ORD 2012-11 INTERIM TREE PROTECTION REGULATIONS
City of Bainbridge Island 1
Interim Tree Protection Ordinance
Bainbridge Island, Washington
Interim Tree Protection Ordinance (ITPO)
18.15.010 LANDSCAPING, SCREENING, AND TREE PROTECTION RETENTION, PROTECTION
AND REPLACEMENT
A. Purpose
B. Applicability
C. Tree Retention, Protection and Replacement
D. Perimeter Buffering and Screening
E. Street Frontage Landscaping
F. Parking Lot Landscaping
G. Total Site Tree Unit Requirements
H. Planting Requirements
I. Irrigation
J. Maintenance
K. Screening of Certain Facilities
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Interim Tree Protection Ordinance
18.15.010 LANDSCAPING, SCREENING, AND TREE RETENTION, PROTECTION AND
REPLACEMENT
All development shall comply with the following regulations addressing landscaping and screening unless other
applicable regulations require additional or different forms of landscaping or screening, in which case the more
specific standard or criteria shall govern.
A. Purpose
1. General
The purpose of this section is to preserve the landscape character of the community, link the
Island’s natural amenities with landscape greenbelts along scenic roads, improve the aesthetic
quality of the built environment, promote retention and protection of existing vegetation, reduce
the impacts of development on wetlands, streams and the natural environment, enhance the value
of current and future development and increase privacy for residential zones, and encourage
preservation of significant and heritage trees by:
a. Retaining existing vegetation, tree stands and significant trees by i ncorporating them into the
site design.
b. Incorporating native vegetation and drought resistant plant material into new landscape
developments.
c. Providing vegetated screening between different intensities of residential uses.
d. Providing visual relief of parking areas in the neighborhood service centers, the Winslow
Mixed Use Town Center, and the light manufacturing, (water dependent) industrial, high
school road and urban multifamily districts.
e. Providing vegetated screening between residential and nonresidential areas.
2. Specific Zone Districts
a. For single-family residential uses outside the Winslow Mixed Use Town Center, NSC, and
B/I districts that require more than just a building permit (i.e. lots created through the flex -lot
design process) the additional specific intent is to preserve, protect and enhance critical areas,
protect the natural forested areas and preserve the greenbelts along designated scenic roadway
corridors.
b. In the R-8 and R-14 multifamily residential districts, the additional specific intent is to screen
urban multifamily projects from adjacent lower density residential properties and to soften the
appearance of surface parking areas.
c. For non-residential uses outside the Winslow Mixed Use Town Center, High School Road I
and II, NSC, B/I, and WD-I districts the additional specific intent is to retain the natural
landscape qualities of the Island by retaining existing vegetated buffers to screen views of
structures and parking areas and to buffer between areas of high and low intensity uses.
d. In the Winslow Mixed Use Town Center Central Core and Ferry Terminal Overlay districts,
the additional specific intent is to provide an urban character by incorporating landscape
standards; and to provide landscape development to screen uses from single -family residential
properties and to soften the appearance of surface parking areas.
e. In the Winslow Mixed Use Town Center, Ericksen Avenue and Madison Overlay districts, the
additional specific intent is to retain the character of landscape front yards; and to provide
landscape development to screen uses from single-family residential properties; and to soften
the appearance of surface parking areas.
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Interim Tree Protection Ordinance
f. In the Winslow Mixed Use Town Center Gateway Overlay district, the additional specific
intent is to retain the greenbelt located adjacent to SR 305 consistent with the greenways plan
and to provide landscape development to screen uses from single-family residential
properties.
g. In the High School Road I and II districts, the additional specific intent is to provide
landscape development to screen uses from adjacent single-family residential properties and
to soften the appearance of surface parking areas.
h. In the NSC district, the additional specific intent is to incorporate landscape standards that
support pedestrian scale neighborhood uses compatible with the intensity of the surrounding
residential neighborhood; to minimize the impact of lighting, noise and views of surface
parking areas; and to provide a buffer between higher and lower intensity uses.
i. In the B/I district, the additional specific intent is to provide a year -round vegetated screen
and a noise and site lighting buffer of industrial development from adjacent nonindustrial
properties and roadways.
j. In the WD-I district, the additional specific intent is to provide landscape development that
screens parking lots and large structures, but allows visual access to the shoreline and small
scale active industrial facilities.
B. Applicability
1. All new development, except single-family residential building permits, shall be subject to the
requirements of this section, except as required by subsections B.2 and B.3 below.
2. Projects subject to the conditional use permit process may be required to exceed the requirements
of this chapter.
3. Specific submittal requirements for landscaping plans (tree protection, retention and planting
plans) are included in the city’s Administrative Manual.
4. Specific landscape requirements applicable to development in each zone district are summarized
in the following Table 18.15.010-1.
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Table 18.15.010-1: Landscape Requirements by Zone District
Landscape Requirements
Land Use Districts
Significant
Tree &
Tree Stand
Retention
(BIMC
18.15.010.C)
Perimeter
Landscape
(BIMC
18.15.010.D)
Roadside
Buffer
(BIMC
18.15.010.E)
Parking Lot
Landscaping
(BIMC
18.15.010.F)
Total Site
Tree Unit
Requirements
(BIMC
18.15.1010.G)
Planting
Requirements
(BIMC
18.15.010.H)
Irrigation
(BIMC
18.15.010.I)
Maintenance
(BIMC
18.15.110.J)
Single-Family Residential for
which Only a Building Permit
is Required (Existing Non-
Flex Lots)
Single-Family Residential
Development Outside
Winslow Mixed use, NSC,
and B/I Districts (R-.04
through R-6 Districts) Other
than Existing Lots for which
Only a Building Permit is
Required (Flexible Lot
Design Process)
X
X
(Cluster
Subdivisions
Only)
X X X X
R-8 and R-14 Multifamily
Districts X X X X X X X X
Nonresidential Uses in Areas
Outside Winslow Mixed Use,
HSR, NSC, B/I, WD-I
Districts
X X X X X X X X
Winslow Mixed
Use Town
Center [1]
Central
Core
Overlay
X X X [2] X
X X X X
Ericksen
Ave.
Overlay
X X X [2] X X X X X
Madison
Ave.
Overlay
X X X [2] X X X X X
Gateway
Overlay X X X [2] X X X X X
Ferry
Terminal
Overlay
X X X [2] X X X X X
High School Road District X X X [2] X X X X X
NSC District X X X X X X X X
B/I District X X X X X X X
WD-I District X X X X X X X
[1] Refer to Chapter 18.18 BIMC for additional landscape requirements specific to the Mixed Use Town Center districts.
