HomeMy WebLinkAbout008 - 02/04/2025 - REPEALING AND REENACTING SECTION 5.10.1 OF THE LAND USE CODE AND AMENDING DEFINITIONS IN SECTION 7.2ORDINANCE NO. 008, 2025
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
REPEALING AND REENACTING SECTION 5.10.1 OF THE LAND USE
CODE AND AMENDING DEFINITIONS IN SECTION 7.2.2 OF THE LAND
USE CODE TO ADVANCE ADOPTED CITY POLICY GOALS TO
REDUCE WATER USAGE IN LANDSCAPES AND TO CLARIFY AND
REORGANIZE LANDSCAPING, TREE PROTECTION, AND IRRIGATION
STANDARDS
A.On May 27, 2024 the revised Land Use Code went into effect, which Code
City Council adopted by reference pursuant to Ordinance No. 055, 2024.
B.The Land Use Code Section 5.10.1 provides standards and requirements
for landscaping, tree protection, and irrigation design and installation for developments.
C.The Land Use Code Section 7.2.2 defines terms used throughout the Land
Use Code.
D.Three 2021-2023 City Council priorities pertain to matters addressed in
Land Use Code Section 5.10.1 and related definitions: #14 Effective soil amendment
policies and compliance (water usage), #19 Xeriscape installations -Increase rebates
and education, fewer green lawns with new development and #28 Improving tree policies.
E.Community values and the strategies outlined in City Plan and Our Climate
Future per tain to matters addressed in Land Use Code Section 5.10.1 and related
definitions, including City Plan Principle LIV 9: Encourage development that reduces
impacts on natural ecosystems and promotes sustainability and resilience; City Plan
Principle ENV 6: Manage water resources in a manner that enhances and protects water
quality, supply and reliability; City Plan Principle ENV 8: Create and maintain a safe,
healthy and resilient urban forest; and Our Climate Future: BIG MOVE 3 Climate Resilient
Community: People, buildings, watersheds and ecosystems are prepared for the threats
of climate change.
F.Colorado Senate Bill 24-005 prohibits specific landscaping practices and
installations as of January 1, 2026.
G.For the City to comply with House Bill 24-005 and to comport with its
priorities and values, the existing Land Use Code Section 5.10.1 Landscaping and tree
protection and related definitions in Section 7.2.2 must be amended as set forth in this
Ordinance.
H.On August 15, 2024, the Water Commission on a unanimous vote
recommended that Council adopt the proposed changes set forth in this Ordinance.
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I.On December 19, 2024, the Planning and Zoning Commission on a vote of
6 to 1 (Sass opposed) recommended that Council adopt the proposed changes set forth
in this Ordinance.
J.Concurrently by separate ordinance (Ordinance No. 007, 2025), City Code
provisions for soil loosening and amendment requirements are also being amended.
K.A goal of the code changes in this Ordinance and Ordinance No. 007, 2025
is to develop codes that contribute to the development of landscapes well-equipped to
survive, even thrive, despite a changing climate and finite resources.
L.This Ordinance amends the Land Use Code that was adopted by reference
in Ordinance No. 055, 2024. However, the amendments contained in this Ordinance are
set forth in their entirety herein, rather than adopted by reference.
In light of the foregoing recitals, which the Council hereby makes and adopts as
determinations and findings, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. ARTICLE 5 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT AND SITE DESIGN,
DIVISION 5.10 LANDSCAPING AND TREE PROTECTION, Section 5.10.1, Landscaping
and tree protection is hereby repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
5.10.1 LANDSCAPING AND TREE PROTECTION
(A)Applicability. This Section applies to all developments that include landscaping, new or
existing trees, or both landscaping and new or existing trees (except for development on
existing lots for single-and two-unit detached dwellings and accessory dwelling units)
within the designated "limits of development" ("LOO") and natural habitat buffer zones
established according to Section 5.6.1 (Natural Habitats and Features).
(B)Purpose. The intent of this Section is to require preparation of a landscape, tree
protection, and irrigation plan (hereinafter "landscape plan") that demonstrates a
comprehensive approach to landscaping that incorporates City plans for the appearance
and function of the neighborhood or district, the development, buildings, and the
pedestrian environment, while creating or maintaining a diverse significant canopy cover
and using water efficiently.
(C)General Standard. All developments to which this Section applies must submit a
landscape plan that incorporates City plans for the appearance and function of the
development while creating or maintaining a diverse significant canopy cover and using
water efficiently and that promotes reductions in outdoor water use by selecting low water
plant materials, improving soil, and exploring non-potable irrigation sources. All
landscaping, tree protection and planting, and irrigation must be installed according to
approved landscape plans. For the Director or Director's designated staff focused in the
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applicable area of forestry, landscape, or irrigation to approve a landscape plan it must
comply with the standards throughout this Section and must:
(1)Protect existing trees and natural features;
(2)Provide a diverse and resilient tree canopy cover;
(3)Reinforce and extend existing patterns of outdoor spaces and vegetation;
(4)Enhance the pedestrian environment of the development and neighborhood;
(5)Create visual interest year-round, complementing the architecture of a development andattracting attention to building entrances and other focal points;
(6)Reinforce spatial definition of outdoor spaces and circulation patterns;
(7)Screen areas of low visual interest or visually intrusive site elements;
(8)Lend privacy where appropriate;
(9)Promote compatibility and buffering between and among dissimilar land uses; and
(10)Ensure long term health of landscaping through best practices for maintenance
and irrigation.
(D)Landscape Planning and Design. Any landscape plan required must meet at least the
standards in this Subsection.
(1)Tree Planting.
