Bloomington City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIII
Landscaping and Screening
§ 44-1301 [Ch. 44, 13-1] Purpose and intent.
A.
The regulations of this article establish minimum requirements for landscaping and screening. The regulations are intended to advance the general purposes of this Code and specifically to:
(1)
Provide buffering between single-family dwelling units and multiple-family dwelling units, and office, commercial, and industrial land uses;
(2)
Safeguard and enhance property values and to protect public and private investment;
(3)
Create transitions;
(4)
Enhance the quality and appearance new development and redevelopment projects;
(5)
Promote the preservation, expansion, protection and proper maintenance of existing trees and landscaping;
(6)
Promote sustainable landscape practices including the use of non-invasive native and regionally adaptable plants;
(7)
Conserve energy and reduce soil erosion and sedimentation; and
(8)
Protect the public health, safety, and general welfare.
§ 44-1302 [Ch. 44, 13-2] Applicability.
A.
The landscaping and screening regulations of this article apply as set forth in the individual sections of these regulations.
(1)
General.
(a)
Unless otherwise specified, the landscaping, the screening and buffering provisions of this section shall apply to all new multifamily and nonresidential development, including principal and accessory structures.
(b)
Buildings and structures lawfully existing as of the effective date of this Code may be repaired and maintained without providing or modifying landscaping, screening, and buffering in conformance with this article; provided, however, that screening requirements required in accordance with Article X shall be required as applicable to any new use hereafter established.
(c)
Where a building or structure existed as of the effective date of this Code and is expanded or enlarged by 20% or more, either in gross floor area or impervious area on the site, compliance with the provisions of this article shall be required.
§ 44-1303 [Ch. 44, 13-3] Landscape plan submittal requirements.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69; 4-28-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-034]
A.
Landscape plan Submittals. Landscaping plans shall be prepared and stamped by a professional landscape architect or designer and must be provided for each phase of the development review and building permit processes. The landscape plan shall include the following information provided on one or more sheets:
(1)
The street address and parcel number of the property;
(2)
The applicant's name, address and interest in the property;
(3)
The owner's name and address, if different from the applicant, and the owner's signed consent to the filing of the plan;
(4)
Title, scale, north marker, and date;
(5)
Zoning of site and the use(s) of all adjoining property(s);
(6)
All lot lines, easements and rights-of-way;
(7)
All surrounding roads with street names labeled;
(8)
Delineation of wetlands, streams and other water bodies;
(9)
Identification of existing trees and other landscape elements to be removed or preserved;
(10)
Existing and proposed site contours on the project site and 100 feet beyond the site lot lines, at intervals not to exceed two feet;
(11)
All existing and proposed drainage and detention areas;
(12)
The total square foot of the site area dedicated for vehicle use, including parking, loading, circulation, drop-off/pick-up, etc.;
(13)
Location, size, spacing, and species of proposed plant material, including plant lists showing the required and proposed quantities;
(14)
A plant list keyed to the landscape plan that identifies landscape materials by scientific name and common name, planting size and planting details;
(15)
Methods and details for protecting existing vegetation during construction;
(16)
Size and location of berms, fences and other screening or screening devices;
(17)
Calculations verifying the minimum landscaping required for the site under this article and calculations verifying the minimum percentage of required landscape area(s);
(18)
Description of irrigation methods for landscape areas;
(19)
Designation of area(s) to be used for snow storage;
(20)
Description of landscape maintenance program, including statement that all diseased, damaged or dead materials shall be replaced in accordance with the requirements of this article; and
(21)
Where fences, retaining walls or screen walls are proposed: an inset detail or specification sheet that indicates materials, height, and construction details for the structure;
(22)
Where berms are proposed: typical cross section, including slope, height, and width, of berms and the type of ground cover to be placed on them;
(23)
Other information or documentation as the Director of Development Services may deem necessary to allow a full and proper consideration and disposition of the particular plan, including but not limited to special features, sign locations, lighting, decks, paving, gazebos, etc.