[2] Roadside buffer requirement is adjacent to Highway 305 only.
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C. Tree Retention, Protection and Replacement
Where Table 18.15.010-1 indicates that development must comply with the requirements of this
subsection C, all development shall comply with the following requirements. These requirements are
intended to supplement any regulations in Chapter16.20 BIMC (Critical Areas), which remains the
primary source of regulation for environmentally sensitive areas in Bainbridge Island. In the event of
any inconsistency between the requirements of this subsection C and the requirement of Chapter 16.20
BIMC, the requirements of Chapter 16.20 BIMC shall apply.
1. Retention
a. Intent
The intent of these regulations is to preserve the forested character of the Island by preserving
significant trees and tree stands, and incentivizing tree protection and replacement in certain
districts through a tree unit system, thereby mitigating the development impacts of increased
stormwater runoff, impervious surface, and loss of carbon dioxide absorption capacity. This
shall be accomplished in a manner consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the
requirements of Washington law and to discourage the removal of significant tree(s) and tree
stands.
b. Perimeter Tree Retention Requirements
Significant trees and tree stands located in the perimeter areas required to be landscaped
pursuant to subsections D and E below shall be retained. Perimeter landscape widths may be
averaged to save significant trees, but shall not be reduced to less than the allowed minimum
perimeter dimension.
c. Exceptions
Significant trees and tree stands may be removed if it is determin ed by a consulting arborist
who is certified by the American Society of Consulting Arborists, or a TRACE certified
professional as established by the PNW Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture,
and whose services are paid for by the applicant, that the vegetation is:
i. A safety hazard due to potential root, trunk, or primary limb failure, or due to exposure of
mature trees that have grown in a closed, forested situation; or
ii. Damaged, diseased, or standing dead trees.
d. Protection of Tree Stands
Notwithstanding a determination under subsection c, i f significant trees have been removed
from a closed, forested location, a buffer of smaller trees shall be retained or planted on the
fringe of the closed, forested area. The buffer of smaller trees shall be adequate to protect the
health of the remaining mature trees in the closed, forested area, as determined by a
consulting arborist who is certified by the American Society of Consulting Arborists, and
whose services are paid for by the applicant.
2. Replacement
a. Intent
The intent of these regulations is to discourage the unauthorized removal of significant tree(s)
and tree stands; and to establish a replacement or fine if such activity occurs.
b. Requirements
If trees required to be retained pursuant to subsection C.1 are not retained, they shall be
replaced by at least one-and-one-half times (150 percent) of the number of tree units removed.
The trees removed shall be replaced with trees of the same type, evergreen or deciduous.
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Native shrubs and ground cover shall also be replaced when replacing tree stands due to
unauthorized removal. Shrubs shall be one gallon size planted four feet on center spacing,
ground cover shall be one gallon size planted three feet on center spacing. The shrubs and
ground cover shall be planted within the limits of the previous tree stand canopy.
3. Enforcement and Penalties
Failure to replace or transplant trees will be enforced as follows; provided, that any fine shall be
no less than three times the value of the trees, as determined by the current standards of the
International Society of Arboriculture. If unauthorized tree (s) or vegetation removal occurs within
the public right-of-way, all permits in force on the subject property shall be suspended and no new
permits issued until the tree(s) or vegetation has been replaced or all penalties have been satisfied.
The director is authorized to make site inspections and take such actions as are necessary to
enforce this title in accordance with Chapters 1.16, 1.24, and 1.26 BIMC. The director may
require an evaluation by a tree professional, a qualified engineer, landscape arch itect, soils
engineer, testing lab, or other specialist at any time during the tree plan review process or tree
removal inspection as necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this subsection C
and/or the terms of the clearing permit. Applicant shall be responsible for any associated costs.
a. Civil Citation
It is unlawful for any person to:
i. Initiate or maintain, or cause to be initiated or maintained, the use, construction,
placement, removal, alteration, or demolition of any structure, land, vegetation or
property within the city contrary to the provisions of this subsection C.
ii. Misrepresent any material fact in any application, plans or other information submitted to
obtain permits or authorizations under this title or not following the conditions of an
approval.
iii. Remove or deface any sign, notice, complaint, or order required by or posted in
accordance with this subsection C.
iv. Fail to submit or implement a planting plan as required by this section.
b. Stop Work Orders
The city shall have the authority to issue a stop work order to cease all development work,
and order restoration, rehabilitation, or replacement measures, including applicable sureties, at
the owner’s or other responsible party’s expense to compensate for the use, construction,
placement, removal, alteration, or demolition of any structure, land, vegetation or property
within the city contrary to the provisions of this subsection C.
c. Additional Remedies
In addition to any other remedy provided by this subsection C or under the BIMC, the city
may initiate injunction or abatement proceedings or any other appropriate action in courts
against any person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of this subsection C to
prevent, enjoin, abate, and/or terminate violations of this title and/or to restore a condition
which existed prior to the violation. In any such proceeding, the person violating and/or
failing to comply with any provisions of this subsection C shall be liable for the costs and
reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the city in bringing, maintaining and/or prosecuting
such action.
d. Civil Infraction
Except as provided in subsection C.3.f, conduct made unlawful by the city under this
subsection C. shall constitute a civil infraction and is subject to enforcement and fines as
provided in BIMC 1.26.035, and additionally, is subject to fines as provided in Ta ble
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18.15.010-2. A civil infraction under this section shall be processed in the manner set forth in
Chapter 1.26 BIMC.
e. Civil Penalty
i. In addition to any civil infraction fine, criminal penalty, and/ or other available sanction
or remedial procedure, any person engaging in conduct made unlawful by this subsection
C shall be subject to a cumulative civil penalty in the amount of $1,000 per day for each
violation from the date set for compliance until the date of compliance. Any such civil
penalty shall be collected in accordance with BIMC 1.26.090.
ii. A person who fails to comply with the requirements of this subsection C or the terms of a
permit issued hereunder, who undertakes an activity regulated by this subsection C
without obtaining a permit, or fails to comply with a cease and desist or stop work order
issued under this subsection C shall be subject to a civil penalty as set forth in Table
18.15.010-2. Each unlawfully removed or damaged tree shall constitute a separate
violation.
iii. Any person who aids or abets in the violation shall be considered to have c ommitted a
violation for purposes of the civil penalty.
iv. In addition to the penalties address under ii above, failure to replace or transplant trees
will be enforced as provided in this code; provided, that any financial penalty assessed
will be the greater of the amount indicated in Table 18.15.010-2 or three times the value
of the trees, as determined by the current standards of the International Society of
Arboriculture, whichever is greater. The director may elect not to seek penalties if he or
she determines that the circumstances do not warrant imposition of civil penalties in
addition to restoration.
