Wauchula |
Code of Ordinances |
Part III. UNIFIED LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE |
Article 3. DEVELOPMENT DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS |
§ 3.07.00. Compatibility, Landscaping, and Buffering Standards.
3.07.01 Purpose and Intent The City Commission finds that landscaping makes important contributions to the public safety and the general welfare of the City. The purpose and intent of this Section is to set forth requirements and standards for the provision of canopy trees, buffer yards, the conservation of native plants and trees, and the conservation of water resources in the City. Specifically, it is intended that buffer yards will aid in reducing the potential negative impacts caused by glare, noise, dust, dirt, litter, odors and view of various land uses on adjacent land uses.
It is further intended that the planting of canopy trees will aid in lowering the ambient temperature of the air through increased shading; in conserving water; in enhancing the appearance of properties; in improving property values; and generally in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public through the improvement of the quality of the human environment. As part of the development approval process, the City of Wauchula shall ensure that all new development is properly buffered to prevent adverse impacts on surrounding land uses.
3.07.02 Applicability and Exemptions
(A)
Applicability. Except as specifically excluded in the exemptions below, the requirements and regulations of this Article shall apply to the following:
(1)
The construction of any new building or improvements that require off-street parking and other impervious surfaces to be constructed on the site, other than a single-family, detached residence or duplex that are exempt from all provisions of this Section.
(2)
The alteration of existing structures or improvements, other than a single-family, detached residence and duplex, where the alteration adds usable floor area that requires additional off-street parking and other impervious surfaces to be constructed on the site.
(3)
The construction or expansion of off-street parking and/or loading areas.
(4)
The paving of any existing unpaved off-street parking and/or loading areas.
(5)
Any change of use which results in the property becoming a higher impact/higher intensity use.
(B)
Exemptions. The development, redevelopment, reconfiguration, expansion, or change of use of any site requiring review by the City must comply with all elements of this Article, unless any of the following exemptions apply:
(1)
Enlargement or repair of a single family or duplex residence unless specifically stated otherwise.
(2)
New single-family and duplex development on individual residential lots are exempt from all provisions of this Article, except the requirement of two large or medium sized trees per residential lot, or one tree per attached unit.
(3)
Bona fide agriculture.
(4)
Buildings and structures are not counted as impervious surface for calculating the areas that must be shaded with canopy trees.
(5)
Swimming pools and the area specifically designed to be the deck or pool apron abutting the pool are exempt from canopy requirements.
(6)
Docks, piers, seawalls, boardwalks, and other improvements designed to serve pedestrians near the water or in the use of boats are exempt from canopy requirements. Paved areas abutting a seawall, dock, or pier are exempt to a maximum width of ten feet.
(7)
Paved surfaces within the supporting cables of a radio, television, or microwave tower or a cable television satellite receiver, are exempt from canopy requirements.
(8)
The Historic Zoning District is exempt from all provisions of this Section. See regulations for this District in Article 2, Section 2.05.00.
3.07.03 Landscaping Plans and Permits
(A)
Prior to the issuance of any Certificate of Occupancy, all landscaping must be in place.
(B)
Landscape Plan Required. For development requiring a landscape plan: Prior to issuance of any Development Permit, the Landscape Plan shall be submitted and approved, showing tree canopy and buffer yard information required by this Section. The Landscape Plan shall be drawn to a scale with sufficient clarity and detail to indicate the type, nature, and character of the improvements on the site, and the relative location of all landscaping in relation to said improvements. The Landscape Plan may be submitted separately, but shall be a part of the Site Development Plan, when a Site Development Plan is required under Section 7.05.00.
(C)
When landscaping is required under this Article, no building, grading, or site preparation shall be allowed until the landscape plan has been approved by the Development Director. The plan shall be dated and stamped approved by the City and only these plans and the requirements of this Article shall govern the construction of the site landscaping and subsequent maintenance inspections. A permit shall be obtained for the project within 12 months of the approval date of the approved landscape plan or the plan shall become invalid, unless granted an extension.
(D)
At the discretion of the Development Director, installation of plants may be postponed to the period of the year most appropriate for planting the particular species. If this requirement results in the planting of some or all of the landscaping subsequent to development approval, a performance bond shall be posted prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, in an amount sufficient to insure that the required landscaping is installed.
3.07.04 Landscaping Landscaping shall include the conservation of native plants and trees; the selection and planting of canopy trees to shade parking areas and other impervious surfaces; and the design, the selection of trees and shrubbery, the planting and the establishment of buffer yards.
3.07.04.01 Selection of New Trees and Shrubs; Site Conditions Canopy trees, small trees for buffer yards, and shrubbery that are best acclimated to the environment in the City (Florida Friendly) are listed in Tables 3.07.10(A) through 3.07.10(F). Canopy areas shown in Tables 3.07.10(A) and 3.07.10(B) are for the mature growth canopy of each tree, which shall be the credit for canopy at the time of planting. In order to satisfy the requirements of this Section, trees and shrubs from these lists must be selected for new landscape installations.
All plants installed on the site shall be in accordance with the plans stamped approved by the City. In addition:
(A)
All plants shall be "Florida No. 1" or better, shall be healthy and free of diseases and pests, and shall be selected from Tables 3.07.10(A) through 3.07.10(F).
