The purpose of this chapter is to clearly express the city's intent for all properties to be landscaped and maintained with great care. Properties shall be landscaped to express sensitivity to environmental conditions as well as the aesthetic needs of the general public.

1. The requirements of this chapter are intended to guide landscaping within commercial, industrial and residential zoning districts. All plantings installed by property owners in addition to the standards required by this chapter do not need to comply with plant size specifications.
2. All landscaping must be designed to add visual beauty to the property and provide a high level of aesthetic value. The quantity and quality of the design should be compatible with each zoning district and the intended use of the property. Landscaping shall also be consistent with areas which have established unique design concepts, patterns, and any applicable overlay districts.
3. All new development or full redevelopment of a site shall comply with the landscape requirements of this chapter and incorporate sustainable landscape elements in the planting design to include, but not be limited to, xeriscaping, use of native species, rain gardens/bioretention systems, green rooftops, lakescaping, and aesthetic design elements such as public art, fountains, plazas, and front yard/entrance landscaping.
4. The preservation of desirable vegetation is a goal which should be addressed prior to the vegetation removal for grading, construction and/or expansion of an existing use. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)
   

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and terms are defined as follows:

ANNUAL: A plant, usually a flowering species, which lives only one growing season.

BOULEVARD: The area of a street right of way that lies between the property line nearest to any street to which such property abuts and the edge of pavement or back of curb of such street.

CANOPY: The width and/or height of the overall leafy portion of a deciduous tree.

DECIDUOUS: Plants which lose foliage and become dormant during winter months.

DRIP LINE: An imaginary line drawn vertically from the outer edge of the canopy to the ground. This is typically where the most sensitive roots are located.

EVERGREEN TREES: Large evergreens which reach mature heights of fifty feet (50') or more.

EVERGREENS: A plant which retains its green color year round and does not drop its fronds or needles in the winter.

GREEN ROOFTOPS: Veneers of living vegetation installed atop of buildings which act to manage stormwater by mimicking a variety of hydrologic processes normally associated with open space.

GROUND COVER: Plants which are used for accents and/or soil stabilization and are typically twenty four inches (24") or less in height.

HEAT ISLAND REDUCTION: Use of vegetative cover to minimize heat islands on hard cover areas and to reduce impact on microclimate and human and wildlife habitat.

LAKESCAPING: A buffer zone of unmowed native vegetation that extends both lakeward and landward from the water's edge. It is a natural approach to erosion control that slows runoff and enhances wildlife habitat.

LARGE SHRUBS: Deciduous shrubs with mature natural growth over six feet (6') in height.

MEDIUM SHRUBS: Deciduous shrubs with mature natural growth between four feet (4') to six feet (6') in height.

NATIVE SPECIES: Plants that are indigenous to a particular region. In Minnesota, plants are considered native if they were present at the time of the public land survey (1847-1907), which was conducted prior to and during the early stages of European settlement.

ORNAMENTAL TREES: Often defined as understory trees. Used for color accents or where a large tree is not practical. A deciduous tree with a mature height under thirty feet (30').

OVERSTORY TREES: Large deciduous shade producing trees with a mature height over thirty feet (30').

PERENNIAL: A plant, usually a flowering species, having a life span more than two (2) years. Appears or blooms every year.

PERVIOUS PAVEMENT: A paving system that allows water to infiltrate through the pavement in order to accurately reflect the predevelopment hydrologic cycle and includes, but is not limited to, porous concrete, porous asphalt, porous pavers, open jointed paving blocks, and open cell paving blocks.

PLANTING SCHEDULE: A listing of all plants to be installed, identifying their common name, botanical name, plant size, root type, and quantity to be installed.

RAIN GARDENS/BIORETENTION SYSTEMS: Shallow landscaped depressions commonly located in parking lot islands or adjacent to land cover areas that receive stormwater and filter the runoff or allow it to infiltrate in the soil bed.

SMALL SHRUBS: Deciduous shrubs with mature natural growth less than four feet (4') in height.

SPREADING AND GLOBE EVERGREENS: An evergreen shrub which maintains a natural global or spreading shape.

