling inventory for all or
portions of a site as an alternative to an individual tree inventory. The
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sampling inventory must include the methodology for sampling,
identification ribbon around the perimeter of the sampling areas, and metal
field tags located four and one-half (4 1/2) feet from grade on all significant
trees in the sampling area. Within the sampling area, the quantity, size,
species, health and location of all significant trees must be identified on a
plan sheet in both graphic and tabular form. Based on sampling, total
estimates and locations of healthy significant trees shall be provided.
3.Combination tree inventory. With the approval of the city, sites that include
both large tracts of significant trees and areas of individual significant trees
may utilize a combination of the individual and sampling inventory
methods.
c.Trees that were planted as part of a commercial business such as a tree farm or
nursery do not need to be inventoried on an individual tree basis. A general
description of the trees and an outer boundary of the planted area must be
provided. The burden of proof shall be on the applicant to provide evidence to
support the finding that the trees were planted as part of a commercial business.
d.A listing of healthy significant trees inventoried in subsection (c)(3)b of this
section. Dead, diseased, nuisance or dying trees do not need to be included in the
totals.
e.A listing of the healthy significant trees removed, identified by the metal field tag or
some other form of identification used in the tree inventory in subsection (c)(3)b of
this section.
f.A listing of the healthy significant trees to remain, identified by the metal field tag
or some other form of identification used in the tree inventory in subsection (c)(3)b
of this section.
g.Outer boundary of all contiguous wooded areas, with a general description of
trees not meeting the significant tree size threshold.
h.Locations of the proposed buildings, structures, or impervious surfaces.
i.Delineation of all areas to be graded and limits of land alteration and disturbance.
j.Identification of all significant trees proposed to be removed within the
construction area. These significant trees should be identified in both graphic and
tabular form.
k.Measures to protect significant and specimen trees and City standard tree
protection detail.
l.Size, species, number and location of all replacement trees proposed to be
planted on the property in accordance with the Mitigation Plan, if necessary.
m.Signature of the person(s) preparing the plan.
(4)Implementation. All new construction areas, development sites, and redevelopment sites
shall be staked, as depicted in the approved Tree Preservation Plan, and the required
tree protection fencing shall be installed around the critical root zone before land
disturbance is to commence. The City has the right to inspect the site at any time for
compliance with the plan. No encroachment, land disturbance, trenching, filling,
compaction, or change in soil chemistry shall occur within the fenced areas protecting the
critical root zone of the trees to be saved.
(5)Allowable tree removal. Up to thirty (30) percent of the diameter inches of significant trees
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on any parcel of land being developed, redeveloped, graded, or proposed for construction
activity may be removed without having to adhere to the tree replacement requirements.
Replacement according to the tree replacement schedule is required when removal
exceeds more than thirty (30) percent of the total significant tree diameter inches. The
following types of trees do not need to be included as part of the tally of tree removals:
a.Dead, diseased, nuisance, or dying trees;
b.Trees that are transplanted from the site to another appropriate area within the
City;
c.Trees that were planted as part of a commercial business, such as a tree farm or
nursery (subject to verification by the City); or
d.Trees that were planted by the current property owner. In making such a
determination, the City shall consider consistency of the age of the trees, any
patterns in the location of trees, historical aerial photography and evidence of
intentional planting such as invoices, formal planting plans or cost sharing
agreements.
(6)Mitigation plan.
a.In any new development, redevelopment, new construction area, or grading
project where the allowable tree removal is exceeded, the applicant shall mitigate
the tree loss by planting replacement trees in appropriate areas within the
development in accordance with the Tree Replacement Schedule.
b.The form of mitigation to be provided by the applicant shall be determined by the
City.
c.The planting of trees for mitigation on residential projects shall be in addition to
any other landscape requirements of the City.
d.All trees, with the exception of ornamental trees, planted as landscaping on
commercial or mixed-use projects may be counted towards tree replacement
requirements.
(7)Tree replacement calculations. Thirty (30) percent of the total diameter inches of
significant trees on the site of new construction, new development, or redevelopment may
be removed without replacement. The applicant shall plant all required replacement trees
on the site of the proposed new construction, new development, or redevelopment. The
following calculation procedure must be used to determine tree replacement
requirements:
a.Tally the total number of diameter inches of all significant trees on the site.
b.A calculation must be provided which breaks out the number of inches removed
for hardwood, evergreen/deciduous, and common trees. The thirty (30) percent
removal figure applies to each category individually and trees are replaced
according to the Tree Replacement Schedule in subsection (c)(8) of this section.