(B)
Canopy trees shall not be less than 10 feet in height and four inches in diameter at the time of planting. Small trees shall be a minimum of six feet in height and 1.5 inches in diameter at the time of planting;
(C)
Palm trees may not be counted as canopy trees, as they provide little or no shade, but they may be counted as shrubs in buffer strips;
(D)
Canopy trees must reach a minimum of 25 feet at maturity;
(E)
Shrubs shall not be less than 30 inches at planting, with the capability of reaching maturity within two years;
(F)
Vines, when used in conjunction with fences, screens or walls, shall cover a minimum of 30 square inches and maintain a minimum of 2.5 feet in height one year after planting;
(G)
Ground covers used in lieu of grass shall provide full coverage within one year from planting; and
(H)
Mulch shall consist of a minimum of three inches of chipped material or two inches of rock. A pre-emergent herbicide or weed barrier cloth shall be incorporated at the time of planting; and
(I)
Grass seed shall be sown for immediate effect and solid sod shall be used in areas subject to erosion (slopes of 6:1 or greater).
3.07.04.02 Preservation of Existing Trees and Shrubs
(A)
No person, organization, society, association, or corporation shall cut down, destroy, remove or effectively destroy through damage, any tree situated within the City of Wauchula without first obtaining a permit. A tree is defined for this purpose as having a diameter of twelve inches measured 4.5 feet above ground level, and having a height of ten feet or more.
(B)
Applications for a tree removal permit shall be filed with the Development Director and shall contain a sketch of the site; approximate location of all trees; and designation of trees to be removed.
(C)
Except on a single-family residential lot that is not being prepared for development, a tree may not be removed unless one of the following conditions exists.
(1)
The tree is located where a structure or improvement is proposed to be placed and it unreasonably restricts the permitted use of the property;
(2)
The tree is diseased, injured, or in danger of falling too close to existing or proposed structures.
(3)
It is in the welfare of the general public that the tree be removed for a reason other than set forth above.
(4)
Dead trees may be removed without a permit; and pruning and trimming may be performed without a permit.
(5)
The Development Director may waive the tree removal permit requirement after a major storm event.
(D)
As a condition to the granting of a permit for removal, the applicant may be required to relocate the tree somewhere within the site or replace the tree with another tree.
(E)
During land clearing and construction, the developer shall clearly mark all trees to be maintained and shall erect and maintain barriers around all such trees.
(F)
During construction of any development, the developer shall not allow the cleaning of equipment or material within the crown of any tree or groups of trees to be maintained.
(G)
An existing canopy tree shall be preserved whenever possible and its canopy calculated as it exists or from Table 3.07.10(A) or (B), whichever is greater. When a buffer is to be provided by preserving existing trees and shrubs, all healthy species growing in the location shall be acceptable to the City, and shall be maintained in their natural setting.
(H)
Credits for Existing Trees. Where trees are required under this section, credit for the use of existing trees shall be given according to the tree size as provided in the following table:
Table 3.07.04.02(A) Tree Credit for Existing Trees
Crown Spread
(in Feet)Avg. Diameter at 4.5 feet above the Ground (in Inches) Number of
credits90 or more 35 or more 7 60-89 30 to 34 6 50-59 25 to 29 5 40-49 20 to 24 4 30-39 15 to 19 3 20-29 10 to 14 2 5-19 2 to 9 1 Section 3.07.04.03 Canopy Tree Requirements.
Minimum Number of Canopy Trees. Unless otherwise provided in this section, the minimum number of canopy trees, exclusive of buffers, to be planted or preserved upon each lot is as follows:
Existing trees may be used to satisfy this requirement on individual development parcels provided they are not specifically listed as an invasive species in the most recent Invasive Plant List of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.
Section 3.07.04.04. Minimum Tree Planting Height, Planting Area and Distance from Pavement.
Table 3.07.04.04(A) Tree Planting Height, Area, and Distance from Pavement
Maximum Tree Size at Maturity Minimum Planting Height Planting Area Minimum Distance from Pavement (Small) Less than 30 feet tall 6 feet 50—150 square feet 2 feet (Medium) Less than 50 feet tall 8 feet 150—300 square feet 4 feet (Large) Taller than 50 feet 10 feet More than 300 square feet More than 6 feet (Source: University of Florida "Planting Area Guidelines," 2011; planting area and distance from pavement; based on minimum 3' soil depth).
All newly planted trees shall be staked and guyed immediately after installation and shall remain supported until the root systems have established themselves to adequately support the tree.
Section 3.07.04.05. Minimum Shrub Planting Requirements. Shrubs shall be a minimum of one foot tall at the time of planting, except where they are to act as required screening for residential uses and districts, in which case they shall be a minimum of three feet in height at the time of planting and maintained at a minimum height of five feet at maturity. One foot high shrubs shall be spaced no greater than 30 inches on center and three-foot high shrubs shall be spaced no greater than 36 inches on center. The City may authorize alternate spacing for species which have especially broad coverage.
Section 3.07.04.06. Ground Covers. Ground covers shall be spaced no greater than 18 inches on center and may be planted in lieu of lawn grass. A list of recommended ground cover species is provided in Table 3.07.10(E) of this Article.
Section 3.07.04.07. Lawn Grass. Grass may be sodded, plugged, sprigged, or seeded except that solid sod shall be used in swales or other areas subject to erosion (generally slopes steeper than 10:1). Grassed areas that are installed by methods other than sod shall attain a full grassed coverage within three months of the date of installation. A list of lawn grass species and their characteristics, including drought tolerance level, soil type, light requirements, wear tolerance and plant maintenance, are provided in Table 3.07.10(F). The selection of lawn grasses shall be based upon the species and characteristics that are most appropriate for the site.
Section 3.07.04.08. Mulch. Planting beds shall be mulched with standard accepted mulch materials to 1) prevent the invasion of other plant species; 2) to absorb moisture for the benefit of the plants; and 3) to present a neat and orderly appearance of the landscaped area. The mulched bed shall have a uniform coverage and a minimum depth of two inches. Mulched areas around trees should be at least eight feet in diameter. The use of cypress mulch is discouraged.
