Landscaping is necessary for the protection and enhancement of the environment and for the continued vitality of all land uses in the Village. The intent of this Section is to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by establishing minimum standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of landscape improvement. The requirements of this article are intended to help achieve several functional and environmental objectives such as:

A.

To improve the local environment by controlling soil erosion, moderating harsh or unpleasant sounds, removing air pollutants, controlling light trespass and reflection, moderating winds, and the effects of climate, and promoting stormwater infiltration thereby helping to prevent flooding.

B.

To encourage the preservation of existing trees and vegetation;

C.

To provide visual buffering and enhance the beautification of the Village;

D.

To reduce the physical impact between adjacent land uses by requiring complementary landscape treatments and providing a transitional area adjacent to natural areas;

A.

The requirements set forth in this Article shall apply to all uses, lots, sites, and parcels that are subject to be reviewed in accordance with Article 8, Site Plan Review Procedures and Requirements.

B.

Where landscaping is required, a building permit shall not be issued until the required landscape plan is submitted and approved, in accordance with the Article 8 Site Plan Review Procedures and Requirements. A certificate of occupancy shall not be issued unless provisions set forth in this Article have been met or a performance bond has been posted in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Article.

C.

The Planning Commission, Zoning Enforcement Officer, or Village Manager (or designee) may determine that there exist unique circumstances that would prevent the installation of all or a portion of the required site landscaping, greenbelts, buffer zones, and parking lot landscaping or detention/retention basin landscaping requirements.

1.

A determination to modify landscape requirements shall be made based upon the following:

a.

Topography;

b.

Existing woodlands, wetland, floodplain, drainage conditions and poor soils;

c.

Types and distance to adjacent land uses;

d.

Dimensional conditions unique to the parcel;

e.

Provision of adequate sight distances/clearance for motorists and pedestrians;

f.

Health, safety, and welfare of the Village;

g.

Clearance from overhead utility lines and separation from underground utilities;

h.

Accessibility to fire hydrants.

2.

In circumstances where landscape requirements result in a reduction in landscaping, the applicant shall be required to incorporate at least one (1) of the following elements in the landscape plan:

a.

Use of creative design (including reforestation plans, see Section 19.03);

b.

Use of larger plant material (see Section 19.03);

c.

Payment in lieu of installation (see Section 14.08).

D.

In any case, where the building and/or parking area is being increased by at least twenty-five (25%) percent over the originally approved site plan, or is being changed to a more intense use, as determined by the Planning Commission, Zoning Enforcement Officer or Village Manager (or designee), the site shall be brought into full compliance with the landscape standards herein. The change in use intensity shall consider factors such as parking required, amount of traffic generated, maximum building occupancy or change to a different use category in the Building Code.

A.

Minimum Requirements. The requirements contained in this Article are considered the minimum necessary to achieve the intent of this Article, but nothing herein shall preclude the use of more extensive landscaping to further improve the function, appearance, and value of the property.

B.

Landscape Plan Review Required. A separate detailed landscape plan shall be submitted as part of the preliminary site plan review, preliminary condominium/site condominium and final preliminary plat approval process.

C.

Registered Landscape Architect Required. Landscape plans shall be signed and sealed by a registered landscape architect.

D.

Required Information. The landscape plan shall demonstrate that all requirements of this Article are met and shall include the following information:

1.

Illustrate location, spacing, species, size, and root type of proposed plant material;

2.

Separately identify compliance with the minimum numeric requirements (rounded up) for site landscaping, greenbelts, buffer zones, parking lot landscaping, and detention/retention ponds;

3.

Provide typical cross sections to illustrate views from adjacent land uses, and the slope, height, and width of proposed berms or landscape elements;

4.

Provide a tree survey which denotes all trees with a caliper of greater than four (4) inches or eight (8) feet tall and other landscape elements to be preserved;

5.

Identification of existing wetlands, forested areas, trees, and vegetative cover;

6.

