A.   Purpose: The purpose of this chapter is to establish landscape requirements that will enhance the Village's character and livability, improve air quality, reduce the heat island effect, improve water quality, reduce the rainfall volume conveyed to storm sewer systems, and provide for transitions between zoning districts.

   B.   Applicability: The requirements of this chapter shall apply to the following:

      1.   New developments that require site plan review approval (see section 10-3-2, "Site Plan Review", of this title).

      2.   Planned unit developments (see chapter 4, "Planned Unit Developments", of this title).

      3.   The construction of any new parking lot of ten (10) spaces or more.

      4.   The expansion or reconstruction of any existing parking lot that results in a total of ten (10) aggregate spaces or more.

      5.   Removal of existing trees, per the requirements of section 10-9-2, "Tree Preservation", of this chapter.

   C.   Occupancy Permit: The requirements of this chapter shall be met and landscape elements shall be fully installed in good health and condition, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.

      1.   Seasonal Conditions: If seasonal conditions preclude the completion of landscape installation, the applicant shall provide the Village with a letter of credit, escrow, performance bond, or other surety, as approved by the Zoning Administrator, equal to one hundred twenty five percent (125%) of the remaining costs of installation, as estimated by a qualified landscape architect or similar professional, in order to receive an occupancy permit.

      2.   Permit Revocation: Failure to implement the approved landscape plan or maintain installed landscape elements shall be cause for revocation of the occupancy permit and/or the application of fines and penalties. All landscape elements are subject to periodic inspection for compliance with the approved landscape plan.

   D.   Landscape Plan: A landscape plan shall be submitted to the Village as part of any site improvement that meets the criteria of subsection B, "Applicability", of this section, and shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator. The landscape plan shall be evaluated and approved based on the standards included in this chapter.

      1.   Preparation Of Landscape Plan: The landscape plan shall be prepared and stamped by a licensed landscape architect registered in the State of Illinois, or another qualified professional, if the project meets the criteria of subsection B, "Applicability", of this section.

      2.   Contents: The landscape plan shall contain the following:

         a.   Location and dimensions of all existing and proposed structures, parking spaces, landscape islands, buffer yards, street lights, utilities, easements, and other site elements.

         b.   Location, quantity, size, spacing, and name, both botanical and common, of all existing plant material, including trees and plant material in the right-of-way. The landscape plan shall indicate whether existing plant material will be retained or removed, including information on how existing trees will be preserved and protected (see section 10-9-2, "Tree Preservation", of this chapter).

         c.   Location, quantity, size, spacing, and name, both botanical and common, of all proposed plant material including the type of tree stock.

         d.   Planting details and Best Management Practices for all plantings, including type, depth and quantity of soil.

         e.   Existing and proposed grading of the site indicating contours at one foot (1') intervals.

         f.   Elevations of all fences and retaining walls proposed for the site.

         g.   Location of snow storage areas.

         h.   Construction information, including the location of temporary roads, access points for construction equipment, staging areas, material storage areas, and other related information.

         i.   To ensure ongoing compliance with this chapter, a landscape plan must include an operations and maintenance plan that includes detailed information on operations and maintenance procedures. Maintenance of all elements of a landscape plan shall be the responsibility of the property owner.

   E.   Credit For Existing Vegetation: The Zoning Administrator may credit existing vegetation toward the landscape element requirements of sections 10-9-4, "Street Trees", 10-9-5, "Parking Lot Landscaping", 10-9-6, "Buffer Yards", and/or 10-9-7, "Screening Requirements", of this chapter, provided that the existing vegetation is an acceptable species, adequately protected during the construction process, in good health, and meets all applicable specifications of this chapter. (Ord. 67-2018, 12-18-2018)

   A.   Applicability: Existing trees shall not be removed from lots within the Village, wholly or in part, without a tree preservation and removal plan approved by the Zoning Administrator. This section does not apply to the removal of trees located on lots for single-unit or two-unit dwellings.

