Agenda - 08-28-1995 - C 2 (a & b)

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3A PROPOSED AMENDMENT DOCUMENT: Zoning Ordinance, Article 12 Subdivision Regulations, Section IV-B-8 REFERENCES: LANDSCAPE AND BUFFER REQUIREMENTS Article 12 .3 Plan Review and Approval Section IV-B-8-b Landscape Plan Review and Approval ORIGIN OF AMENDMENT: X Staff Planning Board BOCC Public Other: PUBLIC BEARING DATE: August 28, 1995 Purpose of Amendment: To add language to the landscape and buffer requirements in the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations to specify that the amount of a financial guarantee for required landscaping shall include the cost to purchase plant materials as well as labor costs for installation. Impacts/ Issues: Applicants for subdivision and site plan approval often choose to delay planting required landscaping until the appropriate season when conditions are suitable. To record a subdivision plat or obtain a building permit, the planting must be guaranteed for twelve months with an approved letter of credit, escrow agreement, or performance bond. The amount of the guarantee is based on an estimate prepared by a nursery operator, landscape contractor, landscape architect, or other individual qualified to calculate the cost to complete the required improvements based on the approved landscape plan. In most cases, the applicant proposes to install the landscaping without hiring a contractor to do the work. The difference in cost between an owner-installed job and the services of a contractor is approximately 2.5 to 3 times the wholesale plant price. For example, a 5-6- foot red maple tree may have a wholesale price of $20. A contractor may charge $50 to $60 to pick up the tree at the nursery, deliver it to the site, plant it, water it, provide mulch, pruning, and other maintenance as necessary. Usually, the contractor's price includes a guarantee to replace the tree during a specific time period, generally one year or until the tree is established. In the event the County had to obtain funds guaranteed