The purpose of this section is to provide guidelines for the landscaping and screening of development sites subject to site plan approval. These requirements are intended to ensure that site development is harmonious with the surrounding properties, to promote the public health, safety and welfare, in accordance with the guidelines in the Comprehensive Plan; to help to conserve energy by providing shade and wind breaks; to encourage recharge of ground water by providing pervious area; to improve and preserve the air quality and minimize noise, dust and glare; and to preserve the rural character of the County.

(Ord. 8-1-12)

(A)

All landscape plans shall be on sheets not exceeding twenty-four inches (24") by thirty-six inches (36").

(B)

If the plan is prepared on more than one sheet, match lines shall clearly indicate where the several sheets join.

(C)

A certified Landscape Architect, arborist, horticulturist, land surveyor, or other person deemed qualified by the Zoning Administrator shall prepare the plan.

(D)

The plan shall be prepared at a scale of not less than 1"=40' for areas along streets and roads, and not less than 1"=20' for areas around buildings, parking lots, and landscape areas.

(Ord. 8-1-12)

The Landscape plan shall include the following elements:

(A)

The existing and proposed contours at intervals of five feet (5") or less;

(B)

All property boundary lines;

(C)

The limits of grading and clearing;

(D)

The tree protection zone(s) as applicable and any and all information required for tree protection as indicated in Sections 22-24-8.1, -8.2, and -8.3 of this article;

(E)

All proposed improvements;

(F)

The existing and proposed underground and overhead utilities, including heights and/or depths;

(G)

All rights-of-way and easements;

(H)

An adequate, clearly identified, exterior water source; and

(I)

All planting details, including:

(1)

The botanical and common name, size, spacing, and location of all trees, shrubs, and ground cover, and the location and extent of planting beds in which they are to be planted, if any;

(2)

All plants shall be labeled on the plan by direct call-out method or by symbols keyed to a plant list;

(3)

A planting symbol shall be provided to illustrate the natural canopy/cover of trees and the extent of growth of shrubs at maturity;

(4)

A plant list or matrix shall be provided showing the botanical name, common name, quantity, size, spacing, handling method, and general instruction, if any, specific to each plant;

(5)

General details shall be provided illustrating the method of installation of plants, seeding, and sodding, including but not necessarily limited to size of plant pit, method of placement, backfill material, method of support, preparation of beds, mulch, etc.;

(6)

Special details shall be provided illustrating special conditions such as supplemental plant pit drainage, pruning for special effects, or other conditions requiring illustrated instructions;

(7)

General notes shall be provided specifying the care and maintenance of plants for a period of three (3) years following planting and the replacement of any dead, dying, or diseased vegetation required to be installed by this chapter for the life of the project.

(Ord. 8-1-12; Ord. 12-16-15)

(A)

The following shall be the minimum size of plant materials at installation:

(1)

Large shade trees—1.5" caliper

(2)

Medium shade trees—1.25" caliper

(3)

Ornamental trees—1.25" caliper

(4)

Evergreen trees—5' in height

(5)

Shrubs—18" in height

(6)

Ground cover—1 year plants

(B)

All required landscaping shall be planted according to the following standards:

(1)

All trees to be planted shall meet the American Standard for nursery stock published by the American Nursery and Landscape Association.

(2)

The planting of trees shall be done in accordance with either the standardized landscape specifications jointly adopted by the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association and the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers, or the Road and Bridge Specifications of the Virginia Department of Transportation.

(3)

All required landscaping shall be planted between September 15 and June 30, provided that the ground is not frozen.

(C)

Wheel stops, curbing, or other barriers shall be provided to prevent damage to landscaping by vehicles.

(D)

Where necessary, trees shall be welled or otherwise protected against change in grade. Such protection measures shall be sited to minimize disturbance within the drip line of trees designated for protection on the landscape plan.

(E)

All pervious areas of the site shall be permanently protected from soil erosion with grass, ground cover, or mulch material.

(Ord. 8-1-12; Ord. 12-16-15)

(A)

It is the specific intent of these requirements to promote landscape design and installation to mitigate the effects of new development on surrounding areas and specifically not to use plantings as a means of drawing attention to new development. The landscape plan should help protect and preserve Fluvanna County's rural character.

