Great Neck Plaza City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XVI
Preservation of Natural Features and Landscaping Requirements
§ 225-120 Identification of natural features to be preserved.
Natural features significant in terms of age, size, ecological function or value, history or location shall be preserved. Natural features shall include, but not be limited to, trees and/or any endangered and protected species of plant life, as listed on the Endangered and Protected Species list of the United States Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.
§ 225-121 Site plan application.
A.
Prior to issuance of a permit for a new building or an enlargement or extension of an existing building, a natural features application (NFA) must be submitted to the Board of Trustees for review and approval. This application shall include the following:
(1)
A survey map showing caliper and species of individual trees of six inches caliper or more and location of endangered or protected species of plant life, if any, identifying those which are proposed to be removed or altered.
(2)
Photographs showing the location and condition of such natural features.
(3)
Site plans showing the proposed development, enlargement or extension.
(4)
Site plans showing proposed landscaping, including the type, size and location of the plantings, trees and shrubs.
(5)
Any other information necessary to evaluate the request.
B.
The Board of Trustees may waive one or more of these requirements if it determines that the requirements are unnecessary for evaluation of the application.
§ 225-122 Conditions for removing natural features.
Except for any existing natural feature which is unsafe and the removal of which is required to eliminate hazardous conditions, no natural feature as defined by this Article shall be removed, destroyed or altered unless permitted by authorization of the Board of Trustees. In issuing such authorization, the Board of Trustees may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to protect the other natural features.
§ 225-123 Replacement of natural features.
Any natural feature which cannot be saved as a result of site development shall be replaced with alternate plantings to be approved by the Board of Trustees.
§ 225-124 Permitted variations in required yards.
The Board of Trustees may authorize variations in required front, rear or side yards for the purpose of preserving natural features if the Board finds that the proposed placement of buildings and arrangements of open spaces will not have significant adverse effects upon the light, air and privacy of existing development on adjacent lots.
§ 225-125 Noncomplying actions.
A.
In the event that natural features are removed, altered, relocated or replaced without prior approval of the Board of Trustees, a violation shall be issued and the Board may specify the manner of their replacement or restoration. If trees are to be planted, the Board may require that they be six inches in caliper.
B.
No building permit or certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any development, enlargement or use on such lot until the violations are removed in accordance with the Board's requirements.
§ 225-126 Mandatory landscaping requirements.
In all zoning districts, all new buildings shall provide landscaping on the lot being developed according to the following standards:
A.
A minimum of one major deciduous shade tree per 15 linear feet shall be planted in the front yard or within the Village sidewalk as directed by the Board of Trustees.
B.
Trees shall not be less than 3 1/2 inches caliper, with a minimum branching height of seven feet and in conformance with the American Association of Nurseryman Standards for Nursery Stock.
C.
Tree planting shall include a paved tree pit or cast-iron grate as approved by the Board of Trustees.
E.
Trees, shrubs and all other plants that are planted according to the requirements of this section shall be maintained in good health.
F.
All landscaping and tree layout plans, including species, shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval.
G.
The Board of Trustees may waive requirements in this section in the event that such requirements preclude development on a building lot as permitted by the underlying zoning.