This chapter shall establish the official commercial/industrial landscape and screening requirements of the city of Countryside (hereinafter sometimes called the "requirements"). (Ord. 06-12-0, 3-22-2006)

Upon request of the city council, the city plan commission-zoning board of appeals has prepared and has recommended to the city council a proposed official commercial/industrial landscape and screening requirements for the present and future development of the city and regulating landscaping and screening of commercial and industrial developments within the corporate limits thereof titled "Commercial/Industrial Landscape And Screening Requirements Of The City Of Countryside", and the plan commission-zoning board of appeals has held a public hearing, scheduled by the city council, thereon, after required published notice; and the city council, after considering the recommendations of the plan commission-zoning board of appeals and the information derived from such public hearing, hereby adopts said proposed official commercial/industrial landscape and screening regulations, titled "Commercial/Industrial Landscape And Screening Requirements Of The City Of Countryside" as the city's official commercial/industrial landscape and screening regulations. (Ord. 06-12-0, 3-22-2006)

The landscaping and screening requirements specified herein are intended to foster aesthetically pleasing development along the city's commercial corridors which will protect and preserve the appearance, character, general health, safety and welfare of the city of Countryside and its residents, and enhance property values. Specifically, these regulations are intended to increase the compatibility of adjacent uses by requiring a buffer or screen between uses, and in doing so, minimize the harmful impact of noise, dust and other debris, motor vehicle headlight glare or other artificial light intrusions, and other objectionable activities or impacts conducted or created by adjoining or nearby uses.

It has been determined that landscaping and trees are an integral part of community life and are important public resources that enhance the quality of life and the general welfare of the city of Countryside. It has also been determined that the city of Countryside and its residents would benefit by the construction and protection of these community assets, which contribute distinctive environmental, economic, and aesthetic benefits such as:

   A.   Environmental:

      1.   Enhancement of air quality;

      2.   Mitigation of sound and noise pollution;

      3.   Improvement of water quality and groundwater retention and absorption through the reduction of soil erosion;

      4.   Reduction of the amount of stormwater runoff; and

      5.   Provision of a haven and nesting area for birds and other wildlife which, in turn, assists in the control of mosquitoes and other insects.

   B.   Economic:

      1.   Natural reduction in energy costs; and

      2.   Contribute to the protection and enhancement of property values.

   C.   Aesthetic:

      1.   Natural and attractive screening and buffer treatments between land uses;

      2.   Physical and psychological barriers between pedestrian and vehicular traffic;

      3.   Maintenance of the natural qualities established throughout the community; and

      4.   Builds and maintains a positive community image. (Ord. 06-12-0, 3-22-2006)

   CONSTRUCTION: Any manmade change, other than maintenance of existing structures, paved areas or utilities, to improved or unimproved real estate, including, without limitation, the construction or installation of new, or enlargement of existing structures, streets or utilities; dredging, filling, drilling, mining, grading, paving or excavating operations; demolition; and open storage of materials.

   EXISTING LANDSCAPE SURVEY: Applicants shall be required to submit a survey of all existing landscape plants and materials including trees, shrubs, sod area, mulched area, and landscape structures.

      A.   Trees shall be identified by species and include dbh measurements (diameter 41/2 feet above ground level).

      B.   Shrubs and perennial plantings shall be identified by species and location. Dimensions of sodded areas shall be identified on the survey.

      C.   Dimensions of mulched areas and description of mulch material shall be included.

      D.   Landscape structures shall be identified by existing materials and location.

   FRONT PERIMETER: Shall include all perimeter encompassed in subsection 10-15-3-5F7c(2) of this chapter.

   LANDSCAPING: The existing and/or proposed features of real estate which are intended to enhance and/or buffer a development, including, but not limited to, trees, shrubs, lawns, rocks, berming, waterways and fences.

   NOXIOUS PLANT: Any plant that is so identified in the codes and ordinances of the city of Countryside.

   PARKWAY: The area of land located between the back of curb to the property line.

   PERIMETER LANDSCAPING: Landscaping provided along the street and exterior boundaries of a site.

   PERSON: An individual, heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, and also includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns, or the agent of any of the aforesaid.

   PROPERTY OWNER: Owner of real property within the city of Countryside. Includes the owner of an easement.