UNDERSTORY TREES: Often defined as ornamental trees. Also could mean the small trees under the canopy of a wooded area.

UPRIGHT EVERGREENS: An evergreen shrub which maintains a natural columnar or upright shape.

XERISCAPING: A landscaping method which uses plants that have low water requirements, allowing them to withstand extended periods of drought without irrigation. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)

General requirements shall apply to all zoning districts and include the following:

1. Landscape Plan: Prior to the commencement of turf removal, digging, grading or planting, a landscape plan shall be submitted to the City providing all information required in this chapter. Color renderings that are drawn to scale shall be provided illustrating the appearance of landscaping and screening at the time of installation. All underground and overhead utilities and other mechanical equipment must be shown on the plan. The contractor is responsible for all damage, repairs and delay of service as a result of damage to any above or below ground utilities. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)
2. Areas Disturbed By Grading: All areas disturbed by grading which are not built upon, paved or retained as a natural area shall be sodded, hydroseeded, and/or landscaped, unless specifically approved as part of the overall landscape plan. The provisions of Section 10-8-8, "Controlling Erosion And Sediment From Land Disturbing Activities", of this Title shall also apply. (Ord. 1353, 9-8-2015)
3. Nursery Stock Sizing: The following nursery stock standards shall be required at the time of planting. All measurements shall conform to the standards set forth in the current edition of the "American Standard for Nursery Stock". Larger plants may be used or specified at any time. Trunk diameter shall be measured 6 inches above ground level for 4 inch caliper trees or less and measured 12 inches above ground level for 4 inch caliper trees or more.
   
   

   	Potted	Balled And Burlapped
   Overstory (shade) trees	2 1/2 inch diameter	2 1/2 inch diameter
   Ornamental trees	6 to 7 feet	2 inch diameter
   Evergreen trees		6 feet
   Tall shrubs and hedge material (evergreen or deciduous)	3 to 4 feet	3 to 4 feet
   Low shrubs, deciduous	18 to 24 inches	24 to 30 inches
   Evergreen	18 to 24 inches	24 to 30 inches
   Spreading evergreens	18 to 24 inches	18 to 24 inches