Section 3.07.04.09. Planting Beds. The planting bed for all landscaping materials shall be free of weeds, debris, and nuisance/invasive materials and shall consist of a healthy plant growth medium. The planting bed soil shall provide adequate support, drainage, and nutrients for the plants.
Section 3.07.04.10. Exotic and Nuisance Plants. The use of exotic and nuisance plants is prohibited and shall not be accepted as part of an approved landscape plan. For purposes of this Section, exotic and nuisance plants shall be those provided in the most recent Invasive Plant List of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.
Section 3.07.04.11. Landscaping for Decorative and Masonry Walls. Residential subdivisions and commercial and industrial developments may have decorative entrance and screening walls. Landscaping (a combination of trees and shrubbery) shall be installed within the property setback/buffer yard area. If there are no specific buffer yard requirements for the development, one tree shall be planted for each 50 linear feet of wall. Buffer yard trees and shrubs required by this Article shall be planted on the street side of the wall.
Section 3.07.04.12. Encroachments.
(A)
Structures. Accessory uses, buildings, and dumpster pads shall not encroach upon or conflict with required landscaped areas.
(B)
Parking Stalls. No more than two feet of vehicular overhang shall be allowed into a landscape area and no trees and shrubs shall be planted within the area of encroachment.
3.07.05 Canopy Coverage and Tree Species Trees providing canopy coverage shall be required for the purpose of shading vehicular use areas, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces associated with all development in the City, thereby lowering the ambient temperature of the air through increased shading; conserving water; enhancing the appearance of properties; improving property values; and protecting the general health, safety, and welfare of the public through the improvement of the quality of the human environment. Buildings and structures shall not be counted as impervious surface for the purpose of calculating the areas that must be shaded with canopy trees.
(A)
Canopy trees shall be selected from Table 3.07.10(A) and (B) and planted no closer than five feet to any paved surface, to minimize root damage to the paved surface.
(B)
One canopy tree of ten feet in height and four inches in diameter at the time of planting is required for each 5,000 square feet of lot of a new residential lot, with a minimum of one tree per lot and/or one tree for each attached unit; and shall be planted no closer than five feet to any paved surface to keep the roots from breaking up the pavement.
(C)
Canopy coverage trees shall be interspersed throughout all vehicular use areas rather than restricted in any way to only a portion of the site. This allows for flexibility and creative design opportunities.
(D)
Planting areas for canopy trees shall be no less than 100 s.f. in area, to provide adequate room for the tree to reach maturity.
(E)
Planting areas under canopy trees shall be planted in compatible shrubs from Tables 3.07.10(C) or (D) or ground covers compatible with site conditions from Table 3.07.10(E), but not planted in grass.
(F)
Trees located in buffer yards may receive partial credit in meeting vehicular use areas interior landscaping canopy requirements.
(G)
Impervious Surface Calculations:
(1)
This subsection requires the calculation of the total impervious surface on a given site, including structures, parking areas, loading zones, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces, with the exception of swimming pool decks and aprons, and the shading of one-third of that total impervious surface.
(2)
To standardize the calculation, each paved parking space shall be considered to be 20 feet by 10 feet. Therefore, to shade an entire space, a tree with a canopy of at least 200 s.f. is required.
Section 3.07.06. Tree Canopy Waivers. Within the C-2 and I zoning districts, the Planning and Zoning Board may grant a waiver or modification of tree canopy requirements for impervious surfaces, which are exclusively used for parking and/or maneuvering of large trucks and/or for storing products or materials
(A)
Site Plan and Staff Review.
(1)
The applicant shall submit an application, site plan, and application fee to the City.
(2)
The site plan shall detail the proposed exceptions to the strict application and enforcement of the tree canopy requirements contained in this Article.
(3)
The Development Director shall forward the application and site plan to staff, as necessary and provide comments to the applicant.
(4)
The Development Director shall forward the request along with staff's recommendation for Planning and Zoning Board review.
(B)
Planning and Zoning Board Findings.
In considering a waiver or modification request, the Planning and Zoning Board shall make the following findings:
(1)
The particular characteristics of the use and/or the site, such as its size, configuration, topography, or subsurface conditions, are such that strict application of the tree canopy requirements would result in unreasonable hardship to the developer.
(2)
The effect of the waiver or modification does not nullify the purpose and intent of the City's landscape requirements.
(3)
The approval of the waiver or modification upholds the public interest.
(4)
The approval of the waiver or modification is not contrary to the City's Comprehensive Plan.
(C)
Planning and Zoning Board Action.
(1)
The Planning and Zoning Board may accept, reject, or approve the request with conditions to assure the results of the waiver or modification will be in accord with the intent of the City's landscape requirements.
(2)
Proof of approval shall be attached to the approved site development plan.
(3)
Decisions of the Planning and Zoning Board may be appealed to the City Commission.
3.07.07 Buffer Yards A buffer yard is a landscaped area containing plant material, fences, walls, and/or berms along parcel boundaries that provides a visual screen and physical separation between incompatible or potentially incompatible uses and zoning districts. The purpose of this subsection is to establish minimum buffer yard widths and landscaping requirements, in order to ensure compatibility between adjacent properties and land uses. The minimum required width of the buffer yard is therefore based on the potential degree of incompatibility between two abutting land uses. In no case shall the buffer yard width be less than the minimum setback required by the zoning district.
3.07.07.01 Establishment of Buffer Yards A buffer is required for vacant property based on its zoning district classification at the time of the proposal to develop the abutting property. Buffer yards are also required with a change of use to a more intense use. Buffer yards are intended as landscaped open space; therefore, they shall be free of pavement and permanent structures other than fences, play equipment, unpaved pedestrian paths, and drainage and retention facilities.
