Planting strip and parking strip means the area between the curb, or in the case where there is no curb the edge of the roadway, and the abutting property line not improved by surfacing that is intended for the use of pedestrians. Any openings made in a surfaced area between the roadway and the abutting property line for the purpose of planting trees or other vegetation are considered part of the planting or parking strip. Grates or other coverings of said areas are not considered as surfacing intended for the use of pedestrians.