(A)   To create a better quality of living for the community by encouraging the preservation of existing vegetation and to stabilize the environment’s ecological balance;

   (B)   To help reduce the negative impact of glare, noise, trash mitigation, odors, air pollution, excessive heat, overcrowding, lack of privacy and visual disorders when incompatible land uses adjoin one another; and

   (C)   To promote and preserve the public health, safety and welfare.

(Ord. No. 95-112, § 1, passed 10-9-1995)

   (A)   The requirements contained herein are a combination of site vegetation, parking/drive area vegetation and screening and bufferyard screening vegetation.

   (B)   The provisions contained herein shall not apply to those properties located within the CD Downtown Commercial Zoning District and as further provided.

   (C)   The provisions contained herein shall not apply to the Pitt/Greenville Airport Authority property and the Pitt County Detention Center property.

   (D)   The provisions contained herein shall apply only to those uses having a land use classification number of 2 or more, in accordance with Article D, section 9-4-78 and Appendix A of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 95-112, § 1, passed 10-9-1995; Ord. No. 98-144, § 1, passed 11-12-1998)

   (A)   Prior to the issuance of any permit or the granting of any other approval the applicant shall receive approval of a preliminary vegetation plan which denotes the category (i.e., large tree, small tree, shrub) and number of all required vegetation materials and which illustrates the location of qualified existing and proposed materials within the available and adequate open spaces where the materials may be located in accordance with this article. Preliminary vegetation plans shall not require plant material identification by scientific or common name.

   (B)   The preliminary vegetation plan shall indicate the following site data and notes:

      (1)   Site data.

         (a)   Total per acre requirement by category.

         (b)   Total street tree requirement by category for each public and/or private street frontage.

         (c)   Total screening requirement by category for each individual bufferyard.

         (d)   Proposed vegetation by category and total number of materials to be located within each individual public utility or drainage easement.

      (2)   Notes.

         (a)   Minimum plant sizes shall be in accordance with the zoning regulations as follows:

 

 

         (b)   Existing substitute vegetation materials have been noted including their specific location(s), type(s) and size(s).

         (c)   No portion of any parking area, including any driveway, parking space, drive isle or turning area, shall be located more than 30 feet from an on-site small tree or more than 75 feet from an on-site large tree. For purposes of this section, the measurement shall be from the farthest edge of the subject area to the center of the base of the closest qualifying tree.

         (d)   Site plan approval from the respective easement holder shall be construed as approval of all noted and/or illustrated encroachments as shown on this plan.

   (C)   The preliminary vegetation plan shall be submitted for review at the time of original submission of any site plan required pursuant to Article R of this chapter. Preliminary vegetation plan approval shall be required in conjunction with site plan approval prior to the issuance of any building permit.

   (D)   Preliminary and final vegetation plans indicating proposed and existing materials shall require approval of the Director of Planning and Development Services, or authorized representative.

   (E)   Temporary certificates of occupancy may be issued following approval of a preliminary vegetation plan prior to the installation of required vegetation materials.

   (F)   Except as further provided under subsection (G) below, prior to issuance of a final occupancy permit all vegetation materials required by this article shall be in place and written certification from the installer stating that the vegetation has been installed in accordance with the approved preliminary plan and applicable requirements shall be submitted to the Director of Planning and Development Services, or authorized representative. This written certification shall include a final vegetation plan indicating the preliminary vegetation plan site data, material type(s), common plant name(s) and the specific location of all installed and/or existing qualified materials. The final vegetation plan shall be indicated on an approved site plan. Written certification shall serve as a request for inspection. Full compliance with the requirements contained herein shall be the responsibility of the property owner and approval by the city of any materials installed or the issuance of any permit shall not release the property owner from the responsibility. No final occupancy permit shall be issued prior to inspection and approval of the required materials and improvements, except as further provided.

   (G)   (1)   A final occupancy permit may be issued prior to installation of required materials in accordance with this section.

      (2)   Where vegetation materials would otherwise be required to be installed between May 1 and October 1 the installation may, at the option of the owner, be delayed; provided, however, the materials shall be installed not later than November 1 of that same year. Request for the delay shall be made by the property owner, on forms supplied by the city, to the Director of Planning and Development Services, or authorized representative, prior to the issuance of any final occupancy permit. Failure to install all required materials and to provide written certification of their installation on or before November 1 shall constitute a violation of the zoning regulations.

   (H)   Installation of vegetation improvements may be phased to coincide with construction of site improvements provided the phasing is set forth on the preliminary vegetation plan. Phasing shall be subject to approval of the Director of Planning and Development Services on a case-by-case basis.

(Ord. No. 95-112, § 1, passed 10-9-1995; Ord. No. 96-90, § 1, passed 9-12-1996; Ord. No. 98-144, §§ 2, 3, 4, passed 11-12-1998; Ord. No. 06-75, § 1, passed 8-10-2006; Ord. 19-045, § 1, passed 9-12-2019)

   (A)   (1)   For purposes of this article the total gross acreage of a lot or tract carried to one decimal point (0.0) shall be multiplied by each of the following minimum requirements to determine the minimum site vegetation:

         (a)   Five large trees;

         (b)   Ten small trees; and

         (c)   Twenty-five shrubs.

      (2)   However, no lot or tract regardless of size (acreage), shall have less than the following minimum site vegetation:

         (a)   One large tree;

         (b)   Ten small trees; and

         (c)   Fifteen shrubs.

   (B)   The minimum requirements listed under subsection (A) above, shall be in addition to any screening requirements which may apply per section 9-4-266 of this article and the evergreen hedge option set forth under section 9-4-119, Article G of this chapter.

   (C)   Street yard vegetation may count toward and be considered part of the minimum requirements listed under subsection (A) above; provided, however, where the site vegetation material requirement is less than the street yard vegetation installation requirement set forth under section 9-4-268(K) of this article, additional materials shall be provided to ensure compliance with section 9-4-268(K).

   (D)   Parking area vegetation may count toward and be considered part of the minimum requirements listed under subsection (A) above, provided all other requirements of section 9-4-268(L) of this article are met.

   (E)   The area within any public street right-of-way or private street easement shall not be included in the calculation of total gross acreage.

   (F)   The area within any public utility easement, public drainage easement or other public easement, wherein the owner is prohibited from locating required materials in accordance with section 9-4-268(B) of this article, shall not be included in the calculation of total gross acreage.