3.07.07.02 Buffer Yard Width and Landscaping Requirements
(A)
The number of trees and shrubs required in a buffer yard depends on the nature of the adjoining land uses.
(B)
The standards for buffer yard width and the associated number of trees and shrubs are set forth in Figures A, B, C, and D that specify the number of each type of plant required per 100 linear feet.
(C)
For each buffer yard standard, as seen in Figures A-D, several options for the developer as to the width are offered, and different numbers of each type of plant are specified, depending on the width. Any option fulfills the buffer yard requirement, therefore, the developer is free to choose the option that best fits the site constraints and the features of the site design.
(D)
As buffer yard width increases, planting requirements are reduced. Trees and shrubs may be spaced evenly along the length of the buffer yard or grouped to best display the plant material.
(E)
When natural plant material is present, it counts toward fulfilling the total requirement for trees and shrubs. See the table under Section 3.07.04.02 for amount of credit calculation for trees preserved on a site.
3.07.07.03 Buffer Yards Between Proposed Uses and Existing Uses When the property adjacent to a proposed development is developed, the need for a buffer yard is determined by the existing development's use. The buffer standard that apply are found in Table 3.07.07.07(A).
3.07.07.04 Buffer Yards Between Proposed Uses and Vacant Property When the property adjacent to a proposed development is vacant, the need for a buffer yard is determined by the zoning classification of the vacant site. If the zoning will permit the development of a land use that requires a buffer, the buffer standard that applies will be found in Table 3.07.07.07(B). Generally, the buffer yards for vacant property are only about half of those required next to an existing land use.
3.07.07.05. Buffer Yards Between Proposed Land Use and Roadways. In addition to the standards set forth in this Article regarding landscape requirements between proposed and abutting land uses and vacant property, provisions shall also be made to buffer land uses from adjacent public streets or rights-of-way as follows:
(A)
Arterial Roadways. Land uses, excluding agriculture, located along arterial roadways are required to provide a landscape strip at least ten feet wide with a minimum of five trees for each 100 linear feet of right-of-way frontage, or fraction thereof. In addition, seven shrubs per tree shall be planted within the landscape strip.
(B)
Collector Roadways. Land uses, excluding agriculture, located along collector roadways are required to provide a landscape strip at least ten feet wide with a minimum of one tree and seven shrubs for each 50 linear feet of right-of-way frontage, or fraction thereof.
(C)
Railroad Rights-Of-Way. Commercial and industrial land uses located along railroad rights-of-way shall not be required to provide buffering between the use and the right-of-way. New residential developments, excluding individual single-family home sites, individual duplex units, and individual infill lot development shall meet the requirements of a "D" buffer yard.
(D)
Residential Street. New residential developments, excluding individual single-family home sites, individual duplex units, and individual infill lot development, located along a residential street, shall provide a landscape strip at least five feet wide with at least one tree per lot. Any trees within this buffer yard may count towards the tree requirement of this Article.
(E)
Visibility Triangle. Buffer yards shall comply with requirements for Visibility Triangles.
Section 3.07.07.06. Buffer Yards for Free Standing or Satellite Parking Lots. Buffer yards for free standing or satellite parking lots shall meet the following requirements:
(A)
Residential Zoning Districts: Standing or satellite parking lots located in residential zoning districts, which serve adjacent zoned businesses, shall meet the following requirements.
(1)
Approval of a Site plan by the Development Director;
(2)
Where the parking lot is contiguous to side lot lines of residentially zoned property, a side yard at least ten feet in width shall be provided;
(3)
The parking area shall be provided with a continuous, un-pierced masonry wall six feet in height adjacent to all required yards. All such walls shall be smoothly finished and shall not be used for any sign;
(4)
All yard spaces between the required wall and lot lines shall be landscaped with at least one hedgerow of hardy shrubs, not less than five feet in height, placed next to the walls. The remainder of such yard space shall be covered by lawn grass or other approved ground covers as provided in Tables 3.07.10(E) and 3.07.10(F). All such landscaping shall be maintained in a healthy, growing condition, neat and orderly in appearance. Yard spaces shall be kept free of refuse or debris;
(5)
Where the parking lot is separated from residentially zoned property by a street, a buffer yard at least ten feet in width shall be provided along the street frontage;
(6)
Where the parking is located upon a street upon which residentially zoned properties front and abut in the same block, a front yard shall be provided at least 25 feet in depth. Where one or both of the lots contiguous to and on each side of the parking lot are developed with residential structures having front yards greater than 25 feet in depth, the front yard on the parking lot shall be not less in depth than the deeper of these existing front yards.
(B)
All Other Zoning Districts: With the exception of letter (A) above, standing or satellite parking lots located in all other zoning districts shall be designed in accordance with the following requirements.
(1)
The parking area shall be provided with a buffer yard at least ten feet in width along all property lines and streets on which the off-street parking area is located.
(2)
See Section 3.07.07.05, Buffer Yards Between Proposed Land Uses and Roadways, for landscape buffer requirements adjacent to public rights-of-way.
(3)
A waiver of buffer yard requirements may be granted by the Development Director along property lines where adjoining businesses propose to share a common parking lot. A site plan is required for review and approval.
Section 3.07.07.07 Buffer Yards, Utilities, and Utility Easements. Utility easements in a buffer yard do not prohibit the planting of shrubs in the area of the easement of an underground utility, but no tree shall be planted within 12 feet of a buried utility. Tree planting restrictions in relation to overhead power lines are identified in Tables 3.07.07.07(A), and 3.07.07.07(B), of this Article.