B.
Minor changes to approved landscape plans.
(1)
Minor changes to the approved landscape plan that do not affect compliance with the requirements of this article and do not reduce the net amount of plant material as specified on the landscape plan may be approved by the Development Services Director.
(2)
Changes that do not comply with the requirements of this article and/or changes to the size and amount of plant materials of an approved landscape plan shall be considered a major change. Major changes are subject to review and approval by the body granting approval of the landscape plan initially.
§ 44-1304 [Ch. 44, 13-4] General landscaping requirements.
[Amended 8-24-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-55; 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69; 4-28-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-034]
A.
Previously approved plans. Any site plan or landscaping plan approved by the Development Services Director prior to the effective date of the Code codified in this article shall remain enforceable and in force.
B.
Required vegetation. All areas not covered by buildings, parking areas, driveways, walkways, pedestrian plazas or other pedestrian-oriented impervious surfaces or water surfaces shall be planted with living vegetation, including trees, shrubs, grasses, and groundcovers.
C.
Timing of planting. All required plant material shall be installed prior to issuing a Certificate of Occupancy. Where compliance with this requirement is not possible because of the season of the year, the Director of Development Services may grant an appropriate delay or postponement of this requirement. In all such cases of postponement, the owner or developer shall deposit in an escrow account in a manner approved by the Corporation Counsel an amount equal to the 110% of the estimated cost of installing such required landscaping or planting screen. However, in no instance shall this delay exceed eight months.
D.
Completion of improvements. Tree stakes, guy wires and tree wrap shall be removed after completion of the initial growing season.
E.
Maintenance.
(1)
General.
(a)
The property owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of all landscape areas, including ground cover vegetation in the public right-of-way, but shall not be responsible for the maintenance or removal of trees in the public right-of-way.
(b)
All landscape areas and plant materials shall be maintained in good condition, shall present a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance, and shall be kept free of refuse and debris in accordance with the approved site plan.
(c)
Pruning, trimming, or other suitable methods shall control plants so that they do not interfere with public utilities, restrict pedestrian or vehicular access, or constitute a traffic hazard.
(d)
Unhealthy, withered, severely pruned, diseased, or dead plants shall be replaced within one year or the next appropriate planting period, whichever comes first.
(e)
Fences, steps, retaining walls and similar landscaping elements shall be maintained in good repair. The owner of the premises shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of all landscape materials, fences, steps, retaining walls and similar landscaping elements, and refuse disposal areas.
(f)
Irrigation systems, when provided, shall be maintained in good operating condition to promote the health of the plant material and the conservation of water.
(2)
Sight distance. Landscaping shall not hinder the vision of motorists and pedestrians necessary for safe movement into, out of, and within the parking lot and shall be in compliance with § 44-909, of this Code and the following visibility triangle standard:
(a)
At the intersection of a public or private street with a public or private driveway or alley no landscaping shall be placed, planted or allowed to grow in such a manner as to impede visibility between a height of 2 1/2 and 10 feet above the curb top elevation of the street within the visibility triangle area formed by the street curbline intersection with the driveway pavement line, and with the hypotenuse (third side of the triangle) connecting said curbline and said pavement line at distances from their intersection equal to 20 feet along the driveway line and 30 feet along the street curbline.
(3)
Hazardous trees.
(a)
Any plant material on private property that overhangs a public way in such a manner as to impede or interfere with traffic or travel on said public way, or that obstructs the view of motorists at the intersection of streets, shall be trimmed by the owner of the property so that the interference or obstruction is removed.
(b)
Any tree or limb of a tree that has become dead, decayed, or broken and is likely to fall on or across a public way shall be removed by the owner of the property.
(c)
Any trimming or removal shall be completed within 30 days after written notice requiring said trimming or removal. Said notice shall be served upon the owner of the property and will be delivered by personal delivery or regular mail. It shall be the duty of the owner of such property to trim or remove the tree, shrub, bush, or plant under the direction of the Building Commissioner.
