A.

Preamble/Intent: Landscaping requirements as set forth in this Ordinance have been established to:

1.

Encourage quality development within the City;

2.

Provide a smooth transition between adjoining properties;

3.

Screen service yards, parking lots and other areas which tend to be unsightly;

4.

Facilitate the buffering of one land use from other land uses;

5.

Encourage harmonious relationships between buildings which are part of one development and among buildings located on abutting properties;

6.

Provide open space and recreational areas to serve the needs of the residents of the City;

7.

Soften the effect of development;

8.

Improve erosion and storm runoff control;

9.

Reduce the particulate matter in the air;

10.

Encourage a sense of commitment to the City and its residents on the part of developers; and

11.

Provide for the health, safety and general welfare of the residents of the City.

(Ord. No. 03-06, § 1, 10-7-03)

A.

Landscaping, for purposes of this Ordinance, shall be defined as including any or all of the following:

1.

lawn or grass;

2.

trees, shrubs, ground cover, or other plantings;

3.

sprinkler or irrigation systems;

4.

decorative rock, natural or manmade;

5.

decorative lighting, benches, tables, fountains, planters or other similar furniture;

6.

decorative fences;

7.

detention and retention ponds;

8.

waterfalls and man-made streams; and

9.

berms or mounds.

(Ord. No. 03-06, § 2, 10-7-03)

A.

A landscaping plan shall be submitted in conjunction with any required site plan. Generally, front and corner side yards shall be landscaped. All exposed ground areas surrounding or within a principal or accessory use, including street right-of-way, parking lots and sidewalks, shall be landscaped.

B.

Areas of a site allocated to landscaping shall be located on that site in such a way as to provide substantial benefit to the general public as well as to the site itself. A mixture of organic or inorganic materials may be used for landscaping. The landscaping plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Building Inspector or Director of Community Development, and at the discretion of the Director of Community Development, may be placed before the Planning and Zoning Commission for review and approval.

(Ord. No. 03-06, § 3, 10-7-03)

A.

Single-family detached structures, townhouses, apartments, condominiums, business developments, and industrial developments; all areas in the front setback and corner side yard not used for buildings, parking, drives or other impervious materials, shall be landscaped.

(Ord. No. 03-06, § 4, 10-7-03)

Within 2 years from issuance of an Occupancy Permit, all landscaping approved for an approved landscaping plan shall be installed and completed.

(Ord. No. 03-06, § 5, 10-7-03)

Landscaping required by this section must be maintained.

(Ord. No. 03-06, § 6, 10-7-03)