The purpose of the landscape regulations are to:

(a)

Preserve and promote the public health, safety and general welfare; and

(b)

Establish high standards of landscaping and buffering for all public and private properties in the village; and

(c)

Improve the appearance of the village as well as assist in minimizing the harmful or nuisance effects resulting from noise, heat, and glare and to provide shade, air purification, oxygen regeneration, and privacy from noise and visual intrusion of objectionable sights and activities.

(1)

The provisions of this ordinance shall apply to all residential, commercial, office, institutional or industrial development where site plans, preliminary or final plats are submitted after the effective date of this ordinance.

(2)

Whenever an existing use or structure on a lot shall be expanded, the development shall be subject to the provisions of this article provided that the expansion exceeds twenty-five (25) percent of either the gross floor area or lot area of the existing development.

(3)

Any conforming or legally non-conforming building or use which is in existence on the effective date of this ordinance which is subsequently damaged or destroyed by fire, collapse, explosion or other cause, and which is reconstructed, re-established or repaired, landscaping equivalent to any present at the time of such damage or destruction shall be restored. When such damage or destruction exceeds fifty (50) percent of the value of the building or use, landscaping shall be provided as required by this ordinance for equivalent new use or construction.

(4)

All requirements specified in this ordinance are minimum requirements. Provision of landscaping in excess of these requirements is encouraged and may be required when necessary to achieve the purpose of these regulations.

(1)

All plant material shall comply with the provisions set forth by the American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1 - (most recent edition).

(2)

All plant material shall be in a balled and burlapped or container grown at the time of installation. No bare root material shall be allowed.

(3)

Plant material used in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance shall be selected to provide:

(a)

Climate hardiness of plant material.

(b)

Disease and pest resistance and stress tolerance.

(c)

Adaptability of proposed plant material to the particular microclimate (sun, shade, dry or wet soils, etc.) in which it is to be located.

(d)

Inclusion of native plant material where appropriate.

(e)

Overall year round ornamental effect.

(4)

Plant material shall be healthy, free of insects and diseases and physical damage (bark bruises, scrapes, cracked branches, etc.).

(5)

Unless otherwise specified, the minimum size for plant materials (at time of installation) to meet the requirements of this ordinance shall be as follows:

(a)

Overstory/shade trees: Two and one-half (2½) inch caliper.

(b)

Parkway tree: Three (3) inch caliper.

(c)

Evergreen trees: Six (6) feet height.

(d)

Ornamental trees:

(e)

Single trunk: Two (2) inch caliper.

(f)

Multi-trunk: Six (6) feet height.

(g)

Large shrubs: Twenty-four (24) inch height.

(h)

Small shrubs: Eighteen (18) inch height.

(6)

Caliper of the trunk shall be measured twelve (12) inches above the ground.

(7)

The branches of deciduous trees and shrubs may be selectively thinned by up to one-third (⅓) in accordance with good horticultural practice; however, in no case shall trimming result in reducing the overall size of the plant below that specified on the approved landscape plan.

(8)

All trees and shrubs shall be mulched with a minimum of three (3) inch depth shredded bark, wood chips or other all organic mulch. All perennial, annual or groundcover beds shall be mulched with a minimum of two (2) inch depth shredded bark or other all organic mulch.

(9)

A minimum number of species of trees and a minimum number of species of shrubs shall be required on each non-residential parcel as follows:

* More species may be required for non-residential parcels over thirty (30) acres as determined by the village planner or his/her designee.

(10)

Landscape materials shall be selected and located so as to not obstruct visual or physical access to fire hydrants.

(11)

Plant unit equivalents of approved plantings:

Five (5) plant units—Overstory/shade tree (minimum 2½″ caliper).

Four (4) plant units—Single trunk ornamental tree (minimum 2″ caliper).

Four (4) plant units—Multi-trunk ornamental tree (minimum 6′ height).

Four (4) plant units—Evergreen tree (minimum 6′ height).

Two (2) plant units—Large shrub (minimum 24″ height).

One (1) plant unit—Small shrub (minimum 18″ height).

(12)

Certain weak wooded tree species shall not be included in any landscape plan. These include:

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissma)

Poplar (Populus spp.)

Willow (Salix spp.)

Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)

Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

Mulberry (Morus alba)

Box Elder (Acer negundo)

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

Mountain Ash (Sorbus spp.)

Catalpa (Catalpa spp.)

Others, as determined by the village planner or his/her designee, may also be excluded after staff review.

Credit against the landscape requirements of this ordinance may be allowed by the village planner or his/her designee for existing vegetation and other landscape features of a quality and of a size as required by section 9-132 hereof which the applicant proposes to preserve on an equal basis. In all cases, the village planner or his/her designee may attach conditions to the granting of said credit to secure or enhance the continued well-being of all vegetation for which credit is being given during the period of construction upon the site covered by the plan. The existing vegetation for which credit is given shall be shown and labeled on the landscape plan.

1.

Landscape plans prepared and stamped by a landscape architect shall be required as part of any site plan review, preliminary or final plat application, or a planned development application.

2.

Site plan review shall include a final landscape plan including each proposed plant being identified as to botanical and common name, size and installed condition (balled and burlapped or container).

3.

At the preliminary plat stage (if applicable), general locations and approximate quantities shall be shown. A list of typical plants proposed to be used shall be submitted, including common and botanical names, and approximate sizes.

4.

At the final plat stage, exact locations and specific quantities shall be shown. These quantities shall not be less than what was approved at the preliminary plat stage without written justification. Each proposed plant shall be identified as to botanical and common name, size at time of installation and planting condition (balled and burlapped or container). The plants proposed for the final plat stage shall, for the most part, reflect the typical plant list submitted at the preliminary plat stage. This list may be expanded upon; however, additions shall be of equal or greater quality regarding hardiness, disease resistance and ornamental characteristics.

5.

All landscape plans shall include the following:

(a)

North point and scale

(b)

Topographic information and proposed grades

(c)

Proposed structures and pavements

(d)

Existing and proposed utilities, above and below ground

(e)

Location, type, size, quantity and planting condition (balled and burlapped or container) of all proposed landscape materials

(f)

Common and botanical names of all proposed plant material

(g)

Location, size and common/botanical name of existing vegetation to remain

(h)

Standard notes as they relate to mulch, site lines, plant location, planting depths, etc.

(i)

All math calculations as they relate to plant units and number of plants to be provided in each specific area required as per this ordinance.

(j)

Symbols representing proposed plant material shall be drawn to scale showing two-thirds (⅔) to full mature size and labeled as to quantity and type.

Once a landscape plan has been approved and a building permit issued, the village planner or his/her designee may authorize minor revisions* to the approved landscape plan including the substitution of equivalent plantings where such revisions do not diminish the benefits of the approved landscape plan. As such, revisions shall require the written approval of the village planner or his/her designee.

*Note—A revision shall be considered minor when there is no reduction in the quality of plant material, no significant change in size or location of plant material and new plants are of the same general category (overstory/shade, ornamental, evergreen trees or large, small shrubs, groundcover) and have the same general design characteristics (mature size, spread, density) as the materials being replaced.

The owner, tenant or their agent, shall be jointly and severally responsible for the maintenance of all landscaping required by the provisions of this ordinance or by any approved site plan currently applicable to the site. Landscaping shall be maintained in good condition so as to present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance and shall be kept free from refuse and debris. Any missing, dead or severely damaged or diseased plant material shall be replaced by the owner, tenant or their agent during the next planting season for the said plant material.

Parkway trees and sodded parkways shall be required for all residential, commercial, office and industrial development.

(a)

All newly created parkways as part of any all residential, commercial, office and industrial development shall be sodded with salt tolerant sod.

(b)

All existing turf parkways within the dedicated street area or other public use areas that is disturbed due to construction shall be restored according to the Village of Plainfield's Standards and Specifications.

(c)

Parkway trees selected for planting in Plainfield shall be rated "specimen" grade, not "parkway" grade. Furthermore, they shall be healthy, free of insects and diseases; bark bruises, and scrapes on the trunk of limbs before and after planting. Selected trees shall have a straight trunk with limbs not lower than six (6) feet above the ground.

(d)

The planting season for parkway trees shall be approximately March 15 to May 30, and September 15 to December 1. Deviations to this schedule may be allowed based on environmental conditions at the proposed planting time.