(4)
Enforcement.
(a)
Failure to comply with these maintenance requirements
(b)
Any property owner notified of a violation by the Development Services Director shall be given a reasonable time within which to restore or replace said landscaping. If such action is not taken within a period of 30 days or a reasonable period of time as determined by the Development Services Director, the City may replace required landscaping or screening materials in a manner and at a time to be specified in a written notice at the expense of the City. The City shall recover the cost of replacement where the owner or person responsible fails to do so by bringing suit in the name of the City against the owner or person neglecting to maintain or replace the aforementioned landscaping materials and/or screening.
§ 44-1305 [Ch. 44, 13-5] Plant material requirements.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69; 4-28-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-034]
A.
Scale and nature of landscape material. The scale and nature of landscape materials shall be appropriate to the size of the site and related structures.
B.
Plant material selection.
(1)
All plant materials used shall be of good quality, be capable to withstand the seasonal temperature variations of central Illinois, be free of disease and insects, and meet the American Standard for Nursery Stock of the American Nurserymen standards for minimum acceptable form, quality and size for species selected.
(2)
The use of species native to Illinois shall be encouraged. Where appropriate, the use of drought and salt tolerant plant material is preferred.
(3)
Size and density of plant material, both at the time of planting and at maturity, are additional criteria that shall be considered when selecting plant material.
(4)
Materials used in fulfilling landscaping requirements shall conform to the standards and requirements of all applicable Chapters of the Bloomington City Code, 1960, as amended, including but not limited to Chapter 19 of said Bloomington City Code, 1960, as amended.
(5)
The City Forester shall approve the species of any landscape and/or trees to be located beneath power lines.
C.
Shade trees. All deciduous shade trees shall have a minimum trunk size of 2.5 inches in caliper at planting, unless otherwise specified.
D.
Evergreen trees. Evergreens trees shall have a minimum height of five feet at planting and shall be incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site, particularly in those areas where year-round screening and buffering is required.
E.
Ornamental trees. Single stem ornamental trees shall have a minimum trunk size of two inches in caliper at planting, unless otherwise specified. Multiple stem ornamental trees shall have a minimum height of eight feet at planting, unless otherwise specified.
F.
Shrubs.
(1)
Unless otherwise specified, all large deciduous and evergreen shrubs shall have minimum height of three feet at installation, and all small deciduous and evergreen shrubs shall have a minimum height of 18 inches at installation.
(2)
Large shrubs are those shrubs that reach five or more feet in height at maturity. Small shrubs are those shrubs that can grow up to five feet in height if left unmaintained but are generally kept at heights of 18 inches to 30 inches.
G.
Turf and/or Lawn Grasses. Lawn grasses shall be planted in species normally grown as permanent lawns in the Bloomington area.
(1)
Grasses may be plugged, sprigged, seeded, or sodded. When complete sodding or seeding is not used, nursery grass seed shall be sown and mulched for immediate protection until permanent coverage is achieved. Grass sod and seed shall be free of weeds and noxious pests or disease.
(2)
In swales and other areas susceptible to erosion, hydroseed, hydro mulch, rolled sod, erosion reducing net or suitable mulch shall be used, and shall be staked where necessary for stabilization.
H.
Minimum sizes and spacing. The minimum plant sizes and spacing shall be provided in accordance with Table 1305H, Minimum Sizes and Spacing.
Table 1305H: Minimum Sizes and Spacing | ||
|---|---|---|
Type of Plant Material | Minimum Plant Sizes | Spacing Requirements |
Canopy/Shade Trees | 2 1/2 inch caliper | 25 feet on-center |
Ornamental/Understory Trees | 2-inch caliper 5 feet height (clump form) | 15 feet on-center |
Evergreen Trees | 5 feet height | 20 feet on-center |
Shrubs | 2 feet height or spread | 3 feet to 4 feet on-center |
I.