   RECOMMENDED SPECIES: Plant species, including shade trees, evergreen trees, ornamental/small trees, large deciduous shrubs, large evergreen shrubs, small deciduous shrubs, small evergreen shrubs, and ground cover and vines as indicated in section 10-15-3-6, table 1, of this chapter.

   REMOVE(D) OR REMOVAL: The physical removal or effective removal through cutting, chopping, sawing, damaging, topping, poisoning, or other direct or indirect action intended to result in the death of a tree. It shall not mean normal pruning or trimming of a tree.

   RESPONSIBLE PARTY: Except as otherwise specified herein, the owner or owner's designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings, structures and premises. Any person, including the lessee, who may reasonably be considered to have any control over any portion of any matter regulated by this code and other codes by reference shall be considered to be a responsible person or an additional responsible person for the purposes of this code.

   STREET: The entire width of a public way or right of way when any part thereof is open to the use of the public, as a matter of right, for purposes of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

   TREE: A self-supporting woody plant, together with its root system, having a well defined stem or trunk or a multistemmed trunk system, a more or less well defined crown, and a mature height of at least eight feet (8') tall.

   TURF GRASS: Areas of mown ground cover grasses primarily consisting of bluegrass, fescue and rye grass.

   WEEDS: Grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. (Ord. 06-12-0, 3-22-2006)

These regulations apply to all building permit applications for commercial and/or industrial development, redevelopment, and expansion of existing development within the incorporated limits of the city of Countryside. The regulations in this chapter shall overlay all other commercial and industrial zoning districts and other ordinance requirements regulating the development of land. In the case of conflicting requirements, the more restrictive requirements shall be applicable.

   A.   Exempt Property:

      1.   Residential: Single-family residential and multi-family residential developments are exempt from the requirements of this chapter, with the exception of subsection 10-15-3-5A of this chapter.

      2.   Parkway Landscaping: No exemption shall be granted for the provisions in subsection 10-15-3-5A of this chapter.

      3.   Visibility: If a development will not be visible from a public right of way, and is not adjacent to residential uses, the applicant may apply to the city for exemption from some or all requirements.

   B.   Auto Dealerships: Due to the unique nature and operation of auto dealerships and their significant presence in the city of Countryside, auto dealerships have been specifically addressed with regard to exemptions or special conditions as stated in this chapter. Special conditions or exemptions apply to the properties where the primary purpose is auto sales. Property that is primarily used for storage or maintenance of motor vehicles shall not benefit from special conditions or exemptions. (Ord. 06-12-0, 3-22-2006)

A landscape plan ensures that landscaping requirements are provided that are intended to foster more aesthetically pleasing environments, establish compatible land use relationships with potentially incompatible development, and to facilitate proper site design and development.

   A.   Regulated Activity: Landscape plans are required for all required developments as determined in section 10-15-3-3 of this chapter.

   B.   Landscape Plan Content And Submission Requirements: Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall submit a landscape plan for review and approval. Applicants shall be required to submit landscape plans in both hard copy and acceptable electronic copy formats for review and routing by city staff. Landscape plans submitted for review shall contain the following:

      1.   Completed application and fee(s);

      2.   Locations and dimensions of all building and site improvements including signs, freestanding HVAC, etc.;

      3.   An existing landscape survey;

      4.   The locations of all required landscaped areas as determined in section 10-15-3-5 of this chapter;

      5.   Species, planting size and location of proposed plant material, including photos and/or illustrations of plant species;

      6.   Methods of managing special screening areas such as transition yards, off street loading facilities including cross sectional details, as appropriate;

      7.   Any proposed landscape easements, together with instruments describing maintenance responsibilities;

      8.   The placement and design of artificial irrigation systems including the locations of hose connections, water lines and sprinkler heads;

      9.   At street and driveway intersections, the limits of the sight visibility triangle;

      10.   Calculations of: total site area, total landscaped area, total impervious surface, total area devoted to parking, and calculations for parking lot, perimeter and internal landscaping; and

      11.   An exterior lighting plan including all fixtures and illuminated signage.

      12.   Any other documentation requirements including elevations, cross sections and other plan details deemed appropriate by the city.