(e)

Parkway trees shall be provided at the equivalent of not more than forty (40) feet apart and no less than twenty-five (25) feet. Trees shall be spaced linearly in the right-of-way as determined appropriate by the village engineer.

(f)

Parkway trees shall have a minimum trunk size of three (3) inches in diameter, as measured at twelve (12) inches above the established ground level.

(g)

Applicant shall submit to the village engineer or his/her designated representative a list of the number and types of trees that are to be planted. A minimum number of species of trees shall be required on each parcel as follows:

* For parcels which are one hundred (100) acres or more in size, additional species shall be provided at a rate of one (1) species per additional ten (10) acres as availability and the number of allowed species permits.

(h)

The perimeter of the planting hole shall extend a minimum of two (2) feet beyond the sides of the root ball on all sides. The sides of the hole shall slope gradually, making the hole saucer-shaped or bowl-shaped. The hole shall be no deeper than necessary to cover the root ball. If hole is mechanically dug, sides shall be scored to eliminate any glazing.

(i)

A doughnut-like circle of soil shall be cultivated eight (8) to twelve (12) inches deep and eighteen (18) inches wide around the root ball. A three (3) inch layer of organic mulch shall be spread over the planting hole coming no closer to the trunk than six (6) inches. The trees shall be initially watered to remove air pockets from the soil and later as necessary to maintain a healthy, vigorous condition.

(j)

All tags, wires, plastic ties and rope shall be removed from each tree to prevent girdling the tree. The burlap shall be removed from the upper third of the rootball. If plastic "burlap" is used, it shall be removed in its entirety from the rootball. Wire cages surrounding the root ball may be left intact.

(k)

All trees shall be planted straight and shall be maintained in an upright position. Trees greater than three (3) inch caliper shall be staked for a minimum of one growing season to provide for the trees support and prevent the tree from leaning. Trees with a caliper of three (3) inches or less do not have to be staked unless environmental factors (such as exposure to high winds) predispose the trees to leaning.

(l)

Parkway trees shall be limited to the following species unless otherwise approved by the village and shall vary in species so that no more than five (5) of the same species are adjacent and that one (1) species does not comprise more than thirty (30) percent of all parkway plantings unless otherwise approved by the village. However, a variety of compatible species from this list** should be included in the planting plan for a specific site or development:

Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

Blue Ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata)

Thornless Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis)

Kentucky Coffeetree (male) (Gymnocladus dioicus)

Callery, Redspire, and Aristocrat Pears (Pyrus calleryana)

Maples (Acer spp.) (Except Acer negundo and Acer saccharinum)

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

American Linden or Basswood (Tilia americana)

Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata)

Silver Linden (Tilia tomentosa)

Regal Hybrid Elm (Ulmus 'Regal')

Urban Hybrid Elm (Ulmus 'Urban')

**Other species as determined and approved by staff.

(m)

Only the following species of trees shall be planted in village parkways where the clear space between the curb and sidewalk is less than six (6) feet in width:

'Erectum' Norway Maple (Acer platanoides 'Erectum')

'Columnare' Norway Maple (Acer platanoides 'Columnare')

'Crimson Sentry' Norway Maple (Acer platanoides 'Crimson Sentry')

'Columnare' Red Maple (Acer rubrum 'Columnare')

'Mayfield' Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba 'Mayfield')

'Princeton Sentry' Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba 'Princeton Sentry')

'Chanticleer' Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer')

'Fastigata' American Linden (Tilia americana 'Fastigata')

'Crimean' Linden (Tilia x euchlora)

(n)

Only the following species of trees shall be planted in village parkways with overhead utility lines:

Amur maple (tree form) (Acer ginnala) (tree form)

Paperbark maple (Acer griseum)

Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) (Autumn Brilliance, Cumulus, Majestic, Princess Diana, Robin Hill, and Tradition cultivars)

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Corneliacherry Dogwood (tree form) (Cornus mas) (tree form)

Crabapples (Malus spp) (Fruitless and apple scab resistant cultivars only)

Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata)

Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) (tree form)

(o)

Weak wooded species such as Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissma), Poplar (Populus spp.), Willow (Salix spp.), Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila), or Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) shall not be planted in the public right-of-way. Others, as determined by the village planner or village engineer and/or their designee, may also be excluded after staff review.

