18.57.050 Landscape Buffers – Types and Descriptions:
When the following types of buffers are required by this chapter, the minimum standards shall be as described below.
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. A minimum of forty (40) points of landscaping shall be installed for every twenty-five (25) linear feet of buffer area.
3. The buffer shall run the entire length of the abutting lot line(s).
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 medium and/or large shrubs. Trees and shrubs should be offset or staggered, rather than in a single line. Tree size refers to size at maturity, and should be chosen based on the ability of the site to support the size of tree chosen. Large trees should be spaced forty feet (40') to sixty feet (60') apart, medium trees should be spaced thirty feet (30') to forty-five feet (45') apart, and small trees should be spaced twenty feet (20') to thirty feet (30') apart. The minimum number of trees required shall be determined by dividing the total frontage by the maximum spacing for the size of tree chosen. Any fraction of a tree shall be rounded up to the next whole number.
2. A minimum of twenty-five (25) points of landscaping shall be installed for every twenty-five (25) linear feet of buffer area.
3. Required shrubs must achieve a height of four feet (4') within three (3) years.
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. A mix of trees. Tree size refers to size at maturity, and should be chosen based on the ability of the site to support the size of tree chosen. Large trees should be spaced forty feet (40') to sixty feet (60') apart, medium trees should be spaced thirty feet (30') to forty-five feet (45') apart, and small trees should be spaced twenty feet (20') to thirty feet (30') apart. The minimum number of trees required shall be determined by dividing the total frontage by the maximum spacing for the size of tree chosen. Any fraction of a tree shall be rounded up to the next whole number.
2. A mix of evergreen and deciduous shrubs.
3. A minimum of eighteen (18) points of landscaping shall be installed for every twenty-five feet (25') feet of property line or facade length or width.
D. Type IV Street Frontage Landscaping. Type IV landscaping is a “see-through buffer” to provide visual relief and to soften the appearance of streets. Type IV landscaping shall consist primarily of trees and include the following:
1. Street trees. Tree size refers to size at maturity, and should be chosen based on the ability of the site to support the size of tree chosen. Large trees should be spaced forty feet (40') to sixty feet (60') apart, medium trees should be spaced thirty feet (30') to forty-five feet (45') apart, and small trees should be spaced twenty feet (20') to thirty feet (30') apart. The minimum number of trees required shall be determined by dividing the total frontage by the maximum spacing for the size of tree chosen. Any fraction of a tree shall be rounded up to the next whole number. Columnar tree varieties shall not be used as street trees.
2. Shrubs and/or groundcover. Shrubs shall not exceed a height of four feet (4') at maturity.
3. The minimum number of landscaping points to be installed for every twenty-five feet (25') of street frontage is as shown in the table in MLMC 18.57.040(A).
4. Exceptions.
a. No additional street frontage landscaping shall be required along East Broadway, where the existing trees and turf grass are maintained by the City.
b. The required landscaping will be turf grass with Armstrong Maple, October Glory Maple, or a Sunburst Locust as the street trees for the following aesthetic corridors:
1) SR 171, Broadway Avenue from 1-90 to Highway 17;
2) Wheeler Road from City Limits to Highway 17;
3) Pioneer Way from Wheeler Road to I-90. (Ord. 2144, 12/9/03; Ord. 1857, 6/8/99)