(Ord. No. 95-112, § 1, passed 10-9-1995; Ord. No. 98-144, § 5, 6, passed 11-12-1998)

   (A)   Unless otherwise provided, all plant materials shall meet the following minimum size standards at the time of planting and/or qualification in the case of existing materials:

 

 

   (B)   Caliper measurements shall be taken at six inches above grade.

   (C)   For purposes of this section the minimum size of all plants shall be an approximate measurement; provided, however, the intent of this section shall be to ensure that materials are generally in compliance with the required standards.

(Ord. No. 95-112, § 1, passed 10-9-1995; Ord. No. 96-6, § 1, passed 1-11-1996)

   (A)   Any plant material which otherwise specifically satisfies the requirements of this article may count toward satisfying all the requirements.

   (B)   One large tree may substitute for two small trees or five shrubs.

   (C)   One small tree may substitute for three shrubs.

   (D)   (1)   Healthy, existing or transplanted large trees may substitute for required vegetation in accordance with the following:

         (a)   Each two-inch or more caliper, but less than six-inch caliper, large tree (ten-foot minimum height) may substitute for one large tree or two small trees or five shrubs;

         (b)   Each six-inch or more caliper, but less than ten-inch caliper, large tree may substitute for one and one-half large trees or three small trees or six shrubs;

         (c)   Each ten-inch or more caliper, but less than 24-inch caliper, large tree may substitute for two large trees or four small trees or eight shrubs; and

         (d)   Each 24-inch or more caliper large tree may substitute for three large trees or five small trees or ten shrubs.

      (2)   For purposes of this section, when a substitution allowance results in a fraction of a number, then the fraction shall be disregarded and the substitution allowance shall be to the next lower whole number.

      (3)   In cases where the trunk of the tree(s) is not accessible for measurement, a minimum height requirement of 30 feet may substitute for the minimum diameter requirements in the case of subsections (D)(1)(a), (b) and (c) above, and a minimum height of 40 feet may substitute for the minimum diameter requirement in the case of subsection (D)(1)(d) above.

   (E)   For each existing six-inch-plus caliper large tree retained within a non-residential parking area island and/or peninsula, the minimum parking space requirement shall be reduced by up to three spaces, at the option of the owner, to provide the area of minimum protection set forth under subsection (G)(2), and minimum open space area set forth under section 9-4-268(I), provided the total parking space reduction is not more than 30% of the minimum parking space requirement.

   (F)   (1)   Except as further provided, minimum non-screening Bufferyard B setbacks set forth under section 9-4-119, and/or minimum street right-of-way building setbacks for residential and nonresidential uses may be reduced by up to 10% at the option of the owner, where the reduction is necessary to retain an existing ten-inch-plus caliper large tree, provided:

         (a)   The tree is determined, by the Director of Planning and Development Services or his or her designated representative, to be either natural growth (seedling) vegetation or that the tree has been in existence for not less than 20 years at the current location, otherwise previously transplanted trees shall not qualify for purposes of this section;

         (b)   The reduction is indicated upon an approved site plan; including the location, type and caliper of the subject tree, and the building separation and future no-build zone as further described;

         (c)   A building to tree trunk separation of not less than ten feet is maintained at the time of initial construction;

         (d)   No new future buildings, expansions or additions to existing buildings, or other impervious areas including parking areas and/or drives, shall be allowed to encroach into a designated future no-build zone, described as a ten-foot radius from the center of the trunk of the retained tree; and

         (e)   A six-inch or greater caliper large tree shall be substituted in replacement of any dead or diseased tree qualified under this requirement, at the location of the removed tree, within 60 days of removal of the tree by the owner or within the period following notice by the city.

      (2)   The setback reduction allowance shall not apply to single-family and two-family attached (duplex) development or associated accessory structures.

   (G)   Existing substitute material standards.

      (1)   Existing substitute material shall be protected from site development activities. Specifically, there shall be no change of grade (cut or fill), compaction of soils, storage of construction material, debris, chemicals and/or machinery or other activities which otherwise inhibits the percolation of surface water within the “Area of Minimum Protection” as described under subsection (G)(2) below.

      (2)   Area of minimum protection (by plant material type).

         (a)   Large tree: Eight-foot radius or drip zone, whichever is less.

         (b)   Small tree: Six-foot radius or drip zone, whichever is less.

         (c)   Evergreen shrub: Four-foot radius or drip zone, whichever is less.

      (3)   Barrier required. Existing substitute material shall be screened by means of a visible barrier which identifies the limits of the area of minimum protection.

      (4)   Qualifying the location and material type; site identification.

         (a)   Prior to site plan approval the existing substitute material shall be identified upon the preliminary vegetation plan in sufficient detail to ensure compliance with this section.

         (b)   All large and small trees subject to this section shall be individually flagged or paint-marked at the time of submission of the preliminary and final vegetation plan, except as further provided.

         (c)   Where there are 20 or more qualified large and/or small trees located within a continuous stand the boundary of the tree line may be indicated on the preliminary and final vegetation plan in lieu of individual marking. For purposes of this section, the term “continuous stand” shall be construed as a unified and closely spaced group of trees which is void of impervious encroachments. Scattered individual or groups of trees which do not, or will not upon maturity, share common canopy space and/or a narrow linear row(s) of trees shall not be construed as a continuous stand.

(Ord. No. 95-112, § 1, passed 10-9-1995; Ord. No. 96-6, §§ 2–4, passed 1-11-1996; Ord. No. 98-144, § 7, passed 11-12-1998; Ord. No. 05-123, §§ 1, 2, passed 10-13-2005; Ord. No. 06-75, § 1, passed 8-10-2006; Ord. 19-045, § 1, passed 9-12-2019)

   (A)   (1)   Unless otherwise provided, within Bufferyards C, D, E and F, as required per Article G of this chapter, a complete visual screen shall be installed along the entire length of the subject bufferyard in accordance with the following:

      (2)   Minimum vegetation material:

         (a)   Bufferyard C: Three large evergreen trees, four small evergreen trees and 16 evergreen shrubs per each 100 linear feet of buffer or fraction thereof.

         (b)   Bufferyard D: Four large evergreen trees, six small evergreen trees and 16 evergreen shrubs per each 100 linear feet of buffer or fraction thereof.

         (c)   Bufferyard E: Six large evergreen trees, eight small evergreen trees and 26 evergreen shrubs per each 100 linear feet of buffer or fraction thereof.

         (d)   Bufferyard F: Eight large evergreen trees, ten small evergreen trees and 36 evergreen shrubs per each 100 linear feet of buffer or fraction thereof.

