25.180.080 Standards for all landscape areas.
(1) All new plants, except those planted on single-family residential properties, shall conform to American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) grades and standards as published in the “American Standard for Nursery Stock” manual (ANSI Z60.1 or latest edition).
(2) Single-stemmed trees required pursuant to this chapter shall at the time of planting conform to the following standards:
(a) Deciduous trees shall have a minimum caliper of one and three-quarters inches and a height of eight feet.
(b) Coniferous evergreen trees shall be at least five feet in height.
(3) Multi-stemmed trees shall be permitted as an option to single-stemmed trees provided that such multi-stemmed trees are:
(a) At least six feet in height;
(b) Not allowed in street rights-of-way;
(4) When the width of any landscape strip, buffer and setback is 15 feet or greater, the required trees shall be staggered in two or more rows.
(5) Shrubs shall be:
(a) At least an ANLA container class No. 2 (two-gallon) size at time of planting,
(b) At least 18 inches in height at the time of planting,
(6) Shrubs within required parking lot landscape areas shall be maintained at a height not exceeding 42 inches.
(7) Live vegetation used as ground cover shall be planted and spaced to result in total coverage of the required landscape area in two years.
(8) Lawns shall be planted with grass species normally grown as permanent lawn in Franklin County. Lawn areas may be sodded, sprigged, or seeded, except that solid sod shall be used in commercial zones for swales or other areas subject to erosion.
(9) Plant selection shall consider adaptability to climatic, hydrologic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the site.
(10) Plants having similar water use characteristics shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones.
(11) Where the landscape materials used in required landscape areas depend on regular watering for sustenance, a water-conserving, automatic or drip irrigation system shall be provided.
(12) Lava rock shall not be permitted in any commercial landscaped areas.
(13) Xeriscape areas may use alternate forms of irrigation, if part of an approved xeriscape plan. In approving an area as a xeriscape area, the City shall apply all or some of the following criteria:
(a) Analysis of the site, considering such factors as slopes, drainage, winds, and existing and proposed site improvements.
(b) Use of appropriate techniques for soil improvements to support plant growth.
(c) Use of low water-demand or drought-resistant turf grasses and plant materials.
(d) Use of mulches and other ground covers in planting areas that cover soil, save moisture, and protect from soil erosion.
(e) Use of an appropriate type of irrigation for each area of the xeriscape landscape.
(f) Use highly efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation. [Ord. 3763 §10, 2006; Code 1970 § 25.75.080.]