The new Zoning Code specifically exempts the following from landscaping and screening requirements:
- a. Agricultural uses;
b. Public parks and open spaces;
c. Detached houses and duplexes (existing or proposed);
d. Reconstruction of any building that was in existence on January 1, 1994 and that is later damaged or destroyed by an act of God,;
e. Interior remodeling; and
f. Land for which a landscape plan has been was approved by the planning commission before January 1, 1994, pursuant to its review of a planned unit development or corridor development, provided that the required landscaping is installed in accordance with the approved detailed landscape plan by January 1, 1995;.
g. Construction of a structure, other than a building, that does not increase the developed area of a lot more that than 30 square feet.
h. Developed area of a lot if all proposed new buildings and/or additions to buildings contain less floor area than the floor area of existing buildings which remain on the lot after completion of the new construction.
i. For the purposes of this section, "developed area" means the area of a lot that on January 1, 1994, is covered by a structure, off-street parking or loading areas, or other areas paved with an all-weather material, and "existing buildings" means buildings completed and existing before January 1, 1994.
What types of things are we talking about? Just little things like Street Yard Landscaping, Parking Lot Landscaping, Tree Planting and Preservation, Screening, and Outdoor Lighting.
Most of the exemptions to the landscaping and screening requirements are head-scratchers. How does exempting detached houses, for example, contribute to the goals of the landscaping and screening chapter?
Those goals are:
- 1. Maintain and enhance the city’s appearance;
2. Mitigate possible adverse impacts of higher intensity land uses abutting lower intensity land uses;
3. Reduce the impacts of noise and glare.
4. Maintain and improve air quality;
5. Protect water quality in the Arkansas and Verdigris Rivers and reduce the negative impacts of stormwater runoff by reducing impervious surface area and providing vegetated areas that filter and retain greater amounts of stormwater on site;
6. Moderate heat by providing shade;
7. Ensure Encourage wise use of water resources;
8. Encourage preservation and replacement of existing trees and landscaping; and
9. Encourage greater use of low-impact development practices.
Some more things that trouble me in this section of the zoning code update:
1. Downtown is exempt from any parking lot landscaping requirements including tree plantings.
2. "Any existing or newly planted tree with a diameter at breast height of 6 inches or more is counted as 2 trees for the purpose of determining compliance with the tree planting requirements." Why one tree should count as two is beyond me.
3. Our list of items that require screening only include garbage and recycling collection areas, and mechanical equipment. That's it. It doesn't even include loading docks or truck berths visible from the street.
4. There is no mention of using native shrubs, flowers, grasses or other plantings, which are proven to be more drought resistant and require less watering/irrigation.
5. There is no mention of an urban tree canopy. Even Ft Worth has a defined goal of tree canopy coverage in their zoning code.
While we're at it, let's take a look at how Ft Worth approaches landscaping. Ft Worth's stated purpose of its landscaping requirements actually recognize that landscaping and aesthetics can enhance property values ($$$) and are a part of higher quality development. Plus, native and adaptive plantings which help conserve water are also encouraged. Their code in general is written in simpler, more straight-forward language.
It is the purpose of this Section to preserve the existing natural environment, conserve water, moderate air temperatures, reduce pollution, and filtration of storm water best practices whenever possible and to provide landscape amenities, setbacks and screening with Texas native and adaptive plants. This Section is also intended to promote a positive urban image by promoting quality development, enhancing property values, providing landscape improvements in all parts of the city, and promoting orderly growth and aesthetic quality in the city. 6.302 Urban Forestry - It is the purpose of this section to achieve thirty percent (30%) tree canopy coverage citywide and to promote a multi-aged urban forest. This may be accomplished by addressing the preservation and protection of healthy and significant trees, providing for the replacement and replanting of trees that are removed during development, and establishing additional tree canopy.
Lighting is another area of the new zoning code that needs attention, but I'll defer to the lighting-specific topic for that discussion.
It's sad when Ft Worth Texas is the more progressive city. With all the exemptions in the landscaping and screening chapter, it's almost as if our new motto should be, "Tulsa: Finding ways to do less than the minimum since 1966."
Does anyone know if our city's organizations who care about these things have reviewed the zoning code or made suggestions? Organizations like Up With Trees, Tulsa Community Foundation, Tulsa Beautification Task Force, Land Legacy, etc.?