         (e)   Where the fence, evergreen hedge or berm potion is utilized within the bufferyard in accordance with the provisions of section 9-4-119, then the minimum vegetation material required by this subsection is reduced by 25% for Type D, E and F bufferyards.

         (f)   Where the fence, evergreen hedge or berm option is utilized within the bufferyard in accordance with the provisions of section 9-4-119, then up to 25% of the minimum vegetation material required by this subsection for Type C, D, E and F bufferyards may be deciduous (non-evergreen).

   (B)   Bufferyard screening vegetation shall be in addition to and shall not count toward the site vegetation material requirement as set forth under section 9-4-263 of this article and/or the evergreen hedge option set forth under section 9-4-119, Article G of this chapter.

   (C)   The intent of this section shall be to provide a complete year round opaque visual barrier between incompatible land uses. Qualified vegetation should therefore be spaced to accomplish this end. No horizontal plane, as viewed perpendicular from the property line, may be void of vegetation within five years of planting for a height of at least 12 feet. Beyond this five-year time period the vegetation screening shall be expected to increase in height in accordance with the natural growth patterns of the approved materials.

   (D)   Bufferyard screening exemptions.

      (1)   For all uses except public schools and churches, bufferyard screening is not required along those areas where there are 500 or more feet separating adjoining property lines from any on-site improvements.

      (2)   In the case of public schools, bufferyard screening is not required along those areas where there are 250 or more feet separating adjoining property lines from on-site improvements.

      (3)   In the case of churches, bufferyard screening is not required.

   (E)   Parking area screening shall be in accordance with section 9-4-268(I) of this article.

(Ord. No. 95-112, § 1, passed 10-9-1995; Ord. No. 98-144, §§ 8, 9, 10, passed 11-12-1998; Ord. No. 11-073, § 1, passed 11-17-2011)

   (A)   Materials list notations; meanings.

      (1)   Acceptable screening vegetation: (S)

      (2)   Tolerant to periodic wet soil conditions: (W)

      (3)   Various varieties: (*)

      (4)   Native: (N)

      (5)   Minimum height of 12 inches: (H)

      (6)   Light: limited shade: (L1)

      (7)   Light: limited shade to complete shade: (L2)

   (B)   Certain vegetation materials; maximum allowable percentage. The following vegetation materials, as listed by common name, shall constitute not more than 25% of the total requirement for the specific category:

      (1)   Large tree category - River birch.

      (2)   Small tree category - Aristocrat pear, Bradford pear, Capitol pear and Cleveland select pear.

      (3)   Evergreen shrub category - Red-tip photinia.

   (C)   Materials for vegetation requirements. Except as further provided, materials listed below shall be utilized to satisfy the vegetation requirements of this article:

      (1)   Shrubs 1.5 - 6 feet - evergreen.

   Abelia x grandiflora      Glossy Abelia         (*)

   Aucuba japonica      Japanese Aucuba         (*)(L2)

   Buxus microphylla japonica   Japanese Boxwood      (*)(L1)

   Buxus microphylla ‘Koreana’   Korean Boxwood      (*)(L1)

   Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’   Dwarf Boxwood   (L1)

   Cephalotaxus harrigtonia         Japanese Plum Yew   (L1)

   Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’   Dwarf Hinoki Cypress   

   Cotoneaster horizontalis      Rockspray Cotoneaster   (*)(H)

   Cryptomeria japonica nana      Dwarf Japanese Cedar   

   Euonymus fortunei ‘Vegetus’   Evergreen Bittersweet      (*)

   Euonymus japonicus ‘Microphyllus’   Dwarf Japanese Euonymus   (H)

   Fatsia japonica         Japanese Fatsia         (*)(L2)

   Gardenia jasminoides ‘Radicans’      Dwarf Gardenia   (H) (L1)

   Hypericum patulum         St.-Johns-Wort         (*)

   Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii Nana’   Dwarf Burford Holly         (L1)

   Ilex crenata ‘Compacta’      Compacta Holly   

   Ilex crenata ‘Microphylla’      Littleleaf Japanese Holly   

   Ilex cornuta ‘Carissa’      Carissa Holly            (L1)

   Ilex cornuta ‘Rotunda’      Dwarf Horned Holly   

   Ilex glabra ‘Shamrock’                     (N)

   Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’      Dwarf Yaupon      (H)(N)(W)

   Juniperus chinensis ‘Pfitzeriana’      Pfitzer Juniper      (*)

   Juniperus davurica ‘Expansa’ (‘Personi’)   Parsons Juniper      (*)(H)

   Juniperus horizontalis      Prostrate Juniper   

   Leucothoe axillaris         Coastal Leucothoe      (L2) (W)

   Leucothoe fontanesiana      Drooping Leucothoe   (*)(L2) (W)

   Ligustrum japonicum      Ligustrum         (L1) (S)

   Loropetelum Chinese nana   Dwarf Chinese Fringe Flower   (L1)

   Mahonia bealei         Leatherleaf Mahonia      (*)(L2)

   Mahonia / Mahonia Hybrids                  (*)(L2)

   Nandina domestica         Nandina            (*)(L1)

   Pieris japonica         Japanese Andromeda      (*)(L1)

   Pinus mugo ‘Compacta’      Mugo Pine            (*)

   Pittosporum tobira nana      Chinese Podocarpus      (L1)

   Prunus laurocerasus       ‘Zabeliana’ Zabel Laurel      (L1)

   Rhaphiolepis indica         India Hawthorn         (*)

   Rosa hybrid Dwarf Rose species                  (*)

   Taxus cuspidate          Japanese Yew          (L1)

   Thuja occidentalis nana       Eastern arborvitae          (N)

   Yucca filamentosa          Adam’s Needle Yucca    (*)(H)(N)

   Yucca gloriosa          Mound-Lily Yucca

         (2)   Shrubs 1.5 - 6 feet - deciduous.

   Buddleia davidii nana      Dwarf Butterfly Bush

   Callicarpa americana      American Beautyberry      (N)

   Chaenomeles japonica      Japanese Flowering Quince   (*)

   Chaenomeles speciosa      Flowering Quince

   Clethra alnifolia nana      Dwarf Clethra         (N)

   Cotoneaster divaricatus      Spreading Cotoneaster

   Hamamelis vernalis         Vernal Witch-Hazel         (L1)

   Hydrangea macrophylla      Bigleaf Hydrangea

   Hydrangea quercifolia      Oakleaf Hydrangea         (L1)(N)

   Hypericum kalmianum      Kalm St.-John’s-Wort

   Itea virginica   

   Jasminum nudiflorum      Winter Jasmine         (H)(L1)

   Kerria japonica         Kerria               (L1)

   Lagerstromia hubrids nana      Dwarf Crapemyrtles

   Rosa               Rose Hybrids         (*)

   Spirea               Spirea species          (*)

   Vaccinium ashei         Rabbiteye Blueberry

   Weigela Varieties         Dwarf Weigela         (*)

      (3)   Shrubs 6 - 12 feet - evergreen.