(a)Purposes. These standards are meant to establish urban tree canopy in
available and appropriate spaces. Urban tree canopies are used to define and
connect spaces and corridors or other features along the street. All the following
elements contribute to this. Useful urban tree canopy benefits include:
(I)Beautification;
(II)Reducing erosion and stormwater runoff;
(Ill) Mitigating air pollution;
(IV)Reducing glare and heat build-up;
(V)Aiding water conservation in irrigated landscaping;
(VI)Creating continuity within and between individual developments;
(VII)With other landscape elements, screening and mitigating potential
conflicts between activity areas and other site elements;
(VIII)Accommodating views and functions such as active recreation and
storm drainage; and
(IX)Defining and enhancing outdoor spaces.
(b)Minimum Tree Stocking Requirements. All developments must establish
groupings of trees along all city streets, in and around parking lots, and in
landscape areas shown in the landscape plan. These stocking requirements
outline the required minimum tree canopy and are in addition to requirements
for preserving existing trees, parking lot landscape requirements and required
tree mitigation. These stocking requirements are not intended to limit additional
tree plantings in any remaining portions of the development. Required tree
stocking comprises:
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(I)Parking lo t landscaping in accor danc e with the parking lot
landscaping standards as set forth in this Section and in Section
5.9.1, Access, Circulation and Parking;
(II)Str eet t ree planting in accordance with the Larimer County Urban
Area Street Standards and the street tree planting as defined in
Subsection (D)(1)(e) below;
(Ill ) Tree planting in all landscape areas within s ixty-five (65) feet of any
building or .structure as further described below. Landscape areas
shall be provided in adequate numbers, locations and dimensions to
allow full tree stocking to occur along all areas of high use or high
visibility sides of any building or st ructure. Such landscape areas
shall extend at least seven (7) feet from any building or structure wall
and contain at least fifty-five (55) square feet of nonpaved ground
area;
(IV)Planting cutouts, planters, or other landscape areas for tree planting
shall be provided within any walkway that is ten (10) feet or greater
in width adjoining a vehicle use area that is not covered with an
overhead fixture or canopy that would prevent growth and
maturity. Any tree planting cutouts in walkways must be at least
thirty-two (32) square feet, except in the Downtown District where
tree cutouts shall mimic or exceed existing design or character to
adjacent S_treet Frontage Types as provided in Section 2.4.1;
(V)Full tree stocking under this Subsection (D)(1)(b) shall mean formal
or informal groupings of trees planted according to the following
spacing dimensions depending on species and desired deg ree of
shading of the ground plane:
Table 5.10.1-(1)-Spacing
Minimu
Ornamental trees
(VI)Exact tree locations and spacings may be adjusted at the option of
the applicant to support patterns of use, views and c irculation as long
as the minimum tree stocking requirement under this Subsection
(D)(1)(b) and the minimum species diversity requirement under
Subsection (D)(1)(c) are met; and
(VII)Canopy shade trees must constitute at least fifty percent (50%) of all
tree plantings. Trees required in Subsections (D)(1)(b)(I) or (II)
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above may be used to contribute to this standard. If additional trees
beyond the minimum tree stocking and mitigation requirements
under this Section are planted, the additional trees must meet the
minimum species diversity requirement but are not subject to the fifty
percent (50%) canopy shade requirement.
(c)Minimum Tree Species Diversity. To prevent uniform insect or disease
susceptibility and eventual uniform senescence within a landscape planned
area or in the adjacent area or the district, species diversity is required, and
extensive monocultures are prohibited. No more than three (3) consecutive
trees of the same cultivar or variety may be planted in a row, including corners
and groupings. The following minimum requirements apply to any landscape
plan.
Table 5.10.1-(2) -Species Diversity Table
Number of trees on Maximum percentage of any one
site species
10-19 40%
J0-39 30%
<l.0-59 20%
60 or more 10%
(d)Tree Species and Minimum Sizes. The City Forester shall provide a
recommended list of trees that are acceptable to satisfy the requirements for
landscape plans, including approved canopy shade trees that may be used as
street trees.
(I)Minimum Size. The following minimum sizes shall be required
(except as provided in Subsection (D}(1)(d}(II} below):
Table 5.10.1-(3) -Minimum Size Table
Tvoe Minimum Size .
Canopy Shade Tree 2.0" caliper balled and burlapped or
eauivalent
Evergreen Tree 6.0' height balled and burlapped or
eauivalent
Ornamental Tree 1.5" caliper balled and burlapped or
eauivalent
Shrubs 5 gallon or adequate size consistent with
design intent or 1 gallon may be permitted if
planting within the Critical Root Zone of
existina trees
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Any tree plantings that are in addition to those that are made as part of the approved
landscape plan are exempt from the foregoing size requirements.
(II)Reduced Minimum Sizes for Affordable Housing Projects. In any
affordable housing project, the following minimum sizes shall be
required:
Table 5.10.1-(4) -Affordable Housing Minimum Tree Size Table
Type Minimum Size
Canonv Shade Tree 1.0" caliper container or eauivalent
Evergreen Tree 4.0' height container or eauivalent
Ornamental Tree 1.0" caliper container or eauivalent
Shrubs 1 qallon
Canopy Shade Tree as a street 1.25" caliper container or equivalent
ree on a Local or Collector
street onlv
(e)Street Trees. Planting of street trees shall occur in the adjoining street right-of
way, after first obtaining a street tree permit (free of charge) from the Forestry
Division as stated in Fort Collins Municipal Code Article 3, Section 27-31.