Table 18.15.010-2 – Penalties
Types of Violations Allowable Fines
per Violation
1. Removal of tree(s) approved to be removed, but prior to final tree
retention and planting plan approval or issuance of a City tree
removal permit
$100.00 per tree
2. Removal or damage of tree(s) that are or would be shown to be
retained on an approved tree retention and planting plan or any
other violation of approved tree protection plan
$1,000 per tree
3. Removal of tree(s) without applying for or obtaining a required City
land-use permit $1,000 per tree
4. Removal of tree(s) without applying for or obtaining a required City
clearing permit $1,000 per tree
f. Repeat Offenders
Any person who again violates this subsection C within 12 months after having been found by
the Bainbridge Island Municipal Court to be in violation of this subsection C commits a
misdemeanor and any person who is convicted of that misdemeanor shall be punished as
provided in BIMC 1.24.010.A.
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4. Protection During Construction and Development
a. Intent
The intent of these regulations is to provide the best protection for significant trees and tree
stands.
b. Requirements
i. No cutting of significant trees shall be allowed on a site until the tree retention and
planting plans have been approved by the director.
ii. An area of prohibited disturbance, generally corresponding to the dripline or critical root
zone (as identified by a consulting arborist) of the significant trees and/or tree canopy of
tree stands shall be identified by the applicant and approved by the director.
iii. A temporary five-foot high chain link fence with tubular steel poles or “T” posts shall
delineate the area of prohibited disturbance defined in subsection ii, unless the director
has approved the use of a four-foot high plastic net fence as an alternative. The fence
shall be erected before construction starts and shall remain in place until construction has
been completed, and shall at all times have affixed to it a sign indicating the protected
area.
iv. No impervious surfaces, fill, excavation, vehicle operations, compaction, removal of
native soil or storage of construction materials shall be permitted within the area defined
by the required construction fencing.
v. A rock well shall be constructed if the grade level around the tree is to be raised more
than one foot. The inside diameter of the well shall be equal to the diameter of the
dripline or critical root zone (as identified by a consulting arborist) of the tree or tree
canopy of tree stands.
vi. The grade level shall not be lowered within the larger of (a) the dripline or critical root
zone (as identified by a consulting arborist) of the tree, or the tree canopy of tree stands,
or (b) the area recommended by a consulting arborist.
vii. Alternative protection methods may be used if recommended by a consulting arborist and
determined by the director to provide equal or greater tree protection.
viii. Wherever this subsection C.4 allows or requires the involvement of a consulting arborist,
that individual shall be selected from the city’s list of current arborists certified by the
American Society of Consulting Arborists and his or her services shall be paid for by the
applicant.
5. Modification of Requirements
If the significant tree and tree stand retention requirements of this section create an unnecessary
hardship, the applicant may request a modification. The director may administratively approve a
modification of the significant tree and tree stand requirements of this section if the director finds
that the following standards have been met:
a. The modification is necessary because of special circumstances relating to the location of
existing significant trees and tree stands that prevents compliance with this section; and
b. The special circumstances of the subject property make the strict enforcement of the
provisions of this section an unnecessary hardship to the property owner; and
c. The special circumstances of the subject property are not the result of the actions of the
applicant; and
d. The approving of the modification will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or
injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity and land use district in which the
subject property is located; and
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e. The modification is consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter; and
f. The site design incorporates the retention of other natural vegetation in consolidated locations
that promotes the natural vegetated character of the site.
D. Perimeter Buffering and Screening
1. Intent
The intent of this subsection D is to provide a vegetated screen between uses or land use districts,
to screen parking areas and structures located adjacent to public rights-of-way, and to allow visual
and physical access to pedestrian and other non-motorized oriented uses, such as a multipurpose
trail or bikeway if those trails could be accommodated without compromising significant
vegetation or hazardous slopes. Additional buffers may be required per 16.20.170, Special
Requirements for the Winslow Ravine.
2. Requirements by District
In addition to meeting the General Requirements of subsection D.4, applicants shall meet the
specific requirements of Table 18.15.010-3 applicable to the zone district or overlay district in
which the property is located. In the case of a conflict between the re quirements of this subsection
D.2 and the requirements of subsection D.4, the requirements of this subsection D.2 shall apply.
These perimeter landscape requirements are in addition to required roadside landscaping in
subsection E. and parking lot landscape requirements in subsection F below. These requirements
do not apply to projects involving only interior renovations of existing buildings.
Table 18.15.010-3: Perimeter Landscaping Requirements by District
Abutting zoning or
land use
Perimeter
Landscape Type
Perimeter Width
(ft.)
Minimum Perimeter
Width (ft.)
Multifamily in R-1 District
Single-family
residential Full Screen 25 N/A
R-8 and R-14 Multifamily Districts
Single-family
residential (UR) Partial Screen 20 15
Urban multifamily Filtered Screen 15 10
Nonresidential Uses in Areas
Outside Winslow Mixed Use, HSR, NSC, B/I , WD-I Districts
Residential including
multifamily Full Screen 25 15
Nonindustrial uses Full Screen 20 10
Winslow Town Center Mixed Use District [1]
Single-family
residential Full Screen 20 15
HSR I and II Districts
Single-family
residential Full Screen 20 15
NSC Districts
Residential including
multifamily Full Screen 15 10
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Table 18.15.010-3: Perimeter Landscaping Requirements by District
Abutting zoning or
land use
Perimeter
Landscape Type
Perimeter Width
(ft.)
Minimum Perimeter
Width (ft.)
NSCs Filtered Screen 10 10
B/I Districts
B/I Full Screen[2] 50 35
Non-B/I Partial Screen 15 10
WD-I Districts
Residential including
multifamily Full Screen 40 20
Industrial uses Partial Screen 10 0
Nonindustrial uses Full Screen 10 5
[1] For perimeter landscaping requirements in the ferry terminal district transition
area, north of Winslow Way, reference BIMC 18.12.030.C.