   Azalea indica       Indian Azalea          (*)(L2)

   Camellia japonica       Camellia             (*)(L2)

   Camellia sasanqua       Sasanqua Camellia          (*)(L1)

   Camellia sinensis       Tea Plant             (S)(L1)

   Cleyera japonica       Cleyera             (S)(L2)

   Cotoneaster          Cotoneaster species       (*)

   Elaeagnus pungens    Thorny Elaeagnus          (*)(S)

   Euonymus japonica    Evergreen Euonymus       (*)

   Ilex cornuta          Chinese Holly          (*)(L1)(S)

   Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’    Burford Holly          (*)(L1)(S)

   Ilex crenata          Japanese Holly          (*)(S)

   Ilex glabra         Inkberry Holly         (Ll)(N)(W)

   Ilex latifolia         Lusterleaf Holly         (Ll)(S)

   Ilex vomitoria ‘Pendula’   Weeping Yaupon Holly      (*)(N)(W)

   Illicium anisatum      Anisetree            (L2)

   Illicium floridanum      Florida Anisetree         (*)(L2)(N)(W)

   Juniperus chinensis      Juniper species         (*)

   Leucothoe populifolia   Florida Leucothoe         (L2)(N)(W)

   Ligustrum japonicum   Japanese Privet         (*)(L1)(S)

   Ligustrum lucidum      Tall Glossy Privet         (*)(L1)(S)

   Ligustrum sinense ‘Variegatum’   Variegated Chinese Privet      (Ll)

   Loropeialum chinense      Loropetalum         (L1)(S)

   Michelia figo         Banana Shrub   

   Myrica cerifera      Wax-Myrtle            (W)(S)(N)

   Osmanthus x fortunei   Fortune Tea Olive         (*)(L1)(S)

   Osmanthus fragrans   Fragrant Tea Olive         (*)(L1)

   Osmanthus heterophyllus      Holly Osmanthus      (*)(L1)(S)

   Pittosporum tobira         Pittosporum         (Ll)

   Podocarpus macrophyllus maki   Podocarpus         (*)(S)

   Pyracantha koidzumii      Formosa Fire thorn         (*)(S)

   Thuja orientalis         Oriental Arborvitae         (*)(S)

   Viburnum japonicum      Japanese Viburnum         (S)

   Viburnum tinus         Laurestinus Viburnum      (*)(S)

   Yucca aloifolia         Spanish-Bayonet   

      (4)   Shrubs 6 - 12 feet - deciduous.

   Azalea hybrid         Hybrid Azalea   (*)(L2)

   Buddleja davidii         Butterfly-Bush   (*)

   Calycanthus floridus      Sweet Shrub      (*)(L1)(N)

   Chimonanthus praecox      Winter Sweet      (*)

   Chionanthus virginicus      Fringe Tree   

   Cotinus coggyria         Smoketree      (*)(N)

   Cornus species         Dwarf Dogwoods   (L2)(N)

   Cotoneaster salicifolius floccosus   Willowleaf Cotoneaster   (*)

   Cytisus scoparius         Scotch Broom   (*)

   Deutzia scabra         Pride of Rochester   (*)

   Elaegnus commutata      Silverberry   

   Euonymus alatus         Winged Euonymus   (Ll)

   Euonymus americanus      Strawberry-Bush   (L2)(N)

   Ficus carica            Common Fig Tree   (*)

   Forsythia x intermedia      Border Forsythia   (*)

   Hamamelis virginiana      Common Witch-Hazel   (L1)(N)

   Hibiscus syriacus         Rose of Sharon   (*)

   Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’   Peegee Hydrangea   (*)

   Ilex decidua            Possumhaw      (*)(L2)(N)

   Ilex verticillata         Winterberry      (*)(N)(W)

   Itea virginica            Virginia Sweet spire   (*)(L1)(N)(W)

   Kolkwitzia amabilis         Beautybush      (*)

   Lagerstromia species      Dwarf Crapemyrtles   

   Lonicera fragrantissima      Winter Honeysuckle   

   Philadelphus coronarius      Sweet Mock Orange   (*)

   Poncirus trifoliata         Hardy Orange   (*)

   Spiraea prunifolia ‘Plena’      Bridal Wreath Spirea   

   Spiraea x vanhouttei      Vanhoutte Spirea   

   Viburnum x burkwoodii      Burkwood Viburnum   (*)

   Viburnum dentatum         Arrowwood Viburnum   (N)

   Viburnum x juddii         Judd Viburnum   

   Viburnum macrocephalum ‘Sterile’   Chinese Snowball   

   Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’      European Snowball      (*)

   Viburnum plicatum tomentosum   Doublefile Viburnum   (*)

   Weigela florida         Weigela         (*)

      (5)   Small trees - evergreen.

   Cornus Kousa angustata      Evergreen Dogwood   

   Cupressus arizonica      Arizona Cypress      (*)(S)

   Ilex x attenuata         Hybrid Holly         (*)(S)(Ll)

   Ilex cassine            Dahoon Holly      (*)(W)(L1)(N)

   Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’      Nellie Stevens Holly      (L1)(S)

   Ilex opaca            American Holly      (*)(L1)(N)

   Ilex vomitoria            Yaupon Holly         (*)(S)(Ll)(N)

   Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’   Little Gem Magnolia      (S)(Ll)(N)

   Magnolia virginiana         Sweet Bay         (*)(L1)(N)(W)

   Olea species   Cold Hardy Olive               (Ll)

   Pinus virginiana         Virginia Pine         (N)

   Prunus caroliniana         Carolina Cherry-Laurel   (*)(S)(N)

   Quercus acuta         Japanese Evergreen Oak   (S)

      (6)   Small trees - deciduous.

