A.

The buffer and landscaping standards of this article are established to enhance the attractiveness of properties throughout the city, particularly in office, commercial and light industrial settings. Buffers are designed to screen more intense uses such as retail centers from less intense uses such as single-family neighborhoods. Such buffers enhance the quality of life for occupants of the less intense use and add value to real estate as unsightly views can be minimized.

B.

Similarly, landscaping of vehicle parking lots can enhance the attractiveness of properties containing substantial paved areas as well as affording adjacent and nearby properties protection by landscaping that minimizes the impact of unsightly views. These views encompass glare generated by vehicle windshields; outdoor storage, including refuse; and the paved area itself as well as reducing noise generated by commercial properties relative to residential uses.

(Ord. No. 7-2020, § 1(Exh. A), 10-26-20)

A.

Buffer width. A natural or planted buffer having the minimum width provided in Table 8.1, Buffer Width by Land Use shall be established. Such buffer shall be located on the more intense use that is generating the need for screening. The width of buffers that contain landscaped berms having the maximum practical grade change may be reduced by 20 percent upon written approval by the community development director. Buffer width may be reduced by the same percentage upon written approval by the community development director when the buffer is preserved in a natural state and no grading is performed within the buffer during site development.

B.

Tree save areas shall be credited toward buffer dimensions, as appropriate.

(Ord. No. 7-2020, § 1(Exh. A), 10-26-20)

A.

The location and character of all buffers shall be depicted on the landscape plan.

B.

Supplemental plantings of trees and shrubs may be accomplished within a natural buffer. Limited thinning of a natural buffer where the vegetation is too dense to permit normal growth, or to remove decayed, diseased, misshapen or dangerous trees, may be accomplished. Any contemplated disturbance within a natural buffer shall be brought to the attention of the community development director. Written approval by the community development director shall be secured prior to initiating any activity within a natural buffer. No hardwood tree having a diameter of 24 inches or greater as measured four and one-half feet above the adjacent grade shall be removed unless approved in writing by the community development director.

C.

Existing vegetation shall be retained in a planted buffer when such vegetation is appropriate for inclusion within the buffer. Such vegetation shall be supplemented with approved, additional plantings, including a mix of trees and shrubs, as appropriate.

D.

No buffer shall be used for temporary parking, storage or loading during construction or for permanent parking. No structure shall be located within a buffer other than stormwater facilities mandated by the City of Riverdale and fences and walls.

E.

All tree species and tree form shrubs in a planted buffer shall have a minimum height of six feet at installation; shrubs shall have a minimum height of three feet at installation. The combination of plant materials shall achieve a virtually opaque screen at maturity.

F.

Buffers shall be installed along rear and side yard lot lines without the necessity of extending into the front yard unless required by parking lot landscaping standards found in section 7.9, Landscaping standards for parking lots. Measurement of buffer width shall be from the common property boundary to a point within the property required to install and maintain a buffer in compliance with Table 8.1, Buffer Width by Land Use. The proposed use is reflected in the first column. That use must install a buffer having a minimum width as indicated. For example, a proposed industrial development that will abut a residential zoning district or a residential use must install a 40-foot buffer.

G.

Buffers shall be established in compliance with the standards of Table 8.1, Buffer Width by Land Use.

Table 8.1. Buffer Width by Land Use

Note: Properties developed in a use consistent with the zoning district that allows such use shall be subject to the buffer requirements associated with that zoning district whether so zoned or not.

(Ord. No. 7-2020, § 1(Exh. A), 10-26-20)

A.

Hardwood species shall comprise a minimum of 50 percent of all plant materials in a planted buffer. The remainder may be evergreen tree species and tree-form shrubs.

The following evergreen plant materials shall be approved for use in a planted buffer:

A.

Trees:

American Holly.

Eastern Red Cedar.

Laurel Cherry.

Arizona Cypress Redbay.

Virginia Pine.

Southern Magnolia.

B.

Shrubs:

Cleyera Japonica.

Southern Waxmyrtle.

Northern Bayberry.

Pittosporum.

