The landscaping and screening requirements established by this article are intended to preserve and enhance the appearance, health, safety and welfare of the village by fostering an aesthetically pleasing environment. Proper landscaping contributes to the village by enhancing its character and scenic beauty, providing clean air, reducing noise, preventing erosion of topsoil, reducing the rate of stormwater runoff, conserving energy, and providing shade and windbreaks. These regulations are also intended to increase the compatibility of adjacent uses, and minimize the adverse impact of noise, dust, motor vehicle headlight glare and other artificial light intrusions, and other objectionable activities or impacts conducted on, or created by, adjoining or neighboring uses.

(Ord. No. 08-50, § 2(exh. A((14.1)), 8-12-2008)

A building permit or certificate of occupancy will not be issued for any lot or use unless all the requirements of this section have been fulfilled. All landscaping is subject to periodic inspection by the village. Where weather does not permit the installation of required landscaping on a site, a temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued.

(Ord. No. 08-50, § 2(exh. A(14.2)), 8-12-2008)

(a)

Required. As part of a building permit for any new construction, a landscape plan must be submitted to the village. No building permit will be approved unless the landscape plan is approved as well. Single-family and two-family dwellings are exempt from this requirement.

(b)

Content of plan.

(1)

The location and dimensions of all site elements including, but not limited to, existing and proposed structures, property lines, easements, parking lots and driveways, roadways and rights-of-way, sidewalks, signs, refuse disposal and recycling areas, sidewalks, bicycle paths and parking facilities, fences, any natural rock outcroppings on the site, electrical equipment, recreational facilities, drainage facilities, snow storage areas, and all freestanding structures.

(2)

The location, quantity, size, name (botanical and common) and condition of all existing plant materials, including trees and other material in the public right-of-way. Whether existing plant material is to be retained or removed will also be indicated.

(3)

The location, quantity, size and name (botanical and common) of all proposed plant material including, but not limited to, shade and evergreen trees, shrubs, ground cover, annuals/perennials, and turf.

(4)

The existing and proposed grading of the site indicating contours at one-foot intervals. Proposed berming must be indicated using one-foot contour intervals.

(5)

Elevations of all proposed fences, steps, stairs and retaining walls.

(6)

Any other information deemed necessary by the zoning administrator.

(c)

Changes to approved plans. Changes to an approved landscape plan that do not result in a reduction in the net amount of plant material will be considered a minor change and may be approved by the zoning administrator. Changes to the size and species or amount of plant materials of an approved landscape plan will be considered a major change and must be approved by the village.

(Ord. No. 08-50, § 2(exh. A(14.3)), 8-12-2008)

(a)

Species selection. All planting materials used must be of good quality and meet American Association of Nurserymen (AAN) standards for minimum acceptable form, quality and size for species selected, and capable to withstand the seasonal temperature variations of northeastern Illinois, as well as the individual site microclimates. The use of species natural to northeastern Illinois is encouraged. Size and density of plant material, both at the time of planting and at maturity, are additional criteria that will be considered when selecting plant material. Where appropriate, the use of drought and salt tolerant plant material is preferred.

(b)

Installation. All landscaping materials must be installed in accordance with the current planting procedures established by the AAN. All plant materials must be free of disease and installed so that soil of sufficient volume, composition and nutrient balance are available to sustain healthy growth. Shallow planting techniques, as opposed to deeper plantings, are permitted so long as they sustain healthy growth.

(c)

Maintenance.

(1)

All landscaping materials must be maintained in good condition, must present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance, and kept free of refuse and debris. Fences, steps, retaining walls and similar landscaping elements must be maintained in good repair. Any dead, unhealthy or missing plants or fences, walls, steps or other elements in disrepair must be replaced or repaired within six months of notification by the village or, in the case of plants, the next reasonable growing/planting season.

(2)

Landscape materials depicted on landscape plans approved by the village are considered to be required site plan elements in the same manner as buildings, parking and other improvements. As such, the owner of record or, in some instances, a homeowner's association, is responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement of all landscape materials, and fences, steps, retaining walls and similar landscaping elements over the entire life of the development.

(Ord. No. 08-50, § 2(exh. A((14.4)), 8-12-2008)

Landscape plans will be evaluated and approved based on the following design criteria:

(1)

Scale. The scale of landscape materials must be appropriate to the size of the site and related structures, Larger buildings and sites can accommodate and are enhanced by larger plant material, plant groupings and planting beds.

(2)

Selection. Plant material should be selected for its form, texture, color, pattern of growth and suitability to local conditions. Species considered invasive should not be used.