1.

General. In order to preserve existing trees on a property, the village board may impose necessary and appropriate conditions to minimize any adverse impacts on trees located on the property. In the case of residential plats, a part of any subdivision design shall include efforts to design the subdivision to protect tree stands or groves and wooded areas. For any property; residential, commercial or industrial, being considered for development that has existing trees on the site, the following shall be required:

(a)

A minimum of fifty (50) percent of the trees on the site that are greater than eight (8) inches diameter at breast height (DBH) shall be saved. In the event a tree has more than one trunk, each trunk which is greater than eight (8) inches DBH, shall count as a separate tree. The developer is encouraged to save as many trees as possible.

(b)

A tree survey showing the location, species, trunk diameter and condition of every tree eight (8) inches DBH or larger on the property is required as part of the preliminary plat. The survey shall also show the location, size, species, and condition of each tree. The village planner or his/her designee may allow the tree survey to exclude those portions of the site which they determine will not be affected by the development activity. For those areas of significant vegetation (fifty (50) percent or greater contiguous lot coverage by existing vegetation) with no development activity identified, the tree survey may not need to identify each tree but said area may be identified on the survey as a tree protection area. In such cases emphasis will be placed on maintaining the contiguous plantings, and keeping disruption confined to the perimeter of the tree protection area.

(c)

Prior to commencing any grading or construction activity on a site, the developer shall tag the trees that are planned to be removed and fence off an area large enough to accommodate the construction of the building/structure and accessory uses and appurtenances. Trees to be saved in any development shall be surrounded by orange plastic or red picket snow fencing placed ten (10) feet beyond the dripline of each such tree. The area within this fence shall be known as the Root Preservation Zone. The snow fencing shall be secured in place by posts spaced six (6) feet apart and sunk two (2) feet into the ground with a minimum above ground height of four (4) feet.

(d)

No mechanical vehicles or construction machinery shall be allowed within any fenced off area surrounding a tree to be saved. In addition, any construction activity which endangers the health of any tree in the fenced off area shall be prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, stockpiling of materials within the Root Preservation Zone, flooding and the deposit of wash water in the root preservation zone.

(e)

If, in the opinion of the village planner or his/her designee, there is not adequate room on the site for all of the replacement trees, a dollar amount which corresponds to the unplantable trees shall be used to plant parkway trees elsewhere in the village. The location of these trees shall be determined by the village engineer.

(f)

All replacement trees shall be guaranteed to live and thrive for up to one year after village acceptance of the improvements. Documentation of the guarantee shall be provided to the village engineer prior to acceptance of the improvements. In the event that a replacement tree dies or is in a declining condition, the tree shall be replaced by the party bound by the guarantee with another tree of the same species and size.

2.

Removal and replacement criteria. To the extent that the development is likely to result in the destruction of or material damage to any tree having a DBH of eight (8) inches or more, the applicant shall be required to replace such trees as specified below:

(a)

Replacement trees shall be a minimum of three (3) inches in DBH and the species and location shall be identified on the plans. Replacement trees shall be in addition to other landscaping required by village Code.

(b)

All trees greater than eight (8) inches in diameter which are severely diseased or structurally unsound shall be labeled as such on the tree survey. If, in the opinion of the village planner or his/her designee, corrective measures would be ineffective toward saving these trees and the trees pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the community, these trees shall not count towards the total number of trees to be preserved or replaced.

(c)

Trees located in proposed rights-of-way shall not be considered preservable, but shall be compensated for as required above.

(d)

The village, at its discretion, has the right to retain a professional tree consultant/forester to review submitted tree preservation plans and submit a written report to the plan commission. All expense incurred by the village for the use of the tree consultant shall be reimbursed by the developer.

Where boulevards are proposed, final approval of the design shall rest with the village planner or his/her designee. Design shall incorporate a mixture of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and hardscape elements. Selected plant material shall be such that it will withstand heat, drought, salt and/or other environmental conditions that may affect a particular site.

Several elements shall be considered when designing boulevards. They include:

(a)

Boulevards shall not be less than thirty (30) feet in width, although they may taper at either or both ends.

(b)

Trees shall be planted on a spacing of twenty-five (25) feet.