Large and medium sized trees should not be planted closer than 15 feet to any light pole.
Table 3.07.07.07(A)
Buffer Yard Requirements Between Proposed and Abutting Land UsesPROPOSED LAND USE ABUTTING LAND USE
Single family detached
dwellingsDuplex; Single family
attached; multi-family
up to 4 units per acre;
outdoor recreation
facilities; cemeteriesProfessional office
with up to 8 parking
spaces; child care
centers in converted
residential structuresDuplex, single family
attached, mobile
home parks and multi-
family at 4—8 units per
acreMobile home parks,
single family attached,
multi-family at 8+ units
per acre up to and
including 12 units per
acre; Utility
substations, switching
stations, etc.Professional office
with 9+ parking
spaces; Churches;
Schools; Government
facilities; Commercial
development sites with
up to 10 parking
spacesOther retail,
wholesale, service
businesses; Self-
storage; Automobile
service stations;
Shopping centers;
Hotels, motels;
Hospitals; Multi-family
over 12 units per acreLight Industry; PWS;
Governmental public
works storage/equipment
facilitiesHeavy industry; Water
and wastewater
treatment facilitiesSingle family detached dwellings N A B B C C C D D Duplex; Single family attached; multi-family up to 4 units per acre; outdoor recreation facilities; cemeteries A N A B B C C D D Professional office with up to 8 parking spaces; child care centers in converted residential structures B A N A B B C C D Duplex, single family attached, mobile home parks & multi-family at 4-8 units per acre B B A N A B C C D Mobile home parks, single family attached, multi-family at 8+ units per acre up to & including 12 units per acre; Utility substations, switching stations, etc. C B B A N A B C C Professional office with 9+ parking spaces; Churches; Schools; Government facilities; Commercial development sites with up to 10 parking spaces C C B B A N A C C Other retail, wholesale, service businesses; Self-storage; Automobile service stations; Shopping centers; Hotels, motels; Hospitals; Multi-family over 12 units per acre C C C C B A N B C Light Industry; PWS; Governmental public works storage/equipment facilities D D C C C C B N B Heavy industry; Water & wastewater treatment facilities D D D D C C C B N N = No Buffer Yard Required.
A through D = Type of Buffer Yard Required (See Section 6.04.06.04 for Illustrated Examples Buffer Yard Designs).
Table 3.07.07.07(B)
Buffer Yard Requirements Between Proposed Land Use and Vacant PropertyPROPOSED USE ADJACENT VACANT LAND
(By Zoning District)
FR R-1a
R-1R-2 R-3
R-4P C-1 C-2 I P/SP CON Single family detached dwellings N A A B B C C D C C Duplex; Single family attached; Multi-family up to 4 units per acre; Outdoor recreation facilities; Cemeteries A N A A A C C D C C Professional office with up to 8 parking spaces; Child care centers in converted residential structures A A A A N B B C C C Duplex, single family attached; mobile home parks and multi-family at 4-8 units per acre A A A A A C C D C C Mobile home parks; Single family attached; Multi-family at 8+ units per acre up to and including 12 units per acre; Utility substations, switching stations, etc. B B N N A C C D C C Professional office with 9+ parking spaces; Churches; Schools; Government facilities; Commercial development sites with up to 10 parking spaces B C A A N B B C B C Other retail, wholesale, service businesses; Self-storage; Automobile service stations; Shopping centers; Hotels, motels; Hospitals; Multi-family over 12 units per acre B B B A A N N C B D Light Industry; PWS; Governmental public works storage/equipment facilities C C B B B B B A C D Heavy industry; Water and wastewater treatment facilities D D C C C C C N D D N = No Buffer Required.
A through D = Type of Buffer Yard Required (See Section 6.04.06.04 for Illustrated Examples Buffer Yard Designs).
Section 3.07.07.08. Buffer Yard Diagrams.
Section 3.07.08. Installation, Irrigation, Inspection, Certificate of Occupancy/Completion, and Maintenance
(A)
Installation.
(1)
The developer shall provide an appropriate planting soil medium for required plants and shall irrigate plant materials to sustain healthy growth of all plants to maturity.
(2)
Areas on any development site not used for buildings, including single family and duplex development on individual lots, paved surfaces, or other landscape improvements shall be sodded or seeded prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy/Completion.
(3)
Areas within public rights-of-way, and areas off-site which have been disturbed by construction activity, shall be cleaned of all debris, re-graded to the proper elevations, and sodded so as to restore the area to a stabilized and planted state.
(B)
Irrigation.
(1)
No irrigation system shall be required where existing natural plant communities are maintained.
(2)
All new landscaped areas shall be provided with an appropriate irrigation system, consistent with the needs of the plants contained therein and water conservation efficient.
(3)
An irrigation system shall be designed to provide full coverage of all landscape areas without over spraying onto impervious surfaces including pavement, vehicular or pedestrian areas and/or adjacent properties.
(4)
The irrigation system shall be operational prior to the issuance of any Certificate of Occupancy/Completion for the property.
(C)
Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy/Completion. The Development Director, or Building Official, shall inspect the landscaping installation to ensure that it is in conformance with the requirements set forth in this Article and with the approved landscape plan.
(D)
Maintenance. Landscape areas shall be maintained in good condition so as to present a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance and shall be kept free from refuse and debris.
Section 3.07.09. Violations and Penalties.
(A)
All plant material which dies shall be replaced with plant material of required variety and size within 30 days from the date of official notification.
(B)
Consistent with letter (A) above, if a restoration plan is presented and differs from the original approved plan, three copies of such restoration plan shall be submitted and approved by the City Administrator, or his or her designee. The City Administrator, or his or her designee, shall re-inspect the property for compliance after the restoration is complete.