[2] Notwithstanding subsection D.2 above, all native shrubs and significant trees
shall be retained within all landscape buffers, except that limited removal may be
allowed for permitted activities located within the buffer area. If necessary, the
existing vegetation shall be supplemented to attain the required screening
density.
3. Perimeter Buffers in Residential Cluster Short Subdivisions, Cluster Long
Subdivisions, and Multifamily Subdivisions in the R-1 Zone District
a. When the cluster development option is selected pursuant to BIMC 17.12.020.B for property
with a gross area of one acre or more and that is located in the R -0.4, R-1, R-2 and R-2.9
districts, a 25-foot wide, filtered screen landscape perimeter shall be req uired along the
subdivision boundary.
b. When the cluster development option is selected pursuant to BIMC 17.12.020.B for property
with a gross area of one acre or more and that is located in the R -3.5, R-4.3, R-5, R-6, R-8,
and R-14 zone districts, a 10-foot wide, filtered screen landscape perimeter shall be required
along the subdivision boundary.
c. In order to buffer the visual impact of the proposed subdivision and protect off -site views,
filtered screen landscaping, pursuant to subsection D.4 below, shall be required within
landscape perimeter buffers where mature trees and shrubs cannot provide such screening.
d. Required landscape buffer width may be reduced through buffer averaging in accordance with
the criteria in subsection D.5 below, perimeter landscape requirements. For example, buffers
may be adjusted when such adjustments contribute to the neighborhood character by
incorporating significant trees and native vegetation, incorporate a unique landscape feature,
or accommodate a unique situation that allows continuation of an existing use, such as a
utility or other easement providing continued use.
e. Landscape buffers may be included in the required open space calculations for a subdivision
as noted in Table 18.15.010-4. Table 18.15.010-4 depicts the landscape buffer requirements
for subdivisions by zoning district and denotes when the buffer may be included in the open
space calculations. These standards apply unless alternative buffers are required pursuant to
critical area review, the requirements of the Shoreline Management Act, conditioned by
SEPA review, or required for public health or safety reasons.
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f. When a multifamily subdivision is created within the R -1 zone district, a 25-foot wide, full
screen landscape perimeter shall be required along the subdivision boundary.
Table 18.15.010-4: Perimeter Landscape Requirements for Flexlot Subdivisions [1]
Type of Subdivision Landscape Perimeter Buffer,
(Cluster Option Subdivision Only)
Park and Conservation Land Buffer
(Required for Both Cluster and Open Space
Subdivision Options)
Residential Subdivision in the
R-0.4, R-1, R-2, and R 2-9 districts 25'- Filtered Screen 25'- Filtered Screen (OS) [2]
Residential Subdivision in the
R-3.5, R-4.3, R-5, R-6, R-8, and R-14 districts 10'- Filtered Screen 25'- Filtered Screen (OS) [2]
Multifamily Subdivision in the R-1 zone
district 25’ – Full Screen N/A
1. Properties being subdivided with less than one acre are not subject to landscape buffer requirements.
2. (OS) indicates that the buffer may be calculated in the required open space area for the subdivision.
4. General Requirements
a. Full Screen
Where full screen perimeter landscaping is required, the applicant must provide:
i. Minimum 70 percent evergreen trees ranging in height from four feet to six feet at the
time of planting with at least 50 percent being six feet high; and
ii. Deciduous trees with a caliper of at least two inches at the time of planting; and
iii. At least 20 percent of the trees shall be native species and drought resistant; and
iv. The number of trees is determined by dividing the length of the landscape perimeter by
10 feet; and
v. Evergreen shrubs at least 21 inches in height at the time of planting, spaced no more than
three feet on center, to achieve minimum four feet height at maturity; and
vi. The number of shrubs is determined by dividing the length of the perimeter by four feet;
and
vii. Living ground cover shall be planted and spaced to achieve total coverage within three
years; and
viii. Plants may be clustered within the perimeter to screen structures and parking areas.
b. Partial Screen
Where partial screen perimeter landscaping is required, the applicant must provide:
i. Minimum 50 percent evergreen trees ranging in height from four feet to six feet at the
time of planting with at least 50 percent being six feet high; and
ii. Deciduous trees with a caliper of at least two inches at the time of planting; and
iii. At least 20 percent of the trees shall be native species and drought resistant; and
iv. The number of trees is determined by dividing the length of the landscape perimeter by
20 feet; and
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v. Evergreen shrubs at least 21 inches in height at the time of planting, spaced no more than
three feet on center, to achieve minimum four feet height a t maturity; and
vi. The number of shrubs is determined by dividing the length of the landscape perimeter by
five feet; and
vii. Living ground cover shall be planted and spaced to achieve total coverage within three
years; and
viii. Plants may be clustered within the landscape perimeter to screen structures and parking
areas.
c. Filtered Screen
Where filtered screen perimeter landscaping is required, the applicant must provide:
i. One hundred percent deciduous trees two -inch caliper spaced no more than 30 feet on
center; and
ii. Evergreen shrubs minimum 21 inches in height at the time of planting spaced no more
than three feet on center to provide a continuous hedge achieving a maximum height of
three feet at maturity; and
iii. Living ground cover shall be planted and spaced to achieve total coverage within three
years.
5. Standards
The following standards apply to the full screen, partial screen and filtered screen perimeter
landscape requirements contained in this section.
a. Existing vegetation may be used in lieu of new plant material if not already being used to
meet another requirement.
b. A full screen will be required to screen utilities located above ground from adjacent uses.
c. Perimeter landscaping shall be clustered in areas to screen structures, utility structures,
loading areas, parking lots, trash enclosures, storage areas and mechanical equipment.
d. The director may approve the
averaging of perimeter landscape
widths to provide adequate screening if
it meets the criteria contained in this
section.
Partial Screen Section Partial Screen Plan
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e. Earth berms in combination with shrubs and trees may be used to achieve the initial planting
height requirement.
f. Minimum landscape perimeter dimensions are allowed when perimeter averaging is applied.
The landscape perimeter can be averaged only if the total requi red perimeter dimension
square footage is achieved. The director may allow landscape perimeter averaging if the
following criteria is met: (i) plant material is being clustered to more effectively screen
parking areas and structures; and (ii) the quality of the perimeter landscape is not diminished;
(iii) significant trees are being retained.
