Des Plaines City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 10
LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
12-10-1: PURPOSE:
The landscaping and screening requirements established herein are intended to preserve and enhance the appearance, character, health, safety, and general welfare of the community by fostering aesthetically pleasing development. The regulations are intended to increase the compatibility of adjacent uses, and minimize the adverse impact of noise, dust, motor vehicle headlight glare or other artificial light intrusions, and other objectionable activities or impacts conducted on or created by adjoining or neighboring uses. The regulations are also intended to promote the prudent use of water and energy resources. (Ord. Z-8-20, 2-18-2020)
12-10-2: ENFORCEMENT OF LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS:
A. Wherever a landscape plan is required by this title, such plan shall become an integral part of any building permit application.
B. No building permit shall be issued without first obtaining approval of a required landscape plan by the Director of Community and Economic Development or his/her designee.
C. Failure to implement an approved landscape plan shall be deemed a violation of this title and subject to the procedures of Chapter 4
, “Enforcement and Penalties”, of this title. (Ord. Z-8-20, 2-18-2020)
12-10-3: LANDSCAPE PLAN:
A. Landscape Plan Required: A landscape plan shall be required for any development or redevelopment that requires site plan review pursuant to section 12-3-2
, “Site Plan Review”, of this title. Such landscape plan shall be prepared in conformance with subsections B and C of this section.
B. Content of Landscape Plan: All landscape plans shall contain the following information:
1. The location and dimensions of all existing and proposed structures, property lines, easements, parking lots and drives, roadways and rights-of-way, sidewalks, ground signs, refuse disposal and recycling areas, fences, freestanding electrical equipment, tot lots and other recreational facilities, and other freestanding structural features as determined necessary by the Zoning Administrator;
2. The location, quantity, size and name, both botanical and common names, of all existing plant materials, including trees and other material in the right-of-way, and indicating plant material to be retained and removed;
3. The location, quantity, size (where applicable) and name, both botanical and common names, of all proposed plant material including, but not limited to, shade trees, shrubs, ground cover, annuals/perennials and turf;
4. Existing and proposed grading of the site indicating contours at two-foot intervals. Proposed berming shall be indicated using one foot contour intervals;
5. Elevations of all fences and retaining walls proposed for location on the site;
6. The contact information for the landscape architect, architect, and/or other contractor that prepared the landscape plan or that will perform the landscape work.
7. Information regarding the property information including, without limitation, the street address and zoning district.
C. Size and Scale of Landscape Plan: The landscape plan, and all other design diagrams submitted as part of the landscape plan, must be legible and drawn to the same scale as used to prepare the Site Plan. (Ord. Z-8-20, 2-18-2020)
12-10-4: SELECTION, INSTALLATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF PLANT MATERIALS:
A. Selection of Plant Material: New planting materials must be:
1. Of good quality, and capable of withstanding the climate extremes of northeastern Illinois, as well as, an individual site’s microclimate.
2. Of appropriate size and density, both at the time of planting and at maturity, to conform to the Design Guidelines set forth in Section 12-10-5
of this title.
3. Preferably drought tolerant. A list of recommended plans can be found in the Des Plaines Planting Guide maintained by the Department of Community and Economic Development.
4. Salt tolerant for landscaping near streets and other rights of way. A list of recommended plants can be found in the Des Plaines Planting Guide maintained by the Department of Community and Economic Development.
5. In conformance with the Prohibited Plants section of the Des Plaines Planting Guide maintained by the Department of Community and Economic Development.
B. Installation of Plant Materials:
1. All landscaping materials shall be installed in conformance with the Design Standards set forth in Section 12-10-5
and the current planting procedures established by the American Association of Nurserymen before a Final Certificate of Occupancy can be can be issued by the City.
2. Minimum Plant Size:
a. Shade Trees: All shade trees shall have a minimum trunk size of two and one half inches in caliper at time of planting, unless otherwise specified.
b. Shrubs:
i. All shrubs, except parkway shrubs, shall have minimum height of eight inches at planting and a maximum height of four feet at maturity.
ii. Parkway shrubs shall have no minimum height at planting but shall have a maximum height of 36 inches at maturity.
3. The installation of all plant material required by this chapter may be delayed until the next optimal planting season, as determined by the zoning administrator.
4. All landscaping installed within a ten-foot vision triangle, must not exceed three feet in height at any time. The ten-foot vision triangle shall be measured starting from the outermost tip of the back of the curb at the intersection, then projecting towards the private property lines at 45-degree angles.