      1.   Procedure: The tree preservation and removal plan shall specify the tree to be removed and shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator in writing. Such approval is not required if tree removal is performed by Village employees or contractors.

      2.   Criteria For Removal Of Mature Trees: Every reasonable effort shall be made to incorporate existing trees into the landscape plan for the proposed development. The Zoning Administrator must determine that one of the following criteria apply prior to granting approval to remove a mature tree:

         a.   The tree is dead, dying, diseased, or a threat to public health or safety.

         b.   The tree interferes with the provision of public services or is a hazard to traffic.

         c.   The location of the tree prevents development or redevelopment that cannot be designed to protect the tree.

   B.   Replacement Standards: Mature trees to be removed shall be replaced in accordance with the following standards.

      1.   Replacement Rate: The size of a mature tree is measured using its diameter at breast height (refer to figure 10-9-2-1, "Tree Measurement", of this subsection). The tree to be removed shall be replaced within one year of the date of approval, or the applicant shall immediately pay the Village an amount equal to the full value of the tree to be removed.

         a.   Any tree designated for removal on an approved tree preservation and removal plan shall be replaced at the rate specified in table 10-9-2-1, "Tree Replacement Rates", of this subsection.

         b.   In the event that a tree designated for preservation is destroyed, damaged, or removed during the construction process, such tree shall be replaced at three (3) times the applicable rate specified in table 10-9-2-1, "Tree Replacement Rates", of this subsection.

      2.   Tree Valuation: The value of a tree shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator in accordance with information and estimates as provided by the Village of Bensenville Public Works Forestry Division.

 

 

(Ord. 67-2018, 12-18-2018; amd. Ord. 13-2023, 4-25-2023)

   A.   Design And Installation:

      1.   National Standards: All landscape elements shall be installed in accordance with the practices and procedures established by AmericanHort. Landscape elements shall be healthy and hardy upon installation, and shall be planted with appropriate space and soils to ensure sustained growth.

      2.   Soil Requirements: Soil type, volume, width, and depth requirements shall be used as required by this chapter to ensure tree survival and growth. A minimum soil depth of thirty six inches (36") and minimum planting bed width of six feet (6') is required for all tree planting areas. Refer to figures 10-9-3-1, "Minimum Soil Depth", and 10-9-3-2, "Planting Bed Width", of this subsection. In order to accommodate subsurface root expansion, a minimum volume of one thousand (1,000) cubic feet of structural soil is required per large shade tree or evergreen tree, and a minimum volume of seven hundred fifty (750) cubic feet of structural soil is required per medium shade tree. Whenever possible, tree plantings should be located to connect subsurface root spaces.

      3.   Plant Size Requirements: Landscape elements shall be installed in accordance with table 10-9-3-1, "Required Landscape Size At Installation", of this subsection, unless otherwise noted in this title.

 

 

      4.   Species Diversity: Tree and plant species that are native or naturalized to northeastern Illinois, as well as drought- and salt-tolerant plant materials, shall be used as required by this chapter, except for single-unit and two-unit dwellings. Refer to the most recent Morton Arboretum Northern Illinois Tree Species List for preferred plant species and table 10-9-3-2, "Species Diversity Requirements", of this subsection, for specifications.

TABLE 10-9-3-2
SPECIES DIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS

 

 

      5.   Runoff Infiltration: All required parking lot perimeter landscape, buffer yards, and landscape islands shall be designed to accept and facilitate stormwater runoff infiltration through curb design, adequate soil depth, appropriate plant selection, and site grading to convey stormwater to the landscaped areas. Where practical, all landscaped areas shall create bioretention and infiltration areas to assist in water quality protection and facilitate groundwater recharge.

      6.   Irrigation: Permanent irrigation systems are not required but may be installed as recommended by a landscape architect or the Zoning Administrator. All irrigation systems that are installed shall be designed to minimize the use of water, and require certification that the system is water efficient (e.g., EPA WaterSense certified). Irrigation systems are not allowed in the right-of-way.