6. Park Buffers and Buffers for Dedicated Conservation Lands
a. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections D.2, D.3, and D.4 above, a 25-foot wide
buffer shall be provided along a property line where the land immediately adjacent to the
subdivision boundary is a park or a future park in a municipal plan, or dedicated
conservation land area that has been set aside for open space, wildlife habitat or public
conservation purposes by deed or conservation easement.
b. In order to buffer the visual impact of the proposed subdivision and protect off -site
views, filtered screen landscaping, pursuant to subsection D.4 above, shall be required
within park buffers and buffers for dedicated conservation lands buffers where mature
trees and shrubs cannot provide such screening.
E. Street Frontage Landscaping
1. Roadside Buffers for Commercial, Institutional and Multifamily Development
The following table indicates the type of landscaping required when the subject property directly
abuts a right-of-way. Roadside buffers may be required for commercial, institutional, or
multifamily development where a Site Plan Review or Conditional Use Permit is required. The
buffers shall be pursuant to the screening standards set forth in subsection D.4 above. Required
landscape buffer widths may be reduced to the minimum widths stated in Table 18.15.010 -5
through buffer averaging in accordance with the criteria in subsection D.5 above. These
requirements do not apply to projects involving only interior renovations of existing buildings.
Table 18.15.010-5: Roadside Buffer Requirements by District [1]
Existing Zoning/Use Abutting Use
Right of Way (not
including Hwy 305) Highway 305 [2]
Neighborhood Service Center 10’ Filtered Screen/5’
Minimum
50’ Filtered Screen/35’
Minimum
Mixed Use Town Center [3] N/A 50’ Full Screen [4] /35’
Minimum
High School Road N/A 50’ Full Screen/35’
Minimum
Urban Multifamily 20’ Partial Screen 50’ Partial Screen/35’
Minimum
Conditional Uses within Residential Zone
Districts
25’ Partial Screen/15’
Minimum
50’ Partial Screen/35’
Minimum
Business/Industrial (B/I) 50’ Full Screen/35’ Minimum 50’ Full Screen/35’
Minimum
Water Dependent Industrial 10’ Partial Screen/5’ 50’ Partial Screen/35’
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Table 18.15.010-5: Roadside Buffer Requirements by District [1]
Existing Zoning/Use Abutting Use
Right of Way (not
including Hwy 305) Highway 305 [2]
Minimum Minimum
1. All roadside buffers must be planted if not already existing.
2. A buffer is required along Highway 305, which is designated as a scenic highway. The 50’ roadside buffer
requirement can be reduced up to 25% by the director, after consultation with an acceptable tree professional as
identified in subsection C.1.c, if it is determined that (a) a 50’ buffer would cause the property to be undevelopable,
and (b) the reduced buffer will provide as much screening of site activities from Highway 305 as practicable in light
of site topography and conditions.
3. For perimeter landscaping requirements in the ferry terminal district transition area, north of Winslow Way,
reference BIMC 18.12.030.C.
4. Beginning 100’ north of Winslow Way.
2. Roadside Buffers for Residential and Commercial Subdivisions
Roadside buffers are required for both residential and commercial subdivisions. The type and
width of the required buffer varies by the type of roadway the subdivision is adjacent to, as well as
the condition of the existing roadside vegetation. The buffers shall be pursuant to the standards set
forth in subsection D.4 above. These requirements do not apply to projects involving only interior
renovations of existing buildings.
Table 18.15.010-6: Subdivision Roadside Buffer Requirements
Type of Subdivision Right-of-Way (Buffers Required for Both Open Space and Cluster Flexlot
Subdivision Options along Arterial and Collector Roads [1],[2])
Residential Subdivision in the R-0.4, R-
1, R-2, and R 2-9 districts 50'- Mature Trees and Shrubs or 25'- Full Screen
Residential Subdivision in the R-3.5, R-
4.3, R-5, R-6, R-8, and R-14 districts
No requirement, unless necessary to reflect neighboring development patterns
(OS) [3]
Commercial and Multifamily
Subdivisions
25’ – Full Screen adjacent to all designated scenic roads
1. Properties being subdivided with less than one acre are not subject to roadside buffer requirements.
2. Roadside Buffers: A 25-foot full screen buffer must be planted along applicable roadways when no mature trees and
shrubs exist along the property boundary in zones R-0.4, R-1, R-2 and R-2.9.
3. (OS) indicates that the buffer may be calculated in the required open space area for open space subdivisions.
a. Roadside Buffer General Requirements
i. All residential subdivisions and short subdivisions subject to landscape buffering
requirements shall comply with the standards in this subsection, incl uding those in Table
18.15.010-6.
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Interim Tree Protection Ordinance
b. Roadside Buffers in Residential Short Subdivisions
i. Except for properties containing a gross area of less than one acre, where mature trees
and shrubs of a forested nature are located adjacent to public roads that are designated as
collector or arterial roads on the adopted road classification map, a 50 -foot-wide
vegetative buffer shall be maintained. However, in the R -3.5, R-4.3, R-5, R-6, R-8 and
R-14 districts a roadside buffer is not required unless it is determined that a landscape
buffer is necessary to maintain the character of the neighborhood or to reflect
neighboring development patterns. The provisions for buffer averaging provided in
subsection D.5 above shall apply.
ii. Where there are no mature trees and shrubs that contribute to the existing forested
character of these roads, the character of the neighborhood shall be maintained by
establishing building setbacks equal to or greater than the existing building setbacks on
the adjacent properties. At no point shall the building setback be less than requirements
in Title 18.
iii. To accommodate an existing house that is located within 50 feet of the property line
adjacent to a collector or arterial road, the roadside buffer area width shall be reduced to
the width adjoining the existing home between the existing house and the property line
adjacent to the collector or arterial road.
c. Roadside Buffers in Residential Long Subdivisions
i. For subdivisions located in the R-0.4, R-1, R-2 and R-2.9 districts where mature trees and
shrubs of a forested nature are located adjacent to public roads that are designated as
collector or arterial roads on the adopted road classification map, a 50 -foot-wide
vegetative buffer shall be maintained. In the R-3.5, R-4.3, R-5, R-6, R-8, and R-14
districts a roadside buffer is not required unless it is determined that a landscape buffer is
necessary to maintain the character of the neighborhood or to reflect neighboring
development patterns. The provisions for buffer averaging provided in subsection D.5
above shall apply.
ii. For property with a gross area of one acre or more and that is located in districts R-0.4,
R-1, R-2 and R-2.9, where there are no mature trees and shrubs that contribute to the
existing forested character of the roads, a 25-foot full screen landscape buffer shall be
planted consistent with the requirements of subsection D.4a above, except as noted below
in this subsection.