C. Bond Required. When the installation of landscaping is delayed due to inclement weather, a bond is required pursuant to Section 10-13-3
prior to Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
D. Maintenance:
1. All landscaping materials and structures, including plantings, fences, walls, and other barriers, shall be maintained in good condition free of refuse and debris so as to present a healthy, safe, and orderly appearance.
2. The owner of the property shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of all failed landscaping materials and structures. When necessary, plant material shall be replaced with a plant of equal type, size and quantity to those depicted on the approved landscape plan.
3. Irrigation systems shall be maintained in good operating condition to promote the health of the plant materials and the conservation of water. A license agreement is required before an irrigation system is installed pursuant to Section 8-5-2. (Ord. Z-8-20, 2-18-2020)
12-10-5: DESIGN GUIDELINES:
A. Landscape Area Design Guidelines:
1. Evergreens: Evergreens should be incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site, particularly in those areas where screening and buffer is required.
2. Planting Beds: Planting beds should be mulched with bark chips, feather rocks, or similar materials. Mulch shall not be used as a substitute for plant materials.
3. Domestic Turf Grasses: Domestic turf grasses should be used in areas with little or no slope to prevent the runoff of irrigation water.
4. Deciduous trees should be placed on the south and west sides of buildings to provide shade from the summer sun.
5. Evergreens and other plant materials should be concentrated on the north and west sides of buildings to dissipate the effect of winter winds.
B. Site Design Guidelines:
1. Scale and Nature of Landscaping Material: The scale and nature of landscaping materials shall be appropriate to the size of the structures. Large scaled buildings, for example, should generally be complemented by larger scaled plants.
2. Softening Of Walls And Fences: Plant material should be placed intermittently against long expanses of building walls, fences, and other barriers to create a softening effect.
3. Detention/Retention Basins And Ponds:
a. Detention/retention basins and ponds shall be designed and landscaped in accordance with Article 5 of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Technical Guidance Manual and Waste Water Management Ordinance.
b. Such landscaping should include shade and ornamental trees, evergreens, shrubbery, hedges, turf, ground cover and/or other plant materials as required by other government agencies.
4. Water Conservation: Landscape design pursuant to the requirements of this chapter must recognize the need for water conservation. While sprinkler irrigation systems are required for certain landscape areas, and may be desirable for other applications, all irrigation systems shall be designed to minimize the use of water.
5. Energy Conservation: Plant material placement should be designed to reduce the energy consumption needs of the development.
6. Preservation of Existing Plant Material: Existing plant material should be incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site. Effort should be made to preserve and protect existing trees with trunk diameters in excess of twelve inches. Construction equipment and personnel should be kept away from such trees and their root systems by the installation of fencing materials at the tree’s drip line.
7. Berming: Earthen berms and existing topographic features should be incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site whenever determined practical by the zoning administrator, particularly when combined with plant material to facilitate screening. (Ord. Z-8-20, 2-18-2020)
12-10-6: MINIMUM LANDSCAPING OF YARDS:
A. Turf: For all zoning lots, areas of the property not covered by structures or impervious surfaces shall be landscaped with turf, wood mulch, or other plant materials. Rocks and stone mulch are not permitted.
B. Trees: Shade trees with a minimum trunk size of two and one-half inches in caliper shall be provided for all zoning lots at a rate of one tree for every 2,500 square feet of yard.
C. Minor Variation: Public utility uses may request relief from this subsection through a minor variation pursuant to Section 12-3-6 of this title. (Ord. Z-8-98, 9-21-1998; amd. Ord. Z-8-20, 2-18-2020; Ord. Z-23-25, 8-18-2025)
12-10-7: PARKWAY LANDSCAPING:
A. Applicability: The following requirements shall apply to landscaping located within a parkway, as defined in Section 8-6-1
, adjoining the property.
B. Parkway Trees:
1. Location And Spacing: Parkway trees shall be planted in conformance with Section 8-4-1
of the Des Plaines Municipal Ordinance.
2. Species:
a. Trees installed within the parkway shall be of an appropriate species based on the specific site or development. A list of recommended parkway trees can be found in the Des Plaines Planting Guide maintained by the Department of Community and Economic Development.
b. The selection of tree species shall be reviewed and approved by the zoning administrator.
c. No evergreen trees or fruit-bearing trees shall be installed within the parkway.