4. Prohibited Species: Prohibited species that shall not be planted within the City are identified in the Burnsville woodland protection and evaluation packet.
5. Topsoil: When topsoil or planting soil is required, the soil shall have a pH range of 5.00 to 8.00 unless otherwise specified. All soil shall be decompacted and free of sticks, stones, and other debris. Soil shall contain no less than 5 percent organic compost and 25 percent sand. For planting of shrubs, perennials and ornamental grass, a minimum depth of 6 inches of topsoil shall be placed on the affected areas before installation. For establishment of turf, a minimum depth of 4 inches of topsoil shall be placed on the affected areas before installation of sod or seed.
6. Planting Schedules: All plants to be installed shall be identified and approved by the City prior to installation. Plants shall be identified by a planting schedule which includes:
   1. Quantity of plants to be installed,
   2. Common name,
   3. Botanical name,
   4. Plant size at installation and at full growth,
   5. Root type (balled and burlapped, container).
7. Plant Location:
   1. No plants except for flowers, ground covers, or vines shall be placed within 2 feet of any building, driveway or parking area unless specifically noted on the landscape plan. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)
   2. Trees shall be planted at least 5 feet from the property line. (Ord. 1491, 6-4-2019)
   3. The landscape and screening location requirements of this chapter may be modified where existing conditions such as easements, underground pipelines or other circumstance would not allow required landscaping or screening to be installed. In these cases, the required plant or screening materials may be installed elsewhere on site as approved by the Development Review Committee (DRC).
8. Staking Of Trees: The owner is responsible for keeping trees in a plumb position. When staking or guying is required, it shall occur so as not to create any hazards or unsightly obstacles. All wires shall be encased in hose to prevent tree damage.
9. Plant Hardiness: All plants specified and installed must be nursery grown and identified as hardy plants which are appropriate for all seasonal conditions. Plants must be sound, healthy, vigorous, and free of disease, insect eggs and larvae. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)
10. Plant Diversity: To promote plant diversity for areas of a site where landscaping is proposed, no single variety of plants shall be allowed to constitute more than 25 percent of the plant materials and the complement of plants used shall provide year round visual interest. The 25 percent diversity provision shall not apply to sod, turf grass, hedges, or wetlands and lake buffers that are subject to other chapter standards in this title. (Ord. 1353, 9-8-2015)
11. Pervious Pavement Systems: In lieu of sod, seed, or other plant materials, pervious pavement systems may be installed up to a maximum of 10 percent of the required green space standard for each zoning district subject to:
    1. The applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Development Review Committee (DRC) that proposed construction techniques, materials, soil conditions and the location and proposed use of said systems are appropriate for the specific site conditions, and
    2. The landowner shall enter into a maintenance agreement with the City.
    If the applicant and the Development Review Committee (DRC) cannot agree on the proposed pervious pavement system, the applicant shall be required to make an application for a conditional use permit (CUP) for approval to use the system.
12. Irrigation Requirements: All properties abutting or across the street from Residential Districts and uses shall provide inground irrigation systems to all landscaped and vegetated screening areas.
13. Irrigation Controls: Where irrigation systems are installed, said systems shall have water sensor devices to avoid overwatering and timing devices to ensure irrigation is conducted during the hours permitted by the City watering restriction requirements. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)
14. Coverage: All landscaped areas shall contain sod, be seeded or defined as a landscape planting bed with approved native vegetation, ground covers, gardens, shrubbery and trees with a mulch cover, water features, or koi ponds. (Ord. 1491, 6-4-2019)
15. Maintenance: All landscaped areas shall be maintained by the property owner and kept neat, clear and uncluttered, and where landscaping is required as part of City approvals, any plant material which is diseased or dies shall be replaced with like kind of the original size by the property owner. No landscaped area shall be used for the parking of vehicles or for the storage or display of materials, supplies or merchandise, unless specifically approved by the City.
    1. The owner shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining turf grass or sod on all maintained portions of the property within 10 days of the date of occupancy, or by June 18, if occupancy takes place between September 1 and May 31.
       
    2. Replacement of landscape materials, plantings and screening shall be consistent with the original landscape/screen design or as approved by the City.
    3. All repair or replacement shall be done within 45 days of written notification from the City.
    4. The responsibility for tree and plant growth and maintenance rests upon the property owner. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)
       

1. Guarantee: The owner shall guarantee the growth and maintenance of all plants for a minimum of two (2) growing seasons. The guarantee will be reduced to a one year guarantee if all green areas are properly irrigated with an inground irrigation system. The owner is responsible for contacting the City for a landscape installation inspection of all plantings. The guarantee period will not begin until the landscape installation inspection has occurred and the plantings conform to the approved landscape plan. At the end of the guarantee period, the owner is responsible to contact the City for a final landscape inspection. All plants must be alive and installed per the approved landscape plan. Failure to do so may result in the withdrawal of any or all necessary funds from the letter of credit or cash security by the City to finance the completion of the required landscaping.
2. Letter Of Credit, Cash Security: Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the owner shall supply the City with a letter of credit or cash security in an amount not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the total estimated landscaped value. At the request of the City, the owner shall supply the installing contractor's official bid as verification for establishing the amount of security. At the owner's discretion, sodding costs may be estimated and secured as part of the letter of credit for erosion control. The security will be held by the city to ensure landscaping is installed as shown on the approved landscape plan and that plant materials survive the guarantee period. Provided landscaping is alive per the approved plan, the security will be returned to the owner at the end of the required guarantee period. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)
3. Security For Single-Family And Twin Home Lots: Before a building permit is issued for a single-family home or twin home, for a remodeling of a single-family home or twin home that changes the footprint of the home, or for an accessory structure, a cash security or letter of credit in an amount to be set by city policy 2.050, shall be furnished to the city to guarantee compliance with the landscaping (including tree planting) requirements for the lot. A final certificate of occupancy will not be issued until the required landscaping and trees are installed. In the event the landscaping and tree planting is not completed, the city may enter the lot, perform the work and apply the cash security toward the cost. Upon satisfactory completion of the landscaping and tree planting, the security funds, without interest, less any draw made by the city, shall be returned to the person who deposited the funds with the city. (Ord. 1353, 9-8-2015)
   