iii. To accommodate an existing house that is located within 50 feet of the property line
adjacent to a collector or arterial road (or within 25 feet of such a property lin e if
subsection c.ii above applies), and to maintain the character of the neighborhood and
reflect neighboring development patterns, the roadside buffer area width shall be reduced
to the width adjoining the existing home between the existing house and the property line
adjacent to the collector or arterial road. At no point shall the building setback be less
than requirements in Title 18.
iv. For subdivisions designating open space that is intended for agricultural use and would
be adversely impacted by the addition of screening landscaping, a 25-foot roadside buffer
as prescribed in subsection c.ii above shall not be required.
d. Roadside Buffers in Multifamily and Commercial Subdivisions
i. A minimum 25-foot vegetative buffer shall be established adjacent to all designated
scenic roads. The buffer shall be consistent with the requirements for a full screen buffer,
pursuant to subsection D.4.a above.
e. Multiple Street Frontages
i. For properties subject to the roadside buffers requirement along two prop erty boundaries,
the roadside buffer abutting the street with the lower classification may be reduced to 25
feet in width. For properties that abut more than two streets requiring roadside buffers or
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Interim Tree Protection Ordinance
in situations where both abutting streets are of the same road classification, one roadside
buffer of the full required width shall be required and all other roadside buffers may be
reduced to 25 feet; provided, that the full required width buffer is located where a greater
number of significant trees can be incorporated into the buffer.
F. Parking Lot Landscaping
The requirements of this subsection F are in addition to required perimeter landscaping under
subsection D above. When more than one building is placed on a lot or a building is placed in the
center of the lot with parking all the way around it, the street perspective is used to determine which
landscaping standards to follow for parking lot landscaping.
1. NSC, B/I, and WD-I Districts and Nonresidential Uses Outside Winslow Mixed Use
Town Center Overlay Districts and High School Road Mixed Use Districts.
All applicants in these areas shall provide the following types and amounts of landscaping.
Parking lots shall meet the requirements of BIMC 18.15.020. Applicants may refer to the
standards contained in this section for optional planting locations within parking areas.
a. Intent
The intent of this section is to screen views of parking lots. To provide shade and visual relief
within parking lots, to limit impacts of impervious surfaces and to reinforce safe pedestrian
access to buildings.
b. Requirements for Parking Lots Located Adjacent to Public Rights-of-Way
i. One tree for every four parking stalls; and
ii. Minimum 30 percent evergreen trees; and
iii. Deciduous trees minimum two-inch caliper, evergreen trees minimum six feet high at the
time of planting; and
iv. Evergreen shrubs minimum 18-inch height at the time of planting spaced no more than
three feet on center, to provide a continuous hedge achieving a maximum height of three
feet at maturity located adjacent to the rights-of-way (this may be achieved with the
perimeter landscape); and
v. Evergreen ground cover planted and spaced to achieve total coverage within two years;
and
vi. A landscaped area at the end of parking aisles.
Parking Adjacent to Right-of-Way Safe Pedestrian Access
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c. Requirements for Parking Lots Not Abutting Public Rights-of-Way
i. One tree for every eight parking stalls; and
ii. One hundred percent of the trees may be deciduous; and
iii. Deciduous trees minimum two-inch caliper, evergreen trees minimum four feet height at
the time of planting; and
iv. Evergreen ground cover and/or shrubs planted and spaced to achieve total coverage
within two years; and
v. A landscaped area at the end of parking aisles.
d. Standards
i. Maintain shrubs at a maximum three feet height within parking lots so views between
vehicles and pedestrians will not be blocked.
ii. Landscape in planting islands or strips shall have an area of at least 100 square feet and
with a narrow dimension of not less than five feet if wheel stops are provided to prevent
vehicle overhang. A narrow dimension of not less than eight feet may be provided if the
vehicle overhang area is included in the planting area.
iii. Provide permanent curbs or wheel stops to protect the plantings.
iv. Significant trees and tree stands may be used in lieu of new landscape requirements if
they are in addition to the significant tree and tree stand retention requirements.
v. Clustering of new plant material within parking lots may be approved or required by the
director if the intent of this section is met.
vi. Refer to the landscape materials matrix in the Administrative Manual for tree species
appropriate for parking lots.
2. Winslow Mixed Use Town Center Overlay Districts, High School
Road Districts, R-8 and R-14 Districts.
All applicants in these areas shall provide the following types and amounts of landscaping.
Parking lots shall meet the requirements of BIMC 18.15.020. Applicants may refer to the
standards contained in this section for optional planting locations within parking areas.
a. Intent
The intent of this section is to soften the appearance of surface parking lots. To provide more
intensive landscaping when surface parking lots are exposed to public view.
Parking Area Screen
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Interim Tree Protection Ordinance
b. Parking Lots Located in the Front of Buildings and Adjacent to Public Rights-of-Way.
i. One tree for every two parking stalls; and
ii. One hundred percent of the trees may be deciduous; and
iii. Deciduous trees minimum two-inch caliper; and
iv. Evergreen shrubs planted to form a hedge, minimum 18 -inch height at the time of
planting, spaced no more than three feet on center, not to exceed a mature height of three
feet located adjacent to the public rights-of-way (this may be achieved with the perimeter
landscape); and
v. Deciduous trees minimum two-inch caliper spaced no more than 30 feet on center located
along the public rights-of-way (this may be achieved with the perimeter landscape); and
vi. Evergreen ground cover and/or shrubs planted and spaced to achieve total coverage
within two years; and
vii. A landscaped area at the end of parking aisles.
c. Requirements for Parking Lots Located to the Side of Buildings and Adjacent to Public
Rights-of-Way
i. One tree for every four parking
stalls; and
ii. One hundred percent of the trees
may be deciduous; and
iii. Deciduous trees minimum two -inch
caliper; and
iv. Evergreen shrubs planted to form a
hedge, minimum 18-inch height at
the time of planting, spaced no more
three feet on center, not to exceed a
mature height of three feet located adjacent to the public rights-of-way (this may be
achieved with the perimeter landscape); and
v. A landscaped area at the end of aisles; and
vi. Deciduous trees minimum two-inch caliper spaced no more than 30 feet on center located
along the public rights-of-way (this may be achieved with the perimeter landscape); and
vii. Evergreen ground cover and/or shrubs planted and spaced to achieve total coverage
within two years.
d. Requirements for Parking Lots Located Behind Buildings and Not Adjacent to Public
Rights-of-Way.
i. One tree for every eight parking stalls; and
ii. One hundred percent of the trees may be deciduous; and
iii. Deciduous trees minimum two-inch caliper, evergreen trees minimum four feet height at
the time of planting; and
iv. Evergreen ground cover and/or shrubs planted and spaced to achieve total coverage
within two years; and
v. A landscaped area at the end of aisles.
e. Standards
i. Maintain shrubs at a maximum three feet height within parking lots so views between
vehicles and pedestrians will not be blocked.
