15.20.060 Design Standards.
(1) Landscape plans shall incorporate the design standards set forth in this Section and shall be evaluated and approved based on compliance therewith.
(2) The scale and nature of landscaping materials shall be appropriate to the size of the structures on the premises and character of the location.
(a) Plants shall be selected for form, texture, color, pattern of growth and adaptability to local conditions. Plants shall be of good quality, and capable of withstanding the extremes of individual site microclimates. The mature height and spread of plants shall be taken into account during selection.
(b) Evergreens should be incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site, particularly in those areas where screening and buffering are required.
(c) Plants shall be placed intermittently against long expanses of building walls, fences, and other barriers to create a softening effect.
(d) Detention/retention basins and ponds shall be landscaped where possible. Such landscaping may include shade and ornamental trees, evergreens, shrubbery, hedges, turf and ground cover.
(e) Plant placement shall be designed to reduce the energy consumption needs of the development.
(i) Deciduous trees shall be placed on the south and west sides of buildings to provide shade from the summer sun, but may be placed elsewhere in the landscape.
(ii) Where possible, evergreens should be concentrated on the north side of buildings to dissipate the effect of winter winds.
(f) Whenever practical earthen berms and existing topographic features shall be incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site, particularly when combined with plant material to facilitate buffering.
(g) No more than fifty percent (50%) of each front, rear and combined side yards may be impervious. This is to allow for adequate permeability and assist in storm water management upon each parcel.
(3) Landscape design shall recognize the climatic and geologic limitations of the Provo City area and the need for water conservation. While irrigation systems are required for certain landscape areas, and may be desirable for other applications, all irrigation systems shall be designed to minimize the use and runoff of water.
(a) All areas to be landscaped with sod, seed, and/or hydroseed shall have an automatic irrigation system.
(b) To promote water conservation every effort should be made to use drought-tolerant species that can withstand dry conditions once established. The use of drought-tolerant vegetation is encouraged in required landscape areas, especially in hillside areas. The City Forester shall maintain a current list of drought-tolerant trees and shrubs that are locally available. Water wise landscaping may include a combination of drought-resistant trees, shrubs, ground covers, organic mulches, decorative stone, and native plants.
(4) Annuals, biennials and perennials, decorative stone or similar materials may be used in planting beds and may be used as an alternative to turf grasses. Ground covers may be used together with mulch to provide complete coverage of bare ground. Where ground cover is not used, planting beds shall be mulched with bark chips, decorative stone, or similar materials. Mulch shall not be used by itself as a substitute for required landscaping.
(5) Minimum plant sizes at time of installation shall be as follows:
(a) All deciduous and/or ornamental trees shall have a minimum two (2) inch caliper size. Multi-stem varieties shall have a minimum height of six (6) feet.
(b) All evergreen trees shall have a minimum height of five (5) feet measured from finished grade to the top of the plant.
(c) All shrubs shall be a minimum five (5) gallon size stock depending on the plant’s natural growth habit.
(6) Xeric landscaping and water wise landscaping is encouraged in all yards if the landscaping plan for yards adjacent to a street meets the following criteria:
(a) Living vegetation including turf grass, shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses or artificial turf grass shall cover a minimum of forty percent (40%) of the unbuilt surface area within three (3) years of planting. Tree canopy and weeds may not count toward this percentage;
(b) The remaining unbuilt area not covered by living vegetation or artificial turf grass shall be covered by bark or wood mulch, decorative rock, hardscape or any combination of these materials. Living plants should be grouped aesthetically throughout the yard;
(c) Living plants in the parkway area shall not be included in the minimum coverage requirement. Landscaping requirements for parkways shall be followed as defined in Section 15.20.120, Provo City Code.
(d) Artificial turf grass may be used in landscaping so long as it meets the following requirements:
(i) Artificial turf grass in yards adjacent to a street must have a blade length between two (2) inches and three (3) inches, have a natural green color, and be water permeable;
(ii) Artificial turf grass must be installed on top of a minimum of three (3) inches of sand, rocks, gravel, or similar product for drainage. Rocks, gravel or similar products shall range in size from three-eighths (3/8) inch to three-fourths (3/4) inch;
(iii) Artificial turf grass used for landscaping may not include rubber infill in a yard adjacent to a public street;
(iv) Outdoor green carpet shall not be used in landscaping;
(v) Upon request, specifications for installed artificial turf grass shall be provided to the Development Services Department.