§ 60.220. Trees Required in Bufferyards.

(a)

Minimum Tree Canopy Coverage. The bufferyard shall have a minimum of 80% tree canopy coverage over both the length and area of the bufferyard, using the minimum tree spacing as depicted in Figure 10, Tree Spacing Categories, and in Figure 12, the Approved Plant List. For example, a bufferyard 'B', Option 2, that is 100 feet in length and 1,000 square feet in area, will meet the requirements with a combination of 1 Spacing Category A tree, 2 Category B trees, and 1 Category C tree (30' + 20' + 20' + 16' = 86 lineal feet; and 1,536 square feet); or with 5 Category C trees (5 × 16' = 80 lineal feet; and 1,005 square feet), or any other combination which achieves the minimums. Figure 9, Bufferyard Requirements and Options, illustrates examples that meet the requirements.

(b)

Retained Trees. Existing, retained trees may be counted toward the bufferyard requirements, provided appropriate measures are taken to ensure the continued health of the retained trees. Existing tree canopies shall be counted in their entirety. For example a group of 3 retained live oaks may have a scaled canopy over 55' of a bufferyard 100 feet in length. To achieve the minimum 80% tree coverage, an additional 25' of canopy (per Spacing Category) must be installed. Existing retained trees that have not reached maturity may be counted either by means of scaling the current canopy size or by means of counting each per the Spacing Category.

(c)

Installed Trees. Installed understory and canopy trees used to satisfy bufferyard requirements shall have a minimum caliper size of 3" and a minimum height of 12 feet. Installed palms used to satisfy bufferyard requirements shall have a minimum clear trunk height of 8 feet.

(d)

Using Bamboo to Meet Bufferyard Requirements. Clumping-type bamboo may be used as a substitute for installed trees to meet bufferyard requirements in bufferyards of ten feet or less in width. Bamboo shall be spaced at not less than 8' on center and shall have a minimum height at time of installation of 8 feet, and shall be of a variety with a minimum mature height of at least 18 feet.

(Ord. No. 2013-74, § 1, 12-9-2013, Doc. #1312091207)