Except as described in Subsection (D)(1)(e)(II) below, the street tree plantings
in connection with the development shall occur as described in Subsections
(D)(1)(e)(I) through (V) below:
(I)Wherever the sidewalk is separated from the street by a parkway,
canopy shade trees shall be planted at thirty-foot to forty-foot
spacing (averaged along the entire front and sides of the block face)
in the center of all such parkway areas. If two (2) or more
consecutive residential lots along a street each measure between
forty (40) and sixty (60) feet in street frontage width, one (1) tree per
lot may be substituted for the thirty-foot to forty-foot spacing
requirement. Such street trees shall be placed at least four (4) feet
away from the edges of driveways and alleys and separated from
streetlights and utilities lines as required in Subsection (0)(1 )(f)
below.
(II)Wherever the sidewalk is attached to the street in a non-standard
way or in a manner that fails to comply with the Larimer County
Urban Area Street Standards, canopy shade trees shall be
established in an area ranging from three (3) to seven (7) feet behind
the sidewalk at the spacing intervals as required in Subsection
(D)(1)(e)(I) above. Wherever the sidewalk is attached to the street
and is ten (10) feet or more in width, or extends from the curb to the
property line, canopy shade trees shall be established in planting
cutout areas of at least thirty-two (32) square feet at thirty-foot to
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SHADE TREES
-+---4()' ----
STREETLIGHT
ORNAMENTAL TREES
15'
(II)Twenty (20) feet between shade and/or ornamental trees and traffic
control signs and devices.
(111)Ten (10) feet between trees and water or sewer mains.
(IV)Six (6) feet between trees and water or sewer service lines.
(V)Four (4) feet between trees and gas lines.
(VI)Street trees on local streets planted within the standard abutting
utility easement may conflict with utilities. Additional conduit may be
required to protect underground electric lines.
(2)Landscape Area Treatment. Landscape areas shall include all areas on the site,
including entryways, that are not covered by buildings, structures, paving, impervious
surface, or patios. Landscape areas shall consist only of landscaping, which includes
any combination of living plants, and may include built features such as fences,
benches, works of art, reflective pools, fountains, or the like. Landscaping shall also
include irrigation systems, mulches, topsoil, soil preparation, revegetation, and the
preservation, protection, and replacement of existing trees.
(a)Coverage. Not counting trees, more than 50% of a landscape area must be covered
with living plants at maturity. The Director may approve an exception to this
requirement if a determination is made that an area is too small for living landscape
material and for irrigation to be reasonably feasible.
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(b)Grouping and Placement. A landscape plan must group landscape materials
based upon hydrozone and irrigated accordingly (as described. under
Subsection(D)(3) of this Section and based on light (e.g. full sun, shade, partial sun)
requirements.
(c)Irrigated Turf grass. Irrigated turf grass areas may only be planted according to
planned use. Any landscape plan that includes irrigated turf grass must indicate the
intended use of all turf grass areas.
(I)Irrigated turf grass with a high water requirement may only be
planted according to planned use, only in areas or spaces used for
recreation or for civic or community purposes. Such purp oses may
include playgrounds, sports fields or other athletics programming,
picnic grounds, amphitheaters, portions of parks, and playing areas
of golf courses. Such purposes do not include, and irrigated turfgrass
with a high water requirement must not be planted in, parking lots or
medians. Irrigated turf grass with a high water requirement may only
be planted for recreation, civic or community purposes and is limited
to areas of heavy foot traffic. Irrigated turf grass with a high water
requirement refers to high-or moderate-hydrozone sod forming
grasses including species such as Poa pratensis (Kentucky
bluegrass), and turf-type tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and their
varieties and cultivars. See the hydrozone table (Table 5.10.1-(5)) at
Subsection (0)(3) of this Section for descriptions of hydrozones.
(II)Irrigated turf grass shall. not be installed in contiguous areas smaller
than seventy-five (75) square feet to avoid water waste that occurs
through overspray on small areas.
(111)Irrigated turf grass species with a low water requirement may be
located on a site as appropriate for the species and planned activity.
Well-maintained irrigated turf grass with a low or very-low water
requirement according to hydrozones in Table 5.10.1-(5) at
Subsection (0)(3) of this Section or the City of Fort Collins Plant List
and that also does not meet the definition of "turf" set forth in C.R.S.
37-60-135(2)(i) and well-maintained regionally adapted or native
grass species are not subject to the irrigated turf grass limits in
Subsection (D)(2)(c)(I) of this Section.
(d)Artificial Turf and Plants. No artificial turf or artificial plants may be included in any
landscape plan or installed. The Director may approve an exception to allow artificial
turf to be installed on an athletic field of play if the installation is not prohibited under
C.R.S. 37-99-103 and if the Director determines the use is appropriate, the use
does not add pollutants that could cause environmental impairment, and
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alternatives are not reasonable. Any exception to allow artificial turf must be noted
in the landscape plan.
(e)Ecologically Sensitive Areas. Non-native plants must not be planted near
ecologically sensitive areas, such as natural habitat buffer zones (NHBZs) and
natural areas, if the species or variety is deemed by the Director to be likely to
spread into that sensitive area.(f)Mulched Planting Beds.
(I} Shrub and ground cover planting beds shall be separated from
irrigated turf grass with a high water requirement by edging or other
physical divider or a commitment on the landscape plan to maintain
a shovel-cut edge to define the space that is being maintained.
(II)Shrub and ground cover planting beds shall have the majority of
exposed soil areas covered with mulch.
(Ill) Mulch must be organic or inorganic mulch. To the extent that any
inorganic mulch is used, the total coverage area of inorganic mulch
must not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total landscape areas.
Mulching around trees is excluded from this fifty percent (50%)
calculation.
(IV)Synthetic-based inorganic mulches, including plastic-or rubber
based mulches are not permitted.
