The landscape regulations are intended to preserve and enhance the appearance, character, health, safety and general welfare of the city by fostering aesthetically pleasing development. The regulations are intended to decrease the conflict between adjacent uses by minimizing the adverse impact of noise, dust, headlight glare, artificial light intrusions, and other objectionable activities or impact on neighboring uses.

      (1)   All projects requiring a site plan review per section § 152.131; and

      (2)   Where the project property in any R3A, R3B, I, O, B1, B2, B3, M1, M2 or CPD zoning district is across a dedicated roadway right-of-way of, or abutting, any ER, R1A, R1B, R1C, or R2 zoning district.

      (1)   For existing developments seeking a building or parking expansion, these landscaping regulations shall apply when the gross floor area of any existing building or structure, or parking areas, or combination thereof, is increased as follows:

         (a)   If the existing building gross floor area, or parking area or combination thereof, is increased 20% or less, no additional landscaping is required.

         (b)   If the existing building gross floor area, or parking area or combination thereof, is increased more than 20% but less than 50%, such landscaping is required for that portion of the property which is faced by the expanded area(s).

         (c)   If the total of the building gross floor area, or parking area or combination thereof, is increased 50% or more, such landscaping is required for the entire development, where applicable.

      (2)   The Development Review Committee may grant exceptions from these landscape regulations as may be reasonable if literal interpretation of one or more provisions is impractical or would cause undue hardship because of unusual conditions pertaining to the land in question.

(Ord. 10-3277, § 2-2.1, passed 1-4-2010; Ord. 15-3505, passed 11-16-2015; Ord. 20-3625, passed 12-21-2020)

   (B)   All landscape plans shall include or have attached thereto the following information:

      (1)   North arrow, scale, date of preparation and revisions;

      (2)   Name and contact information of preparer and developer/owner;

      (3)   Location and dimensions of all property lines, easements, existing and proposed buildings, structures, parking lots and driveways, other paved areas, free-standing signs, refuse areas, overhead utility lines, light fixtures, fences, drainage areas and sidewalks;

      (4)   Elevations of proposed fences and retaining walls;

      (5)   Plant list for all existing or proposed trees or shrubs on the site, including: common names, quantity, height/width at installation and at maturity;

(Ord. 20-3625, passed 12-21-2020)

   Landscape plans shall meet the following:

   (A)   Plant material shall be selected for its form, texture, color, pattern of growth and suitability to local conditions. Drought and salt tolerant plant material shall be used within ten feet of road right-of-ways and off-street parking areas;

   (B)   The quality and size of plant material selected shall comply with the latest edition of the American Standard of Nursery Stock published by AmericanHort;

   (C)   Landscaping and landscaping materials shall not hinder the vision of motorists and pedestrians necessary for safe movement into, out of, and within the site;

   (D)   Landscaping materials shall be selected and placed so that the safe and enjoyable use of surrounding properties is not inhibited;

   (E)   No shrubs or other landscape material which will reach a mature height greater than two and one-half feet, and no trees shall be permitted in the site visibility triangle (see Figure 152.031(B)(4) in § 152.031);

   (F)   Trees shall have a minimum spacing of 20 feet from street light poles, street signs, fire hydrants and any other such items that may, in the opinion of the city, require similar spacing;

   (G)   Trees located under overhead utility wires shall be selected for a mature height that is at least five feet less than the height of the wires;

   (H)   Landscaping materials must be maintained in good condition, present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance, and kept free of weeds, refuse and debris per Chapter 94. Fences, steps, retaining walls and similar landscaping elements must be maintained in good repair. The property owner, and/or subsequent or successor owner, and their agents, including tenants, shall be jointly and severally responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement of all landscape materials, fences, steps, retaining walls and similar landscaping elements, and refuse disposal areas.

(Ord. 20-3625, passed 12-21-2020)

      (1)   Continuous shrubs shall be provided across 100% of the parking lot, exclusive of driveways, to a minimum height of three feet. The shrubs shall be at least 50% evergreen and spaced at a maximum of four feet on center. In addition, a mix of shade, ornamental and evergreen trees shall be planted at the equivalent of one every 100 feet.

      (2)   When there is not a parking lot in a front yard, a mix of shade trees, ornamental or evergreen trees, shall be planted at equivalent of at least one every 75 feet.

      (1)   Continuous shrubs shall be provided across 100% of the yard(s) to a minimum height of six feet. Shrubs installed along a side yard shall be continued into the front yard at a height of four feet. The shrubs shall be at least 50% evergreen and spaced at a maximum of four feet on center. As an alternative, a solid screen may be achieved by providing a minimum six-foot solid commercial grade wood, vinyl or other approved material fence the length of the property with shade trees inside the fence at the equivalent of one tree every 100 feet. Fencing installed along a side yard shall be continued into the front yard at a height of four feet and be in compliance with § 152.033.

(Ord. 20-3625, passed 12-21-2020)