Delineate the location of tree protection fencing at the perimeter of areas that are to be preserved. The protective fencing shall be located no closer than the drip line of the trees, and a detail of all such fencing shall be provided on the plans;

7.

Provide construction details to resolve specific conditions such as limits of grading adjacent to areas with trees and vegetative cover to be preserved, tree wells to preserve existing trees or culverts to maintain natural drainage patterns;

8.

Provide details to ensure proper installation and establishment of proposed plant material;

9.

Identify grass areas, mulch areas and other methods of pervious ground cover; and

10.

Identify a landscape maintenance program including statement that all diseased. damaged or dead materials shall be replaced in accordance with the requirements of this Article.

To the extent practical, preservation of existing vegetation shall be incorporated in landscape plans in accordance with Section 19.03.

A.

General site landscaping. In addition to any required screening, front greenbelt, foundation landscaping and/or parking lot landscaping required by this section, twenty-five (25%) percent of the site area, excluding existing public road right-of-way, or private road easement shall be landscaped. Such site landscaping shall include preservation of existing plant material, grass, ground cover, trees, shrubs and/or other living plant material, but shall not be solely grass. When meeting general site landscaping requirements, particular attention shall be paid to such site elements as transformers, mechanical equipment, ground sign bases and entry ways.

B.

Street Trees. All parcels or lots with frontage on public streets shall be landscaped with the equivalent of one (1) tree for every forty (40) lineal feet, or fraction thereof. Such street trees shall be located within the street right-of-way, said trees shall meet the minimum size requirements set forth in subsection 14.06.B of this section and shall be an appropriate species for a street environment. The Planning Commission, Zoning Enforcement Officer, Village Manager (or designee) may determine that existing trees which are preserved within the road right-of-way or easement may meet all or a portion of the street tree requirement.

C.

Buffer Zones between land uses.

1.

A landscape buffer shall be required to create a visual screen at least six (6) feet in height along all adjoining boundaries whenever a non-residential use or a residential use of higher density abuts residentially zoned property. A landscape buffer may consist of earthen berms and plant materials, or plant materials only, so as to maintain a minimum opacity of at least eighty (80%) percent. Opacity shall be measured by observation of any two (2) square yard area of landscape screen between one (1) foot above the established grade of the area to be concealed and the top or the highest point of the required screen. Provided the minimum size of plant material as set forth in subsection 14.06.B of this Section at the time of installation, the opacity standard shall be met based upon reasonably anticipated growth over a period of three (3) years. At the time of the initial planting, the applicant shall agree in writing to install additional plantings after the expiration of three (3) years in the event that the landscaping has not screened the view of areas as required.

2.

Where there is a need to provide a greater visual, noise or dust barrier or to screen more intense development, a solid wall, fence or berm or combination thereof may be required by the Planning Commission, Zoning Enforcement Officer or Village Manager (or designee). Such wall or fence shall be a minimum of six (6) feet in height, or up to an eight (8) foot berm and/or wall within the commercial and industrial districts, as measured on the side of the proposed wall having the higher grade and shall be constructed on both sides with textured concrete, split-face concrete block, wood, brick, or stone. Precast panels and formed concrete structures may be used if they provide surface detail and texture equal to or greater than, the materials just named. The location may be modified by the Planning Commission, Zoning Enforcement Officer or Village Manager (or designee) upon recommendation of the Village Engineer due to unique circumstances, such as conflicts with underground utilities and better screening provided at alternative locations. In addition, a minimum of one (1) tree and six (6) shrubs meeting the minimum size requirements set forth in subsection 14.06.B of this section shall be planted adjacent to and for each thirty (30) lineal feet of wall or fence.

3.

Any zoning district or use adjacent to the US-23 right of way shall be required a buffer width of no less than fifty (50) feet alone the property line. This buffer area shall include one (1) canopy tree per each thirty (30) linear feet, and two (2) evergreen trees per each twenty (20) liner feet. Furthermore, a berm and/or masonry wall may be required in place of the buffer when deemed necessary by Planning Commission, Zoning Enforcement Officer or Village Manager (or designee) to meet the intent of Section 14.05.C.