   B.   Planting Location And Visibility: All landscape elements shall be located in compliance with the visibility standards of subsections 10-6-6C, "Visibility Obstruction", and 10-8-8D, "Visibility", of this title.

   C.   Maintenance: All landscape elements shall be maintained in good condition at all times to ensure healthy vegetation and an orderly appearance.

      1.   Maintenance Responsibility: Landscape elements, such as vegetation and trees, irrigation systems, fences, and walls, shall be maintained. The property owner shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of landscape elements to keep them in good condition for the lifespan of the development and/or parking lot.

      2.   Surety: A letter of credit, escrow, performance bond, or other surety as approved by the Zoning Administrator, equal to one hundred twenty five percent (125%) of the value of the landscaping shall remain in place for two (2) years after installation to ensure proper maintenance in accordance with this chapter.

      3.   Establishment Of Landscape Elements: All installed landscape elements shall be watered, fertilized, and replaced as needed until fully established.

      4.   Ongoing Maintenance: All landscape elements shall be maintained in good condition in perpetuity and shall have a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance. Any landscape element that is removed due to disease, damage, death, or any other reason shall be replaced within thirty (30) days after the beginning of the growing season, in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and the approved landscape plan. (Ord. 67-2018, 12-18-2018)

   A.   Applicability: Street trees aid in beautifying and shading the Village by providing consistent and appropriately spaced trees. The requirements of this section apply to existing and proposed parkway areas adjacent to new developments that require approval of site plan review (see section 10-3-2, "Site Plan Review", of this title) or planned unit development (see chapter 4, "Planned Unit Developments", of this title).

   B.   Street Tree Requirements:

      1.   Frequency: Street trees shall be installed at a minimum rate of one large shade tree per forty (40) linear feet. Trees shall be spaced on center, or at a rate that matches the existing tree spacing pattern on adjacent parkways, whichever results in a greater density of tree plantings. Spacing may be adjusted to ensure adequate room for streetlights and utilities, with prior written Zoning Administrator approval.

      2.   Tree Wells: Tree wells shall be utilized in locations where the sidewalk extends from the back of the curb to the lot line and there is no parkway present.

      3.   Drought And Salt Tolerance: All street trees proposed to be planted shall be drought- and salt-tolerant. Refer to the most recent Morton Arboretum Northern Illinois Tree Species List for preferred plant species. (Ord. 67-2018, 12-18-2018; amd. Ord. 74- 2019, 12-17-2019)

   A.   Tree Canopy Coverage: Tree canopy coverage requirements shall be met through tree plantings located within perimeter yards (subsection B, "Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape", of this section) and interior landscape islands (subsection C, "Parking Lot Interior Landscape Islands", of this section) such that shade canopy is provided for a minimum of forty percent (40%) of the parking area hardscape, including all parking spaces, travel lanes, and other impervious areas not exempted by this section. Refer to figure 10-9-5-1, "Tree Canopy Coverage", of this subsection.

      1.   Calculation: Coverage credit for each tree shall be calculated using the projected full canopy width of the tree at maturity. Coverage credit for trees planted in perimeter landscape or buffer yards shall be credited in the amount that such plantings cover the parking area hardscape. Refer to the most recent Morton Arboretum Northern Illinois Tree Species List for canopy coverage estimates.

      2.   Loading Area Exemption: Designated loading areas shall be exempt from the amount of parking area hardscape for the purpose of this requirement.

      3.   Solar Energy Collection Systems: Any portion of this requirement may be met through installation of solar energy collection systems that comply with the standards of this title and provide shade to the parking area, with the approval of the Zoning Administrator.

      4.   Modification Of Requirements: The Zoning Administrator may modify shading requirements for sites located under power lines or other obstructions that prohibit strict compliance, and grant credit for new off-site trees provided in lieu of required on- site plantings, where appropriate.

   B.   Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape: Refer to figures 10-9-5-2, "Location Of Landscape Requirements", and 10-9-5-3, "Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape", of this subsection.