   C.   Design Guidelines: In preparing landscape plans, the following shall be followed:

      1.   General Landscape Design Principles:

         a.   Landscape improvements should serve to integrate the project to the site, with particular sensitivity to the natural topography, watercourses, and existing vegetation. Preservation of the existing landscape material and landforms shall be taken into account, particularly where mature trees are a part of the site. This is of particular importance in cases where specimen trees, groves, or tree lines, or tree lined watercourses are present.

         b.   Landscape improvements should serve to enhance the appearance of the site, especially as viewed from an adjacent public right of way. Effective year round screening shall be provided to lessen the visual prominence of: parking lots, service yards, loading docks, public utility structures, and unsightly appurtenances.

         c.   Innovative landscape design proposals that promote sustainability, reduce irrigation requirements, and that utilize effective on site stormwater management techniques are encouraged. Thoughtful selection and placement of plant material and ground covers based on ecological principles are also encouraged.

         d.   The aesthetic aspect of landscape improvements shall be considered both at installation and maturity. Groupings of trees or other plantings are recommended for optimal visual effect and ease of maintenance.

      2.   Scale: Scale and nature of landscape materials and planting bed size should be appropriate to the site and structures. Larger buildings and sites may accommodate and be enhanced by larger plant material, plant groupings, and planting beds.

      3.   Selection And Layout: Plant material shall be selected for its form, texture, color and concern for its size at maturity. Wherever possible, large planting areas shall be provided in groupings and masses to provide a more naturalistic appearance. Wherever appropriate, use of native woody and herbaceous plant materials is encouraged. In small planting areas within parking lots, trees and shrubs shall be planted in groups with massing appropriate to and in harmony with buildings, circulation, stormwater management, and neighboring landscapes. Energy conservation shall also be considered when determining layout of selection and layout of plant material. For instance, sun tolerant plant materials should be placed on the south and west sides of buildings to provide shade from summer sun, and shade tolerant plant materials should be concentrated on the north side of buildings to dissipate the effects of winter winds.

      4.   Stormwater Infiltration And Enhanced Water Quality: Wherever possible, preserve, restore, and integrate natural drainage patterns and features including swales, filter strips, and wetlands or rain gardens vegetated with native plant systems. The intention shall be to slow stormwater runoff, increase on site infiltration, and filter suspended solids and contaminants in support of on site stormwater management and treatment strategies that reduce or control costs to the community.

      5.   Berming: Earthen berms and existing topography shall, whenever practical, be incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site. Bermed areas shall be designed to resemble natural landforms, whenever possible. The maximum permissible slope is four to one (4:1).

      6.   Facade Treatments: Landscape improvements shall be provided to enhance architectural features and to add visual interest adjacent to large expanses of building walls. Landscape improvements shall also be provided as a buffer between pedestrian and vehicular activity at primary building entrances and along building facades.

      7.   Fence Treatments: When fencing is used, provide landscaping which includes a variety of plant material, height, color and texture. This landscaping should buffer, soften or minimize the visual monotony of long expanses of fencing.

      8.   Miscellaneous Screening Standards: Functional activities within and adjoining the development site must be considered in the design of the landscape improvements, including consideration of the following: trash dumpsters or other waste receptacles, all utility equipment, dish antennas, loading docks or other outdoor service areas and ground signs. Particular attention shall be paid towards screening mechanical equipment, air conditioning units, or any other visible outside equipment, service areas, including dumpster enclosures, loading docks, and bicycle parking areas. Enhance walkways, entrances, seating areas, bus stops or any other pedestrian areas; separate and buffer pedestrian and public areas from circulation drives and parking areas; and direct attention to focal areas and main entrances.

      9.   Miscellaneous Placement Standards: There shall be a three foot (3') radius free of trees or shrubs around fire hydrants, valve vaults, hose bibs, manholes, hydrants, fire department connections, and other site features as deemed necessary by the city. Additionally, plant material branching higher than two feet (2') and lower than six feet (6') above top of curb shall not be planted or maintained in a sight visibility triangle as defined by the superintendent of public works or his/her designee.

      10.   Texture: Plants differ in texture according to foliage, color, size and density. A variety of textures will add interest and depth to the landscape design. For example, coarser plants (larger leaves, dense foliage) may work to "anchor corners", medium textured materials can gradually transition to fine textured plants. In massing, coarser textured plants are usually more effective when placed at greater distances from common viewing locations. Groups of finer textured plants are typically more effective near walkways and entrances and in courtyards of buildings or plazas.

