Section 11-3404. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GREEN AREA RATIO

3404.1This section lists the submittal requirements for demonstrating compliance with a GAR requirement.

3404.2For the purposes of this section, the term Certified Landscape Expert means a person who is a: 

(a) State of Virginia certified landscape architect;

(b) State of Maryland certified landscape architect;

(c) International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist;

(d) State of Maryland certified Professional Horticulturist; or

(e) Landscape Contractors Association MD-DC-VA Certified Landscape Technician;

3404.3Applicants shall submit a GAR score sheet with the GAR calculated for the given lot at the time of building permit application.

3404.4Applicants shall provide a landscape plan prepared by a Certified Landscape Expert that includes the following information:

(a) GAR elements called out by category and area, which may be provided as a part of the landscape plan or as a separate document;

(b) Lot dimension and size;

(c) Location and areas of all landscape elements with dimensions;

(d) Location, size, and species of all plants used to meet requirements;

(e) Both common and botanical names of all plant material;

(f) Identification of all existing trees that are to be preserved, with their location, trunk diameter at four feet, six inches (4 ft. 6 in.) above grade, canopy radius, and species;

(g) Plans indicating how preserved trees and other plants will be protected during demolition and construction;

(h) Location and dimensions of wheel stops, curbs, or other devices to protect landscaping for landscaped areas adjacent to driveways;

(i) A schematic irrigation and drainage plan and the size and depth of all plant containers for rooftop or container landscaping or areas to be irrigated with rainwater;

(j) Location and size of any trees to be removed;

(k) Specifications for soil improvement; and

(l) Signature of the Certified Landscape Expert who prepared the plans together with verification that plantings and other landscape elements meet the requirements of this chapter.

3404.5Applicants shall provide a landscape maintenance plan prepared and signed by a Certified Landscape Expert that describes how the plantings, water features and hardscape features will be cared for and maintained including:

(a) Soil preparation;

(b) Use of compost;

(c) Plant replacement;

(d) Irrigation;

(e) Weed and pest control; and

(f) Control of noxious or invasive species.

3404.6The following modifications or substitutions to the landscape elements of an approved landscape plan require a plan revision and approval:

(a) Number of trees, shrubs, or groundcovers;

(b) Location of required plantings or landscape features;

(c) Substitution of species; or

(d) Revisions of any feature that could decrease the planting area or lower the GAR score.

3404.7Except as provided below, approved landscape elements shall be installed in accordance with the approved plan prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.

3404.8Prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, a landscape checklist must be signed by a Certified Landscape Expert, verifying that that landscaping was installed according to the building permit approved by DCRA.

3404.9The Zoning Administrator may grant a temporary certificate of occupancy when installation of the required landscaping is not currently possible due to weather, season or site construction subject to the condition that the required landscaping must be installed within four (4) months after the date the temporary certificate is issued.

3404.10The Zoning Administrator may grant up to two (2) extensions of a temporary certificate of occupancy, each for a four (4) month period based on the same conditions of  § 3404.9.

 

 

authority

Section 1 of the Zoning Act of 1938, approved June 20, 1938 (52 Stat. 797; D.C. Official Code § 6-641.01 (2008 Repl.)).

source

Final Rulemaking as published at 60 DCR 10077 (July 12, 2013).