Chapter 26 - City of Punta Gorda

permitted. Light sources should not be located within any perimeter-landscaped
areas except on pedestrian walkways. Lighting levels are to be measured in
foot-candles with a direct-reading, portable light meter. The meter sensor shall
be mounted not more than 6 inches above ground level in a horizontal position.
The Urban Design Manager or designee takes readings only after the cell has
been exposed long enough to provide a constant reading. Measurements are
made after dark with the light source in question on, then with the same source
off. The difference between the two readings shall be compared to the
maximum permitted illumination and at the property line at ground level.
Holiday lighting shall be exempt from this section.
{Ord. No. 1514-07, 3, 11/07/07}
Section 8.5. Fences, Walls and Hedges.
Definitions:
Hedge is a group or row of closely planted vegetation that forms a physical or visual
fence, screen or boundary. A hedge can consist of any mixture of plant species that
grows to a height of 3 feet or more.
Landscape and xeriscape shall consist of grass, ground covers, shrubs, vines, hedges,
trees, berms and decorative material such as mulch, concrete curbing and rock.
Building and/or zoning permits are required for structural landscaping components
such as decks, landscape walls, pergolas, fountains and retaining walls, etc.
Visibility triangle. For purposes of this Section, the visibility triangle shall be the
triangular area formed by a diagonal line connecting two points measured from the
point of intersecting right-of-way lines 20 feet in each direction.
Hedges and fences are permitted in required yards in accordance with the
following restrictions:
(a) In single-family residential districts, including the Special Residential Overlay
District, hedges and other landscaping located in front yards shall be permitted
to any height except within any visibility triangle of any intersection or driveway.
1. Hedges and landscaping shall not be planted in the City right-of-way.
Only sod is permitted to be located in the City right-of-way and requires
a permit be obtained from the Building Division.
2. Hedges and landscaping within the visibility triangle shall be maintained
at a height of no more than 3 feet, or shall be removed or trimmed back
from the visibility triangle or clear visibility area to ensure public safety
concerns are addressed.
3. Hedges and landscaping located near any driveway which creates a visual
sight barrier for vehicular or pedestrian traffic shall be maintained at a
height of 3 feet or less for a distance of 5 feet on each side of the
driveway and a distance of 10 feet from the street yard property line
measured toward the house or structure.
4. Individual trees shall be permitted in the visibility triangle or visibility
area provided that foliage is cut away between 3 and 8 feet above the
average grade of the road as measured at the centerline. The placement
of multiple trees in the visibility area that impair visibility is not
permitted.
5. Hedges in side yards may not exceed 8 feet in height. Areca Palms in side
yards planted prior to the date of adoption of this Section are exempt
from this requirement but must be maintained in a manner that prevents
fronds from overhanging any property line.
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