      11.   Form: Among the most important design qualities of a plant is form, which includes columnar, round, vase, weeping, pyramidal and oval forms. Plants of contrasting shapes may provide variety and interest by accenting a group of plants of another form. Evergreen trees exhibit pyramidal forms, while many crabapples are round to oval. Plantings that combine two (2) or more forms may effectively buffer or "soften" building facades, fences, and other structures. The dominant use of native trees and shrubs that display strongly horizontal branch patterns and "layered" flowering forms is basic to effective use of the unified "prairie style", associated historically and ecologically with this region, and is encouraged.

      12.   Color: Color can be used to unify or contrast plantings on a site. It is essential to consider the varying colors exhibited by a plant in all seasons. Most importantly, through the use of perennials and/or annuals, color can be used to call attention to entryways and other focal points.

      13.   Repetition: A design is tied together through the repeated use of a small number of plant species, sizes, colors, forms, or textures throughout the site. Too much repetition can result in monotony, so it is important to find a balance. Natural landscaping techniques using a diverse palette of randomly mixed prairie forbs and grasses will provide repetition and unity throughout the planting area and across the seasons. On smaller sites it is recommended to keep the plant palette short and simple.

      14.   Massing: Massing ties in with scale and repetition. In general, shrubs, perennials and annuals are massed or grouped together to achieve a more dramatic effect. For example, large sites may have shrubs in groupings of one hundred (100) or more. Large buildings and sites are complemented with larger material and greater massing of shrubs and/or color.

      15.   Variety: Variety adds interest and liveliness to the design. It provides a few unlike qualities to contrast with those qualities that are alike and duplicated as part of repetition. Variety is achieved through the use of different forms, textures, colors and plants. (Ord. 06-12-0, 3-22-2006)

Landscaping and screening of certain structures, uses and facilities is an important factor in maintaining the character of the community. The intent of the landscaping as screening is to provide a visual barrier to certain elements of a site plan that may be considered unattractive or monotonous.

   A.   Regulated Activity: Landscaping and screening is required for all required developments as determined in section 10-15-3-3 of this chapter.

   B.   Requirements: Parkway landscaping, perimeter landscaping, signage landscaping, parking lot landscaping and refuse area screening shall be required by all regulated activity, or as otherwise specified and approved in a required landscape plan.

      1.   Modifications: Where there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the manager of building administration shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, upon written application of the owner or owner's representative, providing the manager of building administration shall first find that special individual reason makes the strict letter of this code impractical and the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and that such modification does not lessen health, accessibility, life and fire safety or structural requirements. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered into the files of the department, and shall be valid for the entire duration of the specific use of the property, provided that the use groups, configuration of spaces, building height and area, and lot size and configuration remain the same.

      2.   Alternative Materials, Design And Methods Of Construction: The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the manager of building administration finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed by this code.

   C.   Parkway Landscaping: Parkway landscaping shall be required for all regulated activity, in accordance with the provisions of this section.

      1.   Ground Cover: Parkways shall be fine graded and consist of one hundred percent (100%) seeded or sodded turf grass.

      2.   Trees: Parkway trees shall be provided as follows:

         a.   Size: Parkway trees shall be shade trees as defined in section 10-15-3-6, table 1, of this chapter.

         b.   Number And Spacing: The number of parkway trees required shall be one tree for each thirty five feet (35') of property frontage along a public street. Parkway trees shall be evenly spaced at not more than thirty five feet (35') apart and not less than four feet (4') from the established sidewalk line of said street, exclusive of widths of curb cuts and entrances.

         c.   Species: Parkway trees shall be limited to species identified in section 10-15-3-6, table 1, of this chapter as shade trees.

      3.   Sidewalks: Sidewalks shall be constructed within the parkway along the entire frontage of a parcel. Sidewalks shall be located no less than five feet (5') in width, and located no closer than five feet (5') from the curb.

      4.   Auto Dealerships: Auto dealerships are not exempt from the provisions of this section.

   D.   Perimeter Landscaping: Perimeter landscaping shall be required for all regulated activities, in accordance with the provisions of this section.

      1.   Ground Cover: All perimeter landscaping shall consist of sixty five percent (65%) seeded or sodded turf grass, and thirty five percent (35%) planting beds and alternative ground cover as identified in section 10-15-3-6, table 1, of this chapter.