(g)Foundation Plantings. Exposed sections of building walls that are in high-use or
high-visibility areas of the building exterior shall have planting beds at least seven
(7)feet wide placed directly along at least fifty (50) percent of such walls, except:
(I} Where pedestrian paving abuts a commercial building with trees
and/or other landscaping in cutouts or planting beds along the outer
portion of the pedestrian space away from the building;
(II)Where exceptional situations unique to the development hinder the
applicant's ability to comply with fire code or building code
requirements while also adhering to a strict application of this
standard.
(h)Buffering Between Incompatible Uses and Activities. In situations where the
Director determines that the arrangement of uses or design of buildings does not
adequately mitigate conflicts reasonably anticipated to exist between dissimilar
uses, site elements or building designs, one (1) or more of the following landscape
buffering techniques shall be used to mitigate the conflicts:
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(1)Separation and screening with plant material: planting dense stands
of evergreen trees, canopy shade trees, ornamental trees or
shrubs;
(II} Integration with plantings: incorporating trees, vines, planters or
other plantings into the architectural theme of buildings and their
outdoor spaces to subdue differences in architecture and bulk and
avoid harsh edges;
(Ill) Establishing privacy: establishing vertical landscape elements to
screen views into or between windows and defined outdoor spaces
where privacy is important, such as where larger buildings are
proposed next to side or rear yards of smaller buildings;
(IV)Visual integration of fences or walls: providing plant material in
conjunction with a screen panel, arbor, garden wall, privacy fence or
security fence to avoid the visual effect created by unattractive
screening or security fences; and/or
(V)Landform shaping: utilizing berming or other grade changes to alter
views, subdue sound, change the sense of proximity and channel
pedestrian movement.
(i)Street Parkways, Rights-of-Way, Transportation Corridors. All adjoining street
parkways.,_street rights-of-way, and transportation corridors must be landscaped in
connection with the development in accordance with the Larimer County Urban
Area Street Standards and in accordance with state law, including C.R.S. 37-99-
103.
(j)Slopes. Retaining walls, slope revetment or other acceptable devices integrated
with plantings shall be used to stabilize slopes that are steeper than 3:1. If structural
soil tests performed on the subject soils indicate steeper slopes are stable without
the above required protection, then the maximum slope allowed without the above
required protection may be increased to the maximum stated in the soils report or
2: 1, whichever is less steep.
(k)Visual Clearance or Sight Distance Triangle. Except as provided in Subsections
(D)(2)(k)(I} and (II) below, a visual clearance triangle, free of any structures or
landscape elements over twenty-four (24) inches in height, shall be maintained at
street intersections and driveways in conformance with the standards contained in
the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards.
(I} Fences shall not exceed forty-two (42) inches in height and shall be
of an open design.
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(3)Plant Quality. All plants shall be A-Grade or No. 1 Grade, free of any defects, of
normal health, height, leaf density and spread appropriate to the species as defined
by the latest version of the American Standard for Nursery Stock.
(4)Maintenance. Trees and vegetation, irrigation systems, fences, walls and other
landscape elements shall be considered as elements and infrastructure of the
development in the same manner as parking, building materials and other site details.
The applicant, landowner or successors in interest shall be jointly and severally
responsible for the regular maintenance of all landscaping elements in good
condition. Required maintenance includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(a)Perform regular elimination of weeds, pruning, mowing to an appropriate height,
deadheading , replacement of dead plant material, and replenishment of mulch
surfaces.
(b)Maintain all landscaping free from disease, pests, weeds, and litter, and all
landscape structures such as fences and walls shall be repaired and replaced
periodically to maintain a structurally sound condition.
(c)Use best practices for integrated pest management to protect pollinators and other
living organisms, as well as best practices for prioritizing water quality, that improve
the health of landscapes and soils.
(d)Preserve and protect trees and the critical root zone (CRZ) designated for
preservation. Preserving and protection includes but is not limited to avoiding
damage to the tree and CRZ. Damaging actions include but are not limited to
backing into a tree, excavating or trenching in the CRZ, storing heavy equipment
on the CRZ, and overpruning.
(I)Damage to a tree or CRZ that interferes with the long-term health of
the tree requires mitigation according to the Tree Mitigation
Requirements under Subsection (G) of this Section.
(II)Naturally fallen trees or trees found to be a threat to public health,
safety or welfare are exempt.
(5)Replacement. Any landscape element that dies, or is otherwise removed, shall be
promptly replaced based on the requirements of this Section.
(6)Mitigation. Healthy, mature trees that are removed by the applicant or by anyone
acting on behalf of or with the approval of the applicant shall be replaced per
Subsection (F) to mitigate the loss of value of existing canopy. The applicant shall
select either the City Forester or a qualified landscape appraiser to determine such
loss based upon a fair market value appraisal of the removed tree, using the
resources listed in Subsection (F) of this Section.
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(7)Revegetation. When the development causes any disturbance within any natural
area buffer zone, revegetation shall occur as required in Subsection 5.6.1 (E)(2)
(Development Activities Within the Buffer Zone) and subsection 5.10.1 (F) (Tree
Preservation and Mitigation).
(8)Restricted Tree Species. City Forestry Division shall provide a list of specified tree
species that shall neither be planted within the LOO, nor in the adjoining street right
of-way. For example, no ash trees (Fraxinus species) shall be planted due to the
anticipated impacts of the emerald ash borer.
(9)Prohibited Tree Species. For prohibited species refer to Chapter 27, Article 11,
Division 1, Sec. 27-18 of the Fort Collins Municipal Code.