(3)

Shade trees. All deciduous shade trees must have a minimum trunk size of three inches in caliper at installation, unless otherwise specified.

(4)

Evergreen trees. Evergreen trees must have a minimum height of six feet prior to installation and must be incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site, particularly in those areas where yearround screening and buffering is required.

(5)

Ornamental trees. Single stem ornamental trees must have a minimum truck size of three inches in caliper at installation, unless otherwise specified. Multistem ornamental trees must have a minimum height of eight feet at planting, unless otherwise specified.

(6)

Shrubs. Unless otherwise specified, all large deciduous and evergreen shrubs must have a minimum height of three feet prior to installation, and all small deciduous and evergreen shrubs must have a minimum height of 18 inches prior to installation. Large shrubs are considered to be those shrubs that reach five or more feet in height at maturity. Small shrubs are considered to be those shrubs that can grow up to five feet in height if left unmaintained, but are generally kept at heights of 18 to 30 inches.

(7)

Softening of walls and fences. Plant material should be placed intermittently against long expanses of building walls, fences and other barriers to create a softening effect and to help break up long expanses of blank walls with little architectural detail.

(8)

Planting beds. Planting beds must be mulched with shredded hardwood, granite mulch, river rock, feather rocks or similar materials. Lava rock is not acceptable.

(9)

Energy conservation design. Plant material placement should be designed to reduce the energy consumption needs of the development. In addition, landscaping designs should take into account and make an effort to implement LEED policy and design standards for site design, as appropriate.

a.

Deciduous trees should be placed on the south and west sides of buildings to provide shade from the summer sun.

b.

Evergreens and other plant materials should be concentrated on the north and west sides of buildings to dissipate the effect of winter winds.

(10)

Species diversity. Diversity among required plant material is required not only for visual interest, but to reduce the risk of losing a large population of plants due to disease. Table 14-1, diversity requirements, indicates the percentage of diversity required based on the total quantity of species being used. For instance, if a development requires four shade trees, no more than 18 trees nor less than five trees can be of one species, and there must be a minimum of five different species within the 45 trees.

TABLE 14-1. DIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS

(11)

Existing vegetation. If it can be demonstrated that existing on-site vegetation meets the intent of the requirements of this article, existing vegetation may be credited toward the landscaping required by this article as part of landscape plan approval. If any existing vegetation dies, replacement plant materials must be installed in accordance with this article.

(12)

Berming. Earthen berms and existing topographic features must be incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site where there is sufficient space and, in particular, when berms and existing topographic features can be combined with plant material to facilitate effective screening. Minimum unretained berm side slopes must be maintained at no less than a 4:1 and no more than a 3:1 slope ratio to prevent erosion, and to ensure proper maintenance and safety. Retained slopes may be implemented with the appropriate terracing necessary to reduce the need for safety railing.

(13)

View obstruction. All landscaping must comply with the view obstruction provisions of section 82-332(g), view obstruction.

(Ord. No. 08-50, § 2(exh. A(14.5)), 8-12-2008)

(a)

All landscaping on the lot including, but not limited to, parking lot perimeter and interior landscaping, ground sign landscaping, retention ponds and drainage courses, foundation landscaping, manicured landscaping, gardens and native landscaping areas, and bufferyards, is counted toward on-lot landscaping percentages.

(b)

At least ten percent of a nonresidential zoning lot in the C-2, C-3 and manufacturing districts must be landscaped.

(Ord. No. 08-50, § 2(exh. A(14.6)), 8-12-2008)

Retention ponds and drainage courses may be include in the percentage of on-lot landscaping included on a site provided they are designed to enhance the function of the facility and the aesthetics of the site.

(1)

Drainage channels must be placed in less visible locations and must receive a naturalized treatment, including landscaping of native vegetation.

(2)

Drainage features must be incorporated as an integral part of the project design in order to enhance the overall quality and aesthetics of a site, to provide attractive open space and to preserve the natural character of the area.

(3)

Where grading is substantial, variable undulating slopes must be used to create a more pleasing and natural appearance.

(4)

Hard edges and slopes left by grading operations must be given a rounded appearance that closely resembles the natural contours of the land. Noncontaminated soil from cut operations must be retained on-site whenever possible and be used to moderate the terrain, create interesting land forms and improve site aesthetics.

(5)

Landscaping is required around the perimeter of all retention ponds. Such landscaping will consist of shade and ornamental trees, evergreens, shrubs, and emergent plantings in an amount and arrangement that creates an aesthetically pleasing environment. Native landscape materials are encouraged.

