18.40.120 Landscaping – Alternative options.
The following alternative landscape options may be allowed, subject to approval by the Department, only if they accomplish equal or better levels of screening, or when existing conditions on or adjacent to the site, such as significant topographic differences, vegetation, structures or utilities would render application of this chapter ineffective or result in scenic view obstruction:
(1) The amount of required landscape area may be reduced to ensure that the total area for required landscaping and/or the area remaining undisturbed for the purpose of wildlife habitat or corridors does not exceed 15 percent of the net developable area of the site. For the purpose of this subsection, the net developable area of the site shall not include areas deemed unbuildable due to their location within sensitive areas and any associated buffers;
(2) The average width of the perimeter landscape strip may be reduced up to 25 percent along any portion where:
(a) Berms at least three feet in height or architectural barriers at least six feet in height are incorporated into the landscape design; or
(b) The landscape materials are incorporated elsewhere on-site;
(3) In pedestrian district overlays, street perimeter landscaping may be waived provided a site plan, consistent with the applicable adopted area zoning document, is approved that provides street trees and other pedestrian-related amenities;
(4) Where a local or subarea plan with design guidelines has been adopted, the Director shall base the landscaping modifications on the policies and guidelines of such plan;
(5) When an existing structure precludes installation of the total amount of required site perimeter landscaping, such landscaping material shall be incorporated on another portion of the site;
(6) Single-stemmed deciduous tree species that cannot generally be planted and established in larger sizes may have a caliper of less than 1.75 inches; and
(7) The Department shall develop and maintain an advisory listing of trees recommended for new plantings. Such list shall describe their general characteristics and suitability, and provide guidelines for their inclusion within required landscape areas. (Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.16.100))