(B)

The Landscape Plan shall utilize native and assimilated non-native species listed within the Fluvanna County Plant List. Applicants may add plants to this list with the prior approval of the Zoning Administrator, provided that the proposed species have a rated hardiness and growth habit appropriate for the intended location. A mixture of plant species should be used on each site.

(C)

Street trees shall be required along existing or proposed public streets within or adjacent to any site that is subject to site plan approval and all major subdivisions with an average lot size of one (1) acre or less. The placement of street trees shall be in accordance with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) standards and shall not be located within any sight triangle. The required plantings shall be located either within the right-of-way itself or within a ten-foot (10') strip continuous to such right-of-way. Existing, healthy trees with a caliper of eight inches (8") or greater located within ten feet (10') of the right-of-way may be used to satisfy the planting requirement, provided the trees are protected in accordance with the standards contained in this chapter. Appropriate provisions shall be made for the permanent maintenance and preservation of the required street trees, to the reasonable satisfaction of the County Attorney. Such provisions may include a landscape preservation easement dedicated to the property owners' association or other entity approved by the County Attorney. The street trees shall be planted at the following rate:

(1)

One (1) large shade tree shall be required for every fifty feet (50') of road frontage; or

(2)

One (1) medium shade tree shall be required for every forty feet (40') of road frontage.

(D)

Minimum tree canopy coverage shall be provided for all new commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential development in accordance with the following requirements:

(1)

Tree canopy coverage shall include all areas of coverage by plant material exceeding ten feet (10') in height, and shall be measured ten (10) years maturity after planting.

(2)

Tree canopy coverage shall be calculated for new plantings using ten (10) year tree canopy coverage standards published by the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association or other set of standards approved by the Zoning Administrator. When a coverage interval is cited in such standards, the smallest coverage figure for each interval shall be used.

(3)

All landscape plans shall include the preservation of existing trees, the planting and replacement of trees, or any combination thereof, to the extent that, at maturity of ten (10) years, a minimum tree canopy shall be provided as follows:

a)

Ten percent (10%) tree canopy for a site developed with commercial, office, institutional, or industrial uses;

b)

Fifteen percent (15%) tree canopy for a multi-family residential site developed at a gross density of more than ten (10) but less than twenty (20) dwelling units per acre; and

c)

Twenty percent (20%) tree canopy for a multi-family residential development developed at a gross density of ten (10) or fewer dwelling units per acre.

(4)

A bonus credit toward tree canopy requirements may be given for the preservation of existing wooded areas, clusters of trees, or mature trees (healthy trees with twelve inches (12") or greater diameter at breast height) as follows:

a)

The credit provided for the preservation of existing trees, wooded areas, or clusters of trees shall be 1.50 multiplied by the area defined by the existing drip line of the tree, wooded area, or cluster of trees.

b)

The credit provided per mature tree shall be 2.0 multiplied by the area defined by the boundaries of the existing drip line of the tree.

c)

A certified landscape architect or arborist shall provide written verification that the trees for which credit will be awarded are in healthy condition; will likely survive for at least twenty (20) years following landscape plan approval; will not be severely impacted by construction activities on site; will not interfere with the growth of other viable landscaping; and will not compromise safety. Credit towards tree canopy requirements shall not be given for any tree deemed to be in poor to fair condition by the Zoning Administrator, nor for any plant designated as invasive on the list maintained by the Zoning Administrator.

d)

In the event that one or more trees to be awarded bonus credit under this section is destroyed, significantly damaged during clearing or construction activities, or is willfully destroyed or removed, the person responsible for such destruction, injury, or removal shall replace each tree destroyed with two (2) large shade trees planted on-site.

(5)

For the purpose of calculating the total area of a site to determine tree canopy coverage requirements, the following areas shall be excluded:

a)

Properties reserved or dedicated for future street construction or other public improvements.

b)

Ponds and un-wooded wetlands.

c)

Properties reserved or dedicated for school sites, playing fields and non-wooded recreation areas, and other facilities and areas of a similar nature.

d)

Portions of a site containing existing structures that are not the subject of a pending application.

(E)

All sites subject to site plan approval and all major subdivisions shall reserve a riparian protection area in accordance with the following requirements:

(1)

The riparian protection area shall be at least fifty feet (50') wide along both sides of all intermittent streams, at least seventy-five feet (75') wide along both sides of all perennial streams, and at least one hundred feet (100') wide along both sides of the Hardware River, Rivanna River, and James River.

