§ 35-512. Streetscape Planting Standards.

(a)

Applicability.

(1)

Generally - Interior and Exterior Streets. (Streetscape provisions are not applicable on existing exterior streets.) In addition to developments subject to the landscaping standards, above, the following shall be subject to the streetscape planting standards as provided herein:

(A)

All developments with five (5) or more parking spaces; and

(B)

All developments requiring subdivision review.

Streetscape planting standards shall not apply to any street classification unless street trees are required by the street improvement standards, subsection 35-506(d), above. In addition, the streetscape requirement shall not create a major plat from a minor plat.

(2)

Expansion. When a building or parking lot is enlarged, the requirements of this section shall be applied incrementally such that landscaping shall be required in the same proportion that the enlarged building area or off-street parking area has to the existing development. For example, a ten (10) percent increase requires ten (10) percent of the required street trees, with a minimum of one (1) tree to be planted.

(3)

Waivers and Exemptions. Should existing site conditions and/or existing development of the property render the planting of street trees impracticable, the applicant may submit a waiver or modification request in accordance with section 35-483 of this chapter. Local streets within a residential subdivision which service residential lot driveways shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.

(b)

Minimum Requirements.

(1)

Options.

A.

Where no existing or proposed overhead utility lines exist, street trees shall be large trees (see Appendix "E"), planted within the twelve-foot planting strip and shall be located a minimum three (3) feet from the back of the curb (BOC). One (1) large street tree shall be required every fifty (50) feet or fraction thereof, measured as an average of the street frontage along the particular street. Irrigation shall be provided for planted street trees for a minimum of three (3) years for establishment.

B.

If existing or proposed overhead utility lines exist along the right-of-way that are greater than thirty-five (35) feet in height, then the trees shall be medium size (see Appendix "E"), planted within the twelve-foot plant strip and shall be located a minimum of three (3) feet from the back of curb. Medium trees shall be planted every thirty (30) feet. Irrigation shall be provided for planted street trees for a minimum of three (3) years for establishment.

C.

If existing or proposed overhead utility lines exist along the right-of-way that are lower than thirty-five (35) feet in height, then the tree shall be a small tree (see Appendix "E"), planted within the twelve-foot plant strip and shall be located a minimum of three (3) feet from the back of curb. Medium trees shall be planted every thirty (30) feet. Irrigation shall be provided for planted street trees for a minimum of three (3) years for establishment.

D.

As an alternative to the streetscaping requirement in the rights-of-way, requirements may be met by planting large to medium trees within the median. Minimum median width for tree planting will be eighteen (18) feet. Where left turn lanes are provided, the minimum width will be eight (8) feet. One (1) medium tree shall be planted every fifty (50) feet and shall be a minimum of six (6) feet from the BOC. Where left turn lanes and/or crossovers are provided, the planting shall begin fifteen (15) feet from the nose of the turning island. Preservation of existing trees and understory vegetation may be used to meet this requirement. Irrigation shall be provided.

(2)

In no instance for the options established in subsection (b)(1)A, (b)(1)B, and (b)(1)C shall the distance between street trees exceed one hundred feet (100) on center. Street trees shall be planted in an even, linear spacing. If shifts to the linear spacing not exceeding two (2) feet are required due to the location of existing infrastructure, development or required sight distance, these shifts may be approved by the director of development services.

(3)

Preservation of existing trees to meet this requirement is not only permissible, but is recommended. A fifteen-foot existing vegetation buffer along the right-of-way line is required for this option. Waivers for spacing and alignment may be given in order for existing trees to meet the street tree requirement.

(Ord. No. 98697 § 1) (Ord. No. 100126 § 4) (Ord. No. 2006-11-30-1333, § 2, 11-30-06)