Topsoil. Topsoil shall be installed with a minimum depth of four inches for lawn areas, and eight inches to 12 inches within planting beds.
J.
Stabilization. All landscape planting areas shall be stabilized and maintained with hydroseed, hydro mulch, seed, sod, ground covers, mulches, or other approved materials to prevent soil erosion and allow rainwater infiltration.
K.
Planting beds.
(1)
All required shrubs and trees shall be mulched and maintained with shredded hardwood bark or cypress mulch. Bark used as mulch shall be maintained at a minimum depth of two inches.
(2)
All mulch proposed to be placed within or directly adjacent to a parking lot shall be shredded hardwood bark or cypress mulch.
(3)
Plant groups shall be mulched in a continuous bed in which the edge of the mulching bed does not extend any more than four feet beyond the edge of the plantings.
(4)
When required trees are planted individually and away from nearby plants, they shall be encircled in a mulched area with a diameter of no more than five feet.
(5)
Evergreen trees are allowed a mulched circle with a diameter large enough to accommodate the spread of the tree and up to four additional feet of mulch beyond the edge of the tree.
(6)
Neither gravel mulch nor lava stone are permitted within or directly adjacent to parking lots, but decorative landscaping stone may be used as a mulch. Ground cover (grass, sod, flowers, etc.) shall be planted and maintained in curbed parking islands outside of mulched areas. Minimum diameter of any landscaping stone is one inch. No pea gravel or pebble mulch is allowed.
L.
Irrigation. Landscape design pursuant to the requirements of this chapter shall recognize the need for irrigation and water conservation. The need for sprinkler irrigation systems shall be determined by the type of plant material and the condition/growing medium that they are installed in. All irrigation systems shall be designed to minimize the use of water.
M.
Berming. Earthen berms may be incorporated into the landscaping of a site where there is sufficient space and when berms and existing topographic features can be combined with plant material to facilitate effective screening. Minimum berm slopes shall not exceed a four to one slope ratio to prevent erosion and be properly and safely maintained.
N.
Credit for existing vegetation. Existing healthy, well-formed trees and shrubs may be credited toward the requirements of this article provided that the tree(s) exceeds 10 feet in height and the vegetation is identified on the landscape plan, protected against damage during construction, located in an appropriate place, and maintained in a healthy growing condition. A landscape architect, arborist, or other similarly qualified professional shall determine the condition of trees and shrubs.
O.
Plant species diversity. Diversity among required plant material is required not only for visual interest, but to reduce the risk of losing a large population of plants due to disease. Table 1305O, Plant Species Diversity, indicates the percentage of diversity required based on the total quantity of species being used. At least 50% of new plantings shall be species native to Illinois. All plantings shall be hardy to USDA Climate Zone 5.
Table 1305O: Plant Species Diversity | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Number of Plants Per Plant Type | Maximum of Any Species | Minimum of Any Species | Minimum Number of Species |
1-4 | 100% | Not Applicable | 1 |
5-10 | 60% | 40% | 2 |
11-15 | 45% | 20% | 3 |
16-75 | 40% | 10% | 5 |
76-500 | 25% | 5% | 8 |
500-1,000 | 30% | 5% | 10 |
1,000+ | 15% | 4% | 15 |
P.
Screen materials.
(1)
All planting materials used in required screens shall be evergreen varieties. Other plant materials may be used upon approval by the Development Services Director.
(2)
A berm at least four feet in height and 30 feet in width may be installed as an alternative to a solid opaque fence. Such berm shall be landscaped with a variety of planting materials in such a manner so as to be consistent with the intent of required screenings.
(3)
In lieu of a required planting screen, a solid opaque fence not less than six feet in height may be installed. Chain link or wire mesh fences interlaced or interwoven with opaque strips may qualify as meeting the requirement for a solid opaque fence if approved by the Development Services Director.
