§ 154.05. Installation and maintenance of required landscaping.

The following standards shall apply:

(A)

Planting Practices. All landscaping shall be installed according to sound nursery practices in a manner designed to encourage vigorous growth. Soil improvement measures may be required to ensure healthy plant growth. All elements of landscaping shall be installed so as to meet any other applicable ordinances. A plant's or tree's growth characteristics shall be considered before planting to prevent conflicts with utilities, views, or signs. See Section 154.03(I) for landscaping and utilities.

(B)

Staking. All balled and burlapped trees and palms shall be staked. Trees and palms shall be staked until the roots have become established for a period typically between 6 months and 1 year or as specified by a landscape architect.

(C)

Responsibility. The owner, tenant, and their agent, if any, shall be jointly and severally responsible for the maintenance of all landscaping which shall be maintained in good condition so as to present a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance at all times and shall be kept free from refuse and debris. Maintenance shall include, but is not limited to, trimming, replacement of all dead plant material, removal of all invasive and exotic plant material, and removal of refuse and debris. If vegetation which is required to be planted or preserved dies it shall be replaced with equivalent vegetation.

(D)

Irrigation. All sodded and planted areas shall be provided with an irrigation system except for Florida Friendly or Xeriscape areas. Florida Friendly or Xeriscape areas must have a readily available water supply to provide temporary irrigation until plantings are established. A Florida Friendly or Xeriscape plan may be approved by the Site Plan Review Committee when the applicant can assure the health and survivability of all landscaping plant materials. See Section 154.03(H) for irrigation requirements.

(E)

Nonconformance. If at any time after issuance of a certificate of occupancy the landscaping of a development is found to be in nonconformance, the Planning and Zoning Department shall issue notice to the owner, tenant, and/or agent that action is required to comply with this chapter and the owner, tenant, and/or agent shall have 30 days to restore the landscaping as required. Failure to comply will result in a Code Compliance Board hearing.

(F)

Pruning and Topping. Pruning restrictions shall not apply for trees located under power lines. Trees shall be pruned only as necessary to promote healthy growth. Trees shall be allowed to attain their normal size and shall not be severely pruned or "hatracked" in order to permanently maintain growth at a reduced height. Trees may be periodically pruned or thinned in order to reduce leaf mass in preparation for tropical storms. All pruning shall be accomplished in accordance with the National Arborist Association's standards.

(G)

Vertical Clearance Over a Roadway. Trees that encroach into roadways shall be maintained in accordance with the St. Lucie County Fire District Fire Prevention Code.

(H)

Walls and Fences. All walls, fences, and entrance features shall be maintained in working order and shall be free from structural deterioration, sagging, disrepair, or other deterioration or defects so as to present a neat and orderly appearance at all times and shall be kept free from mildew, peeling paint, and graffiti.

(I)

Permitted landscaping existing on the effective date of this chapter shall be maintained as originally permitted. However, replacement trees and plants must meet the current requirements of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 15-70, § 1, 9-14-15)