(1) All required landscaping shall be in place before certificates of occupancy are issued. If, due to weather conditions, it is not feasible to install required landscape improvements, a temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued after a performance bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or assignment of cash deposit has been posted in accordance with SMC 16.30.030, Security mechanisms. Upon completion of the landscape improvements, the bond or device shall be released and a permanent certificate of occupancy issued; except a maintenance bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or assignment of cash deposit in accordance with SMC 16.30.030, Security mechanisms, shall be required for a minimum duration of two growing seasons (March through October), as prescribed in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) A certificate of occupancy may be issued only after a maintenance bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or assignment of cash deposit has been posted in accordance with SMC 16.30.030, Security mechanisms. This bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or assignment of cash deposit shall be held for a minimum duration of two growing seasons (March through October) to assure the full establishment of all plantings. After two growing seasons, if the plantings are fully established, the maintenance bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or assignment of cash deposit shall be released. If in the discretion of the city the plantings have not been fully established, the bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or assignment of cash deposit shall be held for one additional growing season, then released or used to re-establish the plantings, whichever is appropriate.

(3) Projects requiring minor landscaping improvements, as determined by the community development director, shall submit a maintenance bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or assignment of cash deposit in an amount equal to the current cost of the landscaping work, for a minimum duration of one year. (Ord. 1398 § 32, 2015; Ord. 1110 § 3, 2002).