(a) These regulations apply to all new construction except dwelling structures of three units or less on one parcel of land.
(b) These regulations apply to additions to applicable structures which exceed forty percent of the gross floor area or two thousand square feet, whichever is less. All additions constructed after April 1, 1974, will accumulate to determine eligibility under this requirement.
(c) These regulations shall apply when a previously unpaved parking area is paved.
(d) There shall be a landscaped strip eight feet wide along the public right-of-way. The width of the landscaped strip may be reduced to no less than four feet when in the opinion of the zoning administrator the following conditions are met:
(1) The total square footage of the landscaped strip is not reduced.
(2) The landscaped strip is not counted as part of the interior landscaping required in Section 25-22-20(b).
(3) The reduction in the required width is consistent with the purposes of the landscaping regulations set forth in Section 25-22-01.
EXCEPTIONS:
In industrial zones the landscaping of the four-foot right-of-way behind the valley gutter may be included as part of the eight-foot front landscaped strip if off-street parking area is in front.
(e) Vegetative matter shall cover seventy-five percent of the required landscaped area. Exceptions to this requirements, in unusual situations, may be approved by the zoning administrator on a case-by-case basis.
(f) All planters located adjacent to driveways, loading areas, parking lots and sidewalks shall be protected along the parking lot side with curbs or wheel stops. Alternative treatments may be considered.
(g) Planters containing trees shall be not less than four by four feet (inside dimension). All other planters shall be not less than two feet (inside dimension) in width.
(h) Existing trees shall be evaluated as to their suitability for retention.
(i) Existing trees shall be protected by planters with a minimum radius of the drip line of the tree or fifty percent of drip line plus modifications to paved area allowing for aeration and water penetration. Alternative treatments will be considered.
(j) All landscaped areas shall be provided with an "in the ground" or drip irrigation system.
(k) A fence or wall when used for required screening shall be seventy-five percent opaque. (See Section 25-23-50(g).
(l) When wood, masonry or metal are used for fencing or screening, plants are required every ten feet along the barrier.
(m) Required screen planting shall have a seventy-five percent summer opacity and sixty percent winter opacity within three years of planting.
(n) Trash enclosures shall be screened and designed to city specifications.
(o) One tree shall be planted at least every thirty-five feet along a public right-of-way. The maximum spacing between trees shall be equal to the mature spread of the trees selected. Special consideration may be given to variety and spacing of trees as they relate to proposed signing of the property.
(p) Trees shall be equivalent to five-gallon can size or larger when planted.
(q) Shrubs shall be equivalent to one gallon can size or larger when planted.
(r) All open industrial storage areas shall be screened from all public rights-of-way and adjacent commercial or residential properties to a height of six feet. Screening may be waived for security reasons with the concurrence of the community development director and the police chief.
(s) Landscape designs which do not meet the specific regulation of this article may be approved by the zoning administrator if in his opinion the design meets the intent and purpose of this article as set forth in Section 25-22-01.
(t) Landscaping materials shall be contained so as not to spill into the public right-of-way.
(u) Landscaping shall be installed to city landscaping specifications. (Amended during the March 2009 supplement.)