Any earthwork shall comply with section 10-9-2 of this title. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)

Prior to the issuance of a grading, filling, or excavation permit, the owner shall supply the city with all necessary information regarding erosion control measures and security in an amount to be set by city policy number 2.050. Upon the completion of the project and the determination that all erodible areas have been adequately stabilized, the erosion control escrow, without interest, less any draw made by the city, shall be released to the person who deposited the funds with the city.

If the applicant fails to comply with the approved erosion control plan, or in the event of an emergency, the city may take such action as it deems appropriate to control erosion and charge the costs to the applicant. If the applicant does not reimburse the city for any cost incurred for such work to remedy erosion concerns within ten (10) days, the city may draw down the required cash escrow to pay the costs. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)

1. R-1, R-1A And R-2 Residential Districts:
   1. Required Landscaping:
      1. All front yards, boulevards and side yards to the rear of the structure shall have sod, hydroseeding, or landscaping with mulch cover properly installed within ten (10) days, weather permitting, of the date of occupancy, or by June 18 if occupancy takes place between September 1 and May 31. During winter conditions, when plants cannot be installed due to weather, the city will issue a temporary certificate of occupancy and specify a date for landscaping to be installed during the growing season.
      2. All erosion control measures shall be installed and maintained pursuant to section 10-8-8 of this title.
      3. Two (2) trees per interior lot or 4 trees per corner or through lot shall be installed, in the front yard or side yard if facing a street, concurrently with sodding requirements.
      4. Each lot shall have one overstory tree and either one ornamental tree or evergreen tree within each yard abutting a street. The lot may have 2 overstory trees within each yard abutting a street as long as they are not identical species. This provision may be waived if existing trees meet the requirements of this subsection and are shown on the certificate of survey.
      5. All trees shall be planted on private property at least 5 feet from the property line. All required trees shall be in the front yard or, on a corner lot, they may be located in either the front or street side yard area. On a cul-de-sac lot one may be located in the side yard area.
      6. In subdivision planting, not less than 2 species of trees shall be planted in any block and not less than 20 percent nor more than 50 percent of the total trees planted in a block may be of the same species. (Ord. 1353, 9-8-2015)
2. R-3A, R-3B And MIX Medium Density And High Density Residential:
   1. At least 50 percent of the total site area shall be landscaped. For the purpose of this subsection, landscaping may also include prairies, wetlands, woodlands, ponds, pervious outdoor play areas, outdoor tennis courts, and outdoor swimming pools. Woodland areas shall not be decreased below the woodland removal threshold (established in subsection 10-8-9(B) of this Title) and reforested off site, and wetland areas shall not be filled and mitigated off site, in order to comply with the landscape area requirement.
   2. All maintained/manicured landscaped areas shall have inground irrigation systems. (Ord. 1277, 9-18-2012)
3. R-3D Manufactured Home Park:
   1. All areas which are not occupied by the manufactured home site, driveway, parking area, patio or deck area, shall be landscaped or sodded. (Ord. 1265, 5-22-2012)
   2. A buffer yard of not less than 30 feet in width shall be sodded and landscaped with approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees around the perimeter of the manufactured home park. This buffer yard shall be maintained by the owner of the manufactured home park. (Ord. 1247, 9-20-2011)
      

