(B)   Applicability. The requirements of this chapter apply to the following, unless otherwise specified:

      (1)   New developments that require site plan approval.

      (2)   Planned developments.

      (3)   The construction of any new parking lot of 15 spaces or more.

      (4)   The expansion or reconstruction of any existing parking lot that results in a total of 15 aggregate spaces or more.

   (C)   Occupancy permit. The requirements of this chapter shall be met and landscape elements and stormwater management facilities shall be fully installed 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 city with a letter of credit, escrow, performance bond, or other surety as approved by the Zoning Administrator equal to 125% of the remaining costs of installation as estimated by a qualified 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 city as part of any site improvement that meets the criteria of division (B) 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 section.

      (1)   Licensed landscape architect. The landscape plan shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect registered in the State of Illinois if the project involves 15 parking spaces or more.

      (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 as determined by the Zoning Administrator.

         (b)   Location, quantity, size, 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.

         (c)   Location, quantity, size, and name, both botanical and common, of all proposed plant material.

         (d)   Existing and proposed grading of the site indicating contours at one-foot intervals.

         (e)   Elevations of all fences and retaining walls proposed for the site.

         (f)   Location of snow storage areas.

      (3)   Operations and maintenance plan. Maintenance of all elements of a landscape plan located on private property shall be the responsibility of the property owner. Prior to approval of a landscape plan, an operations and maintenance plan including detail on the maintenance procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with this chapter must be signed by the owner, notarized, and submitted to the city.

      (2)   Contents. The stormwater management plan shall contain the following:

         (a)   Location and dimensions of all existing and proposed structures, utilities, easements, and other site elements.

         (b)   Description of the proposed development, including land cover, contours, and expected pollutant load.

         (c)   All storm drainage systems, including existing and proposed drain lines, culverts, catch basins, headwalls, hydrants, manholes, and temporary and permanent stormwater best management practices (BMPs). Site BMPs shall consist primarily of green infrastructure features for the purpose of extending the time of concentration to the drainage system, filtering runoff through plants and soil and reducing total runoff.

         (d)   All pertinent calculations and specifications used in the design and construction of the permanent stormwater BMPs to retain, detain, and filter the 50-year storm event and to provide means to manage and direct overflows to the public right-of-way.

         (e)   A plan showing site sub-catchment areas, retention BMP areas and capacities, detention BMP areas and capacities, conveyance BMPs, and stormwater runoff treatment of BMPs in which runoff is directed before leaving the site (surface or sub-surface). The applicant shall also describe the receiving stream, canal, pipe, culvert, ditch, or other drainage structure into which the runoff from the property flows.

         (f)   The estimated and itemized cost of proposed drainage and stormwater BMPs.

         (g)   The anticipated timeline for implementation of the stormwater management plan.

         (h)   An operations and maintenance (O&M) plan containing a specific inspection and maintenance schedule for each site BMP.

(Ord. 17-31, passed 9-12-2017)

      (1)   National standards. All landscape elements shall be installed in accordance with the practices and procedures established by AmericanHort. Landscape materials shall be healthy and hardy upon installation, and installed with appropriate soils to ensure sustained growth.

      (2)   Plant size requirements. Landscape materials shall be installed at or above the minimum sizes specified in Table 1250.02-A. Required Landscape Material Size at Installation, unless otherwise noted in this Code.

      (3)   Native species. Tree and plant species that are native or naturalized to northeastern Illinois, as well as drought- and salt-tolerant plant materials, are preferred. Refer to the list of preferred plant and tree species, available from the Public Works Department.

      (4)   Tree species diversity. Trees that are native or naturalized to northeastern Illinois shall be used as follows for sites of 0.5 acres or more.

         (a)   One family shall not comprise more than 70% of trees planted on a site.

         (b)   One genus shall not comprise more than 50% of trees planted on a site.

         (c)   One species shall not comprise more than 30% of trees planted on a site.

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

 

      (1)   Maintenance responsibility. Landscape elements, such as vegetation and trees, irrigation systems, fences, walls, and stormwater management facilities shall be maintained with the same care and attention as buildings, parking, and other site improvements. The owner of record 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 125% of the value of the landscaping shall remain in place for one year after installation to ensure proper maintenance in accordance with this chapter.