Japanese Yew.

Red Tip.

Yaupon Holly.

C.

Ground covers:

Shore Juniper.

Periwinkle.

Lippie.

Evergreen Candytuft.

B.

Other evergreen plant materials having growth characteristics similar to those listed above may be used, subject to written approval by the community development director prior to installation of plant materials.

(Ord. No. 7-2020, § 1(Exh. A), 10-26-20)

All buffers and any required site landscaping depicted on the landscape plan shall be maintained by the developer, property owner or subsequent owner of the more intense use in a manner that maintains the health of plant materials, provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and assures that the buffer serves the intended purpose for the life of the development.

(Ord. No. 7-2020, § 1(Exh. A), 10-26-20)

Certain uses such as junk or salvage yards and other commercial and industrial operations requiring outdoor storage of equipment, vehicles and other bulk storage shall be required enclose outdoor storage areas by a fence or other means on the premises of such operations that completely masks the view of those areas from adjacent sidewalks, streets, and properties to minimize these impacts. The screening shall be greater in height than the height of the tallest piece of equipment, vehicle or bulk storage; however, the minimum height of any fence or other screening shall be six feet and the maximum height shall be ten feet. Such fencing shall be masonry or wood, or a combination of these materials or other materials as may be approved in writing by the community development director.

(Ord. No. 7-2020, § 1(Exh. A), 10-26-20)

Buffers shall be installed in accordance with the approved landscape plan prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

(Ord. No. 7-2020, § 1(Exh. A), 10-26-20)

A.

The landscaping standards of this article shall apply to all property within the city with the exception of properties zoned or developed in single-family use. Specifically, individual single-family lots that are zoned R-1 or R-2 shall be exempt from these standards. Residential subdivisions proposed for development shall be subject to the standards of the City of Riverdale Tree Ordinance.

B.

These landscaping standards are the minimum standards for all development regulated by this article. The standards shall be applied by the community development director in reviewing landscape plans, and may be supplemented by other landscaping standards as established by the community development director and approved by mayor and council.

C.

Landscape design shall be integrated with the design concept of the development. The community development director shall evaluate landscape plans according to their relationship to the natural landscape, landscaping on adjacent properties and public rights-of-way, and building(s) existing and proposed on the development site.

D.

Existing tree cover and natural vegetation shall be preserved whenever possible and desirable, or replaced with suitable plant materials.

E.

Landscaping shall be used whenever possible to screen objectionable views or nuisances, such as parking and service areas, refuse containers, HVAC units, transformers, etc.

F.

All lawns proposed in a front yard shall be sodded.

G.

Use of artificial plants, trees and other artificial plant materials shall be prohibited.

H.

All existing, healthy hardwood trees having a diameter of eight inches or more as measured four and one-half feet above the adjacent grade shall be retained whenever feasible. If not feasible, such trees shall be replaced with the same or similar tree species, unless otherwise approved by the community development director. In the event of a conflict between the standards of this article concerning trees and the City of Riverdale Tree Ordinance, the more stringent standard shall control.

I.

Buffer dimensions shall not be in addition to the standards of this article. For example, the width of any perimeter landscaping required for parking lots shall not be in addition to the width of a required buffer.

(Ord. No. 7-2020, § 1(Exh. A), 10-26-20)

A.

Intent. The intent of this section is to reserve areas within parking lots for landscaping. Such areas diminish vast stretches of pavement, reduce stormwater runoff, provide the cooling effects of shade, and enhance the appearance of parking lots thereby adding value to commercial and industrial properties.

B.

Applicability. The following standards shall apply to all parking lots serving a commercial, industrial, institutional or multifamily use; parking structures shall be exempt from these standards.

C.

Application requirements for development of private parking lots.

1.

Permit requirements. No site grading or tree removal permit shall be issued prior to submittal and approval of a landscape plan for a proposed parking lot.

2.

Submission of a property survey and landscape plan. Applicants shall submit three copies of a property survey and landscape plan at a scale no greater than one inch equals 50 feet. The landscape plan may be depicted on a property survey or a site plan.

