Growth FAQ - Engineering
What is the minimum required green space on the project?
To answer this question, the terms "landscaping" and "urban forest" must be defined. First, Sec. 5-12, TLDC defines "landscaping" as " The placement of landscape material on a site in accordance with the requirements of this chapter." Likewise, it defines "urban forest" as "All protected healthy trees six inches and greater DBH and associated vegetation in an urban area, exclusive of invasive vegetation. Urban forest area shall be measured using the critical protection zone (CPZ), tree protection requirements and tree removal criteria found in this chapter."
This question is addressed by Sec. 5-85(d), TLDC. In most cases, properties fall into one of two categories, as follows:
- Outside the Multi-Modal Transportation District – Urban forest and landscaping combined must be at least 40% of the total area of the site. As explained at Sec. 5-86(e),TLDC, that can be reduced to 30% if trees are preserved at the front of the site consistent with the code standards. Individually, the urban forest must be at least 10% of the total site, and the landscaping must be at least 5% of the total site.
- Inside the Multi-Modal Transportation District – Please see the table below.
|
Pervious (Green Space) |
Urban Forest |
Details |
| Transect 3 |
40% |
10% |
NA |
| Transects 4 & 5 |
20% |
0% |
NA |
| Downtown Overlay |
10% |
0% |
New public plazas receive double credit for pervious green space. |
Notes:
- Development may install an equal amount of landscaping on public property in the MMTD, as provided for in a landscaping plan reviewed and approved by the Growth Management Director.
- Sec. 5-85(d)(4)b, TLDC, provides a fee-in-lieu option that varies by MMTD transect.
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