§ 34-188. Ground treatment.

The ground area within required landscaping areas which is not dedicated to trees or preservation of existing vegetation shall receive appropriate landscape treatment and shall present a finished appearance and complete coverage upon completion. Sand or pavement shall not be considered appropriate landscape treatment. The following standards shall apply to the design of ground treatment:

(1)

Ground cover may be planted in lieu of grass in conjunction with planting of trees, shrubs or hedges. Ground cover shall provide a minimum of 50 percent coverage immediately upon planting and 100 percent coverage within two years after planting.

(2)

Mulch shall be temporarily applied to areas not immediately covered by ground cover. Mulch may also be used as a permanent ground treatment in landscape designs where ground cover or grass is inappropriate, such as in a pine preservation area. Where mulch is intended to be installed permanently, it shall be renewed and maintained to a minimum depth of two inches.

(3)

Pebbles or egg rock may be used in a limited way as a ground treatment in areas where drainage is a problem.

(4)

Grass areas shall be planted with species suitable as permanent lawns in the county. Grass areas visible from a right-or-way or adjacent property, or in other areas subject to erosion including swales and slopes, shall be sodded. St. Augustine grass should be used adjacent to areas that accommodate pedestrian traffic, or where visible from a street or abutting property. Bahia grass may be used in large, non-manicured, turf areas such as open fields, recreation areas, or other areas that are generally viewed from a distance or from a moving vehicle. In such areas, bahia grass plugs may be planted. In limited areas where grass seed is used, with the approval of the land development director, nursegrass seed shall also be sown for immediate effect, and maintenance shall be provided until coverage is complete.

(5)

Ground cover is not required where existing native vegetation is allowed to remain undisturbed, provided that the native vegetation is protected from disturbance both during and after site development.

(Code 1994, § 30-128; Ord. No. 2015-12, § 4, 4-9-2015)