3.

Survey. The property survey shall include the following information:

a.

Legal description of the property.

b.

Existing buildings, parking spaces, access ways, and abutting public streets.

c.

Above and below ground utilities and easements.

d.

Existing natural features and topography at a contour interval of two feet. Where slopes are 20 percent or greater, a five-foot contour interval may be used.

4.

Landscape plan. The landscape plan shall include the following information:

a.

Name, signature, address, phone number and email address of the owner, surveyor and designer.

b.

North arrow and scale.

c.

All boundary dimensions.

d.

A table identifying all plant materials by common and scientific name, quantities and sizes.

5.

All trees, natural features and man-made structures to be retained.

6.

Grading plan indicating existing and proposed elevations.

7.

Location, size, quantity and name of all proposed landscaping and location of planting beds and other landscaping areas.

8.

A statement and appropriate graphics concerning site preparation, tree preservation and methods of installation and maintenance.

9.

All parking spaces, loading spaces, aisles, driveways, sidewalks, wheel stops, curbs and other vehicle controls.

10.

Location of curb cuts, median openings on abutting streets, lighting, underground irrigation system, hose bibs, decorative or screening walls, and existing and proposed buildings.

D.

Landscaping standards. All parking lots subject to these landscaping standards shall provide the following perimeter and interior landscaped areas:

1.

Perimeter landscaping standards.

a.

The entire perimeter of all parking lots, with the exception of driveways and sidewalks that may cross such landscaped areas, but only at an approximate angle of 90 degrees, shall feature a landscaped area having a minimum width of ten feet. A decorative masonry wall, earthen berm, natural landscaping, planted landscaping, or a combination of such features may be used to achieve an effective screening of parking lots from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way. Such screening shall have a minimum height of three feet at installation.

b.

A minimum of one canopy tree shall be provided for every 250 square feet of perimeter landscaped area required by this section or fraction thereof.

c.

Parking lots proposed along a public street right-of-way shall feature a landscaped area having a minimum width of ten feet measured from the right-of-way to the parking lot pavement. Driveways and sidewalks may cross such landscaped areas, but only at an approximate angle of 90 degrees. All landscape plans shall conform to the standards of section 4.4.1.7, Visibility at intersections.

2.

Interior landscaping standards.

a.

A minimum of ten percent of the paved area of a parking lot, including driveways, shall be devoted to interior landscaping.

b.

A minimum of one canopy tree shall be provided for every 250 square feet of interior landscaped area or fraction thereof.

c.

A landscaped island having a minimum width of eight feet and a minimum depth of 15 feet shall be required for every ten parking spaces. Parking bays shall be separated by a landscaped island along the full length of the parking bay that shall have a minimum width of six feet, exclusive of any sidewalks. Wheel stops shall be installed in such a manner that prevents vehicle overhang into this landscaped area.

d.

No individual landscaped island shall have an area of less than 80 square feet, or any dimension less than six feet. The minimum area required for landscaped islands featuring a canopy tree shall be 250 square feet.

e.

Where landscaped areas are established adjacent to vehicle overhangs, trees shall be planted in line with the parking space striping to minimize injury by vehicle bumpers.

3.

Vehicle sales lots. Vehicle sales lots may be excluded from the interior landscaping standards at the sole discretion of planning commission provided landscape areas that would otherwise have been required equal in area to the required, interior landscaped areas are established elsewhere on the vehicle sales lot property. Such discretion shall be guided by the: (1) size of the sales lot; (2) view from adjacent properties; and (3) characteristics of adjacent development, including use, landscaping and building siting. In no event shall such properties be exempt from perimeter landscaping standards when abutting any residential use or residential zoning district, including multifamily developments.

4.

Landscape plan design and installation standards. All landscape plans shall be designed in a manner consistent with professional practice and installed in accordance with accepted planting practice.

5.

New plant materials.

a.

All new living plant materials shall satisfy the requirements of No. 1 or better as defined in the latest edition of the American Standard for Nursery Stock.

b.

