§ 30.48.340. Landscaping, Buffering, and Screening.

The intent of this section is to require the integration of all landscape improvements with the overall project site requirements and with particular sensitivity to the natural topography and existing or indigenous vegetation. All plant materials shall be used to enhance the existing area, particularly as viewed from an adjacent right-of-way, and to mitigate developmental impacts on major washes, slopes, and any other sensitive environmental features. The introduction of non-native or competitive species that could threaten the native flora within this environmentally sensitive area is prohibited. The following standards shall be used:

1.

Plant materials shall be selected to blend in form, texture, and scale with the design scheme proposed for the site.

2.

Plant materials shall be used as accent elements at entry ways to provide a definite sense of arrival to the proposed development.

3.

In order to design a landscape theme in character with the desert environment, xeriscape landscaping only shall be used for non-residential developments within the overlay district.

4.

All non-residential off-street parking areas must be screened from all rights-of-way, including but not limited to State Highways 159 (Blue Diamond Road) and 160 (Pahrump Highway), by low walls and/or fences no greater than three (3) feet in height, or by continuous dense vegetation or by a combination wall/fence, vegetation, or berm.

5.

All development must provide a homogenous landscape design of appropriate character using plants similar in form and scale to the existing vegetation in the area. Additionally, non-residential development must also provide accent plants at entryways, changes in direction, and intersections of roads; trees clustered at plaza areas or other public gathering places; and clear identification of public, semi-public, and private areas using harmonious design elements such as varying elevations, low walls, fences, landscaping, lighting, color, and changes in paving texture to create distinctions between different land use areas.

6.

Each natural area, as defined in Section 30.48.330(e), shall only contain species indigenous to the native desert and/or mountain elevation and climate zone in which it exists except that development in the lower desert elevations may incorporate more water consumptive species if deemed appropriate to the area. Private areas within the building envelope may also contain naturalized species in addition to native species provided that the vegetation does not exceed 25 feet in height at maturity. Palm trees are prohibited. See also 30.48.330(e)(1)(B).

(Ord. 2914 § 3 (part), 2003: Ord. 2674 § 2 (part), 2001)