(C)
Each failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Article shall constitute an individual violation. Failure to maintain viable landscaping consistent with the approved landscape plan shall constitute a violation subject to penalties and shall be subject to code enforcement action by the City.
Section 3.07.10. Plant Species List. Plant species identified in this Article include "Florida Friendly" native and non-native plants. Developers are encouraged to plant Florida Friendly plant species. Any new plant material, which will serve to meet the City's minimum landscape requirements, shall be selected from the following plant species tables.
In calculating canopy requirements, each existing tree to be preserved, and each new tree to be planted shall be credited with its mature canopy, as provided in this Article. If an on-site preserved tree is not listed as an invasive plant in the most recent Invasive Plant List of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, and its actual canopy exceeds the canopy area identified in this Article, the greater canopy area may be used in calculating canopy coverage.
An applicant may request to use a plant species not included on the following tables if a landscape architect certifies that the proposed species meets the intent of this code and provides the relevant information as included in the tables for said species.
Table 3.07.10(A)
Large TreesSpecies Common Name Type Soil Light Drought Tolerance Mature Height
(feet)Mature Crown Spread
(feet)Mature Canopy Area
(sq. ft.)P/L
(feet)Acer barbatum Florida Maple D A F, P High 35-50 25 491 15-30 Acer rubrum Red Maple D A F, P Medium 35-50 25 491 15-30 Betula nigra River Birch D A F, P Low 40-50 25 491 15-30 Carya spp. Hickory, Pecan D WD-M F, P, S High 50-100 30 707 30+ Fraxinus caroliniana Pop Ash D W P, F Medium 30-50 30 707 15-30 Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash D M-W P, F, S Medium 50-100 50 1964 30+ Gordonia lasianthus Loblolly Bay E WD-M P, F Low 30-40 16 201 15-30 Liquidambar styaciflua Sweetgum D WD-M F, P Medium 40-100 30 707 30+ Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia E WD-M F, P Medium 40-80 25 491 30+ Magnolia virginiana Sweet Bay Magnolia E M-W P, F None 30-60 16 201 15-30 Pinus clausa Sand Pine E WD F, P, S High 25-40 25 491 15-30 Pinus elliottii densa Southern Slash Pine E WD-M F, P High 75-100 25 491 15-30 Pinus palustris Longleaf Pine E WD-M F High 60-80 25 491 15-30 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore D A F, P Medium 75-90 30 707 30+ Quercus alba White Oak D WD-M F, P Medium 60-100 35 962 30+ Quercus austrina Bluff Oak D WD-M F High 40-80 35 962 30+ Quercus falcata Turkey Oak D WD F High 40-50 25 431 30+ Quercus laurifolia Laurel Oak Semi D M F, P Medium 60-100 35 962 30+ Quercus muhlenber Pin Oak D M-W F Medium 90 35 962 30+ Quercus nigra Water Oak Semi D M-W F, P High 60-100 30 707 30+ Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak D WD-M F High 60 40 1256 30+ Quercus virginiana Live Oak E M-W F, P High 50-60 50 1964 30+ Taxodium distichum Bald Cypress D A F, P High 60-100 20 314 15-30 Ulmus alata Winged Elm D A F, P High 20-25 25 491 15-30 Ulmus Americana American Elm D A F, P High 80-100 30 707 30+ Ulmus parvifolia Drake Elm D WD-M F, P High 30-40 16 201 15-30 Key
Type: D = Deciduous, E = Evergreen
Soil Type: WD = Well Drained, M = Medium Drained W = Wet, A = All Types
Light: S = Shade, P = Partial Shade, F = Full Sun P/L: Distance from Power Lines
Table 3.07.10(B)
Medium and Small TreesMEDIUM SIZED TREES Species Common Name Type Soil Light Drought Tolerance Mature Height Mature Crown Spread Mature Canopy Area
(sq. ft.)P/L Carpinus caroliniana American Hornbeam D A F, P, S Medium 25-35' 12' 113 15-30 Cercis canadensis Eastern Redbud D WD F, P, S High 20-30' 10' 201 0 Crataegus spp. Hawthorn D A F, P High 15-20' 12' 113 0 Cupressus arizonica Arizona Cypress E WD F High 30-40' 15' 177 15-30 Elaeocarpus decipiens Japanese Blueberry E WD F, P High 30-40' 30' 707 30+ Ilex attenuata East Palatka Holly E WD F, P Medium 25-30' 16' 201 15-30 Ilex cassine Dahoon Holly E M-W F, P, S Medium 25-30' 16' 201 15-30 Ilex opaca American Holly E A F, P High 30-45' 16' 201 15-30 Ilex rotunda Rotund Holly E WD F, P Medium 20-30' 20' 315 15-30 Juniperus silicicola Southern Red Cedar E WD F, P High 25-30' 12' 113 15-30 Lagerstroemia indica Crape Myrtle D WD-M F High 15-25' 12' 113 0 Persea borbonia Red Bay E A F, P High 20-60' 12' 113 15-30 Quercus lyrata Overcup Oak D WD-M F, P Medium 30-40' 35' 962 30+ Tabebuia chrysotricha Yellow Trumpet Tree Semi E WD F Medium 25-35' 25' 0 15-30 Tabebuia heterophylla Pink Trumpet Tree D WD F High 20-30' 20' 0 15-30 Tabebuia impetiginosa Purple Trumpet Tree Semi E WD F High 12-18' 10' 0 0 SMALL SIZED TREES Species Common Name Type Soil Light Drought Tolerance Mature Height