1. General Requirements: General requirements that shall apply in all multiple-family residential, business, mixed use and industrial districts include the following:
   1. Open Area: for the purpose of calculating the required plant diversity in Section 10-30A-8 (A)2 of this chapter open area shall be the lot area with the following deductions.
      1. Storm water ponds:
      2. Wetlands:
      3. Utility easements containing pipelines or overhead transmission where the planting of trees/shrubs may interfere with the operation or maintenance of the in-place utility.
      4. Steep slopes: slopes having a grades exceeding twelve percent (12%).
      5. Woodland preservation areas. Areas contain significant tree masses which are in a tree preservation area. Tree preservation areas will be calculated by drawing geometric figure along the edge of the tree canopies of a significant tree preservation area.
      6. Buildings, parking areas, loading areas sidewalks and other impervious surface.
   2. Plant Diversity: In addition to the twenty five percent (25%) plant diversity requirement, the landscape plan design shall, at a minimum, provide at least three (3) of the following required numbers of trees and shrubs:
      1. One overstory tree per three thousand (3,000) square feet of open area.
      2. One ornamental tree per one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet of open space.
      3. One evergreen tree per three thousand (3,000) square feet of open area.
      4. One deciduous or evergreen shrub per one hundred (100) square feet of open area.
   3. Building Perimeter Landscaping:
      1. Multiple Family, Office, Clinic, Daycare, Restaurants and Industrial Uses: At least fifty percent (50%) of the total building perimeter shall be sodded or landscaped with an approved ground cover, shrubbery, and trees in an area of no less than six (6') feet in width. A reduction in the percent of building perimeter landscaping may be allowed with the provision of alternative landscape option; Aesthetic Design in accordance with Section 10-30A-8(C)6 of this ordinance located within ten (10') feet of the building wall.
      2. Multi-tenant Commercial Retail, Retail On-Site Service Businesses and Shopping Center uses: At least thirty percent (30%) of the total building perimeter shall be sodded or landscaped with an approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees in an area of no less than six (6') feet in width. A reduction in the percent of building perimeter landscaping may be allowed with the provision of alternative landscape option; Aesthetic Design in accordance with Section 10-30A-8(C)6 of this chapter.
   4. Heat Island Reduction: To minimize impact on microclimate, human and wildlife habitat, shading of parking lots is required. At least one overstory tree shall be planted for every ten (10) parking stalls on site. To satisfy this requirement trees must be located at least four feet (4') and within ten feet (10') of a curb adjacent to any internal parking or drive area. Said trees shall count toward meeting the overall site green space and landscaping requirements identified by this chapter for the underlying zoning district.
   5. Buffer Yards:
      1. Buffer Yard Location: Where any business or industrial use (i.e., structure, parking or storage) abuts a residential zone or use, such business or industry shall provide a buffer yard and screening along the boundary of the residential property. The buffer area and screening shall also be provided where a business or industry is across the street from a residential zone or use, but not on that side of a business or industry considered to be the front as defined by the city.
      2. Buffer Yard Design: Except in areas of steep slopes or where natural vegetation is acceptable, as approved by the city, buffer yards shall contain a combination of earth berms, plantings, or privacy fencing of a sufficient density to provide a minimum visual screen and a reasonable buffer to the following heights:
         1. Plantings: All designated buffer yards must be seeded or sodded except in areas of steep slopes where natural vegetation is acceptable as approved by the city. Trees and shrubs planted in a buffer yard shall count toward meeting the overall site tree/shrub count requirements identified within Section 10-30A-8(A)1 of this chapter. All plantings within designated buffer yards shall adhere to the following:
            1. Planting screens shall be fully irrigated, consist of healthy, hardy plants, a minimum of six feet (6') in height and designed to provide year round visual obstruction of the item(s) to be screened pursuant to section 10-7-18 of this title.
            2. Plant material centers shall not be located closer than five feet (5') from the fence line and property line, and shall not conflict with public plantings, sidewalks, trails, etc.
            3. Landscape screen plant material shall be in two (2) or more rows. Plantings shall be staggered in rows unless otherwise approved by the city.
            4. Shrubs shall be arranged to lessen the visual gaps between trees. Along arterial streets, all plantings of deciduous trees shall be supplemented with shrubs such that the buffer yard contains a continuous band of plants.
            5. Deciduous shrubs shall not be planted more than four feet (4') on center, and/or evergreen shrubs shall not be planted more than three feet (3') on center.
            6. Deciduous trees intended for screening shall be planted not more than forty feet (40') apart. Evergreen trees intended for screening shall be planted not more than fifteen feet (15') apart.
         2. Walls And Fences: All walls and fences erected within designated buffer yards shall meet the following conditions:
            1. A screening fence or wall shall be constructed of attractive, permanent finished materials compatible with those used in construction of the permanent structure. Such screens shall be at least six feet (6') in height and one hundred percent (100%) visual obstruction of the item(s) to be screened pursuant to section 10-7-18 of this title.
            2. Fences may be exposed no more than a maximum length of twenty feet (20') between landscaping areas or clusters.
            3. For interior lots, a gate constructed of the same material as the fence shall be provided in the wall or fence to allow for maintenance of the street side boulevard.
            4. Fences and landscaping shall not be located within the traffic sight visibility triangle.
         3. Earth Berms: Earth berms shall adhere to the following:
            1. Except in areas of steep slopes or where other topographic features or physical characteristics will not permit, as determined by the city engineer, an earth berm shall be installed in all designated buffer yards in accordance with the following requirements:
               1. Berms shall be a minimum of four feet (4') in height.
               2. The slope of the earth berm shall not exceed a three to one (3:1) slope unless approved by the city engineer.
               3. The earth berm shall contain no less than four inches (4") of topsoil.
2. Parking Lot Landscaping Requirements: The following shall apply to all new development and redevelopment of parking lots for expansions creating five thousand (5,000) square feet or more of impervious surface or disturbance of one-half (1/2) acre or more of land. Trees and shrubs planted as parking lot landscaping shall count toward meeting the overall site tree/shrub count requirements identified within Section 10-30A-8(A)1 of this chapter.
   1. Parking Lot Screening: Parking lot screening shall be designed to reduce the visual impact of surface parking lots; mitigate glare from headlights; improve the aesthetic quality of the area for users of the site, adjacent sites, roadways, and sidewalks; and define the perimeter of the parking lot as follows:
