The following standards are intended to implement the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan by assuring an acceptable extent of buffering between land uses, particularly between residential and non-residential uses; providing a balance between developed uses and open space; enhancing the visual and aesthetic appearance of the community; and encouraging preservation of existing natural features. Specifically, these regulations are intended to:

Development activities requiring site plan approval shall submit, as part of such approval, a landscaping plan in accordance with Article V of this chapter.

Buffer screening shall be provided along boundaries of any commercial or light industrial use or off-street parking lot which abuts a residential use; and shall be provided for any special use where such screening is required in accordance with Article VI of this chapter.

Existing site vegetation and unique site features, such as stonewalls, shall be incorporated into landscaping plans to the greatest extent practicable. Existing healthy trees which are retained shall be credited against the requirements of these regulations in accordance with their size and location.

Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall require completion of lot grading, seeding, and required landscaping or posting of a performance guarantee acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer if the applicant cannot perform the work due to seasonal impracticalities.

All required landscaping shall be of healthy stock, planted according to accepted horticultural practices. Landscaping plans shall clearly indicate who is responsible for plant maintenance during the first 12 months after planting, and a performance guaranty shall be posted for assuring replacement in kind of plants, which die or become diseased within that time.

All required landscaping shall be maintained in healthy condition. Failure to maintain such landscaping or to replace dead or diseased landscaping required by this article shall constitute a violation of these regulations.

All plant materials adjacent to parking areas, loading areas, and driveways shall be protected from damage from vehicles or from stormwater runoff by barriers, curbs, or other means.

Where existing conditions make compliance with these regulations not feasible, the Planning Board, at its discretion, may approve planters, plant boxes, or pots containing trees, shrubs, and/or flowers to comply with the intent of these regulations.

In cases where the edge of pavement within a public right-of-way does not coincide with the front lot line, the property owner shall landscape the area between the front lot line and the edge of street pavement.

All parking lots must feature landscaped islands.

Trees for screening shall be of species and stock that will provide a visual screen from the ground up, at least five feet in height.

Required buffer screening shall consist of a visual screen or obstruction of suitable shrubs, hedges, fences, or wall at least six feet high and shall be maintained in good condition.

Shrubs, hedges, fences, or walls less than six feet tall, along with trees or other plant material designed to enhance the livability and attractiveness of any lot may be located in any yard or court and shall be maintained in good condition.

Based on the scale and location of the project, the Planning Board shall determine whether the landscaping plan must be prepared by a professional such as a licensed landscape architect or landscape designer. All landscaping plans shall contain the following information:

Alternative landscaping plans may be submitted, provided that they meet the purpose and intent of these regulations.