(1 O)Mulch. In addition to the requirements under Subsection (D)(2)(f) of this Section, the
following standards apply:
(a)Mulch for Trees. All trees must have organic mulch placed and replenished as
needed at a depth of two (2) to four (4) inches for a minimum of a three (3) foot
radius mulch ring or under a tree grate. This includes trees planted in rock'cobble planting beds.
(b)Mulch for Other Landscaping. Mulch must be placed and replenished as needed
to maintain complete coverage of the soil surface with a minimum depth of two
(2)to four (4) inches of mulch. Mulch shall be maintained at these minimum
depths in planting beds to conserve soil moisture and control weeds, with
careful placement and adjustment of depth near plant stems as needed to allow
unimpeded plant establishment and vigorous growth.
(F)Tree Preservation and Mitigation. Existing significant trees (six (6) inches and greater
in diameter) within the LOO and within NHBZs must be recorded in a tree inventory and
preserved to the extent reasonably feasible and may help satisfy the landscaping
requirements of this Section as set forth above. Such trees shall be considered
"protected" trees within the meaning of this Section, subject to the exceptions contained
in Subsection (F)(2) below. Streets, buildings and lot layouts shall be designed to
minimize the disturbance to significant existing trees. All required landscape plans,
demolition plans, grading plans, building plans, engineering plans, and utility plans shall
accurately identify the locations, species, size and condition of all significant trees, each
labeled showing the applicant's intent to either remove, transplant or protect.
Where the City determines it is not feasible to protect and retain significant existing tree(s)
or to transplant them to another on-site location, the applicant shall replace such tree(s)
according to the following requirements and shall satisfy the tree planting standards of this
Subsection.
To the extent reasonably feasible, mitigation trees shall be planted on the development site
or, if not reasonably feasible, in the closest available and suitable planting site on public or
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private property. The closest available and suitable planting site shall be selected within
one-half (½) mile (2,640 feet) of the development site, subject to the following exceptions.
If suitable planting sites for all the replacement trees are not available within one-half (½)
mile (2,640 feet) of the development, then the City Forester shall determine the most
suitable planting location within the City's boundaries as close to the development site as
feasible. If locations for planting replacement trees cannot be located within one-half (½)
mile of the development site, the applicant may, instead of planting such replacement trees,
submit a payment in lieu to the City of Fort Collins Forestry Division to be used to plant
replacement trees to plant replacement trees as close to the development site as possible.
The fair market value payment in lieu mitigation fee per tree is determined by the City
Forester using the current editions of the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers' Guide
for Plant Appraisal, the industry's international standard and best practice and may be
adjusted annually based on market rates. Payment must be submitted before a
Development Construction Permit or other required permit or pre-construction approval is
issued, as applicable.
(1)Mitigation Trees. A significant tree that is removed shall be replaced with not less
than one (1) nor more than six (6) replacement trees sufficient to mitigate the loss of
contribution and value of the removed significant tree(s). The applicant shall
coordinate with the City Forester to determine such loss based upon an onsite tree
assessment, including, but not limited to, shade, canopy, condition, size, aesthetic,
environmental and ecological value of the tree(s) to be removed. Mitigation trees shall
meet the following minimum size requirements unless otherwise determined by the
City Forester:
(a)Canopy Shade Trees: 2.0" caliper balled and burlap or equivalent.
(b)Ornamental Trees: 2.0" caliper balled and burlap or equivalent.
( c)Evergreen Trees: 8' height balled and burlap or equivalent.
(2)Exemptions. Trees that meet one (1) or more of the following removal criteria shall
be exempt from the requirements of this subsection unless they meet mitigation
requirements in Section 5.6.1 (E)(1) of this Code:
(a)Dead, dying or naturally fallen trees, or trees found to be a threat to public
health, safety or welfare;
(b)Trees that are determined by the City to substantially obstruct clear visibility at
driveways and intersections;
(c)Siberian elm less than eleven (11) inches diameter-at-breast-height (DBH)
and Russian-olive or ash (Fraxinus species) less than eight (8) inches DBH;
(d)Russian-olive, Siberian elm, and ash (all Fraxinus species) of wild or volunteer
origin, such as those that have sprouted from seed along fence lines, near
structures or in other unsuitable locations.
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(3)Depiction of Street Trees. All existing street trees that are located on City rights
of-way abutting the development shall be accurately identified by species, size,
location, and condition on required landscape plans, and shall be preserved and
protected in accordance with the standards of subsection (G).
(G)Tree Protection Specifications. The following tree protection specifications shall be
followed for all projects with protected existing trees. Tree protection methods shall be
delineated on the demolition plans and development plans.
(1)No Disturbance. Within the drip line of any protected existing tree, there shall be no
cut or fill over a four-inch depth unless a qualified arborist or forester has evaluated
and approved the disturbance.
(2)Pruning. All protected existing trees shall be pruned to the City of Fort Collins
Forestry Division standards.
(3)Protective Barriers. Prior to and during construction, barriers shall be erected
around all protected existing trees with such barriers to be of orange construction or
chain link fencing a minimum of four (4) feet in height, secured with metal T-posts, no
closer than six (6) feet from the trunk or one-half (½) of the drip line, whichever is
greater. Concrete blankets, or equivalent padding material, wrapped around the tree
trunk(s) is recommended and adequate for added protection during construction.
There shall be no storage or movement of equipment, material, debris or fill wi thin the
fenced tree protection zone.
(4)Chemicals and Harmful Materials. During the construction stage of development,
the applicant shall prevent the cleaning of equipment or material or the storage and
disposal of waste material such as paints, oils, solvents, asphalt, concrete, motor oil
or any other material harmful to the life of a tree within the drip line of any protected
tree or group of trees.
(5)No Attachments. No damaging attachment, wires, signs, or permits may be
fastened to any protected tree.