3. Maintenance: Parkway trees shall be trimmed and maintained in accordance with Section 8-4-3 to avoid obstructions and safety concerns within the public rights-of-way.
C. Parkway Ground Surface Materials and Plantings:
1. Turf: Turf is permitted in all parkways and is recommended on slope grades up to 50 percent (2 horizontal: 1 vertical). Turf is not recommended on slopes greater than 50 percent.
2. Groundcover: Groundcover is permitted in all parkways but shall not exceed 24 inches in height at maturity.
3. Shrubs: Shrubs are permitted in all parkways but shall not exceed 36 inches in height at maturity. Shrubs should be installed so as not to obstruct or frustrate the use of sidewalks or on-street parking areas.
4. Driveways and Walkways: Driveways and walkways are permitted in parkways provided that these improvements conform with all applicable City Code regulations.
5. Prohibited Materials: Materials prohibited in parkways include brick pavers, gravel, asphalt, and concrete except approved materials for driveways and walkways pursuant to Section .
D. Public Right-of-Way Landscape Planters:
1. Applicability: The following items shall apply to newly constructed buildings on properties within the C-5 Central Business District where the building setback on the front elevation is zero feet or as otherwise required by the zoning administrator.
2. License Agreement: A license agreement, in accordance with Title 8, Chapter 5
of this title, is required prior to the of all landscape planters within city rights-of-way.
3. Landscape Planter Specifications: Landscape planter boxes shall be at least 18-inches in height and of a sufficient width to cover at least 25% of street-facing elevations.
4. Landscape Planter Location: Landscape planter boxes must be located within the portion of the right-of-way directly adjoining the lot frontage. Landscape planter boxes must be located at least five feet away from the curb of any roadway.
5. Live Green Wall Alternative: As an alternative to providing landscape planters, live green walls may be provided on street-facing elevations from the ground to eight-feet in height for a horizontal distance of 25% of the street-facing elevation or a combination of landscape planters and live green walls may be utilized. (Ord. Z-8-20, 2-18-2020)
12-10-8: PARKING LOT LANDSCAPING:
A. Applicability: All parking lots designed for ten or more parking spaces shall provide landscaping in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Parking lots designed for less than ten parking spaces shall provide landscaping as may be deemed appropriate by the zoning administrator.
1. Interior Parking Lot Landscaping: Not less than five percent of the interior of a parking lot shall be devoted to landscaping. Landscaped areas located along the perimeter of a parking lot beyond the curb or edge of pavement of the lot shall not be counted toward the satisfaction of this requirement.
2. Landscaped Areas: The landscaped areas defined in subsection B.1 of this section, shall be improved as follows:
Location and Design Standards: | |
Interior parking lot landscaping areas must be improved with curb and gutter and shall be raised at least six inches above the surface of the parking lot. Landscape areas shall be located at the end of every parking row and after each 30 spaces within a row. Additional landscaping shall be dispersed throughout the parking lot in a design and configuration that aesthetically corresponds to the size and shape of the parking lot. | |
Clustering of landscaping areas should be considered when possible. | |
Size: | |
Interior parking lot landscaping areas shall be a minimum of 100 square feet in area and shall be a minimum of eight feet in width, as measured from back of curb to back of curb. | |
Landscape Material: | |
Type: The primary plant materials used in parking lots shall be shade tree species in conformance sections 12-10-4 and 12-10-5 of this chapter. Ornamental trees, shrubbery, hedges, and other plant materials may only be used to supplement the shade tree plantings. | |
Quantity: One shade tree shall be provided for every one hundred square feet of landscaping area. | |
Ground Cover: A minimum of 50 percent of every interior parking lot landscaping area shall be planted with an approved ground cover in the appropriate density to achieve complete cover within two years. Mulch may be substituted for other ground cover if it is applied to 100 percent of the landscaping area at a thickness of at least two inches. | |
B. Perimeter Parking Lot Landscaping:
1. Purpose: Perimeter parking lot landscaping for all zoning lots is to provide for the enhancement of parking lots by requiring a uniform scheme of landscaping along public streets.
2. Applicability: Perimeter landscaping is required for parking lots with ten or more spaces and located within a required yard and/or within 20 feet of a lot line.
