§ 17.09.090. Natural and landscaped buffers.

A.

Guidelines for the Design of Areas Designated as Natural or Landscaped Buffers. The criteria set forth in this section shall be taken into consideration in the design of all buffer areas shown on the landscaping plan required by Section 17.09.030, including all buffers included to satisfy the requirements of Section 21.62.030 of this code.

1.

The primary purpose of the buffer shall be defined on the landscaping plan and the natural or landscaped buffer shall reflect that definition. The purpose of a buffer may include, but not be limited to, urban streetscape beautification, enhancement of building architecture, visual shielding, noise reduction, wildlife habitat enhancement, and water quality management.

2.

A defined buffer shall comply with the standards for tree preservation as defined in Section 17.09.030(B).

3.

Within the critical area, the buffer shall be consistent with the requisites for habitat protection areas in the critical area (Section 17.09.080(E) of this chapter).

4.

The buffer shall have vertical stratification, i.e., canopy layer, understory and shrub layer, as needed to reflect the stated purpose of the buffer.

5.

The buffer shall have continuous plantings and/or existing vegetation within the designated buffer area, as needed to reflect the stated purpose of the buffer.

6.

The buffer shall be designed in full cognizance of any utility plans, stormwater management plans, sedimentation and erosion control plans, and grading plans. Wherever architecturally or engineeringly possible, interference with designated buffer areas is to be avoided.

7.

Plantings within the buffer area shall not impair access to utilities for their maintenance and repair.

8.

Plantings may not be within or atop any stormwater management structures, but shall be placed to complement their function, if possible.

9.

Where a designated buffer area adjoins other landscaped or natural areas, the developer shall blend the proposed buffer with existing adjacent conditions, with particular attention to the necessity to provide wildlife corridors.

10.

Any landscaping of the designated buffer area shall occur after the placement of sidewalks, roads, driveways, utilities and stormwater management structures which may affect the buffer, and after final grade has been established.

11.

Trees required to be replaced on-site according to Section 17.09.070(A) and (B) shall be placed, as a first priority, within designated buffer areas if additional planting in the buffer is stipulated.

12.

Any changes made in the field to a designated buffer area must first be approved by the Department of Planning and Zoning.

13.

Natural and landscaped buffers within the critical area shall be subject to the requisites of Sections 17.09.080 in addition to the requisites of this section. If there are any inconsistencies between these sections, the more restrictive shall apply.

(Ord. O-1-04 Revised (part), 2005; Ord. O-26-03 § 1 (part): Ord. O-40-88 § 1 (part))

(Ord. No. O-12-16 Amended, § I, 5-23-2016)