      (3)   Establishment of landscape elements. All installed landscape material shall be watered, fertilized, and replaced as needed until fully established.

      (4)   Ongoing maintenance. All landscape elements shall be maintained in good condition 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 30 days of the beginning of the growing season in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and the approved landscape plan.

(Ord. 17-31, passed 9-12-2017)

      (1)   Runoff detention. All stormwater conveyance and retention measures shall be designed to manage the 50-year, 24-hour return frequency storm event and to provide measures to manage and direct overflows to the public right-of-way. Detention shall be achieved through incorporation of green infrastructure, post-construction stormwater management measures, and BMPs designed to increase permeable areas and to reduce pollution. Detention shall be provided as part of a stormwater management plan to accommodate the allowable size of a stormwater connection to the city sewer system.

      (2)   Discharge rate. The maximum allowable discharge rate shall be 0.15 cubic feet per second per acre (cfs/ac). The maximum discharge rate (cfs) from the regulated development shall be based on the maximum release rate (cfs/ac) times the disturbed land area (ac).

      (3)   Sheet flow. Runoff from impervious surface area shall not sheet flow to the public right-of-way.

      (4)   Fee-in-lieu. Any property may satisfy city stormwater management requirements for any use through payment of a fee-in-lieu of providing stormwater management controls, subject to approval by the Zoning, Planning, and Development Commission and in conformance with the following standards. This provision shall not be allowed in-lieu of stormwater management controls required by any other agency except those required by this chapter.

         (a)   Approval required. The Zoning, Planning, and Development Commission may approve or deny any application for fee-in-lieu based on the following criteria:

            1.   Approval will facilitate new development or redevelopment of property.

            2.   Approval will remedy constraints in providing the required stormwater management controls due to lot size and configuration.

         (b)   Dedicated stormwater management fund. The fee required shall be based upon a calculation made by the Department of Public Works for construction and ongoing maintenance of the required on-site controls. Such payment shall be placed into a dedicated stormwater management fund to be used by the city for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of stormwater management controls within the same general area as the property for which the fee was collected.

         (c)   Certificate of waiver. Evidence of the issuance of a stormwater management controls waiver shall be in the form of a certificate of waiver, recorded with the Cook County Recorder of Deeds at the property owner's expense and issued in the name of the property owner to which the waiver is granted. Full payment shall be made in advance to the dedicated stormwater management fund as a condition of the certificate of waiver issued by the city and prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

         (d)   Applicability of certificate. The certificate of waiver shall be applicable only for the limits of the development for which it is issued. New development or additions, or any construction that results in applicability of this section, shall be required to comply with the parking requirements for said additions or obtain another waiver.

      (5)   Operations and maintenance plan. Maintenance of stormwater management facilities located on private property shall be the responsibility of the property owner. An operations and maintenance plan (O&M plan) must be signed by the owner and notarized, and submitted to the city. A copy of the O&M plan must be provided to each new owner before the sale is finalized, and the O&M plan must be signed by the new owner, notarized, and submitted to the city to be kept on record. The O&M plan shall include the following:

         (a)   Maintenance easement. Prior to approval of a stormwater management plan, the applicant must execute a maintenance easement agreement that shall be binding on all subsequent landowners served by the stormwater management facility. The easement shall provide for access to the facility at reasonable times for periodic inspection by the city to ensure that the facility is maintained in proper working condition to meet design standards and any other provisions established by this chapter. The easement shall be recorded by the grantor with the Cook County Recorder of Deeds after approval by the city.

         (b)   Maintenance after construction. The owner or operator of permanent stormwater management facilities installed in accordance with this chapter shall be responsible for the operation and maintenance of such facilities to achieve the goals of this chapter. Proper operation and maintenance shall include, at a minimum, the following:

            1.   A preventative/corrective maintenance program for all critical facilities and systems of treatment and control (or related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the owner or operator to achieve the goals of this chapter.

            2.   Written procedures for training personnel in the operation and maintenance of the facilities.

            3.   Discharge from facilities shall not exceed design criteria or cause or contribute to water quality standard violations.

(Ord. 17-31, passed 9-12-2017)

   (B)   Applicability. The requirements of this section apply to existing and/or proposed parkway areas adjacent to new developments that require site plan or planned development approval.

