§ 68.501. Street Landscaping Standards.

Streets provide a highly visible element in the public realm. For this reason the appearance of the landscape along the streets and the functional aspects of pedestrian comfort, scale, shade, and air quality enhancement is of vital importance in defining the theme and quality of life of the area. The guidelines for street landscape shall be consistent with the Conventional LDC.

(a)

Irrigation. Irrigation of the street landscape to be provided as follows:

1.

All rights-of-way shall be provided with an automatic irrigation system utilizing reclaimed water if available.

2.

Bedding areas shall be irrigated with low volume (non-sprayhead) type of irrigation.

3.

Separate zones shall be provided for plants with dissimilar water needs. Turf areas and bedding areas should generally be irrigated on separate zones.

4.

Preserved natural areas within rights of way may not require irrigation.

(b)

Utilities. To protect the appearance of the street landscape, utilities shall also be regulated as follows:

1.

Major public utility lines should be located underground. All electrical, fiber optic, cable, telephone, water, sewer service, and distribution lines within private developments shall be located underground. Stub-outs should be provided at shared property lines.

2.

All above ground utility structures such as backflow preventers, switching gear, control panels, etc. shall be placed in such a manner so as to be out of primary public view. Such structures shall be screened.

3.

Manhole covers, meter boxes, and other at-grade structures which fall within sidewalks may be painted to match the concrete or pavers.

(c)

Street Trees.

1.

Selection. Plant materials selected to meet the requirements for street tree planting shall be consistent with the Conventional LDC. Plantings should be selected based on soil conditions, water requirements, surrounding environment, and intended theme and are subject to review and approval by the City.

2.

Spacing. In order to develop a positive pedestrian environment, and consistent with GMP Future Land Use Policy 4.1.17, required street trees shall be spaced according to species type and in accordance with the requirements of the Conventional LDC.

(Ord. of 5-10-1999, § 10, Doc. #32070)