§ 19.25.030. Landscape and irrigation plans.

A.

Information Required. For all projects for which landscaping is required, a landscape and irrigation plan shall be submitted as part of the permit application. A landscape plan shall be drawn to scale and shall at a minimum indicate: proposed plant locations, species, and sizes; any additional landscape features; proposed irrigation systems; and any measures to facilitate plant growth or control erosion.

B.

Alternative Landscape and Irrigation Plan. An applicant who can demonstrate that the intent of Section 19.25.010 can be exceeded, in whole or in part, through a modification of the standards of this Chapter, may submit an Alternative Landscape and Irrigation Plan (ALP) prepared in accordance with the following principles and design criteria. The ALP shall include a narrative that clearly details the modifications being requested and explains how they are superior to standard requirements and how they meet the landscape design principles listed below.

1.

Design Principles. To qualify for consideration, an Alternative Landscape and Irrigation Plan shall demonstrate the following principles:

a.

Innovative use of plant materials and design techniques in response to unique characteristics of the site or the proposed use achieving a better overall design solution then would be created under the landscaping standards of this chapter.

b.

Preservation or incorporation of existing native vegetation.

c.

Incorporation of naturalistic design principles, such as variations in topography, meandering or curvilinear plantings, and grouping of dominant plant materials (trees, large shrubs) in a manner consistent with existing native vegetation.

d.

Integration of landscaping and pedestrian facilities in a manner that improves access or incorporates pedestrian-friendly design, this may include reduced ground-level planting along the front setback if canopy shade trees along sidewalks are provided.

e.

Use of additional shade trees to create a greater canopy effect.

f.

A greater degree of compatibility with surrounding uses than a standard landscape and irrigation plan would offer.

(Ord. 2008-2 Div. II (part), 2008.)