Trees and shrubs must be replaced if unhealthy, dead or dying. Replacement of dead or dying trees and shrubs is a requirement as part of your responsibility to maintain the landscaping. Removal of healthy trees is not allowed without review by the Planning Division. Removal of healthy trees may require a land use application and/or replanting the trees at a ratio of 2:1. Additionally, certain types of trees are protected and may require a permit for removal, regardless of your landscaping requirements.

Some businesses may be concerned that the required trees will block the view of their signage or business and may want to cut or drastically trim their trees. Removing more than 30 percent of the crown of a tree (also known as topping) is considered removal of the tree and may result in the requirement to remove the tree, replant two trees for each one topped and/or civil penalties. While small trees may temporarily block a business's sign, trees that are allowed to grow unimpeded will eventually be tall enough that line of sight will be possible below the tree's branches.

Landscaping requirements include a percentage of shade trees and requirements for plants that grow to a certain size and height. You can replace dead or dying trees or shrubs with the same or similar species, but you should not replace a shade tree with an ornamental tree or replace large shrubs with ones that are much smaller. The Planning Division can help with these specific questions based on what is required for your property and what was originally approved.

No. Required landscaped area are for trees, shrubs, bark dust, mulch, decorative stones, water features, etc., but cannot be used to display merchandise, store materials, or any other non-landscape activity. Some areas may be converted to pedestrian plazas with paving stones and benches, after consultation and approval by the Planning Division. Any act that damages the trees is considered the same as removing the tree and may result in requirements to replant the trees at a ratio of 2:1 and civil penalties. The following is a list of prohibited activities that may damage or kill shrubs and trees:  application of toxic substances, operation of equipment and vehicles, storage of materials, change of natural grade due to unapproved excavation or filling, or unapproved alteration of natural physical conditions.

No. Required landscaped areas cannot be paved without prior approval from the Planning Division.

Many developments have green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) that may have a ditch or basin to hold and store water and include low plantings that are intended to clean the water before it is released into the stormwater system. These are usually part of the approved stormwater system for your property, and for some sites, these areas are also counted towards your landscaping requirements. These areas cannot be paved, filled in or have the plantings removed without prior approval from the Planning Division and the Public Works Department.