(feet)Mature Crown Spread
(feet)Mature Canopy Area
(sq. ft.)P/L
(feet)Aesculus pavia Florida Buckeye D WD-M S, P Medium 15-20 20 315 0 Callistemon rigidus Bottlebrush, stiff E M-W F, P High 8-15 5 20 0 Callistemon viminalis Bottlebrush, weeping E W F High 15-20 10 79 0 Chionanthus virginicus Fringetree D WD-M P, F, S Medium 15-25 10 79 0' Cornus Florida Flowering Dogwood D WD P, F, S Medium 20-30 16 201 15-30 Eriobotrya japonica Loquat E WD F, P Medium 15-20 10 79 0 Ilex vomitoria Yaupon Holly E A P, F High 15-25 8 50 0 Magnolia Xsoulangiana Saucer Magnolia D WD-M F, P Low 20-25 20 0 0 Osmanthus americanus Wild Olive E A F, P Medium 15-30 8 50 0 Prunus angustifolia Chickasaw Plum D WD P, F High 15-20 15 177 0 Prunus umbellate Flatwoods Plum D M P, F Medium 12-20 15 177 0 Quercus geminata Sand Live Oak E WD F High 15-30 12 113 0 Key
Type: D = Deciduous, E = Evergreen
Soil Type: WD = Well Drained, M = Medium Drained W = Wet, A = All Types
Light: S = Shade, P = Partial Shade, F = Full Sun P/L: Distance from Power Lines
Table 3.07.10(C)
Large ShrubsSpecies Common Name Soil Light Drought Tolerance Height Spread Abelia Xgrandiflora Glossy Abelia WD F, P M 6-10' 6-10' Agarista populifolia Fetterbush A S, P M 8-12' 5-10' Allamanda nerifolia Bush Allamanda WD P, S M 5-15' 4-10' Aloysia virgate Sweet Almond Bush M F H 6-12' 6-12' Asimina spp. Pawpaw WD-M F, P, S M 15-20' 15-20' Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel Bush, Salt Bush A F M 8-10' 6-12' Berberis julianae Wintergreen Barberry M F, P M 4-6' 2-5' Brunfelsia grandiflora Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow WD F, P, S M 7-10' 5-8' Buddleia lindleyana Butterfly Bush WD F M 4-6' 4-6' Calliandra haematocephala Red Powderpuff WD F, P H 6-8' 8-12' Callicarpa americana Beautyberry WD P, S H 6-8' 6-8' Calycanthus floridus Eastern Sweetshrub WD-M P, S M 6-9' 6-12' Camellia japonica Camellia M P, S M 10-20' 10-20' Carissa macrocarpa Natal Plum WD F, P H 2-20' 2-20' Cestrum aurantiacum Orange Jessamine WD P, F M 4-10' 6-8' Clethra alnifolia Sweet Pepperbush A P, F, S M 4-8' 4-8' Crataegus spp. Hawthorn A F, P H 20-35' 15-40' Golden Dewdrop Erythrina herbacea Coral Bean WD-M F, P H 5-10' 8-12' Forestiera segregate Florida Privet WD-M P, F H 4-15' 3-12' Galphimia glauca Thryallis WD F M 5-9' 4-6' Gardenia jasminoides Gardenia WD S, P M 4-8' 4-8' Hamelia atens Firebush WD-M F, P, S M 5-20' 5-8' Heptapleurum arboricola Dwarf Schefflera WD-M P, F H 10-15' 6-15' Hibiscus spp. Hibiscus WD-M F, P M 4-12' 3-10' Hydrangea arborescens Wild Hydrangea WD-M P N 6-10' 6-10' Hydrangea macrophylla French Hydrangea WD-M S, P M 6-10' 6-10' Hydrandea quercifolia Oakleaf Hydrangea WD-M F, P, S M 6-10' 6-8' Ilex X' Mary Nell' Mary Nell Holly WD-M F, P M 10-20' 10-15' Ilex cornuta Chinese Holly WD P, F H 15-25' 15-25' Illicium spp. Star Anise WD P, F M 10-15' 6-15' Jasminum mesnyi Primrose Jasmine WD-M F M 5-10' 2-5' Jamminum multiflorum Downy Jasmine WD F, P M 5-10' 5-10' Jasminum nitidum Star Jasmine WD F M 10-20' 5-10' Jatropha integerrima Peregrina WD F, P H 8-15' 5-10' Ligustrum japonicum Ligustrum WD F, P H 8-12' 15-25' Loropetalum chinense Chinese Fringe Bush WD F, P M 6-15' 8-10' Malvaviscus arboreus Turk's Cap WD-M F M 6-12' 3-5' Myrica cerifera Wax Myrtle A F, P M 10-40' 20'-25' Nerium oleander Oleander WD F, P H 4-18' 3-15' Osmanthus fragrans Tea Olive WD F, P M 15-30 15-20' Philadelphus inodorus English Dogwood M-W P, F H 10-12' 6-10' Philodendron bipinnatifidum Tree Philodendron WD-M S, P M 6-12' 10-15' Philodendron cvs. Philodendron A S, P M 1-12' 2-15' Pittosporum tobira cvs. Pittosporum WD F, P H 8-12' 12-18' Plumbago auriculata Plumbago WD F M 3'-6' 3'-6' Podocarpus macrophyllus Podocarpus WD F, P H 30-40' 20-25' Rhamnus caroliniana Carolina Buckthorn WD F, P, S H 12-15' 10-15' Rhododentron cvs. Azalea WD P M 3-12' 3-10' Sabal minor Dwarf Palmetto WD-M P, F, S H 4-9' 4-8' Thunbergia erecta King's Mantle, Bush Clock Vine WD-M P, F M 4-6' 5-8' Vaccinium arboreum Sparkleberry WD-M P, F, S M 12-18' 10-15' Viburnum obovatum Walter's Viburnum WD P, F, S H 8-25' 6-10' Viburnum odoratissimum Sweet Viburnum WD F, P, S M 15-30' 15-25' Viburnum rufidulum Southern Blackhaw WD-M F, P, S H 20-25' 20-25' Viburnum suspensum Sandankwa Viburnum WD P, S L 6-12' 6-12' Vitex agnus-castus Chaste Tree WD F, P, S H 10-20' 15-20' Yucca spp. Yucca WD F, P H 3-30' 3-15' Key
Soil Type: WD = Well Drained, M = Medium Drained W = Wet, A = All Types
Light: S = Shade, P = Partial Shade, F = Full Sun
Drought Tolerance: H = High, M = Medium, L = Low, N = None
Table 3.07.10(D).
