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An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, to amend Chapters 17.24, pertaining to standards for form and quality of plants, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2024Z-018TX-001).
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WHEREAS, plant standards ensure higher quality landscaping and lower plant mortality in new developments; and
WHEREAS, diversity in landscaping helps create sustainable, resilient, and healthy environments; and
WHEREAS, healthy and resilient environments lead to improved soil health and support for native wildlife; and
WHEREAS, NashvilleNext encourages the establishment of policies and regulations that lead to a more resilient Nashville; and
WHEREAS, updating the standards of the zoning code pertaining to standards for form and quality of plants will help promote a better environment for both Nashville’s citizens, tourists, and our non-human visitors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That Section 17.24.030 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
17.24.030 Plant Standards
A. Minimum quality and size standards
1. Newly planted landscape plant materials shall conform to the latest version of the American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1-2014.
2. Type 1, 2, and 3 Trees, shall meet the planting and size requirements as defined in ANSI Z60.1.
a. Canopy trees shall be a minimum of two inches in caliper at the time of planting, as determined in the American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1-2004.
b. Understory trees shall have a caliper of two inches in caliper at time of planting, as determined in the American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1. For multi-stem varieties caliper shall be determined by taking one-half (1 ⁄2) of the caliper of the three largest required trunks.
c. Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of six feet in height and a minimum of two inches in caliper at the time of planting.
d. Except where required to be taller, shrubs shall be a minimum of 18 inches in height above ground level at the time of planting and shall typically grow to a minimum height of thirty inches for perimeter shrubs and five to six feet for buffer shrubs within four years.
3. Plant material used to meet the requirements of this Code shall be selected from the Urban Forestry Recommended and Prohibited Tree and Shrub List, unless otherwise approved by the Planning or Codes Departments, as applicable.
4. Plants listed on the current edition of the Invasive Exotic Pest Plants of Tennessee, as published by the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council, shall not be planted nor credited toward the minimum requirements of this Code.
B. Plant diversity
1. To maintain forest health, engender climate adaptation, and provide protection against disease and blight, tree plantings shall meet the following requirements:
a. Tree diversity:
|
Number of trees |
Minimum number of different Genera in roughly equal proportions |
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Less than 20 |
2 Genera |
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20-39 |
3 Genera |
|
40 or more |
4 Genera |
i. Native species incorporation: Approximately 51% of the trees planted (excluding ground cover and shrubs) shall be native species of the Southeastern USA Plains Level II Ecoregion.
ii. Plantings required by adopted streetscape plans or sites located along an Arterial Boulevard as defined by the Major and Collector Street Plan may adjust diversity requirements as approved by Planning or Codes Staff, as applicable.
C. Stabilization. Landscape planting areas shall be stabilized and maintained with seed, sod, ground covers, mulches, or other approved materials to prevent soil erosion and allow rainwater infiltration. When possible, native ground cover shall be utilized.
D. Planting in easements.
1. Groundcover may be planted or installed within any utility or drainage easement. Trees and shrubs may require approval by the easement holder.
2. In areas that require canopy trees where overhead utilities prevent the use of canopy trees, understory trees may be substituted. Multi-stemmed understory trees may be used provided they meet the minimum size at time of planting.
E. Planting near light poles and transformers. Trees shall be a minimum of fifteen feet from light poles and transformers. Trees may be clustered or moved to a more appropriate location if light poles or transformers conflict with tree locations, as long as all other tree location requirements are met.
F. Planting near fire hydrants. Tree locations near fire hydrants shall comply with the Fire Code, as applicable. Shrubs shall be a minimum of five feet from a fire hydrant.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to publish a notice announcing such change in a newspaper of general circulation within five days following final passage.
Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect upon publication of above said notice announcing such change in a newspaper of general circulation, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.