Q.
Unaccredited trees. Table 1305Q: Unaccredited Trees, lists species that are permitted but shall not be credited toward required landscaping because of their brittleness, susceptibility to disease and insects, overly expansive root structure, excessive litter, and or other undesirable characteristics. The planting of these species is not encouraged.
Table 1305Q: Unaccredited Trees | |
|---|---|
Botanical Name | Common Name |
Malus Spp. | Apple |
Fraxinus | Ash |
Robinia Spp. | Black Locust |
Juglans Nigra | Black Walnut |
Acer Negundo | Box Elder |
Catalpa Speciosa | Catalpa |
Prunus Spp. | Cherry and Plum |
Populus Spp. | Cottonwood, Poplar, Aspen |
Gingko Biloba (female) | Female Gingko |
Morus Spp. | Mulberry |
Maclura Pomifera | Osage Orange |
Pyrus Spp. | Pear |
Quercus Palustris | Pin Oak |
Elaeagnus Angustifolia | Russian Olive |
Ulmus Pumila | Siberian Elm |
Acer Saccharinum | Silver Maple |
Ulmus Rubra | Slippery Elm |
Platanous Occidentalis | Sycamore |
Ailanthus Altissima | Tree of Heaven |
Salix Spp. | Willow |
R.
Prohibited materials.
(1)
Planting the species as listed in Table 1305R is prohibited in the City due to their invasive nature.
Table 1305R: Prohibited (Invasive) Species | |
|---|---|
Botanical Name | Common Name |
Butomus umbellatus | Flowering Rush |
Alliaria petiolata | Garlic Mustard |
Populus nigra var. italica | Lombardy Poplar |
Rosa Multiflora | Multiflora Rose |
Phragmites australis | Common Reed |
Lythrum salicaria | Purple Loosestrife |
Centaurea Biebersteinii | Spotted Knapweed |
(2)
The following materials are deemed inappropriate for the purposes of this section and shall not be used in fulfilling these landscaping requirements:
§ 44-1306 [Ch. 44, 13-6] Landscaping areas.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69; 4-28-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-034]
The graphic below illustrates the location of the landscape and screening requirements discussed in §§ 44-1306 and 44-1307 of this article.
Diagram 1306  |
A.
Building foundation landscaping.
(1)
If a multifamily residential, nonresidential, or mixed-use development maintains a front and corner side yard of 10 feet or more, building foundation landscaping is required.
(2)
Foundation plantings shall be designed to supplement buffer yard plantings to frame important views, while visually softening long expanses of walls. Foundation plantings shall respond to the windows and materials of the building.
(3)
Foundation plantings shall be installed across 60% of the length of the facade of the building, except where walkways and driveways are located.
(4)
A minimum four-foot wide hedge row shall be planted with one shrub every three feet on center, spaced linearly. Such shrubs shall measure a minimum of 24 inches at planting and shall be a minimum of 36 inches to a maximum of 48 inches in height at maturity. Foundation plantings may also include trees, additional shrubs, grasses, perennials, and groundcover.
Diagram 1306A  |
B.
Transition yards.
(1)
Applicability. The transitional yard landscaping requirements shall be applied to multifamily and nonresidential uses in addition to any buffer yard or screening requirement specified in the District Regulations and Use Provisions.
(2)
Transition yard types.