      2.   Trees: Perimeter trees shall be provided as follows:

         a.   Size: Shade and/or evergreen trees a minimum of six feet (6') in height.

         b.   Number And Spacing: Trees shall be spaced at the equivalent of not more than seventy feet (70') apart along the abutting property line exclusive of access drives perpendicular to the lot lines.

         c.   Species: Perimeter trees shall be limited to species identified in section 10-15-3-6, table 1, of this chapter as shade and/or evergreen trees.

      3.   Shrubs: Shrubs shall be provided as follows:

         a.   Size: Shrubs shall consist of an equal ration of large and small shrubs as defined in section 10-15-3-6, table 1, of this chapter.

         b.   Number And Spacing: The number of parkway shrubs required shall be five (5) shrubs per every seventy feet (70') along abutting property line exclusive of access drives perpendicular to the lot lines. Shrubs can be planted individually, equally spaced, or placed in equally spaced clusters along the perimeter.

         c.   Species: Shrubs shall be limited to species identified in section 10-15-3-6, table 1, of this chapter as shrubs.

      4.   Auto Dealerships: Auto dealerships are exempt from the requirements of this section.

   E.   Nonresidential Adjacent To Residential:

      1.   Side Yard: When a nonresidential property is adjacent to a side yard of a residential property, a continuous landscape buffer will be provided.

         a.   Buffer Minimum Height And Spacing To Front Yard Setback: This buffer shall be maintained to a minimum height of three feet (3') from the front property line of the nonresidential property to the minimum front yard setback of the adjacent residential district. The minimum height of this buffer at the time of planting shall be thirty six inches (36") with a maximum on center spacing of forty two inches (42").

         b.   Buffer Minimum Height And Spacing - Front Yard Setback To Rear Yard: This buffer shall be maintained to a minimum height of six feet (6') from the minimum front yard setback of the adjacent residential property to the rear yard of the nonresidential property. The minimum height of this buffer at the time of planting shall be forty eight inches (48") with a maximum on center spacing of forty eight inches (48"). The buffer shall reach the required minimum height of six feet (6') within two (2) years of planting.

      2.   Rear Yards: When a nonresidential property is adjacent to a rear yard of a residential property, a continuous landscape buffer shall be maintained to a minimum height of six feet (6').

      3.   Adjustment For Open Space Buffers: When a side or rear yard building setback for a nonresidential property exceeds fifty feet (50'), an adjustment to the required perimeter landscaping may be made as determined appropriate by the manager of building administration.

      4.   Fencing: A fence can be constructed in lieu of a landscaped buffer when determined appropriate by the manager of building administration. In determining the appropriateness of a fence, the manager of building administration will consider the hardship in meeting the requirements of subsections E1 and E2 of this section; site constraints; height of the fence; materials of the fence; and, testimony of adjacent property owners.

   F.   Parking Lot Landscaping: All parking lots designed for ten (10) or more parking spaces shall provide landscaping in accordance with the provisions of this section.

      1.   Ground Cover: Except where occupied by planting beds and trees, all landscaping areas shall be sodded or seeded with turf grass.

      2.   Prohibited: Thorny trees, shrubs and bushes are prohibited within the parking lot.

      3.   Automobile Encroachments: All landscaping provided in accordance with this section shall be protected against damage by motor vehicles.

      4.   Maintenance: The plantings, walls, fences, or berms that constitute a buffer must be properly maintained in order for the buffer to fulfill the purpose for which it is established. All responsible parties, where a buffer is required shall be jointly responsible for the maintenance of all buffer materials. Such maintenance shall include all actions necessary to keep the landscaped area free of litter and debris, to keep plantings healthy and orderly in appearance, and to keep fences, walls, and berms in good repair and neat appearance.

         a.   Continuing Conformance Required: The premises shall be maintained in conformance with the approved plan until an alternate plan has been submitted to the manager of building administration, approved in writing, and implemented by the responsible party.

Exception: Annual plants of similar species, effect, or appropriate appearance may be substituted in locations where other annual plants have been specified.

         b.   Maintenance Required:

            (1)   Removed, Damaged, Dead, Dying, Or Diseased Items: Items or materials that are removed, damaged, dead, dying, diseased, or otherwise not in good condition or in conformance with the approved plan shall be repaired or replaced within fourteen (14) days of such removal, loss, damage or identification of disease.