D.

Parking lot landscaping.

1.

Interior areas. Each separate landscaped area within a parking lot shall be adequately planted and maintained and shall be located in such a manner as to promote the following: divide and break up the expanse of pavement; define parking areas; designate vehicular circulation; and separate parking lots from off-street parking. The following specific standards shall apply:

a.

Parking Islands. Separate landscaped islands shall be required within parking lots of sixteen (16) spaces or greater. No more than a row of twenty-four (24) spaces, that range from a thirty (30) degree to a ninety (90) degree angle from a curb, the edge of parking surface, or vehicular access aisle are permitted without an island. In parking lots containing parking spaces parallel to a curb, the edge of parking surface, or vehicular access aisle, no more than a row or nine (9) spaces shall be permitted without an island. Where size and configuration of a parking lot would prevent maintenance or impede traffic flow as a result of requiring landscaped areas within parking lots, the Planning Commission, Zoning Enforcement Officer or Village Manager (or designee) may approve alternative landscaping along the perimeter of the parking lots.

b.

There shall be one (1) canopy tree meeting the minimum size requirements set forth in subsection 14.06.B of this section for every eight (8) parking spaces, landscaped islands within a designated parking area shall be a minimum of one hundred-fifty (150) square feet in area and nine (9) feet in width; no branches shall remain within four (4)—six (6) feet above the grade of the parking lot.

c.

A minimum distance of three (3) feet shall be established between proposed tree or shrub plantings and the backside of the curb or edge of the pavement.

2.

Perimeter areas. To reduce the visual impact, minimize conflicts between neighboring uses and reduce the effect of headlight glare and parking lot lighting on adjacent uses and public roadways, the perimeter of parking lots shall be screened in accordance with the following standards (see figure below):

a.

Parking lots which are adjacent to residentially zoned or used property, which serve a non-residential use, or a residential use of higher density shall be screened from that residential use in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 14.05.C.

b.

Parking lots adjacent to like zoning districts shall provide a perimeter buffer area of no less than ten (10) feet wide from the edge of pavement and screened with a minimum of one (1) deciduous per each two thousand (2,000) square feet of paved surface, meeting the minimum size requirements set forth in subsection 14.06.B of this section.

c.

Parking lots which are visible from a public road shall follow the requirements of Section 14.05.E - Front Greenbelt Landscaping.

d.

The Planning Commission, Zoning Enforcement Officer or Village Manager (or designee), at its discretion, may approve alternative landscape plantings, such as a solid hedge, or a solid wall in lieu of a landscape berm. Decorative treatment may be incorporated into the perimeter parking lot landscaping such as the inclusion of tree clusters, or a two and half (2.5) foot tall wood fence, brick wall or wrought iron fencing with brick pilasters. Treatment provided must be compatible with, or a site improvement to, surrounding properties. This decorative treatment is encouraged on sites within the business districts and multiple-family developments near the downtown.

3.

Landscape strips. Minimum of four (4) foot wide landscape strips (not including vehicle overhangs) should be provided between paved parking surfaces and buildings, fences, and property lines wherever possible. Trees and shrubs shall be planted clear of the vehicle overhang area. For locations abutting an exterior building wall where sidewalks are required; landscape stripe shall be placed between the sidewalk and building wall.

E.

Front greenbelt landscaping.

1.

A minimum of a twenty (20) foot wide greenbelt shall be required for any lot or any portion of an interior or corner lot fronting on a public or private road, and shall be landscaped with a minimum of one (1) deciduous tree or one (1) evergreen tree, plus six (6) deciduous and/or evergreen shrubs meeting the minimum size requirements set forth in subsection 14.06.B of this section for each forty (40) lineal feet, or major portion thereof, of frontage abutting said public right-of-way. The remainder of the greenbelt shall be landscaped in grass, ground cover, shrubs and/or other living plant material. (See figure below).