   Acer buergeranum         Trident Maple      (*)

   Acer ginnala            Amur Maple         (*)

   Acer griseum            Paperbark Maple   

   Acer palmatum         Japanese Maple      (*)(L2)

   Acer palmatum dissectum      Laceleaf Japanese Maple   (*)(L2)

   Acer truncatum         Shantung Maple   

   Amelanchier arborea      Serviceberry         (*)(N)

   Carpinus caroliniana      American Hornbeam   (N)(L2)

   Cercis canadensis         Eastern Redbud      (*)(N)

   Cercis species         Redbuds   

   Cornus florida         Flowering Dogwood      (*)(N)(L1)

   Cornus kousa         Kousa Dogwood      (*)

   Cornus mas            Cornelian Cherry Dogwood   (*)

   Crataegus phaenopyrum      Washington Hawthorne   (*)(N)

   Halesia carolina         Carolina Silverbell      (N)(L2)

   Hamamelis mollis         Chinese Witch-Hazel   (*)(L1)

   Koelreuteria bipinnata      Chinese Flame Tree

   Koelreuteria paniculata      Golden-Rain-Tree      (*)

   Lagerstroemia indica      Crape-Myrtle         (*)

   Magnolia macrophylla      Bigleaf Magnolia      (*)(N)

   Magnolia x            Saucer Magnolia      (*)

   Magnolia stellata         Star Magnolia      (*)

   Malus hybrida         Flowering Crab Apple   (*)

   Morus alba            White Mulberry      (*)   

   Morus alba ‘Pendula’      Weeping White Mulberry   (*)   

   Oxydendrum arboreum      Sourwood         (N)(Ll)

   Pistacia chinensis         Pistachio         (*)

   Prunus cerasifera         Plum Species      (*)

   Prunus serrulata         Japanese Cherry      (*)

   Prunus subhirtella pendula      Weeping Cherry      (*)

   Prunus yedoensis         Yoshino Cherry      (*)

   Punica granatum         Pomegranate      (*)

   Salix caprea            Goat Willow         (*)(W)

   Sassafras albidum         Common Sassafras      (N)

   Stewartia varieties         Stewartia

   Styrax varieties         Snowball

   Ulmus parvifolia         Chinese Elm         (*)

   Viburnum prunifolium      Blackhaw Viburnum      (Ll)

   Viburnum rufidulum         Southern Blackhaw      (L1)(N)

   Vitex agnus-castus         Chaste - Tree      (*)

      (7)   Large trees - evergreen.

   Cedrus deodara         Deodar Cedar      (*)(S)

   Cryptomeria japonica      Japanese Cryptomeria   (S)

   Cupresso- cyparis leylandii      Leyland Cypress      (*)(S)

   Ilex attenuate         Holly species         (Ll)

   Juniperus virginiana         Eastern Red Cedar      (*)(S)(N)

   Magnolia grandiflora      Southern Magnolia      (*)(S)(N)

   Pinus bungeana         Lacebark Pine

   Pinus eliotti            Slash Pine

   Pinus palustris         Longleaf Pine      (N)

   Pinus strobus         White Pine   

   Pinus sylvestris         Scotch Pine   

   Pinus taeda            Loblolly Pine         (N)

   Pinus thunbergiana         Japanese Black Pine   (S)

   Quercus laurifolia         Laurel Oak         (N)

   Quercus virginiana         Southern Live Oak      (N)(W)

   Thuja species         Green Giant Arborvitae   (N)

      (8)   Large trees - deciduous.      

   Acer rubrum            Red Maple      (*)(N)(W)

   Acer saccharum         Sugar Maple      (*)(N)(W)

   Betula nigra            River Birch      (*)(W)(N)

   Celtis laevigata         Sugar Hackberry   (*)(N)(W)

   Celtis occidentalis         Common Hackberry   (*)(N)

   Cladrastis lutea         Yellowwood      (*)(N)

   Diospyros virginiana      Persimmon      (*)(N)

   Fagus grandifolia         Beech         (N)

   Ginkgo biloba         Maidenhair Tree   (*)

   Gymnocladus dioicus      Kentucky Coffee Tree   (W)(N)

   Liquidambar styraciflua      Sweet-Gum      (*)(N)(W)

   Liriodendron tulipifera      Tulip-Tree      (*)(N)(W)

   Magnolia acuminata         Cucumber Tree   (*)

   Metasequoia glyptostroboides   Dawn Redwood   (*)(W)

   Nyssa sylvatica         Black Tupelo      (*)(N)

   Platanus occidentalis      Sycamore      (N)(W)

   Prunus sargentii         Sargent Cherry   (*)

   Quercus acutissima         Sawtooth Oak   (N)

   Quercus alba            White Oak      (N)

   Quercus coccinea         Scarlet Oak      (*)(N)

   Quercus macrocarpa      Bur Oak      (N)

   Quercus nigra         Water Oak      (N)(W)

   Quercus palustris         Pin Oak      (*)(N)(W)

   Quercus phellos         Willow Oak      (N)(W)

   Quercus rubra         Red Oak      (N)

   Quercus velutina         Black Oak      (N)

   Salix babylonica         Weeping Willow   (W)

   Quercus shumardii         Shumard Oak   (N)(W)

   Quercus falcata         Southern Red Oak   (N)

   Quercus nuttalli         Nutall Oak      (N)

   Quercus shumardii         Shumard Oak   (N)(W)(L1)

   Taxodium ascendons      Pond Cypress   (N)

   Taxodium distichum         Bald Cypress      (*)(W)(N)

   Tilia americana         American Linden   (*)(N)(W)

      (D)   Vegetation material (type) substitution. Vegetation material type(s) not listed above under this section may be substituted for required material(s) on a one-for-one basis provided the substitute material(s) meet the requirements of this article. Where substitute material(s) are proposed the owner/developer shall provide at the time of preliminary and final bufferyard plan submission, evidence in sufficient detail to ensure compliance with this section. No substitute material(s) shall be utilized to fulfill the requirements of this article except as specifically approved by the Director of Planning and Development Services on a case-by-case basis.

(Ord. No. 95-112, § 1, passed 10-9-1995; Ord. No. 96-6, §§ 5–8, passed 1-11-1996; Ord. No. 06-75, § 1, passed 8-10-2006; Ord. No. 11-073, §§ 2, 3, passed 11-17-2011; Ord. 19-045, § 1, passed 9-12-2019)

   (A)   Seeding. All open space areas that are not landscaped shall be seeded with lawn or other ground cover.

   (B)   Easement. No vegetation materials required by this article shall be located or planted on property subject to utility or drainage easements without the written consent of the city and the easement holder. Site plan approval from the respective easement holder shall be construed as approval of all noted and/or illustrated encroachments.