(6)Ribboning Off. Large property areas containing protected trees and separated from
construction or land clearing areas, road rights-of-way and utility easements may be
"ribboned off," rather than erecting protective fencing around each tree as required in
Subsection (G)(3) above. This may be accomplished by placing metal I-post stakes
a maximum of fifty (50) feet apart and tying ribbon or rope from stake-to-stake along
the outside perimeters of such areas being cleared.
(7)Soil Disturbances. Soil disturbances in proximity to trees must comply with the
distances in Table 5.10.1-(6) below, Tree Diameter to Soil Disturbance Distance. Soil
disturbances include, but are not limited to, soil loosening or amending, augering or
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boring, tunnelling, irrigation installation, or excavation within the critical root zone
(CRZ). Soil loosening and amending shall be pursuant to City Code Section 12-132.
(8)Underground Facilities Installations. The installation of utilities, irrigation lines or
any underground fixture requiring excavation deeper than six (6) inches shall be
accomplished by boring under the root system of protected existing trees at a
minimum depth of twenty-four (24) inches and not directly under the trunks of trees.
The auger distance is established from the face of the tree (outer bark) and is scaled
from tree DBH as described in the chart below. Low pressure hydro excavation, air
spading or hand digging are additional tools/practices that will help reduce impact to
the tree(s) root system when excavating at depths of twenty-four (24) inches or less.
Refer to the CRZ diagram, Figure 5.10.1-(3), for root protection guidelines. The CRZ
shall be incorporated into and shown on development plans tor all existing trees to
be preserved.
Table 5.10.1-(6) -Tree Diameter to Soil Disturbance Distance Table
O" to 9"' 10" to 14" 15" to 19"' Over 19"
Sfe:et lOfeet 12 feet 15 feet
•Toe soil disturbance distance shall be measured from the edge of disturbance to the face of the tree.
Figure 5.10.1-(3) -Critical Root Zone Diagram.
CRITICAL ROOT ZONES (top view)
Critical Root Zone (CRZ) is the distance from
the trunk that equals one foot for every inch
of the tree's diameter. For example: if the
tree has a trunk 12 inches in diameter, the
CRZ is a 12 foot radius around the tree.
Critical Root Zone o---. •
(CRZ)
Perimeter Critical
Root Zone (PCRZ)
The great�r the disturbance
in this are-a, the greater
post care treatment
is needed.
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Interior Critical
Root Zone (ICRZ)
Disturbance in this
area would cause
significant impact to
the tree, potentially
life threatening.
,,
tree trunk
(9)Watering During Development. All existing trees within the plan must be watered
using irrigation or hauled water sources throughout the duration of the development
process and all development activities to sustain and improve tree health and
survivability, under the following schedule: watered weekly at a minimum of forty (40)
gallons per week March through October, and monthly at a minimum of forty (40)
gallons per month November through April when temperatures are above forty
degrees (40 °).
(H)Irrigation. Irrigation systems must be designed, operated, and maintained to prioritize
water conservation and water efficiency. Systems should be designed to water deeply
and infrequently to develop greater drought tolerance.
(1)Automatic Irrigation. Provision shall be made for permanent, automatic irrigation of
all plant material, with the following exceptions:
(a)Plantings that do not require any irrigation beyond establishment. For such
plantings, any new or existing automatic irrigation should not be routed to these
plantings and should be established by tank watering or otherwise as noted on
the landscape plan. Trees are not considered "plantings that do not require any
irrigation beyond establishment."
(b)Natural areas or other areas within a development where natural features onsite
obviate the need for irrigation.
(c)Trees and other plants used to landscape a residential local street parkway
abutting lots for detached single-unit dwellings, where manual watering is
intended.
(d)Mitigation trees planted off-site where it may not be feasible to install dedicated
irrigation for that singular purpose.
(e)Landscaping adjacent to certain street frontage types, such as Storefront and
Mixed Use, or within special taxing districts such that landscaping and irrigation
may be the responsibility of an entity other than the individual property owner.
(2)Irrigation Plan Specifications. For any development within the City, an irrigation
plan as part of the landscape plan must be submitted to and approved by the Director,
and by the Parks Department if a streetscape to be turned over to the City is involved,
before a building permit is issued, or if no building permit is required, then before
commencement of construction. Any major deviation from an approved irrigation plan,
resulting from construction, requires an as-built amendment to the irrigation plan. As
determined by the Director, minor redevelopment or change of use projects may not
be required to submit an irrigation plan as part of the landscape plan. In such cases,
a written statement shall be submitted describing the type of irrigation system
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proposed. The irrigation plan shall incorporate the City of Fort Collins Irrigation
System Standards for Water Conservation set forth in this Subsection. The irrigation
plan must include a water use table organized by irrigation zone for each irrigation
tap, corresponding to the hydrozone plan view diagram and aligning with the water
budget chart in the landscape plan (Subsection(D)(3) of this Section), and showing
the total annual water use. The irrigation plan must also depict on the hydrozone plan
view diagram in each watering area by hydrozone, the location/point of irrigation tap
connections with the water system, the proposed peak gallons per minute and tap
size for each tap, and the layout of irrigation main lines proposed. In addition, as
provided below in Subsection (I) of this Section, the irrigation system must be
inspected for compliance with the approved irrigation plan before the issuance of a
Certificate of Occupancy.
(3)Irrigation System Standards for Water Conservation. The City of Fort Collins
Irrigation System Standards for Water Conse rvation are as follows:
(a)Irrigation Methods and Layout.
(I)The irrigation system shall be designed according to the hydrozones
shown on the landscape plan and shall perform as provided in the
water budget chart.
