General landscaping standards.
Columbus City Codes § 3321.13
in effect3321.13 - General landscaping standards.
A. Determining opacity: The percentage of opacity shall be determined by measurement of any typical square foot of the vertical plane from a point perpendicular thereto, exclusive of any area within one foot of the finished grade. Permissibly open area (e.g., vision clearance, driveways) shall not be included in an opacity determination.
B. A landscaped earth mound shall have a maintainable slope of no greater than 3:1 (horizontal: vertical). Every one foot of vertical rise shall be constructed in three feet or more of horizontal space.
C. Minimum size: When used to meet a required landscaping or screening provision, plants shall have a minimum size at the time of planting as follows:
1. Two-inch caliper for a deciduous tree;
2. One-and-one-half-inch caliper for an ornamental tree;
3. Four-foot height for a conifer or evergreen tree;
4. Two-foot height for a shrub, and;
5. Number 2 size container for ornamental grasses.
D. All plants shall be maintained in a healthy live state and shall be replaced as needed to comply with code. Landscaping and screening plants that die shall be replaced during the current or next planting season.
E. Existing landscape vegetation or existing tree stands may be used as part or all of screening provided the height and opacity requirements are met.
(Ord. No. 0791-2011, § 2(Att. 2), 7-18-2011)
Source: City of Columbus, City Codes and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT33ZOCO_CH3321GESIDEST_3321.13GELASTFetched: 10/27/2026