(a)
Four transition yard types are established in recognition of the different contexts that may exist. They are as follows:
Table 1306B(2)(a): Transition Yards | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Specifications | TY-1 | TY-2 | TY-3 | TY-4 |
Min. Yard Depth | 5 feet | 8 feet | 10 feet | 15 feet |
Min. Fence/Wall Height | 6 feet (masonry wall, solid wood, or board on board required) | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
Min. Trees (per 100 feet) | ||||
Deciduous Tree | Not Required | Not Required | 4 | Not Required |
Evergreen Tree | 2 | 4 | Not Required | 3 |
Flowering Tree | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Min. Shrubs (per 100 feet) | ||||
Deciduous Shrub | Not Required | Not Required | 15 | Sufficient Amount |
Evergreen Shrub | Not Required | 10 | Not Required | Sufficient Amount |
Large Shrub | 5 | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
[1] | Yard widths calculated on the basis of average per 100 feet, provided that the yard width at any point may not be less than 50% of the minimums stated in the table. Required zoning district setbacks may be counted toward satisfying transition yard widths. |
(b)
Transition yards may include a combination of elements including setback distances for separation, tree and shrubs, solid fencing, and/or berming. Existing topography and vegetation should be included in the design of the transition yard as approved by the Development Services Director. Preservation of existing matures trees is strongly encouraged.
(c)
All treatments in the transition yard shall comply with the design standards of this article. The minimum size and improvement of the transition yard types identified above may be used in combination to meet the intent of this article.
[1]
TY-1: Structural transition yard. Solid six-foot high wall or fence with two evergreen variety trees, two flowering variety trees, and five large shrubs per 100 feet of linear distance.
[2]
TY-2: Natural transition yard - evergreen. Four evergreen variety trees, two flowering variety trees and 10 evergreen shrubs per 100 feet of linear distance.
[3]
TY-3: Natural transition yard - deciduous. Four deciduous variety trees, two flowering variety trees, and 15 large deciduous shrubs per 100 feet of linear distance planted in a staggered double row).
[4]
TY-4: Earthen berm transition yard. Minimum fifteen-foot transition yard with berming not to exceed a one to three slope, three large evergreen trees, two flowering variety trees per 100 feet of linear distance, and sufficient evergreen shrubs with a combined height (berm and mature shrub) of five feet to form a continuous screen within three years of planting and/or sufficient deciduous shrubs with a combined height of five feet to form a continuous screening within three years of planting.
[5]
Areas not planted with trees or shrubs must be maintained as live groundcover.
(d)
When an alley exists between two lots that would typically require a transition yard, the width of the alley can be used toward the required transition yard, provided that all required landscaping is provided for at least the first five feet of the yard, or the remainder of the required transition yard, whichever is greater.
(e)
Application of transition yard types. Transition yards shall be provided based on Table 1306B(2)(a) Transition Yard Type Requirements, except where adjacent uses are of a similar nature, scale, and intensity. As per the table, the type of required transition yard is dependent upon the land use type of the subject lot and the land use type of the adjacent lot(s). When the approved use of a lot would typically require a transition area of a certain type based on the table below, the Director of Development Services may grant an Administrative Departure when a use is deemed not of a similar nature, scale, or intensity, but as a use with nominal impact on the character of uses in the adjacent zoning district. In this instance, the departure may be granted for one less intense type of area.
Table 1306B(2)(a): Transition Yard Type Requirements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adjacent Lot Land Use | ||||||
Subject Lot Land Use | Open Space/Agriculture | Detached Single-Family | Attached Single-Family | Multifamily | Business | Industrial |
Open Space/Agriculture | None | |||||
Detached Single-Family | TY-1 | None | ||||
Attached Single-Family | TY-1 | TY-1 | None | |||
Multifamily | TY-2 | TY-2 | TY-1 | None | ||
Business | TY-3 | TY-3 | TY-2 | TY-2 | None | |
Industrial | TY-4 | TY-4 | TY-3 | TY-3 | TY-2 | None |
(f)
Site plan review. When the approved use of a zoning lot would typically require a transition yard of a certain type based on the table above, but the use would impose a nominal impact on the character of uses in the adjoining district, a less intense type of transition yard may be approved through site plan review procedures.
Diagram 1306B(2)(a)  |
 |
 |
 |
§ 44-1307 [Ch. 44, 13-7] Parking lot landscape requirements.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69; 4-28-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-034]
A.