      1.   Landscape Requirements:

         a.   Location: Parking lot perimeter landscape shall apply to properties in all zoning districts in which parking facilities are located adjacent to the front or corner side lot line. The parking lot perimeter landscape shall be located directly adjacent to the front or corner side lot line.

         b.   Minimum Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape: A parking lot perimeter landscape with a minimum depth of eight feet (8') is required along the length of the parking lot that abuts the front or corner side lot line, excluding any driveways.

         c.   Landscape Elements: The parking lot perimeter landscape shall meet all of the standards of section 10-9-3, "Design, Installation, And Maintenance", of this chapter and include the following:

            (1)   A continuous hedge comprised of individual small shrubs of an appropriate species that are adaptable to being grown as a hedge, with a minimum width of twenty four inches (24"), spaced thirty six inches (36") on center, and a maximum height at maturity of thirty inches (30") to forty two inches (42").

            (2)   One large shade tree per thirty (30) linear feet of perimeter area, or one medium shade tree per twenty five (25) linear feet of perimeter area, or any combination thereof. Trees may be spaced evenly or grouped.

            (3)   Any portion of the parking lot perimeter landscape not covered by hedges and trees shall be planted with turf, clump or no-mow grasses, other perennial groundcover, or mulch.

         d.   Fence: Fencing may be installed to further screen the parking lot from view of the street and shall be subject to the following:

            (1)   The fence shall be located a minimum of two feet (2') from the back of the parking lot curb to allow for vehicle overhang. The required parking lot perimeter landscape shall be located between the fence and sidewalk to provide visual interest from the street.

            (2)   The fence shall be a minimum height of three feet (3') and maximum height of four feet (4').

            (3)   A paved opening with a minimum width of three feet (3') shall be provided at least every fifty feet (50') to allow pedestrian access to the parking lot.

            (4)   Ornamental metal, masonry, and wood are permitted fence materials. Chain link fences are prohibited.

   C.   Parking Lot Interior Landscape Islands: Refer to figure 10-9-5-4, "Parking Lot Interior Landscape Islands", of this subsection and subsection B, figure 10-9-5-2, "Location Of Landscape Requirements", of this section.

      1.   Spacing: One landscape island shall be provided for every ten (10) contiguous parking spaces. All rows of parking shall be terminated by a landscape island or landscape area.

      2.   Size: For a single parking row, the landscape island shall have a minimum length equal to the length of the adjacent parking space and a minimum area of one hundred (100) square feet. When double rows of parking are provided, the required landscape islands shall have a minimum length equal to the total length of the adjacent parking spaces and a minimum area of two hundred (200) square feet.

      3.   Alternate Configuration: In conjunction with landscape plan approval (see subsection 10-9-1D, "Landscape Plan", of this chapter), the Zoning Administrator may permit a different configuration of landscape islands to allow for more efficient site design or to permit larger landscape areas. Regardless, the overall area and number of plantings required for landscape islands pursuant to this section shall be met.

      4.   Trees: A minimum of one shade tree shall be provided per landscape island. Landscape islands provided for double rows of parking shall include a minimum of two (2) shade trees.

      5.   Groundcover: A minimum of eighty percent (80%) of each landscape island shall be planted with turf or other live groundcover, perennials, or ornamental or native grasses. Shrubs shall not be permitted in landscape islands.

      6.   Curbing: Landscape islands shall be protected with concrete curbing and have a minimum height of six inches (6") as measured from the parking lot surface. Curbing may contain inlets to accept drainage, unless it is determined by the Zoning Administrator that inlets would result in greater runoff volume inflow than could be supported by the landscape island. Refer to figure 10-9-5-5, "Curb Inlet Design", of this subsection. Wheel stops and other alternate landscape protections may be approved by the Zoning Administrator to facilitate certain stormwater management facilities.

