23.50.034

The following types of screening and landscaping may be required according to the provisions of Sections 23.50.036 and 23.50.040 : A. Three-foot-high screening. Three-foot-high screening may be either: 1. A fence or wall at least 3 feet in height; or 2. A landscaped area with vegetation at least 3 feet in height. Landscaped areas may include bioretention facilities or landscaped berms, provided that the top of the vegetation is at least 3 feet above the grade abutting the facility or berm. B. View-obscuring screening. View-obscuring screening may be either: 1. A fence or wall 6 feet in height; or 2. A landscaped area with vegetation at least 5 feet in height. Landscaped areas may include bioretention facilities or landscaped berms, provided that the top of the vegetation will be at least 5 feet above the grade abutting the facility or berm. C. Landscaped areas. Each area required to be landscaped shall be planted with trees, shrubs and grass, or evergreen ground cover, in a manner that the total required setback, excluding driveways, will be covered in three years. Features such as walkways, decorative paving, sculptures, or fountains may cover a maximum of 30 percent of each required landscaped area. D. Street trees. When required, street trees shall be provided in the planting strip according to Seattle Department of Transportation Tree Planting Standards. If it is not feasible to plant street trees in the planting strip according to City standards, they shall be planted in the 5-foot deep landscaped setback area along the street property line. Trees planted in this setback area shall be at least 2 feet from the street lot line. E. Combinations of screening and landscaping requirements 1. When there is more than one type of use which requires screening or landscaping, the requirement which results in the greater amount of screening and landscaping shall be followed. 2. Different types of screening or landscaping may be combined on one lot. F. Landscaping meeting Seattle Green Factor standards, pursuant to Section 23.86.019 . (Ord. 126864 , § 10, 2023; Ord. 124952 , § 21, 2015; Ord. 123547, § 21, 2011; Ord. 121477, § 25, 2004; Ord. 118409, § 193, 1996; Ord. 117644, § 25, 1993; Ord. 113658, § 4(part), 1987.)