2.

Access-ways from public rights-of-way through required landscape strips shall be permitted, but such access-ways shall not be subtracted from the lineal dimension used to determine the minimum number of trees required unless such calculation would result in a spacing arrangement which is detrimental to plant development.

3.

Greenbelt plantings shall be arranged to emulate the landscape character of the surrounding areas. Subject to Planning Commission determination, the greenbelt plantings may be waived within the B-1, Central Business District providing the buildings are located at or near the property line.

F.

Subdivision and site condominium landscaping. Landscaping for subdivisions and site condominiums, which shall include, but not be limited to, residential, office, commercial, and industrial development, shall be provided in accordance with the following requirements:

1.

Street trees. The frontage of all internal public or private streets shall be landscaped on both sides with the equivalent of one (1) tree for every forty (40) lineal feet, or fraction thereof. Such street trees shall meet the minimum size requirements set forth in subsection 14.06.B of this Section and shall be an appropriate species for a street environment. The Planning Commission may determine that existing trees which are preserved within the road right-of-way or easement may meet all or part of the street tree requirement.

2.

Screening from public roads. Where a subdivision or site condominium abuts a public right-of-way located outside of the proposed subdivision or site condominium, the screening requirements set forth in subsection (1) of this section shall be met.

3.

Other site improvements. A landscape plan for a subdivision or site condominium development shall also include landscaping details of the entrance to the development, cul-de-sac islands, stormwater retention and/or detention areas, community buildings and other recreational areas, and any other site improvement which would be enhanced through the addition of landscaping.

G.

Foundation landscaping. Foundation plantings shall be provided along the front or sides of any buildings which faces a public road and/or is adjacent to a parking lot or other area which provides access to the building by the general public. Foundation planting areas shall be integrated into the sidewalk system (between the front and sides of the building and the parking area and/or associated driveways) adjacent to the building. Foundation planting areas shall contain, at a minimum, one (1) ornamental tree and (6) six shrubs per thirty (30) lineal feet of applicable building frontage. Individual planting areas shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet in width.

H.

Retention and detention areas. The integration of stormwater retention and detention areas in the overall landscape concept is recommended. Retention and detention areas with a natural/free form design and appearance shall be encouraged. Fenced retention/detention areas within a front yard shall be strictly prohibited. Each retention or detention area shall have one (1) tree per each fifty (50) linear feet measured at the top bank of the pond and ten (10) shrubs per each fifty (50) linear feet measured at the top bank of the pond plus a native seed mix on the slopes to prevent erosion. The plantings shall be clustered in a natural pattern around the basin with trees above the freeboard line, and all other plantings must be tolerant of wet/moist soils. The location of plant material shall also be done in consideration of the need to provide access for and minimize disruption of plant material during routine pond maintenance.

A.

Plant Material. All plant material shall be hardy to the Village of Dundee, be free of disease and insects, and conform to the American Standard for Nursery Stock of the American Nursery and Landscape Association.

B.

Minimum Sizes and Spacing. The minimum plant sizes shall be provided in accordance with the following:

Footnotes:
Height of minimum plant size shall be the overall measured height from grade to crown at the time of installation.

C.

Mixing of Species. The overall landscape plan shall not contain more than thirty-three (33%) percent of any one (1) plant species. The use of native species and mixture of plants from the same plant community is strongly encouraged.

D.

Trees Not Permitted. The following trees are not permitted as they split easily, their wood is brittle, their roots clog drains and sewers, and they are unusually susceptible to disease or insects. The Planning Commission may, however, allow trees from this list when associated with an appropriate ecosystem. Trees not permitted are as follows: Box Elder, Elms, Ash, Tree of Heaven, Willows, Soft Maples (silver), Poplars, Horse Chestnut (nut bearing), Ginkgo (female), Mulberry, Catalpa, Cottonwood, Black Locust and Honey Locust (with thorns).