(2)

Indigenous vegetation, including existing ground cover, shall be preserved to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with the use or development proposed. Dead, diseased, or dying vegetation may be pruned or removed as necessary, pursuant to sound horticultural practices. No logging or silvicultural activities may take place within the riparian protection area.

(3)

No portion of any on-site sewerage system, drain field, reserve drain field, or building shall be placed within the riparian protection area. This statement shall be on all plats and site plans of affected lots.

(4)

If otherwise authorized by the applicable regulations of this chapter, the following types of development shall be permitted within the riparian protection area, provided that the requirements of this section are met:

a)

A building or structure which existed on the date of adoption of this article may continue at such location. However, nothing in this section authorizes the replacement, expansion, or enlargement of such building or structure.

b)

On-site or regional stormwater management facilities and temporary erosion and sediment control measures, provided that:

1.

To the extent practical, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, the location of such facilities shall be outside of the riparian protection area.

2.

No more land shall be disturbed as necessary to provide for the construction and maintenance of the facility, as determined by the Zoning Administrator.

3.

The facilities are designed to minimize impacts to the functional value of the riparian protection area and to protect water quality; and

4.

Facilities located within a floodplain adhere to the floodplain regulations of the County Code.

c)

Water-dependent facilities; water wells; passive recreation areas, such as pedestrian trails and bicycle paths; historic preservation; archaeological activities, provided that all applicable federal, state and local permits are obtained. All pedestrian trails and bicycle paths shall be constructed using permeable paving materials.

d)

Stream crossings of perennial and intermittent streams for roads, streets, or driveways, provided that the stream buffer disturbance shall be the minimum necessary for the lot(s) to be used and developed as permitted within the underlying zoning district. Stream crossings shall not disturb more than thirty (30) linear feet of stream for driveways and sixty (60) linear feet for roads or streets, provided that the Zoning Administrator may allow additional length of stream disturbance where fill slopes or special conditions necessitate additional length.

(F)

Species identified on the Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia list published by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation may not be used in any circumstance.

(G)

In areas in view of public roads and rights-of-way, landscape plans should specify plants and their spacing so they may grow in their natural habitat, achieving mature size with minor pruning and shaping.

(1)

Where landscaping is required, the property owner or developer shall provide performance guarantees as follows: No certificate of occupancy shall be issued until the landscaping is completed in accordance with the approved landscape plan. When the occupancy of a structure is desired prior to the completion of the required landscaping, a certificate of occupancy may be issued only if the owner or developer provides a performance bond or other form of security satisfactory to the Zoning Administrator in an amount equal to the costs of completing the required landscaping. All required landscaping shall be installed and approved by the end of the first planting season following issuance of a certificate of occupancy, or the security described above may be forfeited to Fluvanna County.

(2)

A maintenance bond for the landscaping required by this chapter shall be posted by the developer in favor of Fluvanna County. If the landscaping is installed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, then the maintenance bond shall be posted prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy. If the landscaping is bonded for installation, rather than installed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, then the maintenance bond shall be posted when the materials are planted and before the performance bond is released. The maintenance bond shall be in the amount of one-third (1/3) the value of the landscaping and shall be held for a period of one (1) year following the planting date. At the end of the one (1) year time period, the bond shall be released if all plantings are in healthy condition as determined by the Zoning Administrator. If the plantings installed in accordance with an approved landscape plan are not properly maintained by the owner, the security described above may be forfeited to Fluvanna County. In the alternative, the Zoning Administrator may permit the owner to extend the period of such bond for such reasonable time and upon such reasonable terms as he may determine to be best to protect the public interest.

(H)

The landowner shall be responsible for the general maintenance and the timely repair and replacement of all landscaping required by this chapter. All landscaping shall be maintained as follows:

(1)

Plantings shall be kept mulched to prevent weed growth and to retain soil moisture;

(2)

Plant material shall be pruned to maintain healthy and vigorous growth with all pruning performed in accordance with generally accepted maintenance standard practices;

(3)

All turf areas shall be kept mown, except for areas designated as a natural meadow on the landscape plan;

(4)

All plant and landscape material and landscaped areas shall be kept free of refuse and debris; and

(5)

The landowner shall maintain any plant material required by this chapter and any plant material that dies shall be replaced in kind, or with a suitable substitute as approved by the Zoning Administrator. Preserved existing trees, that subsequently die, shall be replaced by new trees of a caliper and/or height as would be required by this chapter.

