Applicability means that landscape requirements apply only to certain zoning districts that are identified in the landscape code. Many communities apply their landscape laws and tree preservation requirements to all zoned districts. Some communities may apply their green laws only to specifically named zoned districts. These commonly include overlay zoning districts and mixed use districts such as planned use developments (PUD), traditional neighborhood developments (TND) or even smart growth inspired new urbanism developments.

Landscape design requirements and standards affecting site design generally pertain to commercial, industrial, institutional, multifamily residential or one of the mixed use developments just introduced. Single family and two family zoned districts are seldom zoned for landscaping largely due to the fact that home owners who have a vested interest in their land will plant trees, shrubs and ground covers to suit their needs. Regulation is not often required for single family home sites.

However, many communities do require basic residential landscape requirements for large planned housing developments. The most common standard requires some mix of tree planting for streets or yards. Generally one to two trees are required for every lot created and minimum open space is often required. Kenner, Louisiana requires in some instances that subdivision builders landscape project entries and adjacent public boulevard medians.

But in recent years, more and more landscape regulations are being adopted in regard to residential landscapes. Generally these regulations are minimal but pertain to tree preservation, tree planting, tree canopy creation, habitat preservation, water conservation, on site storm water management or recycling.

An examination of a few of these residential design landscape codes from around the country will provide a good idea of what local regulations face the landscape architect doing residential design work.

Many communities are now required in their residential zoned districts to preserve tree canopy Fayetteville, Arkansas requires that all single-family lots within new subdivisions must preserve a minimum of 25 percent of the existing tree canopy. Chesapeake, Virginia requires that all building sites must preserve 20 percent of canopy to shelter the building site. If the required percentage is not from preserved trees, then newly planted trees from an approved list may provide the necessary tree credits. Large planted trees will provide 400 square feet of credit while small trees can provide 200 square feet of canopy replacement credit.

Both large and small trees must be six to eight feet in height at the time of occupancy. Buffers must line rear or side yards adjacent to roadways of eighty (80) feet or greater in width. No specific planting requirements are given in this code. Mandeville, Louisiana requires the preservation of tree canopy as well as the preservation of permeable area. In this gulf coast community a specific species of evergreen tree that is considered a hallmark of the city is also required. These trees must be preserved where found if they exceed a six-inch caliper. Sixty percent of the land on residential building sites must be retained as permeable ground.