Small ShrubsSMALL SHRUBS
Species Common Name Soil Light Drought Tolerance Height Spread Caesalpinia spp. And cvs. Poinciana WD-M F M 8—35' 10—35' Gamolepis spp. Bush Daisy WD F M 2—4' 3—4' Ixora coccinea Ixora WD F M 10—15' 4—10' Lantana depressa Weeping Lantana WD F M 3—6' 3—6' Leucophyllym frutescens Texas Sage, Silverleaf WD F H 3—5' 3—5' Lyonia lucida Fetterbush WD-M F, P H 3—15' 2—5' Mahonia fortune Fortune's Mahonia WD S, P M 3—5' 3—5' Pyracantha coccinea Firethorn WD-M F, P M 10—15' 8—12' Raphiolepis spp. And cvs. Indian Hawthorn WD-M F, P H 2—10' 2—6' Rosa spp. Rose WD F M 1—20' 2—8' Rosmarinus spp. Rosemary WD-M F, P H 3—6' 4—5' Russelia equisetiformis Coral Plant WD F H 3—5' 6—12' Russelia sarmentosa Firecracker Plant WD F, P M 3—4' 2—4' Sabal etonia Scrub Palmetto WD F, P H 4—6' 4—6' Key
Soil Type: WD = Well Drained, M = Medium Drained W = Wet, A = All Types
Light: S = Shade, P = Partial Shade, F = Full Sun
Drought Tolerance: H = High, M = Medium, L = Low, N = None
Table 3.07.10(E)
Ground CoversGROUND COVERS Species Common Name Soil Light Drought Tolerance Height Spread Aloe spp. Aloe WD F, P H 1-3' 1-3' Anthericum sanderi St. Bernard's Lily WD F, P M 1- 1½' ½ - 1' Arachis glabrata Perennial Peanut WD F H ½ - 1' 1-8' Aspidistra elatior Cast Iron Plant WD P, S M 1-3' 1-3' Cyrtomium falcatum Holly Fern WD-M P, F, S M 2-3' 3-4' Dyschoriste oblongifolia Twin Flower WD F, P H ½ - 1' 1- 1½' Evolvulus glomeratus Blue Daze WD P M ½ - 1' 1-2' Glandularia tampensis Tampa Vervain WD F H 1½ - 2' 1 -1 ½' Hedera canariensis Algerian Ivy, Canary Ivy WD S M ½ - 1' 1-6' Helianthus debilis Beach Sunflower WD F H Up to 2' 6' or more Ipomoea spp. Sweet Potato Vine WD-M F, P H 10-20' 10-40' Juniperus conferta and cvs. Shore Juniper WD F H 1-2' 6-10' Lantana montevidensis Trailing Lantana WD F M 1-3' 4-8' Liriope muscari and cvs. Liriope, Monkey Grass, Border Grass WD F, P, S M 1-2' 1-2' Mimosa strigillosa Powderpuff, Sunshine Mimosa WD F M ½ - ¾' 8-10 Ophiopogon japonicas and cvs. Mondo Grass, Dwarf Liriope WD S, P M ½ - 1' ½ - 2' Phyla nodiflora Capeweed WD-M F, P M ½ - 1' 8-10' Trachelospermum jasminoides Confederate Jasmine, Star Jasmine WD-M F, P M 1-3' 1-30' Vinca major Periwinkle WD-M P, F, S M 1-2' 1-5' Key
Soil Type: WD = Well Drained, M = Medium Drained W = Wet, A = All Types
Light: S = Shade, P = Partial Shade, F = Full Sun
Drought Tolerance: H = High, M = Medium, L = Low, N = None
Table 3.07.10(F)
Lawn Grass SpeciesCHARACTERISTICS LAWN GRASSES
BAHIA BERMUDA CARPETGRASS SEA-
SHORE
PAS-
PALUMST. AUGUSTINE ZOYSIA Area Adapted To Statewide Statewide Wet Areas Statewide Statewide Statewide Soil Acid, Sandy Whole Range Acid, Wet Wide Range Wide Range Wide Range Leaf Texture Coarse-Medium Fine-Medium Medium Fine-Medium Coarse-Medium Fine-Medium Drought Tolerance Excellent Good Poor Good Fair Medium Shade Tolerance Poor Poor Fair Poor Good Good Wear Tolerance Poor Good-Excellent Poor Good-Excellent Poor Good-Excellent Nematode Tolerance Very Good Poor Poor Good Good Poor Maintenance Levels Low Medium-High Low Medium Medium High Uses Lawns, roadsides Athletic Fields, golf courses Wet Areas Lawns, athletic fields, golf courses Lawns Lawns Establishment Methods Seed, Sod Sod, sprigs, plugs, some seed Seed, sprigs Sod, plugs, sprigs Sod, plugs, sprigs Sod, plugs, sprigs