(c)

Boulevards shall be landscaped with not less than seventy-five (75) percent live plant materials.

(d)

The balance of the boulevard islands shall include hardscape elements such as benches, unit pavers, decorative fencing, natural rock outcroppings, art sculptures, or other elements deemed appropriate by the village planner or his/her designee.

(e)

Any area not occupied by trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, mulch or hardscape materials shall be sodded.

(f)

In no case shall a median or boulevard planting be completely mulched without prior approval.

(g)

Irrigation, while not required, is strongly recommended.

(h)

Landscaping in boulevards shall be structured so as not to impede automobile and pedestrian safety.

1.

Through lots. The developer of a single family subdivision shall provide an undulating landscaped berm having a minimum height of three (3) feet, as measured from the streetside of the lot, behind each lot which abuts a public right-of-way (ROW). The landscaped berm shall be located in an outlot of record, having a minimum width of not less than twenty (20) feet. Requirements for this berm/buffer area include:

(a)

A minimum of two (2) overstory/shade or ornamental tree and one (1) evergreen tree and ten (10) shrubs for every forty-two (42) feet of frontage shall be provided. A mix of thirty (30) to forty (40) percent evergreens (minimum six (6) feet) shall be incorporated in the design. All shrubs shall be a minimum of thirty-six (36) inches in height at the time of planting.

(b)

Any portion of a planting area which is not occupied by trees, shrubs, perennials, groundcover ornamental grasses or mulch shall be sodded. Native wildflowers and perennials are encouraged to add seasonal color and interest.

(c)

If fencing is proposed, it shall be consistently applied throughout the development and regulated by homeowner association covenants. Fencing shall be placed on the interior side of the dedicated outlot with proposed landscaping located between the fence and the right-of-way line. Fencing shall comply with village ordinances.

(d)

Irrigation, while not required, is strongly recommended.

(e)

The planting scheme of the required plant material shall be subject to the approval of the village planner or his/her designee.

2.

Key lots. Landscaping for key lots, as identified on the final plat, shall be designed as a cohesive whole. A naturalistic treatment is preferred, utilizing a combination or overstory, ornamental, and evergreen trees, along with shrubs, perennials and flowers. Landscaping shall serve to frame and emphasize these lots, especially the front entrance of the home. At minimum the plan should include three (3) overstory/shade trees, one (1) ornamental or evergreen tree and ten (10) shrubs with a minimum height of twenty-four (24) inches at time of planting. The planting scheme of the required plant material shall be subject to the approval of the village planner or his/her designee.

3.

Landscape enhancements. Landscape enhancements shall be provided between homes at the end of blocks to improve privacy and partially block views of rear facades unless the development incorporates elements of three hundred sixty (360) degree architecture as detailed in the Residential Design Guidelines.

4.

All lots. The following on lot landscaping, separate from parkway and outlot plantings, will be required:

(a)

Detached single family: Two (2) canopy trees with three (3) inch caliper per lot.

(b)

Attached single family: One (1) canopy tree with three (3) inch caliper per dwelling unit.

Minimum spacing between canopy trees shall be forty (40) feet.

5.

Open space. All open space areas not used for active recreational areas shall be landscaped with one (1) plant for every seven hundred fifty (750) square feet of area. Areas of permanent water shall be deducted from the open space square footage. Upon board approval, natural landscaping using prairie plants or other natural communities may be substituted for the standard planting unit.

6.

Stormwater detention and retention ponds. Landscaping for all stormwater detention and retention ponds shall be installed as per the Village of Plainfield's Stormwater Drainage and Detention Ordinance.

1.

Front and corner side yards (not adjacent to vehicular use areas). All front and corner side yards shall contain an undulating berm having a minimum height of two (2) feet higher than the nearest elevation of the parking lot or public sidewalk. The front and corner side yards shall be sodded and landscaped with trees and shrubs to achieve balanced and harmonious display with the principal structure. The landscaped setback for front and corner side yards shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet for all paving or parking.

A minimum of one (1) overstory/shade, ornamental or evergreen trees and ten (10) shrubs for every thirty (30) feet of frontage shall be provided. All shrubs shall be a minimum height of twenty-four (24) inches at the time of planting. All trees and shrubs shall be evenly distributed throughout the front and/or corner side yards. Perennials and groundcovers are encouraged to compliment the site design. All front and corner side yards shall include an irrigation system.