   (C)   Street tree requirements. Refer to the list of preferred plant species, available from the Public Works Department.

      (1)   Frequency. Shade trees shall be installed at a minimum rate of one tree per 25 linear feet of street frontage, center to center, or at a rate that matches the existing tree spacing pattern on adjacent parkways, whichever results in a greater density of tree plantings.

      (2)   Tree wells. Tree wells shall be utilized in commercial districts where the sidewalk extends from the back of curb to the lot line.

      (3)   Clear view zones. Tree plantings shall be installed in compliance with Illinois Department of Transportation Bureau of Local Roads and Streets (BLRS) Manual visibility standards at intersections.

(Ord. 17-31, passed 9-12-2017)

      (1)   Purpose. The purpose of this section is to soften the visual impact of parking areas that are visible from the street.

      (2)   Applicability. The requirements of this section apply to properties in all zoning districts where a parking lot is located adjacent to the front and/or corner side lot line.

      (3)   Landscape requirements.

         (a)   Location. The landscape yard shall be located between the front and/or corner side lot line and the back of the parking lot curb.

         (b)   Minimum landscape yard. A landscape yard with a minimum depth of eight feet is required along the length of the parking lot that abuts the front and/or corner side lot line, excluding any driveways.

         (c)   Landscape elements. The landscape yard shall include the following:

            1.   A continuous hedge comprised of individual small shrubs with a minimum width of 24 inches, spaced 36 inches on center, and maximum height at maturity of 30 to 42 inches.

            2.   One medium or large shade tree for every 25 linear feet of perimeter area. Trees may be spaced evenly or grouped.

            3.   Any portion of the landscape yard not covered by hedges and trees shall be planted with turf or other groundcover, or mulched.

         (d)   Fence. Fencing is required 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 from the back of the parking lot curb to allow for vehicle overhang. The required landscape yard shall be located between the fence and sidewalk to provide visual interest from the street.

            2.   The fence shall be a minimum of three feet and maximum of four feet in height. Solid masonry fences shall have a minimum of two feet, six inches in height and maximum of three feet in height.

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

            4.   The fence shall be at least 30% open, unless solid masonry is used.

            5.   Ornamental metal, masonry, and wood are permitted fence materials. Chain link is prohibited.

   Figure 1250.05-A. Location of Landscape Requirements

      (1)   Purpose. The purpose of this section is to improve the aesthetic appeal of parking lots as well as minimize paving and stormwater runoff via increased pervious surface coverage.

      (2)   Applicability. The requirements of this section apply to all new parking lots with 15 or more parking spaces or existing lots that are expanded or reconstructed to contain 15 or more spaces.

      (3)   Landscape island requirements.

         (a)   Spacing. One landscape island shall be provided for every 15 contiguous parking spaces. All rows of parking shall be terminated by a landscape island or landscape area.

         (b)   Minimum island size. Each landscape island shall have a minimum width of six feet and minimum area of 100 square feet. Landscape islands provided for double rows of parking shall have a minimum width of eight feet and a minimum area of 200 square feet.

         (c)   Alternate configuration. In conjunction with landscape plan approval, the Zoning Administrator may permit a different configuration of landscape islands and landscape areas to allow for more efficient site design or permit larger landscape areas that support tree health or stormwater management objectives. However, the overall area required for landscape islands shall be met.

         (d)   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 shade trees.

         (e)   Groundcover. A minimum of 80% of each landscape island shall be planted with turf or other live groundcover, perennials, or ornamental or native grasses.

         (f)   Curbing. Landscape islands shall be located at least six inches above the surface of the parking lot and protected with concrete curbing, except as approved for stormwater management facilities by the Zoning Administrator.

   Figure 1250.05-C. Parking Lot Interior Landscape

   (A)   Purpose. The purpose of this section is to buffer more intensive zoning districts and uses from less intensive zoning districts and uses, and to provide for transitions between zoning districts.

   (B)   Applicability. A buffer yard is required adjacent to lot lines where the proposed development meets one or more of the following criteria. Properties shall not be considered directly adjacent to one another if a public right-of-way or alley separates the properties. Reconstruction of existing parking lots of less than 50 parking spaces shall be exempt from buffer yard requirements.