   (C)   Solar access. If the development on an adjoining lot is existing, and is designed for solar access, small trees shall be substituted for large trees on a one-for-one basis where large trees would destroy solar access. This subsection shall apply only to bufferyard screening trees and site vegetation trees when no other planting areas are available.

   (D)   Drainage ditch. When a drainage ditch separates property lines, or is otherwise contained within a lot or tract, all vegetation required by this article shall be provided. However, in no case shall the required vegetation be located within five feet of the outer edge of the drainage ditch. Stormwater detention structures having a slope of two feet horizontal for each one foot vertical or steeper shall be considered a drainage ditch for purposes of this section. Placement of vegetation within easements shall be in accordance with subsection (B) above.

   (E)   Overhead utility lines. No new or qualified existing large tree shall be located within 15 feet of an overhead electric distribution, telephone or cable TV line or within 25 feet of an overhead electric transmission line. Service (drop) lines shall not be included for purposes of this requirement.

   (F)   Horizontal measurements. All such measurements shall be made from the center of the base of the subject vegetation.

   (G)   Visibility; sight distances maintained. Visibility shall be reserved in accordance with the sight distance standards and requirements of Title 6, Chapter 2, Streets and Sidewalks, of the Greenville City Code and as provided by notation or description upon any map recorded pursuant to the subdivision regulations.

   (H)   Garage/trash container, recycling center and compactor, additional standards. Except as further provided, in addition to any required visual barrier(s) and/or vegetation improvements, all garbage/trash containers and recycling centers shall be enclosed on three sides by a complete visual screen consisting of a fence, vegetation or combination thereof and compactors shall be completely enclosed by a screen and safety barrier composed of an opaque masonry wall and opaque metal or wooden gate, said wall and gate shall be not less than two feet higher than the highest point of the compactor. The Director of Planning and Development Services or designee may approve substitute wall and gate material provided the wall and gate results in an opaque visual screen and safety barrier as required by this subsection; vegetation shall not be acceptable for this purpose.

   (I)   Screening vegetation location.

      (1)   Required screening vegetation shall be installed within the minimum bufferyard setback except as further provided:

         (a)   Where a drainage, utility improvement or other natural feature, including existing vegetation, prevents the installation of required vegetation within the minimum bufferyard area, as determined by the city, the materials shall be installed within an area of equal width to the required bufferyard area. This “area of equal width” shall be located adjacent to and extend from the drainage, utility improvement or other natural feature. Buildings, structures, parking areas, drives and other site improvements may encroach into the area of equal width.

         (b)   Each ten-inch-plus caliper large tree, which trunk is located completely or partially within 20 feet of the interior limit of any screening bufferyard set forth under section 9-4-119, shall qualify as part of the vegetation requirement of the bufferyard, with respect to the minimum screening vegetation type and amount, provided the required visual vegetative screen is achieved and maintained, and the qualified tree is not separated from the associated screening bufferyard by any intervening building or roofed structure. The subject tree shall not qualify for both the site and the screening vegetation requirements, with respect to total material and/or substitution requirements, applicable to the site.

      (2)   Screening vegetation shall not be located within a stormwater detention structure which has a slope of two feet horizontal for each one foot vertical or steeper. All plantings within a stormwater detention structure shall otherwise be allowed subject to approval of the City Engineer and provided the vegetation materials are of a variety that can customarily withstand periodic flooding and wet soil conditions.

      (3)   Where the materials are planted on slopes, of two feet horizontal for each one foot vertical or steeper, a terraced planting area, designed in accordance with acceptable and recognized practice, shall be provided.

      (4)   Where the materials are planted in areas lying below the finished grade of the surrounding portions of the lot the materials shall be of a size and type which can be expected to fulfill the requirements of this article.

(Ord. No. 05-123, § 3, passed 10-13-2005; Ord. No. 10-34, § 5, 4-8-2010)

   (J)   Site vegetation location. Required site vegetation may be located at any point within the boundary of the subject lot, except as farther provided:

      (1)   With the exception of street yard trees, site vegetation shall not be located within ten feet of a principal and/or accessory structure.

      (2)   Site vegetation shall not be located within a stormwater detention structure which has a slope of two feet horizontal for each one foot vertical or steeper. Existing vegetation material located within a stormwater detention structure may otherwise be allowed to qualify for purposes of this section, subject to the approval of the City Engineer and provided the vegetation materials are of a variety that can customarily withstand periodic flooding and wet soil conditions as approved by the Director of Planning and Development Services on a case-by-case basis.

(Ord. No. 06-75, § 1, passed 8-10-2006)

   (K)   Street yard vegetation installation requirements.

      (1)   Street yard vegetation may count toward and be considered part of the site vegetation material requirement as set forth under section 9-4-263 of this chapter.

      (2)   (a)   Street yard vegetation shall be installed, at the rate of two large trees per each 100 linear feet or fraction thereof of street frontage (public or private), on any lot containing a use with a land use classification number of two or more; provided, however, where vegetation material installation is required pursuant to section 9-4-271. “Nonconforming vegetation; compliance required” and large trees can not be located in compliance with this article due to the proximity of an overhead utility transmission line, or substandard available open space including bufferyard width, island/peninsula area or dimension and the like, small trees shall be substituted for large trees at the ratio of two small trees for each one large tree. Substitutions shall only be considered and allowed on an individual tree-by-tree basis. The intent of this section shall be to require the installation of large trees to the greatest extent possible.

         (b)   Where the small tree substitution is allowed each small tree shall have not less than six square feet of exclusive open space which measures not less than two feet at its narrowest dimension. Where the available open space does not meet this requirement, as determined by the Director of Planning and Development Services, shrubs may be substituted for small trees on a one-for-one basis; provided, however, where the open space is less than four square feet in area and/or less than two feet in width ground cover may be substituted for shrubs.

      (3)   Except as otherwise provided under this section the vegetation material (category) substitution standards contained under section 9-4-265 may apply at the option of the owner.

      (4)   Such street yard vegetation shall be located within 15 feet of the street right-of-way or easement line unless otherwise provided; however, no large tree shall be installed closer than two feet to the back of curb, travel surface or sidewalk located on the right-of-way or easement.

(Ord. No. 06-75, § 1, passed 8-10-2006)

   (L)   Parking area vegetation location.

      (1)   Any on-site large tree, small tree or shrub which has been qualified pursuant to this article may count toward the parking area vegetation requirement, provided the materials comply with all other requirements of this section.

