§ 656.1212. Maintenance and protection of landscaping and irrigation systems.

(a)

Maintenance of Landscape. The property owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of all landscaped areas, which shall be maintained in good condition so as to present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance, free of refuse, debris and weeds. The property owner should refer to the Low Maintenance Zone for additional maintenance requirements and proper use of fertilizers and pesticides pursuant to Chapter 366 Part 6 (Fertilizer Application), Ordinance Code. Failure to maintain required landscaped areas or to replace, within a reasonable period of time, required landscaping which is dead, irreparably damaged, or fails to meet the standards of this Part, shall be deemed a violation of the Zoning Code. If there is insufficient area to replant the replacement trees on site, the property owner shall provide for mitigation of such trees pursuant to Section 656.1206(h).

(b)

Maintenance of Irrigation Systems. The installer shall provide the property owner and users with the manufacturer's guide for the controller and all other equipment provided. If the plans are different from the approved permitted plans, an as-constructed sketch of the installation will be provided to the Owner and the City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division. All controllers shall be programmed to the appropriate level of water conservation per the St. Johns River Water Management District landscape irrigation rule. Installer shall include a watering schedule which meets the local codes for establishment of plant material and instructions on adjusting the system to apply less water after the landscape is established. The watering schedule shall meet the requirements set forth in Section 656.1217, Ordinance Code.

(c)

Tree pruning. Required trees shall be allowed to develop into their natural habit of growth and shall not be topped, pleached or pruned into topiary, espalier or other unnatural shapes. Trees may be pruned to maintain health and vigor by removal of dead, weak, damaged or crowded limbs, diseased and insect infested limbs, and branches which rub other branches. If trees are pruned in a manner which would prevent them from reaching the mature crown spread required by Section 656.1211(e)(3), or if mature trees are pruned to a height or canopy spread below the requirements of Section 656.1211(e)(3), then the property owner shall provide for mitigation of such trees pursuant to Section 656.1206(h).

(d)

Protection of Landscape and irrigation systems. To prevent encroachment by parked or moving vehicles provide wheel stops, landscape timbers,curbs, bollards (if in areas with large truck traffic) or other materials [may be] used for protection. Material selection is subject to the approval of the Chief. Paving, treating or covering a required landscaped area in a way that renders it impervious is prohibited. Shrub risers shall be set back at least two and one-half feet from any edge of pavement.

(Ord. 91-59-148, § 1; Ord. 93-718-395, § 1; Ord. 2008-910-E, § 1; Ord. 2009-864-E, § 2)