Parking lot landscape requirements. All parking lots shall include landscaping and trees located within the parking area as required by this section. Trees required by this section shall be in addition to trees and landscaping required under other sections of this Code.
B.
Parking lot perimeter landscaping.
(1)
Requirements. All parking lots shall comply with the following standards for perimeter landscaping.
(a)
Location and dimensions. Perimeter landscaping shall be established along the edge of the parking lot with a minimum depth of six feet for interior areas and 12 feet adjoining a right-of-way. The landscape treatment shall run the full length of the parking lot and shall be located between the property line and the edge of the parking lot. Landscaping materials shall be selected and placed in such a manner that they do not interfere with or damage existing utilities.
(b)
Design. Perimeter parking lot screening areas shall be protected with raised concrete curbs, unless the Development Services Director approves an alternate design to accommodate best management practices for stormwater management. Landscaped areas outside of shrub and tree masses shall be planted in turf or other live groundcover.
(c)
Landscape material. One shrub shall be planted for every three feet of landscaped area length, spaced linearly to adequately screen headlights and vehicle bumpers. Plants with thorns, berries, and other harmful characteristics shall be carefully placed to avoid potential harm to people or property on or off site.
(d)
Alternative screening. A wood fence or low masonry wall, up to a maximum height of three feet, may be installed to screen headlights and vehicle bumpers. Installation of plant materials is encouraged between the sidewalk and the wall to provide a softening effect on the fence or wall.
(2)
Exemptions. Parking lot perimeter landscaping is not required when the parking lot or vehicular use area is not visible from adjacent street right-of-way or may be modified as permitted by the Development Services Director via the Site Plan Review process.
Diagram 1307B  |
C.
Parking lot interior landscaping.
(1)
Requirements. For parking lots consisting of 10 or more spaces, interior parking lot landscaping shall be required.
(a)
Quantity. One parking lot island shall be provided between every 10 parking spaces. As part of the landscape plan approval, the location of parking lot islands may be varied based on specific site requirements or design scheme; however, a parking lot island or landscaped area shall terminate all parking rows.
(b)
Dimensions. The minimum dimension of a parking lot island shall be the same as the adjoining parking stall, but not less than 200 square feet.
(c)
Design. Parking lot islands or landscaped areas shall be elevated at least six inches above the surface of the parking lot and protected with concrete curbing, except where designed specifically for the absorption of stormwater. A minimum of one shade tree shall be provided for every parking lot island or landscaped area. If the island extends the width of a double row, then two shade trees shall be provided. Such islands and landscaped areas shall be properly drained and irrigated as appropriate to the site conditions to ensure plant survival.
(d)
Landscape material. Shade trees shall be the primary plant materials used in parking lot islands and landscaped areas. Branches shall be trimmed to a minimum height of seven feet. Ornamental trees, shrubs, hedges, and other plant materials may be used to supplement the shade tree plantings but shall not create visibility impediments for automobiles and pedestrians.
(e)
Groundcover. A minimum of 75% of every parking lot island shall be planted in Class 2s salt tolerant seed turf or other live groundcover, perennials, or ornamental grasses.
Diagram 1307C  |
 |
(2)
Exemptions. Parking lot interior landscaping may be modified as permitted by the Development Services Director via the site plan review process. Relocation of landscaping requirements within the interior parking area is generally permissible. If relocation is not possible, islands may be eliminated, but at least 80% of the original total area required must be retained.
§ 44-1308 [Ch. 44, 13-8] Additional screening requirements.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-69; 4-28-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-034]
A.
Areas of low visual interest or visually intrusive site elements, such as trash collection, mechanical equipment, open storage, service areas, loading docks and blank walls, shall be screened from off-site view. Screening shall be established on all sides of such elements except where an opening is required for access. If access is possible only on a side that is visible from a public street, a removable or operable screen shall be required. Screening techniques may include, but are not limited to, hedgerows, fencing, wing walls, parapets, and building insets.