All individual landscaped areas shall contain a minimum variety of two living plant species other than trees; a minimum variety of three plant species other than trees must be achieved across the site.

c.

Paving other than walkways shall not be permitted within landscaped areas, provided that the dimension of the required landscaped area shall be in addition to the walkway width.

d.

Trees. Tree species shall be canopy trees appropriate to the planting zone. All trees shall be a species that can be pruned and maintained to a minimum height of five feet. Trees shall be a minimum caliper of three inches as measured four and one-half feet above the root collar and shall be a minimum height of eight feet at installation.

e.

Shrubs. Shrubs shall be a minimum of three-gallon container stock at installation. Shrubs, including tree form shrubs intended to screen non-residential uses from the view of any adjacent residential use or residential zoning district, shall be a minimum of three feet in height at installation and achieve a minimum height of six feet at maturity.

f.

Grasses and other ground covers. Grass may be sodded, plugged, sprigged, or seeded except that solid sod shall be used in swales or other areas subject to erosion. In areas where plant materials other than solid sod or grass is used, a fast-growing grass seed shall be sown for immediate effect and protection until exposed soil coverage is otherwise achieved. Grass sod shall be clean and reasonably free of weeds and noxious pests or disease. Ground covers that achieve a finished appearance and reasonably complete coverage at installation may be used in lieu of grass sod.

6.

Existing plant materials. Existing living plant materials to be preserved shall be consistent with the plant materials specifications and achieve the landscaping objectives of this article.

7.

Earthwork. Earthen berms shall be of variable height and slope. Swales and ponds shall be permitted for on-site detention of stormwater, subject to approval by the community development director. Low impact development practices shall be followed when practical.

8.

Encroachment. Landscaped areas, walls, structures, and walks shall be protected from vehicle encroachment by use of wheel stops, curbs, bollards, brickwork, or other acceptable means. Placement of such devices shall be located a minimum of two and one-half feet from sidewalks and curbs defining landscaped areas to minimize vehicle encroachment into landscaped areas.

9.

Maintenance. The owner or his or her agent shall be jointly and severally responsible for the permanent maintenance of all landscaping in a healthy condition and orderly appearance, free of refuse and debris. All landscaped areas shall be provided with a sprinkler system or readily available water supply with a minimum of one hose bib located within 50 feet of all plant material to be maintained. The owner or his or her agent shall replace all landscape materials identified on the approved landscape plan that do not survive two years from the date of installation.

10.

Planting beds. Planting beds for all landscaping materials shall be free of weeds, debris, and noxious material and shall consist of a healthy plant growth medium. Planting bed soil shall provide adequate support, drainage, and nutrients to the plants and may require incorporation of sand, peat, or topsoil. Such planting bed soil shall be placed throughout the planting area for each plant. Planting area for trees and shrubs shall be a minimum of twice the width and one and one-half the depth of the plant ball.

(Ord. No. 7-2020, § 1(Exh. A), 10-26-20)

The community development staff shall approve or reject the landscape plan. The decision of the community development director shall be deemed a final administrative action. Appeal of such decision shall be to the board of zoning appeals. Appeals shall be filed with the community development director in writing a minimum of 30 calendar days prior to the board of zoning appeals hearing at which such appeal will be heard.

(Ord. No. 7-2020, § 1(Exh. A), 10-26-20)

A financial guarantee by the developer or owner in an amount equal to one-third the cost of all landscaping improvements effective for a period of two years shall be provided to the community development director. Such guarantee shall be in a form acceptable to the city attorney.

(Ord. No. 7-2020, § 1(Exh. A), 10-26-20)

The City of Riverdale Approved Tree Species is incorporated into this article. Canopy and understory trees may be selected from this list, as appropriate to the site, in complying with this article. Any species not found on the tree species list shall be prohibited.

