§ 47-21.9. Installation.

A.

All landscaping shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this section within ninety (90) days of issuance of the landscape permit in accordance with the landscape plan approved by the department and the requirements of this section and prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or final use approval.

B.

All landscape material shall be installed in accordance with sound landscaping practices, following all applicable Florida-Friendly Landscaping ^TM principles. All landscape materials shall be graded at least Florida Number One. Florida-Friendly Landscaping ^TM may include the use of soil amendments to increase the water holding capacity of sandy soils or improve the drainage of heavy soils, or other applicable principles or techniques. The use of turf that does not need supplemental irrigation, such as Bahia, is encouraged. Alternatives to the use of turf are also encouraged, such as drought resistant shrubs and ground cover. Codominant (V-crotched) trees are not acceptable.

C.

Unless stated otherwise, required tress shall be a species designated class "C" or higher, as defined in the table of tree evaluation compiled by the department. Existing trees which are healthy, well maintained and are in class "C" or higher may be used to meet tree planting requirements and no approval shall be given for trees in poor or damaged condition regardless of classification.

D.

New trees required to be installed shall be planted so normal growth and aesthetic appearance will not be impaired nor shall potentially large trees be planted under utility lines or lighting, too close to structures or in an area where they will obstruct emergency vehicle access.

E.

Except as otherwise required for VUA's, dicot trees shall have a minimum of ten (10) feet of height. Monocots shall have a minimum of eight (8) feet of wood, except Coconut, Thrinax, Phoenix robellini, Sago, and Livingstonia palms which shall have a minimum of three (3) feet of wood when planted.

F.

Trees shall be installed as follows:

1.

Shade trees shall be located a minimum of fifteen (15) feet away from structures.

2.

Nonshade trees and palms shall be located a minimum of seven and one-half (7½) feet away from structures. Palms may be planted closer to each other to form multiples or clusters.

3.

No large trees shall be located closer than twelve (12) feet to street lights. No palms may be closer than seven (7) feet from street lights. The spacing of trees from electric utility lines must follow "Right Tree, Right Place" guidelines as established by Florida Power and Light.

4.

Where a conflict in spacing or canopy spread occurs between required trees and existing offsite or onsite trees, the requirements of this section may be modified as determined by the director.

G.

Each tree shall have pervious area surrounding it sufficient to support the species, as determined by the department. The minimum planting area shall be for:

1.

Shade species with a minimum caliper of three (3) inches, two hundred twenty-five (225) square feet with fifteen (15) feet being the smallest dimension.

2.

Shade species with a minimum caliper of two (2) inches, ninety (90) square feet with eight (8) feet being the smallest dimension.

3.

Other dicot tree species, sixty-four (64) square feet with eight (8) feet being the smallest dimension.

4.

Palm types, twenty-five (25) square feet with five (5) feet being the smallest dimension, except Areca, Carpentaria, Cocothrinax, Phychosperma, Rhapis, and Sabal, sixteen (16) square feet with four (4) feet being the smallest dimension.

H.

Trees when braced shall be braced in such a fashion as to not girdle, scar, perforate or otherwise inflict damage to the tree.

I.

Shrubbery, when installed to screen a VUA, shall be a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches high at time of installation, be full to base, and be spaced a maximum of thirty (30) inches on center. Shrubbery shall be permitted to grow and shall be maintained at a minimum height of thirty (30) inches. Vines used in conjunction with wire fences to screen a VUA shall be a minimum of thirty (30) inches in height immediately after planting, have a minimum of three (3) runners with plants spaced a maximum of six (6) feet on center.

J.

All plant beds shall be excavated to a minimum depth of twenty-four (24) inches and back-filled with a suitable soil consisting of fifty percent (50%) composted organic matter, well-mixed with native soil. Backfill material shall be free from rock, construction debris, or other extraneous material. Planting beds shall be free from construction debris and planted with ground cover or lawn or when not otherwise provided in these regulations, mulched with an appropriate organic material to a minimum depth of two (2) inches.

K.

Decorative stone or gravel may be utilized up to a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the total landscape area where the stone or gravel is to be used for decorative or other approved purpose as an adjunct to planting beds.

L.

Finished grade of landscape areas shall be at or below the grade of adjacent VUA or public sidewalks, except for mounding or other surface aesthetics. Grade shall be designed to receive roof and surface runoff and to assist Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ plantings and then any overflow routed as necessary underground. Mounding or other surface aesthetics shall not inhibit or defeat intended rainwater capture, retention or percolation from a VUA.

M.

All undeveloped portions of a parcel of land shall be left undisturbed or planted with ground cover or lawn so as to leave no exposed soil in order to prevent dust or soil erosion.

(Ord. No. C-97-19, § 1(47-21.6), 6-18-97; Ord. No. C-99-15, §§ 2, 4, 3-16-99; Ord. No. C-15-09, § 9, 2-17-15 )

Note— Formerly § 47-21.6.