Englewood Cliffs City Zoning Code

Only natural materials may be used.

Trees shall be evergreen, hardy, or other similar tall trees and vegetation at least six to eight feet in height and two inches in caliper when planted and be of a species common to the area.

No structure, storage of materials or parking of vehicles shall be permitted in a buffer area.

The standards for the location and design of buffer areas are intended to provide flexibility in order to provide effective buffers.

The location and design of buffers shall consider the use and scale of the portion of the property being screened; the distance between the use and the adjoining property line; and differences in elevations.

The preservation of all natural wooded tracts and rock outcroppings shall be an integral part of all site plans and may be calculated as part of the required buffer area, provided that the growth is of a density and the area has sufficient width to serve the purpose of a buffer. Where additional plantings are necessary to establish an appropriate tone for an effective buffer, said plantings may be required.

A landscape plan prepared by a landscape architect licensed in the State of New Jersey shall be submitted and shall include details for all decorative features. The plan shall identify proposed trees, shrubs, ground cover, and other landscaping elements. When existing natural growth is proposed to remain, the applicant shall include in the plans the proposed methods to protect existing trees and growth during and after construction.

Landscaping plans shall be professionally drawn and conform to the design principles described herein with a goal to mitigate visual intrusion of any development upon the Palisades.

Landscaping shall be provided as part of site plan and subdivision design. It shall be conceived in a total pattern throughout the site, integrating the various elements of site design creating a pleasing site character which mitigates the impact of structures.

Landscaping shall be used to accent and complement buildings. For example, where appropriate, groupings of tall trees to break up long, low buildings and lower planting for taller buildings.

Provide a variety and mixture of landscaping. The variety shall consider susceptibility to disease, colors, season, textures, shapes, blossoms, and foliage.

All portions of the property not utilized by buildings or paved surfaces shall be landscaped utilizing a variety of landscape material, including but not limited to landscaped fencing, shrubbery, lawn area, ground cover, and trees. The variety shall consider susceptibility to disease, colors, season, textures, shapes, blossoms, and foliage. The use of coniferous and/or deciduous trees native to the area shall be used to lessen the visual impact for the structures and paved areas.

All plant material shall consist of native landscape plantings.

Local soil conditions and water availability shall be considered in the choice of landscaping.

Assure that no aspect of the landscape design inhibits access to the development by emergency vehicles.

Applicant shall maintain and enhance any visual buffers of the new development from the vantage points referenced in the required professional viewshed survey.

All development applications shall also comply with the landscaping requirements in the Borough Ordinances.