(8)Tree replacement schedule. Tree removals over the allowable tree removal limit on the
parcel or site of new construction, new development, or redevelopment shall be replaced
according to the following schedule:
a.Common tree species shall be replaced with new trees at a rate of one-fourth (1/4)
the diameter inches removed.
b.Coniferous/evergreen tree species shall be replaced with new coniferous or
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evergreen trees at a rate of one-half (1/2) the diameter inches removed. Since
coniferous species are often sold by height rather than diameter inch, the following
conversion formula can be used: Height of Replacement Coniferous Tree/2 equals
Diameter Inches of Credit.
c.Hardwood deciduous tree species shall be replaced with new hardwood
deciduous trees at a rate of one-half (1/2) the diameter inches removed.
d.Replacement tree size. Replacement trees must meet the minimum sizes listed in
LEC 105.12.480.
(9)Species requirement. The City must approve all species used for tree replacement.
Ornamental trees are not acceptable for use as replacement trees. Where ten (10) or
more replacement trees are required, not more than thirty (30) percent of the replacement
trees shall be of the same species of tree. The planting of native species is encouraged,
and hardiness and salt tolerance of the plants should be considered where applicable.
(10)Warranty requirement. Any replacement tree which is not alive or healthy, as determined
by the City, or which subsequently dies within two (2) years after the date of the initial
landscape inspection and acceptance by the City or of the project closure, whichever
occurs later shall be removed by the applicant and replaced with a new healthy tree
meeting the same minimum size requirement within eight (8) months of removal.
(11)Protective measures. The Tree Preservation Plan shall identify and require the following
measures to be utilized to protect significant trees planned for preservation:
a.Before any grading or construction activity, the applicant shall install snow fencing
or polyethylene laminate safety netting at the drip line or at the perimeter of the
critical root zone, whichever is greater, of significant trees, specimen trees and
significant woodlands to be preserved. No grade change, construction activity,
parking, or storage of materials shall occur within this fenced in area.
b.Measures to be taken so that oak trees are not wounded, trimmed, pruned, or
damaged in any way (root, bark, branches, etc.) between the dates of March 15
and October 31. Measures to be taken to ensure that any oak trees pruned or
trimmed have any cut areas sealed with an appropriate nontoxic tree wound
sealant.
c.Prevention of change in soil chemistry due to concrete washout and leakage or
spillage of toxic materials, such as fuels or paints.
d.Removal of any nuisance or dead trees located in areas to be preserved.
e.Installation of erosion control methods.
(12)Additional protective measures. The City encourages applicants to use the following tree
protection measures to protect the root zones and to prevent damage to significant and
specimen trees that the applicant intends to preserve;
a.Installation of retaining walls or tree wells to preserve trees.
b.Placement of utilities in common trenches outside of the drip line of significant and
specimen trees or use of tunneled utility installation.
c.Use of tree root aeration, fertilization, or irrigation systems.
(13)Compliance with the tree preservation plan. The applicant shall implement the Tree
Preservation Plan prior to and during any grading or construction activities. The tree
protection measures shall remain in place until all grading, and construction activity is
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terminated or until a request to remove the tree protection measures is made to, and
approved by, the City.
a.No significant trees shall be removed until the Tree Preservation Plan is approved
by the City and except in accordance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan.
b.If an applicant damages or removes a significant tree that is intended to be
preserved to the point that City staff believes the tree will not survive, the applicant
must remit to the City a cash mitigation, calculated per diameter inch of the
removed or damaged tree in the amount set forth in the City fee schedule.
c.The City shall have the right to inspect the site in order to determine compliance
with the approved Tree Preservation Plan. The city shall determine whether the
Tree Preservation Plan has been met.
d.Instances where a significant tree is removed due to new development,
redevelopment, new construction activity or were disturbed, and the removal was
not noted on the landscaping or tree removal plan will result in a one-to-one
replacement penalty regardless of if the removal is over the thirty percent (30%)
allowance.
(d)Tree protection standards for non-developing properties.
(1) Existing developed commercial, industrial, and mixed-use properties.
a.Trees that are removed in an existing commercial, industrial, or mixed-use
development must be replaced in accordance with the original landscaping plan,
unless the property owner has obtained City approval for an alternative
landscaping plan. If the original landscaping plan is not able to be found, trees
identified by the most recent aerial photo of the property will be assumed to be
part of the original landscape plan.
b.Trees that are removed that were part of a designated tree preservation area must
be replaced in accordance with the tree replacement requirements outlined in LEC
105.12.470. The thirty percent (30%) allowable tree removal limit does not apply
in these situations.
(e)Financial security. In cases where mitigation or tree replacement is required, the City may require
that a financial security, in a form acceptable to the City, be provided as part of a development
agreement, site improvement agreement or applicable permit to ensure compliance and
performance of the Mitigation Plan. The financial security will be released to the applicant upon
verification by the City that the Mitigation Plan was followed, and that all replacement trees are
planted and are healthy. The financial security may be used to replace any replacement trees
that have become damaged, are not healthy, or are diseased after planting.
