A. Landscaping shall be primarily vegetative and consist of combinations of trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Non-living natural features may also be incorporated. At least eighty percent (80%) of the ground area required to be landscaped shall be covered by living plant materials.

B. Required landscape plantings shall be suited to the climate, location, and physical conditions of the site. The use of drought-tolerant species is encouraged.

C. All landscaped areas shall be graded to prevent erosion and to facilitate the installation, growth, and maintenance of the landscaping. All turf areas located in public right-of-ways shall have a grade of no greater than 4(h):1(v).

D. Trees and shrubs shall be chosen and located to avoid interference with underground and overhead utility lines or public improvements.

E. Landscaping shall be designed to insure adequate visibility and safety of vehicular traffic, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other users, on and off the proposed site. Height and/or spacing of landscaping may be modified to accommodate sight distances.

F. Other than a fence around an individual one-or two-family dwelling, all fences shall be placed on the inward side of any required perimeter landscaping.

G. To protect against the possibility of all trees in one project being destroyed by disease or pests, a mix of tree species shall be provided in accordance with the following table:

H. Minimum Plant Sizes at Installation:

I. Living ground covers shall provide at least fifty percent (50%) coverage at the time of planting and one hundred percent (100%) coverage within three (3) years, except that grass sod areas shall provide one hundred percent (100%) coverage at installation. Living ground cover is preferred, however materials such as river rock, decorative gravel, wood chips, and bark may be used in limited amounts.

J. If approved by the city, required street frontage landscaping may be placed in city right-of-way. This area shall be maintained by the owner of the property that abuts the right-of-way. The city and other public services shall have the right to remove landscaping placed on city right-of-way for repair, replacement, or installation of utility services. The city will not accept liability for damages to said landscaping from future street expansion, meter reading, or utility installation, inspection, or repair.

K. All required landscaping shall be served by irrigation systems appropriate for the plants.

L. The incorporation of existing vegetation, especially healthy trees, is strongly encouraged. Where existing trees and associated vegetation serve the same or similar function as the required landscaping, they may substitute for the required landscaping, provided trees are healthy and appropriate for the site at mature size. When necessary, existing vegetation shall be supplemented with new plantings to accomplish the specific intent and purpose of this chapter.

M. Landscape requirements contained in this chapter are minimums. Additional landscaping is encouraged.

N. In the event of a conflict between the content of this chapter and other regulations, the more restrictive regulations shall apply.