City of Riverdale Approved Tree Species

Alder, Hazel, Alnus serrulata

Arborvitae, Eastern (Northern Whitecedar), Thuja occidentalis

Arborvitae, Giant (Western Redcedar), Thuja plicata

Ash, Green, Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Ash, White, Fraxinus Americana

Bald Cypress, Taxodium distichum

Basswood, American (Linden), Tilia americana

Beech, American, Fagus grandifolia

Birch, River, Betula nigra

Birch, River 'Heritage,' Betula nigra 'Heritage'

Blackgum (Tupelo), Nyssa sylvatica

Boxelder, Acer negundo

Buckeye, Bottlebrush, Aesculus parviflora

Buckeye, Painted, Aesculus sylvatica

Buckeye, Red, Aesculus pavia

Buckthorn, Carolina, Rhamnus caroliniana

Buckthorn, Common, Rhamnus cathartica

Buttonbush, Common, Cephalanthus occidentalis

Catalpa, Southern, Catalpa bignonioides

Cedar, Deodar, Cedrus deodara

Cedar, Japanese, Cryptomeria japonica

Chastetree (Vitex), Vitex agnus-castus

Cherry, Black, Prunus serotina

Cherry, Japanese Flowering, Prunus serrulata

Cherry, Yoshino, Prunes x yedoensis

Cherrylaurel, Carolina Prunus caroliniana

Chestnut, American, Castanea dentata

Chestnut, Chinese, Castanea mollissima

Chinaberry, Melia azedarach

Chinquapin, Allegheny, Castanea pumila

Cottonwood, Eastern, Populus deltoides

Crabapple, Japanese Flowering, Malus floribunda

Crabapple, Southern Malus angustifolia

Crape myrtle, Common, Lagerstroemia indica

Cypress, Leyland, Cupressocyparis leylandii

Devil's Walking Stick, Aralia spinosa

Devilwood, Osmanthus americanus

Dogwood, Flowering, Cornus florida

Dogwood, Flowering Pink, Cornus florida var. rubra

Dogwood, Kousa, Cornus kousa

Dogwood, Swamp, Cornus stricta

Elm, American, Ulmus americana

Elm, American 'Princeton,' Ulmus americana 'Princeton'

Elm, Siberian, Ulmus pumila

Elm, Slippery, Ulmus rubra

Elm, Winged, Ulmus alata

Flametree, Chinese (Bougainvillea), Koelreuteria bipinnata

Fringetree (Grancy Gray Beard), Chionanthus virginicus

Fringetree, Chinese, Chionanthus retusus

Ginkgo (Male), Ginkgo biloba

Goldenraintree, Koelreuteria paniculata

Hackberry, Common, Celtis occidentalis

Hackberry, Georgia, Celtis tenuifolia

Hawthorne, Washington, Crataegus phaenopyrum

Hemlock, Eastern, Tsuga canadensis

Hickory, Bitternut, Carya cordiformis

Hickory, Mockernut, Carya tomentosa

Hickory, Pignut, Carya glabra

Hickory, Sand, Carya pallida

Hickory, Shagbark, Carya ovata

Hickory, Southern Shagbark, Carya ovata var. australis

Holly, American, Ilex opaca

Holly, Deciduous (Possumhaw), Ilex decidua

Holly, Fosters, Ilex x attenuata 'Fosteri'

Holly, Ornamental Variety, Ilex species

Holly, Savannah, Ilex x attenuata 'Savannah'

Holly, Yaupon, Ilex vomitoria

Honeylocust, Gleditsia triacanthos

Hophornbeam, American, Ostrya virginiana

Hornbeam, Am. (Ironwood, Blue Beech), Carpinus caroliniana

Hornbeam, European, Carpinus betulus

Hornbeam, Japanese, Carpinus japonica

Katsuratree, Cercidiphyllym japonicum

Locust, Black, Robinia pseudoacacia

Magnolia, Cucumber, Magnolia acuminata

Magnolia, Japanese (Saucer), Magnolia x soulangiana

Magnolia, Southern, Magnolia grandiflora

Magnolia, Southern 'Little Gem,' Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Magnolia, Star, Magnolia stellata