            (2)   Weeds And Noxious Plants Prohibited: The premises shall be kept free of weeds and noxious plants. Turf grass shall be maintained at a height equal to or less than the maximum allowed in the city of Countryside codes and ordinances.

      5.   Interior Landscaping: A concrete curbed parking lot landscaped area (landscaped islands) shall be located at the end of each row of parking, and disperse treatment throughout the lot at a frequency of not to be less than one landscaped area for every fifteen (15) parking spaces in a row.

         a.   Area Of Landscaped Island: Not less than ten percent (10%) of the interior of the parking lot shall be devoted to landscaping. Landscaped islands shall be a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) square feet in area and a minimum of eight feet (8') in width, as measured from back of curb to back of curb.

         b.   Type Of Landscape Material: One shade tree of a minimum of three inches (3") in diameter as measured six inches (6") above the established ground level shall be provided for each one hundred eighty (180) square feet of landscaped island. A minimum of seventy five percent (75%) of every landscaped island shall be planted with live plant material, such as shrubs, ornamental trees, ground cover or turf grass to a maximum height of thirty inches (30") at maturity. The remaining area of the landscaped island shall be covered with approved mulch.

         c.   Visibility: To ensure proper visibility within the parking lot, shrubs shall be no greater than thirty inches (30") in height and the branches of trees shall start no less than six feet (6') above the pavement.

      6.   Perimeter Parking Lot Landscaping: Perimeter parking lot landscaping shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of this section.

         a.   Area: A minimum five foot (5') wide landscape area shall be provided around that part of the perimeter of all parking lots which abut another parcel or right of way.

         b.   Concrete Curbs: All parking lots shall have concrete curbs around the perimeter.

      7.   Front And Corner Side Yards Of Parking Areas:

         a.   Across From Residential Property: Where any part of a parking lot is located across a dedicated public right of way from property zoned for residential use, continuous landscaping shall be provided across one hundred percent (100%) of the parking lot's front perimeter, exclusive of driveways to a minimum height of three feet (3'). Such landscaping shall consist of shrubbery or ornamental trees which through their arrangement along with any landforms, create the desired screen.

         b.   Across From Nonresidential Property: Where any part of a parking lot is located across a dedicated public right of way from property zoned for nonresidential use, landscaping shall be provided across seventy five percent (75%) of the parking lot's front perimeter, exclusive of driveways, to a minimum height of three feet (3'). Such landscaping shall consist of shrubbery or ornamental trees which through their arrangement along with any landforms, create the desired screen.

         c.   Method Of Determination: For the purposes of this section only, the property parcel "across" and the lines formed by the edge of the paving shall be hypothetically extended to the center of the public right of way.

            (1)   Extensions shall be drawn perpendicular to the centerline of the public right of way.

            (2)   Parking lot line extensions shall be drawn to include the entire paved area of the lot, exclusive of driveways into the public way, sidewalks or paved areas designated solely for pedestrian use.

            (3)   Property extensions shall originate at the corner points of the parcel where the property line meets the public right of way.

            (4)   The extensions shall form two (2) shapes along the centerline of the public right of way; one representing the parking lot frontage, and the other representing the parcel frontage.

            (5)   If the figures are contiguous at any point, the parking lot shall be considered to be across from the parcel.

      8.   Rear And Interior Side Yards Of Parking Areas:

         a.   Abutting Residential Property: Where a parking lot abuts a property zoned for residential use, a solid wood fence, wall, or comparable barrier shall be provided across one hundred percent (100%) of the parking lot's perimeter to a minimum height of six feet (6'). In addition to this fence/barrier, continuous landscaping shall be provided across one hundred percent (100%) of the parking lot's perimeter, exclusive of driveways to a minimum height of four feet (4') at installation with buffer shall reach the required minimum height of six feet (6') within two (2) years of planting. Such landscaping shall consist of shrubbery or ornamental trees which through their arrangement along with any landforms, create the desired screen. All landscape materials will be located on the nonresidential side of the fence/barrier. A minimum yard depth of five feet (5') shall be maintained.

         b.   Abutting Nonresidential Property: Where a parking lot abuts a property zoned for nonresidential use, landscaping shall be provided across fifty percent (50%) of the parking lot to a minimum height of thirty inches (30"). Shade trees of a minimum of three inches (3") in diameter as measured six inches (6") above the established ground level shall be spaced at the equivalent of not more than seventy feet (70') apart along that portion of the parking lot abutting the nonresidential property, exclusive of access drives, perpendicular to the lot lines.