      (2)   No portion of any parking area, including any driveway, parking space, drive isle or turning area, shall be located more than 30 feet from an on-site small tree or more than 75 feet from an on-site large tree. For purposes of this section, the measurement shall be from the farthest edge of the subject area to the center of the base of the closest qualifying tree.

      (3)   Such tree(s) may be located, at the option of the owner, within an area adjacent to and extending from the parking/drive surface or on islands contained within and/or peninsulas extending into the impervious areas.

      (4)   Where the trees are located on island(s) and/or peninsulas, the island(s) and/or peninsula(s) shall individually contain not less than 100 square feet of open space and shall measure not less than eight feet at its narrowest dimension wherein the open space is proposed to contain a large tree, or not less than five feet at its narrowest dimension wherein the open space is proposed to contain only small trees. Any open space area between the point of curvature and the point of tangency shall be included in the minimum area calculation; however, such area shall be exempt from the minimum dimension requirement. Areas not meeting these requirements shall not be considered for purposes of this section. (See also subsection (L)(8) below.)

      (5)   Where vegetation is proposed within any island and/or peninsula the materials shall be located and designed to minimize potential conflicts with vehicular drives, parking, loading docks and turning areas and product and/or equipment storage and display areas. Specifically, large and small trees shall be set back and/or off-set from bumper overhang encroachment areas or other hazards in a manner approved by the Director of Planning and Development Services or authorized representative.

      (6)   When a parking and/or drive area is not constructed of a permanent hard surface material, such as asphalt or concrete which clearly defines the travel and parking area, the island(s) and/or peninsula(s) shall be set apart from all vehicular areas by a raised vertical curb, wheel stop or other physical barrier which otherwise delineates the open space contained therein.

      (7)   The minimum open space shall be grassed or contain ground cover or other erosion-control material such as mulch over the balance of the area, provided the area(s) shall be clear of impervious surface and/or subsurface materials which would otherwise prohibit the percolation of surface water.

      (8)   When located on such island(s) and/or peninsula(s), no large tree shall have less than 100 square feet of exclusive open space, and no small tree shall have less than 50 square feet of exclusive open space. Shrubs and ground cover may encroach into the open space area(s) described herein.

      (9)   Parking area screening shall be required in accordance with the following:

         (a)   Except as further provided, parking area screening shall be installed within a ten-foot area adjacent to and extending the full street side width of all parking areas which front a public or private street. For purposes of this section, any parking area drive or drive isle, which separates a parking space from the street right-of-way or easement line, shall be considered part of the parking area and the drive or drive isle shall be screened in accordance with this section. Parking areas which deflect from the street line shall be considered a part of the parking area subject to the screening requirement of this section where the parking area is less than 50 feet from the street right-of-way or easement line and in accordance with subsection (L)(9)(b) below.

         (b)   The intent of parking area vegetation screening shall be to provide a year-round visual screen between parking areas and public or private streets. Qualified vegetation should therefore be spaced to accomplish this end. No horizontal plane, as viewed perpendicular from the street line, may be void of vegetation, or other approved visual screen, within three years of planting for a height of at least 30 inches, (under normal growing conditions), above the finished grade of the immediately adjacent parking area surface.

         (c)   A wall, fence, berm or other structure which provides a qualified visual screen, alone or in combination with qualified vegetation, to a height of 30 inches may substitute for a portion or all of the parking area screening requirement, provided all other provisions of this article are met. Non-vegetative visual screens shall be installed or improved to the minimum required height prior to the issuance of any final occupancy permit.

         (d)   When vegetation material installation is required pursuant to section 9-4-271 and where the available open space is less than two feet in width, ground cover may be substituted for parking area screening.

         (e)   Parking areas, or portions thereof, which are set back 50 feet or more from the street right-of-way or street easement line, shall be exempt from the parking area screening requirement of this section.

         (f)   Vegetation and above-grade structures and/or improvements shall comply with the sight distance standards and requirements of Title 6, Chapter 2, Streets and Sidewalks, of the Greenville City Code and as provided by notation or description upon any map recorded pursuant to the subdivision regulations and as provided by notation or description upon any approved site plan.

      (10)   When a parking lot existing on the effective date of this section (November 12, 1998) is required to comply with the standards set forth under this article, the minimum number of required parking spaces may be reduced up to 10% where the loss of existing spaces occurs as a result of the application of this subsection.

      (11)   Bufferyards which separate parking areas and drive isles from perimeter property lines shall be considered an “island and/or peninsula” and the open space and vegetation material located therein shall be subject to subsections (L)(5), (6), (7) and (8) of this section.

      (12)   New parking areas and/or expansion areas to existing parking areas shall comply with all parking area requirements in effect at the time of development regardless of the percent of expansion.

   (M)   Fences.

      (1)   All fences must be constructed in a workman-like manner of customary or normal fencing material.

      (2)   In residential zoning districts fences shall be no greater than six feet in height in the front yard and no greater than eight feet in height in the side or rear yard.

      (3)   In residential zoning districts all fences and walls must be of brick, stone, stucco, wrought iron, wood, or materials similar in appearance and durability, except that chain link or woven wire may be used in the side and rear yard behind the front building line. Barbed wire and concertina wire may be permitted within bona-fide agricultural operations.

      (4)   In non-residential zoning districts fences shall not be greater than eight feet in the front yard and no greater than ten feet in height in the side or rear yard. Fence height does not include barbed wire or concertina wire added to the top of fences.

      (5)   Silt fences and other similar construction type barriers may be allowed in conjunction with an active building permit, but shall be removed after site stabilization is completed.

      (6)   No fence shall be erected upon any lot or attached to any building or structure, nor shall any existing fence be enlarged, removed, relocated or materially repaired unless a zoning compliance letter, and if applicable building permit, for the same has been issued by the city. The letter shall be on forms supplied by the city and shall contain such information as necessary to ensure that the requirements and conditions of this article can be met.

      (7)   No fence or portion thereof shall be located or extend into a public right-of-way.

(Ord. No. 95-112, § 1, passed 10-9-1995; Ord. No. 98-144, § 11, 12, 13, passed 11-12-1998; Ord. No. 06-75, § 1, passed 8-10-2006; Ord. 19-045, § 1, passed 9-12-2019; Ord. No. 21-010, § 2, passed 2-15-2021)

   For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

(Ord. No. 95-112, § 1, passed 10-9-1995)

   The property owner shall be responsible for maintaining all vegetation required by this article in a healthy condition. Any dead, unhealthy or missing vegetation shall be replaced. Replacement shall occur at the earliest suitable planting season.