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ii. Landscape in planting islands or strips shall have an area of at least 100 square feet and
with a narrow dimension of not less than five feet if wheel stops are provided to prevent
vehicle overhang. A narrow dimension of not less than eight feet may be provided if the
vehicle overhang area is included in the planting area.
iii. Provide permanent curbs or wheel stops to protect the plantings from vehicle overhang.
iv. Significant trees and tree stands may be used in lieu of new landscape requirements if
they are in addition to the significant tree and tree stand retention requirements.
v. Clustering of new plant material within parking lots may be approved or required by the
director if the intent of this section is met.
vi. Refer to the suggested landscape materials matrix in the Administrative Manual for tree
species appropriate for parking lots
G. Total Site Tree Unit Requirements
1. Intent
The intent of this subsection G is to ensure that, to the degree practicable, (a) each development
approval in the MUTC, HSR I and II, R-8, R-14, and NSC zone districts and (b) each development
approval for non-residential development in the R-5, R-4.3, R-3.5, R-2.9, R-2, R-1, and R-0.4
zone districts leaves the development parcel with at least a specified minimum amount of tree
coverage, measured in tree units per acre, that reflects the degree of tree coverage prior to
development or redevelopment and that discourages avoidable site disturbances that would require
tree removal.
2. Applicability
The regulations of this subsection G apply to each development application involving (a) any
modification to a development parcel located in the MUTC, HSR I and II, R-8, R-14, or NSC
districts or (b) a permitted non-residential development in the R-5, R-4.3, R-3.5, R-2.9, R-2, R-1,
and R-0.4 zone districts. These provisions shall not apply to projects involving only interior
renovation of existing buildings.
3. Site Specific Evaluation of Total Impact on Tree Coverage
a. Prior to the submission of a development application involving any modification to a
development parcel that has less than 50% tree canopy cover prior to the proposed
development or redevelopment, the applicant shall complete an inventory of all existing trees
on the site indicating the species and the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) for each existing
tree.
b. As part of any development application the applicant shall identify all existing trees to be
removed as part of the proposed development, and the species and DBH of each tree to be
removed.
4. Requirements
a. A development application covered by subsection 2 above shall only be approved if it
complies with the requirements of subsections C (Tree Protection, Retention and
Replacement), D (Perimeter Buffering and Screening), E (Street Frontage Landscaping), and
F (Parking Lot Landscaping), and also complies with subsections (i), (ii) or (iii) below.
i. In the MUTC Central Core and Ferry Terminal Overlay districts, the development parcel
shall have at least than 30 tree units per acre following the proposed development or
redevelopment.
ii. In the MUTC Ericksen Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Gateway Overlay Districts, and
each site in the R-8, R-14, HSR I and II, and NSC districts, and for permitted non-
residential development in the R-5, R-4.3, R-3.5, R-2.9, R-2, R-1, and R-0.4 zone
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Interim Tree Protection Ordinance
districts, the development parcel shall have at least 40 tree units per acre following the
proposed development or redevelopment.
iii. As an alternative to subsections 4.a.i and 4.a.ii above, and at the applicant’s option, the
development parcel will contain at least the same number of tree units after the proposed
development or redevelopment as it had before that development or redevelopment.
b. All existing trees preserved and all new trees planted on the site, including but not limited to
those required to be preserved pursuant to subsection C above or those required to be replaced
or planted pursuant to subsections D, E, or F, shall count towards the required number of tree
units.
5. Calculation of Tree Units
a. Each tree preserved on a development parcel shall earn the number of tree units shown in
Table 18.15.010-7, based on its diameter at breast height (DBH). If the DBH measurement
results in a fraction, the requirement shall be rounded to the nearest whole number (greater
than or equal to 0.5 is rounded up; less than 0.5 is rounded down.
Table 18.15.010-7: Tree Unit Conversion Table for Preserved Trees [1]
DBH Tree Units DBH Tree Units DBH Tree Units
1-5 1.0 16-18 3.2 27-28 7.0
6-10 1.2 19-20 3.8 29-30 7.8
11-12 1.4 21-23 4.6 30+ 8.2
13-15 2.0 24-26 6.2
[1] For multi-stemmed trees, measure the DBH of each trunk separately, multiply each of these
measurements by itself, add up these amounts, and calculate the square root of that total to find
the DBH for the tree as a whole.
b. Tree Retention Bonus
i. If retained trees occur in a tree stand, they shall earn 1.2 times the tree unit value shown
in Table 18.15.010-7.
ii. If the retained trees occur in a tree stand that is adjacent to a tree stand on an adjacent lot
that is already protected as part of a land use permit or conservation easement, they shall
earn 1.5 times the tree unit value shown in Table 18.15.010-7 instead of the bonus
described in subsection b.i. above.
iii. If the retained tree is one designated through the City’s Heritage Tree Program it shall
earn 1.5 times the tree unit value shown in Table 18.15.101-7, and the tree shall not
receive additional bonus in subsections b.1 and b.2 above for location in a tree stand.
iv. If the retained tree is located within a designated Wildlife Corridor Network , they shall
earn 1.5 times the tree unit value shown in Table 18.15.010-7.
c. Each new or replacement tree planted shall earn the following number of tree unit credits.
i. Each tree with a height at maturity of 40 feet or less shall be equal to one-half (0.5) tree
unit. Height at maturity shall be as defined in the current edition of the Manual of
Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture,
Propagation and Uses, Michael A. Dirr.
ii. Each tree with a height at maturity of more than 40 feet shall be equal to 1 tree unit.
d. If, after complying with subsections C, D, E, and F above, additional trees need to be planted
to meet the minimum tree unit requirements in subsection G.3:
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i. In the MUTC Central Core and Ferry Terminal Overlay Districts, (a) those trees may be
planted either at ground level or above ground level (such as a patio, terrace, or rooftop;
and
ii. In the MUTC Ericksen Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Gateway Overlay Districts, R -8,
R-14, HSR I and II, NSC Districts, as well as for nonresidential developments within
residential districts those trees shall be planted at ground level.