(f)Exceptions.
(1)Exception standards. Notwithstanding the City's desire to accomplish tree preservation
and protection goals, there may be instances where these goals are in conflict with other
City objectives. These conflicts will most likely occur on small, heavily-wooded parcels.
The City recognizes there may be instances where it is not practical or reasonable to
have an applicant plant the total required replacement trees on the site. The City
encounters applicants to have the required number of replacement tress plant on the site
of as much as possible. The City will only approve the use of fee-in-lieu of tree
replacement or other mitigation methods when all the required tree replacement cannot
practically or reasonably occur on the site in the judgement of the City.
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Applicants may ask the City to approve exceptions to the City's tree preservation and
replacement standards. The City Council may grant exceptions if all of the following
conditions exist:
a.It is not feasible to combine the subject parcel with adjacent parcels that could use
the parcel as required green space;
b.Strict adherence to the City's tree preservation and replacement standards would
prevent reasonable development that is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan
and desirable to the City on the parcel; and
c.The exception requested is the minimum needed to accomplish the desired
development or redevelopment.
(2)Reduced mitigation for exceptions. If the City Council approves an exception to the tree
preservation standards, relief from the requirements of the standards may take the form
of reduced mitigation requirements, greater allowable tree removal, higher thresholds for
determining significant trees, or any combination of the above. The City Council will
determine which form of relief best balances the objectives of the City and tree
preservation.
The City Council may require payment to the City of a fee-in-lieu of tree replacement,
payment of additional park dedication fees; the implementation of woodland management
practices by the applicant; or the planting of replacement trees on City property by the
applicant under direction of the City Public Works Director; or a combination of these
methods as a condition of the City approving relief or an exception from the City tree
preservation and replacement standards. The amount of the fee-in-lieu of tree
replacement is set forth in the City's fee schedule.
HISTORY
Amended by Ord. 08-247 on 7/20/2021
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
105.12.480 Landscape Requirements
All development sites shall be landscaped, as provided in this section, in order to control erosion and
runoff, moderate extremes of temperature and provide shade, aid in energy conservation, preserve
habitat, provide visual softening of, especially, urban development, and generally enhance the quality of
the physical environment within the city.
(a)Landscape plan required. A landscaping plan is required for all new commercial, industrial,
institutional, and multifamily development, all planned unit developments, and all subdivisions,
with the exception of minor subdivisions, as defined in this chapter. The landscape plan shall be
prepared by a certified landscape architect and include the following:
(1)The location, size, quantity, and species of all existing and proposed plant materials.
(2)Methods for protecting existing trees and other landscape material, consistent with LEC
105.12.470.
(3)Structural and ground cover materials.
(4)Provisions for irrigation and other water supplies.
(5)Details and cross-sections of all required screening.
(6)Special planting instructions.
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(7)City standard plan notes and drawings.
(8)Utilities and driveways shall also be clearly shown on the plans.
(b)Design considerations. The following design concepts and requirements shall be considered
when developing a landscape plan.
(1)To the maximum extent possible, the landscape plan shall incorporate existing trees and
other vegetation on the site.
(2)Landscaped areas should be of adequate size to allow proper plant growth, protect
plantings from vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and provide adequate areas for plant
maintenance.
(3)A variety of trees and shrubs should be used to provide visual interest year-round. No
more than 50 percent of the required number of trees and shrubs may consist of any one
species. A minimum of 25 percent of the required number of trees shall be deciduous
shade trees, and a minimum of 25 percent shall be coniferous trees. Ornamental trees
may be used when applied towards landscaping requirements. However, the number of
trees shall not exceed 15 percent of the required amount.
(4)Final slopes greater than 3:1 will not be permitted without special treatment such as
terracing, retaining walls, or special ground covers.
(5)All plant materials, except trees planted per the tree replacement schedule, shall meet the
following minimum size standards in Table 6-1. Trees planted per the tree replacement
schedule shall meet the minimum requirements outlined in LEC 105.12.470(c)(8)d.
Table 6-1: Minimum Size Standards for Landscape Materials
Plant Type Minimum Size at Planting
Trees:
Evergreen 6 feet in height
Deciduous--shade 2.5 inches caliper, measured six inches
from base
Deciduous--ornamental 2 inches caliper, measured six inches
from base
Shrubs:
Evergreen # five container*
Deciduous # five container*
Shrubs used for screening (evergreen or
deciduous) # five container*
* Approximately five gallons. See American Standards for Nursery Stock, ANSI 260.1-
2004 for exact specifications.
* This table and its requirements do not apply to the tree replacement schedule.