      1. Off Street Parking Containing Six Or More Parking Spaces: Between those portions of an off street parking area containing six (6) or more parking spaces and a different zoning district or a public street.
      2. Waiver: Parking lot screening requirements may be waived in circumstances where perimeter screening is provided or where the elevation of the parking area relative to the elevation of the street and sidewalk would make the screening ineffectual as determined by the development review committee (DRC).
      3. Exemption For Display Pads: Items approved by the city council for display on designated display pads are exempt from parking lot screening standards. This exemption shall only apply to items oriented toward the public right of way and not adjacent properties. Display pads shall be physically separated from parking lots and drive aisles and shall comply with the applicable district's parking setback requirements.
      4. Parking Lot Screening Standards:
         1. Parking lot screening must be provided within ten feet (10') of the perimeter of the parking lot to be screened, except for parking lots adjacent to rain gardens/bioretention systems, other landscape features, or where the traffic sight visibility triangle may be impacted.
         2. Parking lot screening shall be a minimum of three feet (3') and a maximum of four feet (4') in height as measured from the adjacent finished surface of the parking area. When shrubs are used to provide the screen, such shrubs must be at least two feet (2') tall at planting and anticipated to grow to at least three feet (3') tall at maturity.
         3. No landscaping or screening shall interfere with driver or pedestrian visibility for vehicles entering or exiting the premises.
         4. Screening for a parking lot may be comprised of one hundred percent (100%) evergreen planting materials.
      5. Content: Parking lot screening must consist of at least two (2) of the following:
         1. A compact hedge of evergreen or densely twigged deciduous shrubs spaced to ensure closure into a solid hedge at maturity;
         2. A berm with plantings described above;
         3. Transit shelters, benches, bicycle racks and similar features may be integrated as a part of the screen;
         4. Fencing may be integrated as part of the screen. All wood fencing shall be stained and sealed with a weatherproof product.
   2. Parking Island Design: Off street parking areas with at least twenty five (25) parking stalls shall contain interior landscaped islands. Such islands shall be bounded by a raised concrete curb or approved equivalent and shall contain mulch (wood, bark, or decorative rock) or turf grass to retain soil moisture. This provision shall not apply to parking structures. The standards for landscape islands are as follows:
      1. Landscape parking lot islands shall be required at the beginning and end of each parking row and shall contain a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) square feet and a minimum width of nine feet (9').
      2. A minimum of one overstory tree shall be provided for each island. This provision may be waived for islands utilized for stormwater management or other utility or safety issues as determined by the city engineer.
      3. Shrubs, perennials or ornamental grass shall be incorporated in each landscaped island.
      4. Islands shall be prepared with topsoil to a depth of two feet (2') and improved to ensure adequate drainage, nutrient and moisture retention levels for the establishment of plantings.
      5. All perimeter and interior landscaped areas in parking lots shall be equipped with a permanent irrigation system, unless drought tolerant plant materials are used exclusively. Where drought tolerant plant materials are used, irrigation shall be required only for the two (2) year period following plant installation and may be accomplished using hoses, water trucks, or other nonpermanent means.
3. Alternative Landscape Options: The city encourages the use of special design features such as xeriscaping; rain gardens/bioretention systems; landscaping with native species; green rooftops; heat island reduction; and aesthetic design. All site development and redevelopment must include two (2) of the following alternative landscape options:
   1. Xeriscaping: Xeriscaping is landscaping which uses plants that have low water requirements, making them able to withstand extended periods of drought. Xeriscaping landscapes are a conscious attempt to develop plantings which are compatible with the environment and make a conscious effort to minimize use of water.
   2. Rain Gardens/Bioretention Systems: Bioretention systems can be described as shallow, landscaped depressions commonly located in parking lot islands or within areas that receive stormwater runoff. For credit under this section, the rain garden/bioretention system shall be above ground and a visible part of the green or landscaped area. Stormwater flows into the bioretention area, ponds on the surface, and gradually infiltrates into the soil bed. Pollutants are removed by a number of processes including absorption, filtration, volatilization, ion exchange, and decomposition. Filtered runoff can either be allowed to infiltrate into the surrounding soil (functioning as an infiltration basin or rainwater garden), or discharged to the storm sewer or directly to receiving waters (functioning like a surface filter). The use of under drain systems are discouraged unless where infiltration is prohibited by the water resources management plan. Runoff from larger storms is generally diverted past the area to the storm drain system.
   3. Lakescaping: To preserve or restore the natural buffer along a shoreline. The buffer shall be at least thirty feet (30') wide and be planted with native grasses and species of flowering plants.
   4. Landscaping With Native Species: Fifty percent (50%) of the plantings used in the landscape plan shall be of native plant communities of Burnsville on file with the City and approved by the Development Review Committee (DRC). These plant communities include:
      1. Upland deciduous forest: Oak forest, maple basswood forest, white pine hardwood forest, black ash swamp, and tamarack swamp.
      2. Brush prairie: Dry oak savannah, oak woodland-brushland.
      3. Oak openings and barrens: Dry oak savannah, oak forest.
   5. Green Rooftops: Green rooftops are veneers of living vegetation installed atop buildings, from small garages to large industrial structures. Green rooftops help manage stormwater by mimicking a variety of hydrologic processes normally associated with open space. Plants capture rainwater on their foliage and absorb it in their root zone, encouraging evapotranspiration and preventing much stormwater from ever entering runoff streams. What water does leave the roof is slowed and kept cooler, a benefit for downstream water bodies. Green roofs are especially effective in controlling intense, short duration storms and have been shown to reduce cumulative annual runoff by fifty percent (50%) in temperate climates.
   6. Aesthetic Design: Sites shall be designed to include three (3) of the following: public art, fountains, plazas, perennial beds, entrance landscaping, or other amenities reviewed and approved by the Development Review Committee (DRC).
4. Compliance: If the applicant and the Development Review Committee (DRC) cannot agree on the proposed landscaping design, the applicant shall be required to make an application for a conditional use permit to prove compatibility.
   1. A reduction of the perimeter landscaping requirements for the principal use are allowed for outdoor patios per section 10-19-6 of this title. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008; amd. Ord. 1247, 9-20-2011; Ord. 1301, 8-20-2013; Ord. 1316, 4-8-2014)