(I)

Any minor requirements above may be modified by the Zoning Administrator on a site-specific basis, where the Zoning Administrator finds that, as a result of conditions peculiar to the site, the objectives of the ordinance can be better achieved by other means. The Zoning Administrator may also approve minor spacing variations, which the Zoning Administrator determines to be immaterial to the objectives of this chapter. The Zoning Administrator may allow for a modification of the riparian protection area requirements by providing alternative measures for riparian protection, by means of substitution of materials, design, or technique, which the Zoning Administrator determines to provide the same or greater degree of riparian protection as compared to such area requirements and is determined by the Zoning Administrator to be reasonably necessary to permit reasonable uses of the property which are otherwise permitted by this chapter. The decision of the Zoning Administrator in this regard shall be appealable to the Board of Zoning Appeals. A request for a modification shall be submitted and evaluated as follows:

(1)

At a minimum, a request for any modification shall include the following information:

a)

A site map that includes locations of all streams, wetlands, floodplain boundaries and other natural features, as determined by field survey;

b)

A description of the shape, size, topography, slope, soils, vegetation, and other physical characteristics of the property;

c)

A detailed site plan that shows the locations of all existing and proposed structures and impervious cover and the limits of all existing and proposed land disturbance. If applicable, the exact area of the riparian protection area to be affected shall be accurately and clearly indicated;

d)

Documentation of unusual hardship should the requirements be maintained;

e)

At least one (1) alternative plan, which meets the requirements of this section, or an explanation of why such a site plan is not feasible;

f)

A stormwater management plan, if applicable;

g)

A calculation of the total area of intrusion into the riparian protection area, if applicable; and

h)

Proposed alternative measures for an intrusion into the riparian protection area, if applicable, together with calculations, graphic depictions and textual materials sufficient to support the conclusion that such alternative measures are sufficient to support the determinations set forth hereinabove.

(2)

The following factors will be considered by the Zoning Administrator in determining whether to allow a modification:

a)

The shape, size, topography, slope, soils, vegetation, and other physical characteristics of the property;

b)

The locations of all streams and waterways on the property, including along property boundaries;

c)

The long-term and construction water-quality impacts of the proposed modification;

d)

Whether issuance of the modification is at least as protective of natural resources and the environment, including local air and water quality; and

e)

Whether issuance of the modification will negatively impact surrounding properties or adjoining roadways.

(Ord. 8-1-12)

(A)

All development subject to site plan approval shall include the following required landscaping for parking lots consisting of five (5) spaces or more.

(B)

Minimum planting areas are to be provided as follows:

(1)

One planting island containing not less than 200 square feet of planting area for every twenty (20) parking spaces in a row and at both ends of a parking bay, with a minimum width of ten feet (10') in order to protect the landscaping and allow for proper growth.

(2)

A planting strip at least nine feet (9') in width between each adjacent area of parking of four (4) bays.

(3)

A planting strip at least nine feet (9') in width shall be provided between access roadways and adjacent properties' parking areas and adjacent property of the same use.

(4)

A planting area at least twenty-five feet (25') in width shall be provided between parking and adjacent properties of a different use and public streets and rights-of-way. The area shall be measured from the closest parking space to the adjacent property or right-of-way line.

(C)

Planting islands shall be planted as follows:

(1)

One (1) large shade tree and four (4) shrubs for every 200 square feet.

(2)

Large shade trees shall be arranged so that the canopy at maturity will cover thirty-five percent (35%) of the parking area placed mainly around the perimeter of the parking area and at the end of parking bays.

(3)

Medium shade trees may be substituted for large shade trees at a ratio of two (2) to one (1), if appropriately spaced and meeting all other canopy criteria. Medium shade trees shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of the total number of shade trees.

(D)

Internal planting strips shall be planted as follows:

(1)

One (1) large shade tree and six (6) shrubs every forty (40) linear feet.

(2)

Large shade trees shall be arranged so that the canopy at maturity will cover thirty-five percent (35%) of the parking area placed mainly around the perimeter of the parking area and at the end of parking bays.

(3)

Medium shade trees may be substituted for large shade trees at a ratio of two (2) to one (1), if appropriately spaced and meeting all other canopy criteria. Medium shade trees shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of the total number of shade trees.