E.

Planting Beds and Parking Lot Island. Appropriate landscaping stone or bark mulch used as a pervious landscape bed cover shall be maintained at a minimum of two (2) inches deep. Non-curbed plantings beds shall be edged with either plastic or metal edging in all non-residential uses in residential districts, and metal edging in all other zoning districts.

F.

Topsoil. Topsoil shall consist of a four (4) inch base for lawn areas and an eight (8) to twelve (12) inch base within planting beds. This also applies to berms.

G.

Proximity to Utilities. Plant material shall not be located in a manner that will interfere with or cause damage to underground or overhead utility lines, public roads, or other public facilities.

H.

Lawn Grasses. Lawn grasses shall be planted in species normally grown as permanent lawns in Monroe County. Grasses may be seeded or sodded. Only rolled sod, erosion reducing net or suitable mulch shall be used in swales or other areas susceptible to erosion and shall be staked where necessary for stabilization. When complete sodding or seeding is not possible, nurse grass seed shall be sown and mulched for immediate protection until permanent coverage is achieved. Grass sod and seed shall be free of weeds and noxious pests or disease.

I.

Landscape Berms. Where provided, landscape berms shall conform to the following standards.

1.

The berm may be up to ten (10) feet shall be at least three (3) feet above the grade elevation, but in no case shall be maintained at a continuous height. All berms shall be undulating and include gaps were deemed necessary.

2.

Sides of the berm shall be constructed with slopes no steeper than one (1) foot vertical for each three (3) feet horizontal.

3.

In measuring slope and height, grade elevation shall be the average ground elevation adjacent to the proposed berm.

4.

Side slopes shall be protected from erosion by sod, seed, or other living ground cover. If slopes are seeded, they shall be protected until the seed germinates and a permanent lawn is established.

5.

The Planning Commission has the ability to permit a deviation from the height and slope requirements noted above.

A.

Timing of Planting. All required plant materials shall be planted prior to issuing a Certificate of Occupancy. In the event the project is completed during a time of year when planting is impractical, a written agreement shall be provided by the applicant guaranteeing the planting installation shall be completed during the immediately following growing season. Said guarantee shall be signed by the applicant and the Zoning Administrator or designee.

B.

Completion of Improvements. Tree stakes, guy wires, and tree wrap shall be removed after completion of the initial growing season.

C.

Irrigation. All landscaped areas shall be provided with a readily available and acceptable water supply, or at least one (1) outlet located within one hundred (100) feet of all plant material.

D.

Maintenance. The owner of the property shall be responsible for the regular maintenance of all landscaping. Landscaped areas and plant materials required by this Article shall be kept free from refuse and debris. Plant materials, including lawn, shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition, neat and orderly in appearance per the intent of the approved site plan. Additionally, all plantings approved as part of a site plan shall be maintained in perpetuity or an amended landscape plan shall be submitted for consideration by the Administration and/or Planning Commission. However, if any required plant material dies or becomes diseased, it shall be replaced. Replacement shall be within thirty (30) days unless an extended time period is necessary due to weather in which case a written request shall be submitted and reviewed by the Village Manager prior to its potential authorization.

A.

Criteria. The Planning Commission, in coordination with staff, may recommend to the administration that an applicant pay a fee-in-lieu of installing some of the required landscaping because it cannot be accommodated on the subject site and would be better suited elsewhere within the Village.

B.

Quantity of Trees. The quantity of trees to be used in calculating the payment-in-lieu shall be determined as follows: total caliper of all canopy and ornamental trees, total height of all evergreen trees and the total quantity of all shrubs (evergreen and deciduous).

C.

Payment. The applicant shall submit a payment to the Village Tree Fund in an amount determined by multiplying the total quantity of plantings by the cost per plant. The latter shall be derived by averaging the cost provided by local distributors. The Village shall utilize this fund to plant trees/shrubs in public places elsewhere within the community.