3. Landscape Area: Where perimeter landscaping is required, it shall comply with the following requirements:
Location: | |
A perimeter landscape area shall be established along the end of the parking lot that is within a required yard and/or within 20 feet of a lot line. | |
Size: | |
The perimeter landscape area shall at least five feet in width, as measured from the back of the parking lot curb and excluding any parking space overhang area. | |
Required Improvements: | |
Shade Trees: One tree for every 40 feet of perimeter landscape area length. Trees may be clustered based on specific site requirements. | |
Shrubs: One shrub, measuring a minimum of 18 inches at planting and not to exceed four feet at maturity, for every three feet of perimeter landscape area length, clustered or spaced linearly as determined by the zoning administrator. The landscape treatment shall run the full length of the parking lot area when abutting a residential use and 75 percent of the yard when abutting a nonresidential use. | |
Ground Cover: Landscaped area outside of shrub masses shall be planted in turf or other ground cover approved by the zoning administrator. (Ord. Z-8-20, 2-18-2020) | |
12-10-9: LANDSCAPE BUFFERS:
A. Applicability: The regulations of this section shall establish the dimensions and improvement requirements of landscape buffers as required for transitions between uses.
B. General Restrictions:
1. Landscape buffers shall be reserved for the planting of material and installation of fencing as required within this section.
3. Landscape buffers may contain a pedestrian connection between abutting districts provided that the proposed connection meets the requirements set forth in Section 12-3-2
of this title.
4. Landscape buffers may be located within required yards or required landscape yards as established in the applicable district regulations.
5. Where both landscape buffers and parking lot landscaping is required, the more restrictive shall apply.
C. Size And Improvement Of Landscape Buffers: The size and required improvement of landscape buffers shall be as follows:
R-3 Townhouse Residential, R-4 Central Core Residential, Or MH-1 Mobile Home Park Districts: | |
Buffer Width: Where a multiple-family or mobile home park development abuts a single- or two-family residential district or use, a landscape buffer a minimum of five feet in width shall be provided. | |
Buffer Improvements: The landscape buffer shall include a solid wood, vinyl, or masonry fence, not exceeding six feet in height. The remaining landscape buffer area not covered by the fence shall be maintained as turf or other ground cover. | |
C-1 And C-2 Commercial Districts: | |
Buffer Width: Where a lot in the C-1 neighborhood shopping district or C-2 limited office commercial district abuts a residential district or use, a landscape buffer a minimum of five feet in width shall be provided. | |
Buffer Improvements: The landscape buffer shall include the following improvements: | |
1. Shade trees, a minimum of two and one-half inches in caliper, shall be planted on an average of one tree for every 30 feet of the yard length. | |
2. A solid wood, vinyl, or masonry fence eight feet in height shall be erected along one 100 percent of the yard length | |
3. The remaining landscape buffer area not planted with trees shall be maintained as turf or other ground cover. | |
C-3 and C-4 Commercial, M-1, M-2 Or M-3 Manufacturing Districts:
| |
Buffer Width: Where a lot in the C-3 general commercial district, C-4 regional shopping, M-1 limited manufacturing district, M-2 general manufacturing district, or M-3 special manufacturing district abuts a residential district or use, a landscape buffer a minimum of five feet in width shall be provided.
| |
Buffer Improvements: The landscape buffer shall contain the following improvements: | |
1. Shade trees, a minimum of two and one-half inches in caliper, shall be planted on an average of one tree for every 30 feet of the yard length. | |
2. A solid wood, vinyl, or masonry fence eight feet in height shall be erected along one 100 percent of the yard length | |
3. The landscape buffer area not planted with trees shall be maintained as turf or other ground cover. | |
I-1 Institutional District: | |
Buffer Width: Where an I-1 institutional district abuts a residential district or use, a landscape buffer a minimum of five feet in width shall be provided. | |
1. Buffer Improvements: The landscape buffer shall contain the following improvements: Shade trees, a minimum of two and one-half inches in caliper, shall be planted on an average of one tree for every 30 feet of the yard length. | |
2. A solid wood, vinyl, or masonry fence eight feet in height shall be erected along one 100 percent of the yard length | |
3. The Landscape buffer area not planted with trees shall be maintained as turf or other ground cover. (Ord. Z-8-20, 2-18-2020; amd. Ord. Z-32-23, 11-20-2023) | |
12-10-10: FOUNDATION LANDSCAPING:
A. Applicability: For all new construction in the city, landscaping shall be installed and maintained along the foundation of all structures constructed after March 20, 2020.