2.

Front and corner side yards (adjacent to vehicular use areas). When off-street parking lots or other vehicular use areas are adjacent to the required front or corner side yard, landscaping shall be provided in said required yard; which shall have a minimum setback of twenty (20) feet for all paving or parking. All trees and shrubs shall be evenly distributed throughout the front and/or corner side yards. Trees, shrubs, and berms located in the front or corner side yard shall be no closer than five (5) feet from the edge of the driveways which cross the public right-of-way providing access to the street. All front and corner side yards shall be sodded and include an irrigation system. Plant materials other than groundcover shall be set back a minimum of two (2) feet from the curb to avoid damage from overhanging car bumpers and doors.

The landscaping shall consist of one of the following options:

(a)

A berm that is at least two (2) feet higher than the finished elevation of the parking lot (at the nearest point) and a minimum of one (1) overstory/shade, ornamental or evergreen trees and fifteen (15) shrubs for every thirty (30) feet of frontage shall be provided. All shrubs shall be a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches in height at the time of planting. Shrubs shall be placed on the property such that parking or vehicular use areas are screened from view as seen from the street or neighboring properties. Perennials and groundcovers are encouraged to compliment the site design.

(b)

A minimum two (2) foot grade drop from the right-of-way line to the parking lot and a minimum one (1) overstory/shade, ornamental or evergreen trees and fifteen (15) shrubs for every thirty (30) feet of frontage shall be provided. All shrubs shall be a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches in height at the time of planting. Shrubs shall be placed on the property such that a parking or vehicular areas are screened from view as seen by the street or neighboring properties. Perennials and groundcovers are encouraged to compliment the site design.

3.

Interior side and rear yards. Landscaping shall be provided in all interior side and rear yards. Interior side and rear yards shall have a minimum landscaped setback of five (5) feet for all paving or parking, provided the yard is not adjacent to residentially zoned property, in which case buffer yard requirements will be required as per Section 9-134(1) of this ordinance. Screening of parking lots and vehicular areas shall be paramount in the design scheme.

(a)

If the interior side or rear yard is adjacent to a parking lot or vehicular use area, then said parking lot area shall be screened from view by the inclusion of shrubs planted in a manner to accomplish the required screening. Shrubs shall be a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches at the time of installation. Planting requirements for such areas shall consist of thirty (30) plant units per one thousand (1,000) square foot of area. Plant materials other than groundcover shall be set back a minimum of two (2) feet from the curb to avoid damage from overhanging car bumpers and doors.

(b)

If the interior side or rear yard is not adjacent to a parking lot or vehicular use area, then landscaping shall be provided in a manner to complement the principal structure. The landscaped area shall be planted with a minimum of twenty (20) plant units per one thousand (1,000) square foot of area within the side or rear yard.

4.

Interior parking lot landscaping.

(a)

The interior of the parking lots shall be planted with overstory/shade trees at a ratio of one (1) tree for every twelve (12) parking spaces or fraction thereof. However, this requirement shall not be applicable to parking structures. Trees shall be evenly dispersed throughout the parking area. The planting beds shall meet the following requirements:

(b)

The islands shall correspond to the area of one (1) parking space and shall be curbed with a raised barrier curb.

(c)

The islands shall not be used for snow storage. Rather, separate, additional snow storage areas shall be designated on the landscape plan.

(d)

Small shrubs, flowers and groundcovers other than turf grass may be planted in the tree planting beds, in addition to the required overstory trees.

(e)

Plant materials other than groundcover shall be set back a minimum of three (3) feet from the curb to avoid damage from overhanging car bumpers and doors.

(f)

Curbed planting islands shall be provided at the ends of each row of parking. These islands shall be a minimum of nine (9) feet wide and shall extend the length of the parking stalls. They shall be landscaped with trees, shrubs, flowers or groundcovers. All planting area which is not occupied by tree, shrubs, flowers or groundcover shall be sodded.

5.

Commercial, office or industrial foundation plantings.

(a)

Foundation landscaping shall be provided on those facades that exceed fifty (50) lineal feet.