H. Planting Requirements
1. Intent
The intent of this section is to encourage the use of native species and recommend planting
conditions adaptive to Bainbridge Island.
2. Requirements
Landscape designs shall conform to the following provisions.
a. Areas not devoted to landscape required by this chapter, parking, structures and other site
improvements are encouraged to be planted or remain in existing vegetation.
b. New plant materials shall include native species or nonnative species that have adapted to the
climatic conditions of the coastal region of the Puget Sound Region.
c. New plant materials shall consist of drought resistant species, except where site conditions
within the required landscape areas assure adequate moisture for growth.
d. New tree plantings shall be a minimum of 2 inches in caliper if deciduous or 6 feet in height if
evergreen. Soil planting types and depth shall be sufficient for tree planting.
e. When the width of any landscape strip is 20 feet or greater, the required trees shall be
staggered in two or more rows.
f. Existing vegetation may be used to augment new plantings to meet the standards of this
chapter.
g. Grass may be used as a ground cover where existing or amended soil conditi ons assure
adequate moisture for growth.
h. Ground cover areas shall contain at least two inches of composted organic mulch at finish
grade to minimize evaporation. Mulch shall consist of materials such as composted yard
waste, composted sawdust, and/or manure that are fully composted.
i. Existing soils may need to be augmented with fully composted organic material.
j. Specific submittal requirements for landscaping plans (tree protection, retention and planting
plans) are included in the city’s Administrative Manual.
3. Performance Assurance
a. Performance assurance is required to assure the city that the landscape, required by this
section, is properly installed, will become established and be adequately maintained.
b. The required landscape shall be installed prior to the issuance of a temporary certificate of
occupancy for the project. The Washington landscape architect, Washington certified nursery
professional or Washington certified landscaper shall submit a landscaping declaration to the
director to verify installation in accordance with the approved plans.
c. The time limit for compliance may be extended to allow installation of landscaping during the
next appropriate planting season as approved if the director determines that a performance
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assurance device, for a period of not more than one year, will adequately protect the interests
of the city. The performance assurance device shall be for 150 percent of the cost of the work
or improvements covered by the assurance device. In no case may the property owner delay
performance for more than one year.
d. The form and type of the performance assurance device shall be determined by the director.
4. Maintenance Assurance
a. The property owner shall replace any unhealthy or dead plant materials in conformance with
the approved planting plan.
b. A maintenance assurance device shall be required for a period of three years after acceptance
by the city of the new planting or transplanting of vegetation to ensure proper installation,
establishment, and maintenance.
c. The maintenance assurance device amount shall not be less than 20 percent of the cost of
replacing materials covered by the assurance device.
d. The form and type of the maintenance assurance device shall be de termined by the director.
I. Irrigation
1. Intent
The intent of this section is to provide temporary or permanent irrigation within new planting
areas that do not have high soil moisture conditions. These regulations shall not apply where
provisions of Chapter 16.12 or 16.20 BIMC or any state or federal law restricts irrigation, and in
case of conflict with any provision of those laws, the provisions of those laws shall govern.
2. Requirements
a. Except for areas of undisturbed existing vegetation, all l andscape areas that do not have high
soil moisture conditions shall have temporary or permanent irrigation systems. Temporary
systems may be removed after 24 months or two growing seasons, whichever occurs first;
provided that the plantings are established.
b. Areas where existing site conditions assure adequate soil moisture for growth within the
required landscape area shall have temporary irrigation systems only as required to sustain
new plantings.
c. Landscape areas consisting of drought resistant vegetation may require temporary irrigation
systems. Permanent irrigation systems located within required landscape areas should include
the following features:
i. Moisture or precipitation sensors; and
ii. Automatic timers set for operation to assure adequate moisture levels; and
iii. Head-to-head spacing, if sprinkler heads are proposed; and
iv. Pressure regulating devices; and
v. Backflow prevention devices; and
vi. Separate irrigation zones for grass and planting beds; and
vii. Other features required to comply with applicable state and city codes.
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d. Irrigation water shall be applied with goals of avoiding runoff, low head drainage, overspray,
or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, non -irrigated areas and
impervious surfaces by:
i. Considering soil type and infiltration rates; and
ii. Using proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including features such as repeat
cycles, to closely match application rates with infiltration rates; and
iii. Considering special problems posed by irrigation on slopes and in median strips.
e. Irrigation systems shall be subject to the following additional provisions:
i. Systems in landscape strips less than five feet in width shall be designed to ensure that
overspray and/or runoff does not occur by use of system design options such as low
volume emitters; and
ii. Sprinkler heads with consistent application rates shall be selected for proper area
coverage, operating pressure, and adjustment capability; and
iii. Separate control valves shall be used to irrigate plants with differing water needs.
J. Maintenance
1. Intent
All new landscape plantings and significant trees and tree stands to be retained shall be maintained
to preserve the Island’s forested character.
2. Requirements
a. All landscaping, significant trees and tree stands shall be maintained for the life of the project.
b. All landscaped areas required by this chapter, significant trees and tree stands, except within
critical areas or their protective buffers (defined in Chapter 16.20 BIMC), should be
maintained in a healthy growing condition.
c. Landscape areas shall be kept free of trash.
d. All plant material shall be managed by pruning so that plant growth does not conflict with
public utilities, restrict pedestrian or vehicular access, or create a traffic hazard.
K. Screening of Certain Facilities
1. Outdoor Storage
In the NSC and B/I Districts, outdoor storage areas shall be screened. The screen height is
determined by the height of the material or equipment being screened. Chain link fencing with
neutral colored slatting is permitted along with vegetative screening when vegetative screening
alone is not sufficient to block the outdoor storage from public view and where the fencing is not
visible from a street. Exterior storage should be confined to portions of the site least visible from
public view.
2. Trash Dumpsters and Outdoor Equipment
a. In the NSC and B/I districts, trash dumpsters or any outdoor equipment, whether on roof or
side of a structure, or on the ground, shall be screened from view. Screening shall be
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architecturally consistent with the adjacent structure in terms of materials. Mechanical
equipment should be located below the highest vertical element of the building.
b. In the B/I districts, trash and recycling containers shall be located to mitigate noise impacts to
nearby residential properties.
c. Small wind energy generators do not need to be screened.
3. Business/Industrial
In the B/I districts, light manufacturing uses shall visually screen the development year -round
from adjacent, nonindustrial properties and from adjacent roadways. Landscape screening sha ll be
provided in accordance with subsection D.