In addition to the general provisions and supplementary regulations within this ordinance, consideration must be given to aesthetics, ensuring that the design of the built environment is consistent and compatible with surrounding use while preserving natural features and protecting natural resources. The planning commission may establish a design review committee to make recommendations on creating a uniform approach to design considerations. This may be achieved through the regulation of use by district, the imposition of conditions on those "special exception uses" to improve compatibility and on the following design standards to be integrated into site plan review and approval.

(Ord. No. 227, art. 9, 9-4-2001)

(a)

Landscape plan. Any applicant required to submit a site plan for review (pursuant to article VIII) and approval by the planning commission must incorporate into that plan, or submit as a separate attachment, a landscape plan.

(b)

Natural open space. The landscape plan shall identify the areas of the site to be preserved in natural open space. The plan shall identify the landscaping as perimeter or interior landscaping.

(c)

Perimeter landscaping. Perimeter landscaping shall include any fencing or screening required to separate uses, whether they be required between residential and commercial or industrial districts, or as part of the required conditions for approval of a special exception use. It shall also include any landscaping within 20 feet of the property line, including that along any public right-of-ways. For every 30 feet of frontage along a public road right-of-way, there shall be at least one tree planted or existing of at least six feet in height located in this perimeter area. Where such a requirement is not feasible due to lack of frontage or setback, landscaping shall be enhanced in other ways to meet this requirement.

(d)

Interior landscaping. Interior landscaping shall include any open space areas to be preserved or improved around the buildings or within parking areas required for approval of that use. For every ten parking spaces required, there shall be at least 180 square feet of interior landscaping.

(e)

Types of plantings. The planning commission, or their design review committee, may recommend the type of plantings in order to achieve a uniform design or appearance consistent with the surrounding landscape. Where landscaping is not feasible due to parcel size or the nature of existing use, it may be possible to achieve some uniformity through the location of flower boxes, planters or similar landscape treatment.

(Ord. No. 227, § 5.170, 9-4-2001)

(a)

All site plans should identify the location, height and type of lighting to be utilized on the site. Such lighting shall be located and directed in a manner that it does not illuminate adjoining properties or create any hazard for pedestrian or vehicular movement.

(b)

The planning commission, or their design review committee, may recommend the type of lighting to be utilized in order to achieve a uniform lighting plan within a given district or to enhance any other design considerations.

(Ord. No. 227, § 5.171, 9-4-2001)

(a)

In addition to meeting the requirements outlined in section 82-87, the required site plan shall include the location, height and type of signs to be utilized on the site. Signs shall be located in a manner that does not conflict with the visibility of other signs on adjoining parcels.

(b)

The planning commission, or their design review committee, may recommend the type of signage to be utilized in order to achieve a uniform sign plan for the district. They may recommend the use of banners, awnings or similar methods that can bring continuity to a given area.

(Ord. No. 227, § 5.172, 9-4-2001)

The design review committee may establish both the theme and approach utilized to bring compatibility to the facades within a commercial district. Such improvements should be addressed in a design brochure presented to applicants prior to development of a site plan for review.

(Ord. No. 227, § 5.173, 9-4-2001)