(b)

The foundation landscaping shall be located in a planting bed having a minimum width of five (5) feet adjacent to the building. Depth measurement shall be perpendicular to building foundation.

(c)

The required foundation landscaping area shall remain open and free to all paving except where sidewalks or driveways lead directly into the building are necessary for ingress and egress.

(d)

Foundation landscaping shall consist of a minimum ratio of thirty (30) plant units for every one thousand (1,000) square feet area of planting bed which is within five (5) feet of the foundation. Flowers, ornamental grasses, and groundcover may also be used. All planting area which is not occupied by trees, shrubs, flowers, groundcover, ornamental grasses or mulch shall be sodded.

(e)

At the discretion of the village planner or his/her designee, the required foundation landscaping may be relocated elsewhere on site or provided in an alternate manner, such as through the use of above ground planting containers or boxes.

6.

Stormwater detention and retention ponds. Landscaping for all stormwater detention and retention ponds shall be installed as per the Village of Plainfield's Stormwater Drainage and Detention ordinance.

1.

Buffer yards. Landscape buffers shall be required for all commercial, office, industrial and multi-family sites that abut single family use through the use of landscape berms, plantings and/or fencing. Buffer yards will also be required for any commercial, industrial, or office development that abuts a multi-family use.

(a)

The required landscaping in buffer yards shall be comprised of any combination of overstory trees, evergreen trees, ornamental trees and large shrubs. If shrubs are used, they shall be installed at a minimum height of four (4) feet. Additional small shrubs may be used, but shall not count toward meeting the landscape requirements.

(b)

The total amount of landscaping provided shall be in the proportion of thirty (30) plant units for each one thousand (1,000) square feet of buffer yard area.

(c)

The landscaping shall be evenly distributed throughout the buffer area and shall achieve no less than one hundred (100) percent year round screening.

(d)

The required number of plant units may be reduced by thirty (30) percent in that part of the buffer yard in which any of the following are provided:

I.

Sightproof, cedar or treated lumber board fence—Minimum six (6) feet high.

II.

Earthen berm—Minimum five (5) feet high and maximum 3:1 slope.

III.

A combination of earthen berm and sightproof, cedar or treated lumber board fence with a combined minimum height of six (6) feet.

(e)

If existing woodlands are located within the buffer yard, preservation of those woodlands may substitute for part or all of the required landscaping. If existing woodlands are located in only part of the buffer yard, the required number of plant units may be proportionately reduced. The substitution of existing woodlands for transition yard landscaping is at the discretion of the village planner or his/her designee and shall be indicated on the approved landscape plan.

(f)

The area of the buffer yard not planted with trees, shrubs or existing woodlands shall be planted with sod, live groundcover, flowers, ornamental grasses or some combination thereof.

(g)

No driveways, parking, loading areas or other vehicular use area shall be allowed in buffer yards.

(h)

Final staff approval of the buffer yard landscape design shall rest with the village planner or his/her designee.

2.

Loading docks, service yards, and exterior work or storage areas. Service yards, loading docks and exterior work or storage areas shall be screened from view from public rights-of-way or adjacent lots. The screening shall consist of either of the following:

(a)

Sightproof board fence constructed of cedar or treated lumber having a minimum height of six (6) feet.

(b)

Multi-stemmed ornamental trees, evergreen trees, large shrubs or some combination thereof, planted at a minimum ratio of fifty (50) plant units for each one-hundred (100) linear feet of perimeter to be screened. If large shrubs are used, they shall be a minimum of four (4) feet in height at the time of installation.

(c)

If outdoor storage is allowed, said storage areas shall be screened in a manner such that the materials being stored are completely screened from view. If storage materials exceed the allowable maximum fence height of eight (8) feet, then a combination of berming, fencing and landscaping shall be used to accomplish appropriate screening. In no case shall stored materials exceed the height of the proposed screening method.

3.

Parking lot screening.

(a)

Screening. All parking areas shall be screened from view of adjacent properties and streets by either:

i.

Plantings that are a minimum height of three (3) feet, or will attain a minimum height of three (3) feet within three (3) years of planting; or

ii.

An undulating berm, fence or wall that is a minimum of three (3) feet in height.