B.
Outdoor storage areas.
(1)
Outdoor storage areas, work areas and service yards shall be completely screened by an opaque masonry wall (stone, stucco, or brick) or a commercial grade solid wood screen fence at least six feet in height, and not exceeding the height limitations contained in § 44-907 of this Code. Where feasible, plant materials should be installed along that portion of a fence or wall that is highly visible from the right-of-way to provide a softening effect.
(2)
If storage materials exceed the allowable maximum fence height, then a combination of berming, fencing and landscaping shall be used to accomplish appropriate screening.
(3)
Growing areas for nursery stock located in the front or corner side yard are considered to meet screening requirements.
C.
Mechanical units.
(1)
Ground mounted mechanical units. Ground-mounted mechanical units, including but not limited to: air-conditioning condensers, heat pumps, ventilation units, computer cooling equipment, etc., and any related utility structures and equipment, that are visible from an adjacent right-of-way shall be screened from public view. The screen shall be designed and established so that the area or element being screened is no more than 20% visible through the screen.
(2)
Roof mounted mechanical units. All roof-mounted mechanical units shall be screened to their full height by an opaque screening material that is compatible with the architecture of the building or through integrated building architecture, such as a parapet wall.
D.
Loading docks and service areas. Loading docks and service areas shall be screened from view from public rights-of-way and adjacent lots. Screening shall consist of the following, individually or in combination:
(1)
A screening wall, attached to the principal structure, that is compatible in appearance and constructed of the same material main structure.
(2)
Opaque masonry or commercial grade wood fence having a minimum height of six feet.
(3)
Multi-stemmed ornamental trees, evergreen trees, large shrubs, or some combination thereof, planted at a minimum ratio of 50 plant units for each 100 linear feet of perimeter to be screened. If large shrubs are used, they shall be a minimum of six feet in height at the time of installation.
E.
Refuse disposal areas. Trash and recycling receptacles shall be screened in accordance with the following requirements:
(1)
Siting. Refuse disposal areas shall be sited to minimize visibility from the public rights-of-way. Trash enclosures shall not be located within a required street front or street side setbacks or occupy area used for required parking spaces. Where feasible, refuse enclosures shall be located to the rear of a main building or at the rear of the parking lot.
(2)
Height. Refuse disposal areas shall be screened on all sides to a minimum height of six feet.
(3)
Materials and appearance.
(a)
Refuse enclosures shall be constructed of durable materials that complement the architecture of the principal structure. Masonry walls and commercial grade wood fences are preferred materials. In Manufacturing Districts, enclosures constructed of chain link or wire mesh interlaced with opaque strips may be approved by the Development Services Director.
(b)
Enclosures that are attached to buildings shall be compatible in appearance and shall be constructed of the same material main structure.
(c)
Enclosure openings directly visible from a public right-of-way and/or adjoining residential areas shall have a solid material gate. For larger enclosure areas, a separate gate access is encouraged.
(4)
Additional design criteria.
(a)
Enclosures shall be of an adequate size to accommodate expected containers. At no time shall refuse be allowed to accumulate outside of the enclosure.
(b)
Enclosure structures shall be designed to protect the walls from damage by containers. Such protection may be provided by use of barrier curbing, reinforced masonry walls, or other similar means.
(c)
The Development Services Director may approve landscape screening in lieu of a masonry or wood structure, if such screening provides full coverage of the disposal area and is a minimum height of six feet at time of planting.
Diagram 1308E  |
F.
Drive-through facility. Drive aisles of drive-through facilities must be effectively screened from view along the public right-of-way and at the edges of sites adjacent to a residential use to minimize the impact of exterior site lighting, headlight glare and menu displays. Such screening shall consist of a masonry wall, commercial grade wood fence or dense evergreen hedge no less than six feet in height. Plant materials must be installed along the fence or wall to provide a softening effect.
Diagram 1308F  |