19.57.050 Landscape Buffers - Types and Descriptions.
When the following types of buffers are required by this chapter, the minimum standards shall be as described below. As an alternative, in all cases except for street frontage landscaping, the shrubs may be eliminated if a six foot (6') sight-obscuring fence or wall is installed.
A. Type I Landscaping: Type I landscaping is a "full screen" that functions as a visual barrier. This landscaping is typically found adjacent to freeways and between residential and non-residential areas. Type I landscaping shall consist of:
1. Primarily evergreen or densely-branching deciduous trees and shrubs placed to form a continuous all-season screen at least six feet (6') tall within three (3) years of planting. Trees and shrubs may be offset or staggered, rather than in a single line. Other deciduous trees and shrubs may be incorporated for seasonal interest, provided the screening function of the landscaping is not compromised. Trees and shrubs shall be spaced so that they will touch or overlap at mature size.
2. Ground cover.
B. Type II Landscaping: Type II landscaping is a "filtered screen" that functions as a visual separator between similar uses. This landscaping is typically found between commercial and industrial uses; between differing types of residential development; and to screen industrial uses from the street. Type II landscaping shall consist of:
1. A mix of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs may be offset or staggered, rather than in a single line.
2. At least one (1) tree and four (4) shrubs shall be provided for each twenty (20) lineal feet of property line being screened.
3. Required shrubs must achieve a height of four feet (4') within three (3) years.
4. Ground cover.
C. Type III Landscaping: Type III landscaping is a "see-through buffer" to provide visual relief between compatible uses and to soften the appearance of streets, parking areas, and building facades. This landscaping is typically found along street frontages or between apartment developments. Type III landscaping shall consist of:
1. One and two family residential subdivisions
a. A mix of trees, with one (1) tree for each forty (40) lineal feet of frontage. Trees may be spaced irregularly or clustered rather than uniformly spaced.
b. Ground cover.
2. All other uses
a. A mix of trees, with one (1) tree for each twenty-five (25) lineal feet of street frontage or facade length or width. Trees may be spaced irregularly or clustered rather than uniformly spaced.
b. A mix of evergreen and deciduous shrubs that do not exceed a height of four feet (4') at maturity, spaced not more than four feet (4') apart.
c. Ground cover.