(6)As an alternative to the minimum standards for landscape materials, a landscape plan
prepared by a qualified professional certifying that said plan will meet the intent of this
section may be submitted.
(7)As a general rule, trees should be planted ten feet away from all utilities including water
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and sewer stubs unless approved by the city's landscape architect.
(c)Landscaping of setback areas. All required setbacks not occupied by buildings, parking, paths or
plazas shall be landscaped with turf grass, native grass, trees, shrubs, vines, perennial flowering
plants, and surrounding pervious ground cover.
(1)A minimum of one tree shall be planted for every 50 feet of street frontage, lake shore or
stream frontage, or fraction thereof.
a.Trees adjacent to streets shall be planted within the front yard and may be
arranged in a cluster or placed at regular intervals to best complement existing
landscape design patterns in the area.
b.Salt tolerance and root structure should be considered when selecting tree
species adjacent to streets, sidewalks and parking areas.
c.Where property abuts a lake or stream, trees shall be planted at intervals of no
more than 50 feet along the shoreline, except where natural vegetation is
sufficient to meet this requirement.
(2)In addition to the requirements of subsection (c)(1) of this section, a minimum of five trees
shall be planted for every one acre of land that is disturbed by development activity. Such
trees may be used for parking lot landscaping or screening as specified in subsections (d)
and (e) of this section.
(d)Interior parking lot landscaping. The purpose of interior parking lot landscaping is to minimize the
expansive appearance of parking lots and provide shaded parking areas. Landscaping shall
consist of planting islands, medians and borders, comprising the required planting area specified
under subsection (d)(1) of this section.
(1)At least five percent of the interior area of parking lots with more than 30 spaces shall be
devoted to landscape planting areas. Areas may consist of islands or corner planting
beds.
(2)Shade trees shall be provided within the interior of parking lots (in islands or corner
planting beds) in accordance with the following table:
Table 6-2: Minimum Required Tree Planting for Parking Lots
Number of Parking Spaces Minimum Required Tree Planting
0--30 None required
31--100 1 tree per ten spaces or fraction thereof
101+ 1 tree per 15 spaces or fraction thereof
(e)Perimeter parking lot landscaping. Parking areas shall be screened from public streets and
sidewalks, public open space, and adjacent residential properties. The perimeter of parking
areas shall be screened as follows:
(1)With the exception of VMX area, a landscaped frontage strip at least five feet wide shall
be provided between parking areas and public streets, sidewalks, or paths. If a parking
area contains over 100 spaces, the frontage strip shall be increased to eight feet in width.
a.Within the frontage strip, screening shall consist of either a masonry wall, fence,
berm, or hedge or combination that forms a screen a minimum of 3 1/2 and a
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maximum of four feet in height, and not less than 50 percent opaque on a year-
round basis.
b.Trees shall be planted at a minimum of one deciduous tree per 50 linear feet
within the frontage strip.
(2)Alongside and rear property lines abutting residential properties or districts, screening
shall be provided, consisting of either a masonry wall, fence or berm in combination with
landscape material that forms a screen a minimum of four feet in height, a maximum of
six feet in height, and not less than 90 percent opaque on a year-round basis. Landscape
material shall include trees, planted at a minimum of one deciduous or coniferous tree per
40 linear feet along the property line.
(f)Screening. Screening shall be used to provide visual and noise separation of intensive uses from
less intensive uses. Where screening is required in the city Code between uses or districts, it
shall consist of either a masonry wall or fence in combination with landscape material that forms
a screen at least six feet in height, and not less than 90 percent opaque on a year-round basis.
Landscape material shall include trees, planted at a minimum of one deciduous or coniferous
tree per 40 linear feet along the property line. Additional landscape material, such as shade trees
or trellises, may be required to partially screen views from above.
(g)Maintenance and installation of materials. Installation and maintenance of all landscape materials
shall comply with the following standards:
(1)All landscape materials shall be installed to current industry standards.
(2)Irrigation or other water supply adequate to support the specified plant materials shall be
provided.
(3)All required landscaping and screening features shall be kept free of refuse and debris.
(4)All landscape materials shall be guaranteed for two years. Any landscape material that
dies or becomes diseased before the end of the second year after installation shall be
replaced by the developer.
(5)Continuing maintenance and replacement of landscape materials shall be the
responsibility of the property owner beyond two years of initial installation.
(h)Financial security. The city will require that a financial security, in a form acceptable to the city,
be provided as part of a development agreement or applicable permit to ensure compliance and
performance of the landscape plan. The financial security will be released to the applicant upon
verification by the city that the landscape plan was followed, and that all landscape materials are
planted and in a reasonable state of health. The financial security may be used to replace any
landscape materials that have become damaged or diseased after planting. Adequate security
must be retained to ensure performance for at least two years after the installations have been
completed.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021