(Ord. 67-2018, 12-18-2018)

   A.   Applicability: Buffer yards separate more intensive zoning districts and uses from less intensive zoning districts and uses. A buffer yard is required adjacent to lot lines where the proposed development meets one or more of the following criteria. For the purposes of this section, properties shall not be considered directly adjacent to one another if a public alley or other right-of-way separates the properties. Any reconstruction of existing parking lots of less than fifteen (15) parking spaces shall be exempt from buffer yard requirements. Refer to subsection 10-9-5B, figure 10-9-5-2, "Location Of Landscape Requirements", of this chapter and figure 10-9-6-1, "Buffer Yards", of this section.

      1.   Non-Residential District: A buffer yard is required if the property is located in the C-1, C-2, I-1, or I-2 District and is directly adjacent to property located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, or R-6 Districts.

      2.   Non-Residential Use In Residential Districts: A buffer yard is required if the property is located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, or R-6 District, contains a non-residential use, and is directly adjacent to a residential use in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, or R-6 Districts. Parks are exempt from this requirement.

      3.   R-5 And R-6 Districts: A buffer yard is required if the property is located in the R-5 or R-6 District, contains a use other than a single-unit dwelling, two-unit dwelling, townhouse, community garden, or park, and is directly adjacent to property located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4 Districts.

   B.   Buffer Yard Requirements:

      1.   Location: The buffer yard shall be located directly adjacent to the affected interior side and/or rear lot line, along the entire length of the lot line.

      2.   Minimum Buffer Yard Area: The buffer yard shall have a minimum depth of ten feet (10').

      3.   Landscape Elements: The buffer yard shall include the following:

         a.   A continuous hedge comprised of individual small shrubs of an appropriate species that are adaptable to being grown as a hedge, with a minimum width of twenty four inches (24"), spaced thirty six inches (36") on center.

         b.   One evergreen tree for every ten (10) linear feet of buffer area. Trees may be spaced evenly or grouped.

         c.   Any portion of the buffer yard not covered by hedges and trees shall be planted with turf, clump or no-mow grasses, perennial groundcover, or mulch.

         d.   In Residential and Commercial Zoning Districts, a continuous hedge of individual shrubs may be allowed in lieu of providing evergreen trees within a buffer yard with prior written Zoning Administrator approval, provided that the hedge height at maturity is taller than forty two inches (42").

      4.   Fence: Fences in buffer yards are required in the I-1 or I-2 District when the subject property is directly adjacent to property located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, or R-6 District. Fences in buffer yards are optional in all Residential and Commercial Zoning Districts, and in Industrial Zoning Districts when the subject property is not directly adjacent to property located in a Residential District.

         a.   Location: The fence shall be located along the entire length of the affected interior side or rear lot line.

         b.   Height: In Residential and Commercial Districts, fences shall not exceed a maximum of six feet (6') in height. In the Industrial Districts, fences shall not exceed a maximum of ten feet (10') in height.

         c.   Type: Opaque fences are required for buffer yards.

(Ord. 67-2018, 12-18-2018)

   A.   Applicability: The requirements of this section apply to refuse areas, ground-mounted mechanical equipment, ground-mounted utilities, outdoor storage areas, and off-street loading areas to screen them from view of the street and adjacent properties.

   B.   Refuse Area, Ground-Mounted Mechanical Equipment, Ground- Mounted Utility, And Outdoor Storage Area Screening Requirements: Refer to figure 10-9-7-1, "Refuse Area, Ground-Mounted Mechanical Equipment, Ground-Mounted Utility, And Outdoor Storage Area Screening", of this section.

      1.   Location: Refuse areas shall be located in the interior side yard or rear yard. Refer to subsections 10-7-3W, "Outdoor Storage Area", and 10-7-4C13, "Mechanical Equipment", of this title for location requirements for outdoor storage and ground-mounted mechanical equipment standards.

      2.   Opaque Fence Or Wall: The refuse area or outdoor storage area shall be completely screened by an opaque masonry wall or fence on three (3) sides, and an opaque gate on the fourth side. The wall of a principal structure may serve as a screening wall.

         a.   Height: The fence or wall shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height.

         b.   Complementary Design: Screening elements should complement the architectural style of the primary building on-site and use building materials similar to those used for the primary building.

         c.   Gate: The enclosure of the refuse area or outdoor storage area shall be gated, and remain locked except during times of refuse deposit or collection.