1. B-1 Office Business:
   1. At least thirty percent (30%) of the land area shall be sodded and landscaped with approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees.
   2. At least eight percent (8%) of the internal parking area shall be landscaped. This area is counted as part of the overall required "green area" as defined in section 10-4-2 of this title. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)
   3. A reduction of the greenspace requirements for the principal use are allowed for outdoor patios per section 10-19-6 of this title.
2. B-2 Neighborhood Business:
   1. At least thirty percent (30%) of the land area shall be sodded and landscaped with approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees.
   2. At least eight percent (8%) of the internal parking area shall be landscaped. This area is counted as part of the overall required "green area" as defined in section 10-4-2 of this title. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)
   3. A reduction of the greenspace requirements for the principal use are allowed for outdoor patios per section 10-19-6 of this title.
3. B-3 General Business:
   1. At least twenty five percent (25%) of the land area shall be sodded and landscaped with approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees.
   2. At least three percent (3%) of the internal parking area shall be landscaped. This area is counted as part of the overall required "green area" as defined in section 10-4-2 of this title. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)
   3. A reduction of the greenspace requirements for the principal use are allowed for outdoor patios per section 10-19-6 of this title.
4. B-4 Highway Commercial:
   1. At least twenty five percent (25%) of the land area shall be sodded and landscaped with approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees.
   2. At least three percent (3%) of the internal parking area shall be landscaped. This area is counted as part of the overall required "green area" as defined in section 10-4-2 of this title. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)
   3. A reduction of the greenspace requirements for the principal use are allowed for outdoor patios per section 10-19-6 of this title.
5. CRD Commercial Recreation District:
   1. At least twenty five percent (25%) of the land area shall be landscaped with approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees. Artificial turf or areas of athletic fields that do not allow water to percolate through the soil shall not be counted as part of the required twenty five percent (25%) green space standard.
   2. At least three percent (3%) of the internal parking area shall be landscaped. This area is counted as part of the overall required "green area" as defined in section 10-4-2 of this title. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)
   3. A reduction of the greenspace requirements for the principal use are allowed for outdoor patios per section 10-19-6 of this title.
6. MIX Mixed Use District: Commercial and mixed use sites in a MIX District shall have:
   1. At least twenty five percent (25%) of the land area shall be sodded and landscaped with approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees.
   2. At least three percent (3%) of the internal parking area shall be landscaped. This area is counted as part of the overall required "green area" as defined in section 10-4-2 of this title. (Ord. 1247, 9-20-2011)
   3. A reduction of the greenspace requirements for the principal use are allowed for outdoor patios per section 10-19-6 of this title.
      