(Ord. No. 95-112, § 1, passed 10-9-1995)

   (A)   Property that does not comply with the requirements contained in this article shall meet the provisions of this section.

   (B)   When there is noncompliance with the vegetation standards and requirements of this article, and when an applicant files the necessary forms for a building permit and/or change of use permit, one of the three following situations shall apply:

      (1)   The provisions of this article are not applicable when:

         (a)   There is a change of land use where the new land use is of the same or lower land use classification;

         (b)   Building expansion(s) are proposed which constitute less than a 20% expansion in lot coverage;

         (c)   Parking area and/or drive expansion(s) are proposed which constitute less than a 20% expansion in impervious surface areas;

         (d)   Building and parking area and/or drive expansion(s) are proposed which collectively constitute less than a 50% expansion in existing impervious area and lot coverage combined; and

         (e)   The valuation of any proposed building construction, including repairs, renovations and/or expansions, is less than or equal to 50% of the current tax valuation of all on-site building improvements as listed on the Pitt County tax record. The valuation of proposed construction shall be based on applicable building permit application data.

         (f)   Complete demolitions and reconstructions invoke full compliance with vegetation requirements.

      (2)   Vegetation improvements will be required in accordance with subsection (C) below when:

         (a)   There is a change in land use where the new land use is of a higher land use classification;

         (b)   Building expansion(s) are proposed which constitute a 50% or more expansion in lot coverage;

         (c)   Parking area and/or drive expansion(s) are proposed which constitute a 50% or more expansion in impervious surface areas;

         (d)   Building and parking area and/or drive expansion(s) are proposed which collectively constitute a 50% or more expansion in existing impervious area and existing lot coverage combined; or

         (e)   The valuation of any proposed building construction, including repairs, renovations and/or expansions, exceeds 50% of the current tax valuation of all on-site building improvements as listed on the Pitt County tax record. The valuation of proposed construction shall be based on applicable building permit application data.

      (3)   Street trees and parking screening shall be required in accordance with subsection (C) below when building expansions or parking and/or drive expansion or a combination of both which constitute an expansion between 20% to 50% of existing lot coverage and/or impervious area.

   (C)   When vegetation improvements are required based on subsection (B)(2) and/or (B)(3) above the following shall apply:

      (1)   Screening vegetation requirements (Bufferyards C, D, E and F).

         (a)   Where all of the minimum bufferyard width is available, all required screening vegetation shall be installed.

         (b)   Where less than 100% of the minimum standard bufferyard width is available, a fence, evergreen hedge or berm meeting the requirements of section 9-4-119, Article G of this chapter, shall be installed and all required screening vegetation shall be installed except as further provided.

         (c)   Where less than 100% of the minimum reduced width bufferyard is available, a percentage of each required material (small trees, large trees, shrubs) equal to the percentage of the reduced bufferyard width available shall be installed within such areas.

         (d)   Where less than six feet of bufferyard width is available, small trees may be substituted for large trees on a one-for-one basis.

         (e)   Where less than three feet of bufferyard width is available, shrubs may be substituted for small trees on a one-for-one basis.

         (f)   Where less than two feet of bufferyard width is available, ground cover may be substituted for shrubs.

      (2)   Site vegetation requirements.

         (a)   All required site vegetation shall be installed.

         (b)   The provisions of this section shall not be deemed to require the removal of existing structures, buildings, mechanical equipment, lighting or any existing impervious areas.

         (c)   The intent of this section shall be to require the installation of required vegetation, to the greatest extent possible, in all available open space areas existing at the time of site plan application. All required vegetation materials shall be planned for installation prior to the location or expansion of any new impervious area or building.

         (d)   This section shall apply to street yard vegetation as part of the site vegetation requirement.

      (3)   Parking lot and drive area vegetation requirements.

         (a)   All required parking lot and drive area vegetation shall be provided in accordance with section 9-4-268(L) of this article.

         (b)   The provisions of this section shall not be deemed to require the removal of existing structures, buildings, mechanical equipment, and lighting or any existing impervious areas.

         (c)   The intent of this section shall be to require the installation of all required parking lot and drive area vegetation to the greatest extent possible, in all available open space areas existing at the time of site plan application. All required vegetation materials shall be planned for installation prior to the location or expansion of any new impervious area or building.

(Ord. No. 95-112, § 1, passed 10-9-1995; Ord. No. 98-144, § 14, passed 11-12-1998; Ord. No. 18-037, § 1, passed 6-14-2018)

   (A)   The City Council recognizes that, due to the wide variety of types of development and property boundary configurations, the varying quantity and dimension of available open spaces, the natural and built environment and other existing adverse physical conditions, it is neither possible nor prudent to establish inflexible vegetation regulations. Therefore, the Director of Planning and Development Services, or his or her authorized representative, may permit deviations from the specific requirements of this article provided the deviations are in accordance with subsection (B) or (E).

   (B)   Prior to the administrative approval of any deviation to the requirements of this article, the Director of Planning and Development Services, or his or her authorized representative, shall first determine the application meets all of the following criteria:

      (1)   The deviation is necessary due to unique physical conditions of the property, which may include existing vegetation conditions;

       (2)   The hardship in complying with the requirements is not created by a proposed building, building expansion or expansion of impervious area into available open space wherein required plantings could be located in accordance with ordinance provisions;

      (3)   The hardship in complying with the requirements is not related to the expense or cost of installing the required materials or other improvements;

      (4)   The deviation represents the least possible deviation from the letter of this article that will allow reasonable use of the property; and

      (5)   The deviation is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this article and preserves its spirit.

   (C)   Any approved deviation shall be noted on the preliminary and final vegetation plan and include the original minimum requirement, the justifications for the deviation and the resulting modified requirement.

   (D)   Whenever the condition or circumstances for which any approved deviation was approved no longer exist, the original applicable minimum requirements shall immediately apply and the vegetation improvements required by the requirements shall be installed.

   (E)   The Director of Planning and Development Services, or his or her authorized representative, may reduce vegetation requirements for properties located in any industrial zoning district only when expansions are proposed and not for new development, on a case-by-case basis. However, street trees, bufferyard screening and parking area screening shall continue to be required, but the actual locations may be adjusted based on site constraints, including but not limited to, conflicting locations of utilities, swales, storm water structures and egress.

(Ord. No. 98-144, § 15, passed 11-12-1998; Ord. No. 06-75, § 1, passed 8-10-2006; Ord. No. 18-037, § 2, passed 6-14-2018; Ord. 19-045, § 1, passed 9-12-2019)