      3.   Landscape Elements: Landscape shrubs or native grasses may be installed on three (3) sides of the area, with plantings located between the fencing and back of curb, and screening the full length of each side. Installed shrubs shall form a continuous hedge comprised of individual small shrubs of an appropriate species that are adaptable to being grown as a hedge, with a minimum width of twenty four inches (24"), spaced thirty six inches (36") on center.

   C.   Off-Street Loading Area Screening Requirements: The area adjacent to any off-street loading areas, shall be treated with landscaping and buffering per the requirements of subsection 10-9-5B, "Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape", of this chapter.

(Ord. 67-2018, 12-18-2018)

   A.   Applicability: Outdoor lighting standards prevent light trespass, promote energy efficiency, and minimize light pollution. The requirements of this section apply to all new or replacement outdoor lighting, with the exception of unshielded lighting for holiday decorations or permitted temporary uses as established in section 10-7-5, "Temporary Structures And Uses", of this title. The Zoning Administrator may impose reasonable restrictions on the use of such lighting for temporary uses as necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

   B.   General Requirements:

      1.   Photometric Plan: A photometric plan prepared by a professional shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to installation of outdoor light fixtures for non-residential uses.

      2.   Prohibited Lighting: Any outdoor lighting that may be confused with a traffic control device shall be prohibited except as authorized by Federal, State, County, or local government. Flashing lights, strobe lights, and laser lights are prohibited.

      3.   Design That Prevents Glare: All lighting shall be designed to prevent glare and interference with residential property, and motor vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic.

      4.   Fixtures: All new and replacement outdoor lighting shall employ full cut-off or fully shielded fixtures.

      5.   Facade Illumination: Building facade illumination shall be limited to fully shielded fixtures directed towards the facade. All light from such fixtures shall be concentrated on the exterior wall surface of the building being illuminated.

      6.   Automatic Lighting Controls: All outdoor lighting on non- residential properties shall be controlled by a photo sensor, occupancy sensor, or timer to automatically reduce outdoor lighting when sufficient daylight is available, and to automatically extinguish lights no more than one hour following the close of business, excluding security lighting.

      7.   Energy-Efficient Technology: The use of light emitting diodes (LED) or similar technology is encouraged.

   C.   Illumination Standards:

      1.   Illumination:

         a.   Non-Residential Uses: Outdoor lighting shall not exceed one foot-candle at any point on a lot line for a lot containing a non-residential use, unless otherwise specified in this title.

         b.   Residential Uses: Outdoor lighting shall not exceed one-half (1/2) foot-candle at any point on a lot line for a lot containing a residential use, unless otherwise specified in this title.

         c.   Recreational Facilities: The average outdoor lighting level for recreational uses shall not exceed fifty (50) foot-candles, with the exception of golf-related facilities, which shall be limited to a maximum average lighting level of five (5) foot- candles for courses and twenty (20) foot-candles for driving ranges.

         d.   Sign Illumination: Sign illumination shall conform to the provisions of chapter 10, "Signs", of this title.

      2.   Height: The maximum height of light poles and building-mounted lighting is established in this section unless otherwise required by title 9, "Building Regulations", of this Code.

         a.   Non-Residential Uses: Light poles and building-mounted fixtures shall not exceed twenty four feet (24') in height for non-residential uses. Light poles for educational facilities or outdoor recreational facilities shall not exceed sixty feet (60') in height. Outdoor lighting for all outdoor recreation areas is subject to review of building permit and photometric plan.

         b.   Residential Uses: Light poles shall not exceed twenty four feet (24') in height for residential uses. Building-mounted fixtures, including under-soffit lighting, shall not exceed fifteen feet (15') in height. (Ord. 67-2018, 12-18-2018)