(II)Each zone shall irrigate a landscape with similar site, soil conditions
and plant material having similar water needs. To the extent
reasonably feasible, areas with significantly different solar exposures
shall be zoned separately.
(111)Trees, including street trees, turf and non-turf areas shall be irrigated
on separate zones. Dedicated non-overhead, surface or subsurface
irrigation must be installed for all new trees and existing trees within
the plan, except as provided in Subsection (H)(1) above.
(IV)On steep grades, an irrigation method with a lower precipitation rate
shall be used in order to minimize runoff, and, to the extent reasonably
feasible, these areas shall be zoned separately.
(V)No combination of drip, micro-sprays, sprayheads or rotors shall be
used together or combined on the same zone.
(VI)The irrigation method shall be selected to correlate with the plant
density. Drip irrigation or bubblers shall be used for sparsely planted
trees and shrubs, and rotors, sprayheads and multi-jet rotary nozzles
shall be used for turfgrass.
(b)Equipment Selection.
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(I)To reduce leakage of water from the irrigation system, a master shut
off valve shall be installed downstream of the backflow device to shut
off water to the system when not operating.
(II)For irrigation systems that are on a combined-use tap, with a water
meter installed upstream to measure total water use, the installation of
an irrigation-only submeter must be installed. The purpose of the
submeter is to enable the owner and landscape maintenance
contractor to monitor water use for irrigation. The submeter is not for
billing purposes. The cost of installation and maintenance of a
submeter, if used, would be borne by the owner of the property and
not by the City. All such submeters would have to be installed in
accordance with the specifications established by the City.
(Ill) Irrigation controllers shall be "smart" controllers, using climate-based
or soil moisture-based technology, selected from the WaterSense
labeled irrigation controllers list issued by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency from time-to-time and available at
the City of Fort Collins Utilities Water Conservation Department.
Controllers shall be installed and programmed according to
manufacturer's specifications.
a.A data input chart for the Smart Controller, including the
precipitation rate from the audit, shall be posted at each irrigation
controller.
b.Within six (6) weeks of the installation of new irrigated turf grass
sod or seed, the irrigation schedule shall be reduced and set to a
normal seasonal watering schedule.
(IV)An evapotranspiration (ET) sensor or weather monitor shall be
installed on each irrigation controller according to manufacturer's
specifications in a location to receive accurate weather conditions.
(V)Sprinklers and nozzles shall meet the following requirements:
a.The type of sprinkler and associated nozzles shall be selected to
correlate with the size and geometry of the zone being irrigated.
b.Sprinklers shall be spaced no closer than seventy-five percent
(75%) of the maximum radius of throw for the given sprinkler and
nozzle. Maximum spacing shall be head-to-head coverage.
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c.Coverage arcs and radius of throw for turf areas shall be selected
and adjusted to water only turf areas and minimize overspray onto
vegetated areas, hard surfaces, buildings, fences or other non
landscaped surfaces.
d.Sprinklers, bubblers or emitters on a zone shall be of the same
manufacturer.
e.Sprayheads in turf areas shall have a minimum three-and-one
half-inch pop-up riser height.
f.Sprayheads on a zone shall have matched precipitation nozzles.
Variable Arc Nozzles (VAN) are not acceptable for ninety degree
(90°), one hundred eighty degree (180 °) and three hundred sixty
degree (360°) applications. High-Efficiency Variable Arc Nozzles
(HE-VAN) are acceptable only in odd-shaped areas where ninety
degree (90 °), one hundred eighty degree (180°) and three hundred
sixty degree (360 °) are not applicable.
g.Nozzles for rotors shall be selected to achieve an approximate
uniform precipitation rate throughout the zone.
h.All sprayheads and rotors shall be equipped with check valves.
Sprayheads shall also have pressure-regulating stems.
(VI)Pressure-compensating emitters shall be used for drip irrigation. For
sloped areas, a check valve shall be installed, and the drip line shall
be parallel to the slope.
(VII)Remote control valves shall have flow control.
(VIII)A backflow prevention assembly shall be installed in accordance with
local codes. All backflow assemblies shall be equipped with
adequately sized winterization ports downstream of the backflow
assembly.
(IX)Properties with single or combined point of connection flows of two
hundred (200) gpm or greater shall have a control system capable of
providing real-time flow monitoring and the ability to shut down the
system in the event of a high-flow condition.
( c)Sleeving.
(I)Separate sleeves shall be installed beneath paved areas to route each
run of irrigation pipe or wiring bundle. The diameter of sleeving shall
be twice that of the pipe or wiring bundle.
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{II) The sleeving material beneath sidewalks, drives and streets shall be
PVC Class 200 pipe with solvent welded joints.
(d)Water Pressure.
{I) The irrigation system designer shall verify the existing available water
pressure.
(II)The irrigation system shall be designed such that the point-of
connection design pressure, minus the possible system pressure
losses, is greater than or equal to the design sprinkler operating
pressure.
(Ill) All pop-up spray sprinkler bodies equipped with spray nozzles shall
operate at no less than twenty (20) psi and no more than thirty (30)
psi.
(IV)All rotary sprinklers and multi-stream rotary nozzles on pop-up spray
bodies shall operate at the manufacturer's specified optimum
performance pressure.
(V)If the operating pressure exceeds the manufacturer's specified
maximum operating pressure for any sprinkler body, pressure shall be
regulated at the zone valve or sprinkler heads.
(VI)Booster pumps shall be installed on systems where supply pressure
does not meet the manufacturer's minimum recommended operating
pressure for efficient water distribution.
(e)Sprinkler Performance Audit.