      9.   Auto Dealerships: Areas utilized for the parking of inventory for motor vehicle sales are exempt from the requirements of this section. (Ord. 06-12-0, 3-22-2006)

TABLE 1
RECOMMENDED SPECIES

Ash, blue

Ash, green

Ash, white

Bald cypress

Beech, American

Beech, European

Buckeye, Ohio

Cherry, black

Coffeetree, Kentucky

Elm, regal

Filbert, Turkish

Ginko (male only)

Hackberry, common

Hickory, bitternut

Hickory, shagbark

Honey locust (thornless)

Hornbeam, European

Horsechestnut, common

Larch, common

Linden, littleleaf

Linden, redmond

Linden, silver

Maple, black

Maple, Freeman

Maple, red

Maple, sugar

Oak, bur

Oak, English

Oak, pin

Oak, red

Oak, swamp white

Oak, white

Pear, flowering

Tulip tree

Zelkova, Japanese

Alder, European black

Birch, river

Birch, white

Buckeye, red

Chokecherry, common

Corktree, American

Crabapple, flowering

Dogwood, kousa

Fringetree, white

Hawthorn, cockspur

Hawthorn, Washington

Hophornbeam, American

Hoptree, common

Hornbeam, American

Magnolia, saucer

Magnolia, star

Maple, amur

Maple, hedge

Maple, miyabi

Maple, tartarian

Pagoda tree, Japanese

Plum, wild

Redbud, eastern

Serviceberry, allegheny

Serviceberry, apple

Serviceberry, downy

Serviceberry, saskatoon

Tree lilac, Japanese

Douglas fir

Pine, Austrian

Pine, eastern white

Pine, Japanese white

Pine, scotch

Spruce, Colorado

Spruce, Norway

Spruce, Serbian

Spruce, white

Arborvitae

Hemlock, Canadian

Juniper, upright

Amorpha, indigobush

Burning bush

Buttonbush, common

Clethra, summersweet

Cotoneaster, hedge

Cotoneaster, many flowered

Cotoneaster, peking

Cotoneaster, spreading

Dogwood, comelian cherry

Dogwood, gray

Dogwood, pagoda

Dogwood, redosier

Dogwood, tatarian

Elderberry

Filbert, American

Filbert, Turkish

Forsythia, border

Forsythia, greenstem

Hydrangea, panical

Lilac

Ninebark, common

Sumac, smooth

Sumac, staghorn

Tamarix, five stamen

Viburnum, American cranberry

Viburnum, arrowwood

Viburnum, blackhaw

Viburnum, burkwood

Viburnum, European cranberry

Viburnum, lantanaphyllum

Viburnum, nannyberry

Viburnum, wayfaringtree

Weigela, old fashioned

Winterberry, common

Witchhazel, common

Witchhazel, vernal

Boxwood

Boxwood, common

Boxwood, littleleaf

Juniper, Chinese

Juniper, creeping

Juniper, japgarden

Pine, mugo

Rhododendron

Yew, dense

Alpine currant

Barberry, Japanese

Barberry, mentor

Bayberry

Chokeberry, black

Chokeberry, red

Cotoneaster, cranberry

Cotoneaster, creeping

Cotoneaster, rockspray

Forsythia, greenstem

Hydrangea, annabelle

Lilac, meyer

Lilac, miss kim

New Jersey tea

Rose

Serviceberry, running

St. johnswort, kalm

St. johnswort, shrubby

Stephanandra, cutleaf

Sumac, gro low

Viburnum, compact American cranberry

Viburnum, dwarf Korean

Viburnum, judd

Viburnum, sargent

Ajuga

Barren strawberry

Boston ivy

Clematis

Common periwinkle

Fleeceflower

Ginger, wild

Hydrangea, climbing

Pachysandra, Japanese

Purpleleaf wintercreeper

Sedum

Virginia creeper

(Ord. 06-12-0, 3-22-2006)

It shall be the duty of the city council, or its delegated enforcement officer, to enforce the requirements of the requirements. He may call upon any other department or official of the city to furnish him with such information or assistance as he may deem necessary for the observance or enforcement of the requirements, and it shall be the duty of such other departments or officials to furnish such information or assistance when requested. (Ord. 06-12-0, 3-22-2006)