B. Minimum Foundation landscaping area: Foundation planting requirements apply to landscaping at full maturity.
1. Interior lots: All interior lots shall be improved with a minimum landscape area around 25% of the foundation of the principal structures with emphasis on street-facing elevations.
2. Corner lots: All corner lots shall be improved with a minimum landscape area around 35% of the foundation of the principal and accessory structures with emphasis on street-facing elevations.
3. All foundation landscaping areas shall project at least three feet from the building elevation.
C. Relocation of displaced landscaping: When foundation landscaping is removed for the purpose of installing pavement or other non-permeable surface, the displaced landscaping shall be replanted elsewhere on site.
D. Minor Variation: A variation from the strict application of these provisions may be sought pursuant to Section 12-3-6
(E), “Minor Variations”, of this title. (Ord. Z-8-20, 2-18-2020)
12-10-11: SCREENING OF REFUSE DISPOSAL DUMPSTERS, MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AND LOADING BERTHS:
A. Refuse Disposal Dumpsters: Refuse disposal dumpsters in all zoning districts shall be screened on all sides by a solid wood or masonry fence to a height of not less than six feet but not more than eight feet; provided, however, this requirement shall not apply to recycling containers and devices.
B. Mechanical Equipment: Locating mechanical equipment within the principal structure is strongly encouraged in order to minimize exterior visual impacts. Mechanical equipment may be installed on the exterior of a building subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
1. Applicability: Mechanical equipment must be screened when new equipment is installed on the exterior of commercial, industrial, and institutional developments, or residential developments with more than four dwelling units. Screening is not be required when replacing an existing, non-screened rooftop mechanical equipment in the same location with a new unit that is either as tall as, or shorter than, the existing equipment. Routine maintenance of unscreened mechanical equipment may be performed without prompting the mandatory screening requirements.
2. Mechanical Equipment Installed On The Ground: Mechanical equipment installed on the ground shall be screened on all sides.
a. Required Height: An enclosure shall completely screen the mechanical equipment from public view and extend to a height of not less than the maximum height of the mechanical equipment installed, including the height of any concrete pad or base where the mechanical equipment is installed.
b. Required Landscaping: The enclosure shall be fully screened by a minimum 3-foot-wide landscape bed with planting material proportionate to the required height of the enclosure consisting of a combination of perennials and shrubs.
c. Materials: The enclosure must be constructed of masonry, concrete, or solid wood of a color compatible with the principal structure. Additional considerations, including the installation of noise dampening materials, may be required to reduce noise levels generated from large mechanical equipment and minimize impact to surrounding properties pursuant to Section 6-2-7 .
3. Rooftop-Installed Mechanical Equipment
a. Required Height: All rooftop mechanical equipment (except as required by this code for venting) must be hidden so as not to be viewed from six feet (6') above ground level from any adjacent property line or from the sidewalk on the opposite of side of any abutting street. A sight line diagram may be required to determine equipment is adequately screened.
b. Screening Materials: Screening must be continuous, permanent, sound attenuating and noncombustible and a color and material compatible with the principal structure. In order to comply with Section 6-2-7 of this Code, additional considerations, including the installation of noise dampening materials, may be required to reduce noise levels generated from large mechanical equipment and minimize impact to surrounding properties.
4. Minor Variation: A variation from the strict application of these provisions may be sought pursuant to Section 12-3-6E, "Minor Variations", of this title.
C. Loading Berths:
1. Loading berths in all zoning districts shall be screened as much as possible while still allowing access to the use it is serving unless exempt from this provision by the Zoning Administrator.
2. Such screening shall consist of a solid wood or masonry fence to a height of not less than six feet but not more than eight feet or a continuous evergreen or dense deciduous shrub hedge or a combination of the two. (Ord. Z-8-20, 2-18-2020; amd. Ord. Z-19-24, 9-16-2024)
12-10-12: CHANGES TO APPROVED LANDSCAPE PLANS:
A. Any change to or deviation from an approved landscape plan shall require the approval of the zoning administrator. Changes which do not conform to this chapter shall be subject to the procedures for a variance as established in section 12-3-6
, “Variations”, of this title.
B. Landscape improvements made to a lot that are not in conformance with an approved landscape plan shall be a violation of this title and subject to the procedures of chapter 4
, “Enforcement And Penalties”, of this title. (Ord. Z-8-20, 2-18-2020)