(I)A sprinkler performance audit shall be performed by a landscape
irrigation auditor who is independent of the installation contractor, and
who is certified by the Irrigation Association (a nonprofit industry
organization dedicated to promoting efficient irrigation). Sprinkler
systems that are designed and installed without irrigated turf grass
areas are exempt from this requirement.
(11)The audit shall include measurement of distribution uniformity.
Minimum acceptable distribution uniformities shall be sixty percent
(60%) for spray head zones and seventy percent (70%) for rotor
zones. Sprinkler heads equipped with multi-stream rotary nozzles are
considered rotors.
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(111)Audit results below the minimum acceptable distribution uniformity as
set for the Subsection (H)(3)(e)(II) above require adjustments and/or
repairs to the irrigation system. These corrections will be noted on the
irrigation as-builts and the test area re-audited until acceptable
efficiency/results.
{IV) The audit shall measure the operating pressure for one (1) sprinkler
on each zone to determine whether the zone meets the above
pressure requirements.
(V)A copy of the sprinkler performance audit shall be submitted to and
approved by the City before issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
(I)Landscape and Irrigation Installation and Escrow. All landscaping and irrigation shall
be installed according to sound horticultural practices in a manner designed to encourage
quick establishment and healthy growth. Except as provided herein, no certificate of
occupancy is authorized to be issued for any building on any portion of a property
required by this Section to have a landscape plan, unless all landscaping has been
installed and maintained according to an approved landscape plan for the property, all
irrigation has been installed and maintained according to an approved irrigation plan for
the property, and:
(1)If such landscaping and irrigation installations have not been completed, a certificate
of occupancy may be issued upon the receipt by the City of surety in the form of an
acceptable bond, cash deposit, or equivalent conditioned on and guaranteeing the
installation of the entire landscaping shown on the approved landscaping plan and
the irrigation system shown on the approved irrigation plan or the installation
pursuant to an approved phasing plan.
(a)The surety must be in the amount of one hundred twenty-five percent (125%)
of the estimated cost of the landscaping installation, irrigation installation, or
both as applicable, determined by an executed contract to install the
landscaping, irrigation, or both, or by adequate appraisals of the cost.
(b)Any surety provided pursuant to this requirement shall be released upon an
inspection by the City verifying installation is completed or certification issued
by a landscape contractor not involved in the installation that the required
landscaping program and irrigation system have been completed and
maintained in accordance with the landscape plan.
(2)For a non-potable system intended to be turned over to the Parks Department, the
amount of the surety may be reduced after installation is completed, to twenty-five
percent (25%) of the actual cost of such system, and the system must be warrantied
and maintained for five (5) years. If the non-potable system fails, a potable tap shall
be supplied at no cost to the City.
(J)Soil Loosening and Amendment. For any development project, before installation of
any plant materials, including but not limited to grass, seed, flowers, shrubs, or trees, the
soil in the area to be planted shall be loosened and amended in a manner consistent with
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the requirements of City Code Section 12-132, regardless of whether a building permit is
required for the specific lot, tract or parcel in which the area is located. A certification
consistent with the requirements of City Code Section 12-133 shall be required for the
area to be planted. A variance to modify the soil loosening standards of Section 12-
132(b); the soil amendment standards of Section 12-132(c); or the compliance deadline
of Section 12-133(a) may be applied for as set forth in City Code Section 12-134.
(K)Alternative Compliance. Upon request by an applicant, the decision maker may
approve an alternative landscape plan that may be substituted in whole or in part for a
landscape plan meeting the standards of this Section.
(1)Procedure. Alternative landscape plans shall be prepared and submitted in
accordance with submittal requirements for landscape plans. Each such plan shall
clearly identify and discuss the modifications and alternatives proposed and the
ways in which the plan will better accomplish the purposes of this Section than
would a plan that complies with the standards of this Section.
(2)Review Criteria. Staff focused in the applicable area of forestry, landscape, or
irrigation must provide a recommendation as to whether to approve an alternate
plan. To approve an alternative plan with a staff recommendation, the decision
maker must determine that the proposed alternative plan accomplishes the
purposes of this Section equally well or better than would a plan that complies with
the standards of this Section.
Section 2. ARTICLE 7 RULES OF MEASUREMENT and DEFINITIONS,
DIVISION 7.2 DEFINITION, SECTION 7.2.2 DEFINITIONS is hereby amended to read as follows:
DIVISION 7.2 DEFINITION
SECTION 7.2.2. DEFINITIONS.
Hydrozone shall mean an area within a landscape where a group of plants with si�ilar water
needs is located. For details on how this is measured, refer to Subsection 5.10.1 (0)(3).
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Invasive plant species shall mean a plant that is a noxious weed or listed as a watch list species
according to Colorado Department of Agriculture or is a plant that is not native to the state and
that:
(A)Is introduced into the state accidentally or intentionally;
(B)Has no natural competitors or predators in the state because the state is outside of their
competitors' or predators' range; and
(C)Has harmful effects on the state's environment or economy or both.
Mulch, inorganic shall mean loose material not derived from living matter placed on the soil
surface for the purposes of retaining soil moisture and controlling weeds, including gravel,
crushed rock and river rock.
Mulch, organic shall mean loose material derived from formerly living sources placed on the soil
surface for the purposes of retaining soil moisture and controlling weeds, including shredded bark
and wood chips.
Native in context with vegetation, grass, or plant shall mean a plant species that occurs or could
occur naturally in Fort Collins or in Colorado without the direct or indirect influence of human
actions.
Urban tree canopy shall mean the layer of leaves, branches, and stems of trees that cover the
ground when viewed from above.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading on January 21, 2025, and
approved on second reading for final passage on February 4, 2025.
ATTEST:
Effective Date: February 14, 2025
Approving Attorney: Heather N. Jarvis
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