1. I-1 Industrial Park:
   1. At least twenty five percent (25%) of the land area shall be sodded and landscaped with approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees.
   2. At least three percent (3%) of the internal parking area shall be landscaped. This area is counted as part of the overall required "green area" as defined in section 10-4-2 of this title.
2. I-2 General Industry:
   1. At least twenty five percent (25%) of the land area shall be sodded and landscaped with approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees.
   2. At least three percent (3%) of the internal parking area shall be landscaped. This area is counted as part of the overall required "green area" as defined in section 10-4-2 of this title.
3. I-3 Office and Industrial Park:
   1. At least thirty percent (30%) of the land area shall be sodded and landscaped with approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees.
   2. At least eight percent (8%) of the internal parking area shall be landscaped. This area is counted as part of the overall required "green area" as defined in section 10-4-2 of this title.
4. GIM Gateway Industrial Medium:
   1. At least thirty percent (30%) of the land area shall be sodded and landscaped with approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees.
   2. At least eight percent (8%) of the internal parking area shall be landscaped. This area is counted as part of the overall required "green area" as defined in section 10-4-2 of this title.
5. GIH Gateway Industrial Heavy:
   1. At least twenty five percent (25%) of the land area shall be sodded and landscaped with approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees.
   2. At least three percent (3%) of the internal parking area shall be landscaped. This area is counted as part of the overall required "green area" as defined in section 10-4-2 of this title. (Ord. 1142, 11-18-2008)