The landscaping and tree replacement regulations have been modified over many years.  The proposed changes are designed to address a number of issues that have arisen in application of the code along with comments received from both the development community and also residents. Some of the major changes are:

• Setting buffer standards between uses.  This has been an ongoing issue and has been done on case by case basis.  This sets standards that everyone can look to for guidance.
• Changing the landscape code to allow for trees per parking space versus square footage of the lot.  This allows tree to be incorporated into landscape islands in the parking lots.
• Eliminating the requirement to measure building area by total floor area.  This has been problematic in multifamily and commercial since it significantly increased the landscaping requirements to the point of there were no locations for the plants.  The new buffer requirements should provide certainty of requirements between uses.
• Providing a much larger incentive for saving significant trees.
• Eliminates diseased or scrub trees from the replacement requirement
• Provides drawings and diagrams to assist in defining what is required by the code.
• Provides tables to explain requirements.
• Eliminates the financial security requirements for upfront escrows. Requires escrows only if work is not completed and if Certificate of Occupancy is needed and also allows for right of entry to do work should the escrow funds have to be used.

This was unanimously recommended for approval  by the Planning Commission.  The Commission noted that this has been a complex discussion for years in the community and this is a major step forward in clarifying the rules and also sets the community expectations for better use of landscaping to buffer between uses and to provide landscaping in parking lots that often appear to be a sea of asphalt.