(E)

Parking lots consisting of five (5) spaces or more shall be screened from view of public roads, rights-of-way, and adjacent properties. One (1) of the following landscaping treatment options shall be utilized to meet the minimum screening requirements for parking lots:

(1)

Landscape Strip Option: One (1) tree and ten (10) shrubs shall be planted for each forty (40) linear feet, excluding driveway openings, within a planting strip that is ten feet (10') in width; or

(2)

Berm Option: One (1) tree and five (5) shrubs shall be planted for each forty (40) linear feet, excluding driveway openings. The berm shall be at least thirty inches (30") higher than the finished grade of the parking lot and shall not have a slope steeper than 2:1. The berm shall be stabilized with groundcover or other vegetation; or

(3)

Woodlands Preservation Option: Existing woody vegetation shall be preserved as a buffer strip with a minimum width of thirty-five feet (35'). Additional tree or shrub plantings may be required by the Zoning Administrator. The woodlands preservation area shall be placed in a landscape easement, and the landscape plan shall demonstrate techniques to be used for removing underbrush, pruning, and protecting existing trees from any damage during site development; or

(4)

Structural Option: A wall constructed of brick, stone, or architectural block, no shorter than three feet (3') and no taller than four feet (4'), shall be constructed along the entire width of the parking lot. One (1) tree and three (3) shrubs shall be planted for each forty (40) linear feet, excluding driveway openings.

(F)

The placement of bioretention areas within required planting areas is encouraged, provided that the bioretention techniques utilized are approved as part of an erosion and sediment control plan, stormwater management plan, or similar document. Examples of bioretention techniques include, but are not limited to, rain gardens, swales, infiltration trenches, and tree box filters.

(G)

When retaining existing trees in parking areas, enough ground around the tree should be left to allow for its survival or grass pavers should be used to allow air and moisture to reach the tree roots.

(Ord. 8-1-12)

(A)

Screening shall be required in the following instances:

(1)

Commercial and industrial uses shall be screened from view adjacent properties in residential and agricultural zoning districts, except for commercial and industrial uses allowed by right in said districts.

(2)

Parking lots consisting of five (5) spaces or more shall be screened from view of public roads, rights-of-way, and adjacent properties.

(3)

Objectionable features, including but not limited to the following, shall be screened from the view of public roads, rights-of-way, and adjacent properties:

i.

Loading areas.

ii.

Refuse areas.

iii.

Storage yards.

iv.

Dry detention ponds.

v.

Maintenance areas.

(4)

If the required screening is consistent with an approved Master Plan subject to the requirements of the R-3 Residential zoning district.

(5)

The Zoning Administrator may require the screening of any use, or portion thereof, upon determination that the use would otherwise have a direct negative visual impact on a property designated as historic by its inclusion within the Historic Preservation chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.

(B)

When required, screening shall consist of new plantings, existing vegetation, an opaque masonry wall or wooden fence, or combination thereof, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator. Unless otherwise specified within this chapter, one of the following landscaping treatment options shall be utilized to meet the minimum screening requirements:

(1)

Evergreen Option: Two (2) rows of evergreen trees shall be planted ten feet (10') on center and staggered within a planting strip that is twenty-five feet (25') wide; or

(2)

Berm Option: Two (2) rows of evergreen shrubs shall be planted ten feet (10') on center and staggered. The berm shall be at least thirty inches (30") higher than the finished grade of the surrounding area and shall not have a slope steeper than 2:1. The berm shall be stabilized with groundcover or other vegetation; or

(3)

Mixed Vegetation Option: One (1) large shade tree, one (1) medium shade tree, one (1) evergreen tree, and three (3) evergreen shrubs for each twenty (20) linear feet, within a planting strip that is twenty-five feet (25') wide; or

(4)

Woodlands Preservation Option: Existing woody vegetation shall be preserved as a buffer strip with a minimum width of seventy-five feet (75'). Additional tree or shrub plantings may be required by the Zoning Administrator. The woodlands preservation area shall be placed in a landscape easement, and the landscape plan shall demonstrate techniques to be used for removing underbrush, pruning, and protecting existing trees from any damage during site development; or

(5)

Structural Option: A wall or fence, no shorter than six feet (6') in height, shall be provided and one (1) evergreen tree or shrub shall be planted every ten feet (10') along the side of any such wall or fence facing a public street or use for which the screening shall benefit.