Magnolia, Sweetbay, Magnolia virginiana

Maple, Amur, Acer ginnala

Maple, Chalk, Acer leucoderme

Maple, Hedge, Acer campestre

Maple, Japanese, Acer palmatum

Maple, Norway, Acer platanoides

Maple, Red, Acer rubrum

Maple, Southern Sugar (Florida Sugar), Acer barbatum

Maple, Sugar, Acer saccharum

Maple, Sugar 'Green Mountain,' Acer saccharum 'Green Mountain'

Maple, Sugar 'Legacy,' Acer saccharum 'Legacy'

Maple, Trident, Acer buergeranum

Mimosa, Albizia julibrissin

Mulberry, Red, Morus rubra

Oak, Black, Quercus velutina

Oak, Cherrybark, Quercus falcata var. pagodifolia

Oak, Chestnut, Quercus prinus

Oak, Diamond Leaf (Laurel), Quercus laurifolia

Oak, English, Quercus robur

Oak, Georgia, Quercus georgiana

Oak, Laurel, Quercus hemisphaerica

Oak, Laurel 'Darlington,' Quercus hemisphaerica 'Darlington'

Oak, Live, Quercus virginiana

Oak, Northern Red, Quercus rubra

Oak, Nuttall, Quercus nuttalli

Oak, Oglethorpe, Quercus oglethorpensis

Oak, Overcup, Quercus lyrata

Oak, Pin, Quercus palustris

Oak, Post, Quercus stellata

Oak, Sawtooth, Quercus acutissima

Oak, Scarlet, Quercus coccinea

Oak, Shumard, Quercus shumardii

Oak, Southern Red, Quercus falcata

Oak, Swamp Chestnut, Quercus michauxii

Oak, Swamp White, Quercus bicolor

Oak, Water, Quercus nigra

Oak, White, Quercus alba

Oak, Willow, Quercus phellos

Orange, Osage, Maclura pomifera

Parrotia, Parrotia persica

Pear, Callery, Pyrus calleryana

Pear, Common, Pyrus communis

Pecan, Carya illinoensis

Persimmon, Common, Diospyros virginiana

Pine, Eastern White, Pinus strobus

Pine, Loblolly, Pinus taeda

Pine, Longleaf, Pinus palustris

Pine, Shortleaf, Pinus echinata

Pine, Slash, Pinus elliotii

Pine, Virginia, Pinus virginiana

Pistache, Chinese, Pistacia chinensis

Planetree, London, Platanus x acerifolia

Plum, Chickasaw, Prunus angustifolia

Plum, Purpleleaf, Prunus cerasifera

Poplar, White, Populus alba

Poplar, Yellow (Tuliptree), Liriodendron tulipifera

Redbud, Eastern, Cercis canadensis

Redbud, Eastern White, Cercis canadensis var. alba

Redbud, 'Forest Pansy,' Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'

Redbud, 'Oklahoma,' Cercis reniformis 'Oklahoma'

Redbud, 'Texas White,' Cercis reniformis 'Texas White'

Redcedar, Eastern, Juniperus virginiana

Redwood, Dawn, Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Royal Paulownia (Princess-Tree), Paulownia tomentosa

Sassafras, Sassafras albidum

Serviceberry, Downy, Amelanchier arborea

Silverbell, Carolina, Halesia tetraptera

Silverbell, Two-Winged, Halesia diptera

Smoketree, American, Cotinus obovatus

Smoketree, Common, Cotinus coggygria

Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboreum

Sparkleberry, Tree, Vaccinium arboreum

Spruce Varieties, Picea species

Sugarberry, Celtis laevigata

Sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua

Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis

Tallowtree, Chinese, Sapium sebiferum

Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus), Ailanthus altissima

Walnut, Black, Juglans nigra

Waxmyrtle, Southern, Myrica cerifera

Willow, Black, Salix nigra

Willow, Weeping, Salix babylonica

Winterberry, Common Ilex verticillata

Witchhazel, Common, Hamamelis virginiana

Yellowwood, American, Cladrastis kentukea

Zelkova, Japanese, Zelkova serrata

(Ord. No. 7-2020, § 1(Exh. A), 10-26-20)