      (1)   Non-residential district. The property is located in the C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, I, or P District and is directly adjacent to property located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 Districts.

      (2)   C-1 District. The property contains a non-residential use in the C-1 District and is directly adjacent to residential uses in the C-1 District.

      (3)   Non-residential use in residential district. The property contains a non-residential use in the R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4 District and is directly adjacent to residential uses in the R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 Districts. Parks are exempt from this requirement.

      (4)   R-4 District. The property contains a use other than a single-family or two-family dwelling, is located in the R-4 District, and is directly adjacent to property located in the R-1, R-2, and/or R-3 Districts.

   (C)   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. A buffer yard is not required where the interior side and/or rear facade of the building is located on the interior side and/or rear lot line.

      (2)   Minimum buffer yard area. The buffer yard shall have a minimum depth of eight feet.

      (3)   Landscape elements. The buffer yard shall include the following:

         (a)   A continuous hedge comprised of individual small shrubs with a minimum width of 24 inches, spaced 36 inches on center, and maximum height at maturity of 30 to 42 inches.

         (b)   One evergreen tree for every 15 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 or other groundcover, or mulched.

         (d)   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 42 inches.

      (4)   Fence. Fences in buffer yards are required for uses in all applicable zoning districts, except for residential uses in the R-4 District.

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

         (b)   Height. The fence shall be a minimum of five feet and maximum of eight feet in height.

         (c)   Opacity. Semi-opaque fencing with a minimum of 30% opacity and opaque fencing are permitted.

         (d)   Materials. Steel and painted PVC are permitted materials for semi-opaque fencing. Wood and masonry are permitted materials for opaque fencing.

      (5)   Credit for existing vegetation. The Zoning Administrator may reduce the required area of the buffer and/or modify the landscape element requirements based on the presence of existing on-site vegetation.

   Figure 1250.06-A. Buffer Yards

(Ord. 17-31, passed 9-12-2017)

   (B)   Applicability. The requirements of this section apply to refuse areas, outdoor storage areas, and outdoor sales and display areas.

   (C)   Refuse and outdoor storage area screening requirements.

      (1)   Location. Refuse areas and outdoor storage areas shall be located in the interior side or rear yards.

      (2)   Opaque fence or wall. The refuse area or outdoor storage area shall be completely screened by an opaque masonry wall or simulated wood fence on three sides. The wall of a principal structure may serve as one of the screening walls.

         (a)   Height. The fence or wall shall have a minimum height of six feet or an equivalent to the height of the refuse or outdoor storage area to be screened, whichever is greater.

         (b)   Gate. The enclosure of the refuse area or outdoor storage area shall be gated.

      (3)   Drainage. Refuse areas shall comply with any applicable state and local code requirements for proper drainage.

   (D)   Off-street loading areas, outdoor sales and display area screening requirements. The area adjacent to any off-street loading areas, outdoor sales and display areas shall be treated with landscaping and buffering per the requirements of § 1250.05(A) (Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape Yard).

(Ord. 17-31, passed 9-12-2017)

   (B)   Applicability. 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 § 1244.05 (Temporary Structures and Uses). The Zoning Administrator may impose reasonable restrictions on the use of outdoor lighting as necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

   (C)   General requirements.

      (1)   Photometric plan. A photometric plan prepared by a licensed professional shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to installation of outdoor light fixtures for nonresidential 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 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.

   (D)   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.

         (b)   Residential uses. Outdoor lighting shall not exceed one-half foot-candle at any point on a lot line for a lot containing a residential use.

         (c)   Sign illumination. Sign illumination shall conform to the provisions of Chapter 1476 (Signs).

      (2)   Height. The maximum height of light poles and building-mounted lighting is established herein unless otherwise required by the Building Code.

         (a)   Non-residential uses. Light poles and building-mounted fixtures shall not exceed 16 feet in height for non-residential uses. Light poles for educational facilities or outdoor recreational facilities shall not exceed 60 feet in height. Outdoor lighting for all outdoor recreation areas is subject to site plan review.

         (b)   Residential uses. Light poles shall not exceed eight feet in height for residential uses. Building-mounted fixtures, including under-soffit lighting, shall not exceed 15 feet in height.

(Ord. 17-31, passed 9-12-2017)