A. Landscaping shall be vegetative and consist of combinations of trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Non-living natural features may also be incorporated.

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 to reduce irrigation and maintenance demands. See MLMC 18.57.055(G) Drought Tolerant Landscaping

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. See Table in MLMC 18.57.055.

I. No disturbed ground shall be left exposed. Groundcover or mulch shall cover all disturbed areas that are not built upon or paved.

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. Areas within two hundred feet (200') of the shoreline or associated wetlands are subject to the State of Washington Shoreline Management Act and the City of Moses Lake Shoreline Master Program.

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

P. Landscaping may be included within stormwater facilities, provided it does not impede the functionality of the stormwater facility.

Q. For interior property line buffers, where a buffer meeting the requirements of this ordinance has previously been installed on the adjoining property, an additional buffer is not required along the screened property line.

R. Where buildings are located within 20' of a property line, all landscaping between the building and the property line may be counted toward the required points for the buffer.

S. Subdivision Street Trees. Street trees shall be planted clearly on one side of the side property line or the other, to make clear which owner is responsible for maintaining the tree.

T. Site Distance. Street trees at corners shall be set back at least thirty-five feet (35') from the extended curb line, and must be trimmed to allow at least five feet (5') of clearance from grade to the bottom of the tree canopy. (Ord. 2785, 10/13/15; Ord. 2534, 11/10/09; Ord. 2144, 12/9/03; Ord. 1857, 6/8/99)