(C)

Within commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential developments, dumpsters and other refuse areas visible from public roads, rights-of-way, adjacent properties, and parking areas shall be completely screened from view by a wall or fence constructed using architectural block, brick, stone, vinyl, wood or a similar material that is compatible with the architecture of the principal structure. The use of durable, low-maintenance materials is encouraged.

(D)

Parking lots of five (5) spaces or more shall be screened in accordance with Section 22-24-6 of this article.

(Ord. 8-1-12)

The purpose of this section is to promote the general health, safety and welfare through the protection and preservation of existing tree stands, individual specimen trees, and understory plants during the land disturbance/site development process. Preservation of existing tree stands, individual specimen trees, and understory plants shall be a primary consideration in the planning for, and implementation of, land development activities. For tree protection, barriers are required to prevent physical damage to trees or understory plants, and to prevent soil disturbance and compaction within tree protection areas. The more intense the development of the site, the greater the need for the protection and preservation of existing trees and understory.

(Ord. 8-1-12)

Compliance with the tree protection program of this section is required on all site development plans involving land clearance of more than one-half of one acre (21,780 square feet of cleared land) in size, and all activities requiring a land disturbing permit except for the construction of a single or two family dwelling on an individual lot.

All plans prepared for compliance with this chapter shall clearly delineate areas of tree protection and provide construction details of tree protection barriers. Measures for tree protection shall be outlined in the general notes of the plan, including construction, inspection, and maintenance of barriers. The general notes shall also outline prohibited activities within the tree protection zones. The tree protection zone shall, to the extent possible, conform to the drip line of the trees being protected.

(Ord. 8-1-12)

(A)

All tree protection plans shall indicate tree protection zone(s), in accordance with the following guideline:

(1)

Existing stands of trees or individual specimen trees whose removal is not necessary for the development of the site or the construction of any facility.

(2)

Preservation of existing trees to comply with the landscape plan requirements.

(B)

All areas of tree protection shall be bounded by a tree protection barrier at the perimeter of the tree protection zone. Barriers shall completely surround the tree protection area, except where the area extends more than one hundred (100) yards beyond the construction zone or routes of access to the construction zone. The tree protection areas, beyond the one hundred (100) yards, shall be flagged every one hundred feet (100') with continuous ribbon with "Do Not Enter" signs stating prohibited activity. Barriers and flagging shall be installed prior to any land disturbing activity. Barriers shall be a minimum of five feet (5') in height, stationary, and constructed of rigid or semi-rigid materials that must be dismantled to be moved.

Barriers shall be of a color or flagged to be clearly visible by all people in the vicinity, particularly equipment and vehicle operators. Barriers shall be inspected and repaired on a routine basis and shall be completely removed prior to occupancy of the development. The purpose of the barrier shall be to prevent damage to trees or under story plants and to prevent soil disturbance and compaction within the zone.

(C)

The following activities are prohibited within tree protection zones:

(1)

Operation of any vehicle or machinery, except as may be necessary for the installation of utility lines.

(2)

Parking of vehicles or equipment.

(3)

Storage of any materials or equipment.

(4)

Discharge of any substance that may be injurious to trees or understory plants.

(D)

Wherever feasible, utilities shall be designed and routed to avoid tree protection zones. If it is necessary to route utilities through tree protection zones, the following shall apply:

(1)

Route utility trenches outside the drip line of trees or as far as possible from tree trunks.

(2)

In areas of multiple trees, where trenches must go between trees, preference should be given to stay away from larger specimen trees.

(3)

Equipment that is the lightest weight and makes the least possible impact shall be used to dig trenches and install utilities.

(4)

Rubber-tired, rather than track equipment, shall be used whenever possible.

(5)

Excavation materials are not to be placed against tree trunks and shall be placed as far away from trunks as possible.

(6)

Where excavation materials are to be placed, indicator ribbons shall be placed on undisturbed areas prior to excavation, to facilitate restoring the area to the original grade.

(7)

Areas where excavated materials have been placed shall be restored to the original grade with the least amount of disturbance possible.

(E)

Any damage done to trees within tree protection zones shall be immediately repaired.

(F)

Any clearing within tree protection zones shall be done by hand.

(G)

Where grade differences occur between the tree protection area and the finished grade of the adjacent areas, retaining walls and dry wells shall be used to prevent the need for grading in tree protection zones.

(Ord. 8-1-12)