(6)

A buffer of 25 feet from the edge of the retention pond must be required, consisting of trees, shrubs, turf, ground cover plants and grasses above the high-water line, and emergent plantings below the high-water line.

(Ord. No. 08-50, § 2(exh. A(14.7)), 8-12-2008)

(a)

The construction of any parking lot of ten or more spaces must submit a landscape plan as a condition of obtaining a building permit.

(b)

Perimeter landscaping (section 82-402) is required for all parking lots and must be established along the edge of the parking lot. See figure 14-1, parking lot landscaping.

(c)

Interior parking lot landscaping (section 82-403) is required for those parking lots of ten or more spaces. See figure 14-1.

(d)

Nothing in this section is deemed to prevent the applicant's voluntary installation of additional interior parking lot landscaping, so long as parking space requirements and parking lot design requirements are complied with. Such additional landscaping shall count toward on-lot landscaping required percentages.

Figure 14-1. Parking Lot Landscaping

(Ord. No. 08-50, § 2(exh. A(14.8)), 8-12-2008)

Perimeter parking lot landscaping provides for the enhancement and screening of parking lots by requiring a scheme of landscaping along public rights-of-way. Perimeter landscaping is required for all parking lots and must be established along the edge of the parking lot.

(1)

Location. The landscape treatment must run the full length of the parking lot and must be located between the property line and the edge of the parking lot.

(2)

Width of perimeter landscape yard. The perimeter landscape yard must be a minimum of five feet in width and requires six-inch curbing. This excludes any bumper overhang. A perimeter landscape yard that accommodates bumper overhang must be a minimum of seven feet in width.

(3)

Required landscaping. The following landscaping must be provided within the perimeter landscape yard:

a.

Trees. One tree must be planted for every 40 linear feet of perimeter yard length. As part of the landscape plan approval, trees may be clustered based on specific site requirements or design scheme but the total number of trees planted will be no less than the amount required by a linear planting spaced 40 feet apart.

b.

Shrubs. One shrub is required for every three feet of perimeter yard length. As part of the landscape plan approval, shrubs may be spaced at various intervals based on specific site requirements or design scheme, but the total number of shrubs planted will be no less than the amount required by a linear planting spaced three feet apart.

c.

Screening. Effective screening must be established to a height of four feet through the use of shrubs, fences and pedestrian walls, or berms. Such screening is subject to the following:

1.

Shrubs. Shrubs, in excess of the minimum required in subsection (3)b of this section, may be used to screen a parking lot perimeter so that effective screening is provided to a height of four feet.

2.

Fences and pedestrian walls. Fences or pedestrian walls must be a minimum of four feet and a maximum of six feet in height. Fences or walls may be constructed with the following materials, and must receive the same architectural treatment on both sides (i.e., finished on both sides). Fence supports must be located on the side of the fence inside the property line.

(i)

Fences.

A.

Treated wood, cedar or redwood.

B.

Simulated wood.

C.

Wrought-iron or aluminum designed to simulate wrought-iron.

(ii)

Pedestrian walls.

A.

Textured, panelized or patterned concrete.

B.

Brick.

C.

Tile.

D.

Architectural block or stone.

(iii)

Use of materials other than those listed in subsection (3)c.2(i) and (ii) of this section for fences and walls may be approved as part of the landscape plan.

(iv)

Where feasible, plant materials must be installed between the sidewalk and the fence or wall to provide a softening effect on the fence or wall.

3.

Berms. Berms, accentuated with additional landscape plantings and turf, are permitted so long as effective screening is provided to a minimum height of four feet.

d.

Ground cover. Landscaped areas outside of shrub and tree masses must be planted in turf or other live ground cover, perennial or ornamental grass plantings.

(Ord. No. 08-50, § 2(exh. A(14.9)), 8-12-2008)

For parking lots consisting of ten of more spaces, interior parking lot landscaping is required.

(1)

Total amount. Parking lot islands and landscaped areas must be provided in the following amounts:

a.

Parking lot islands.

1.

One parking lot island must be provided between every 15 contiguous parking spaces. As part of the landscape plan approval, parking lot island locations may be varied based on specific site requirements or design scheme, but the total number of islands will be no less than the amount required (one island for every 15 spaces). However, all rows of parking spaces must be terminated by a parking lot island.

2.

As an alternative to subsection (1)a.1 of this section, the body approving the landscape plan may also approve a continuous landscape island a minimum of seven feet in width between rows of parking. However, a landscape island is required at the end of each row of parking stalls.

b.

Other landscaped areas.

1.

The total number of shade trees within a parking lot contained within parking lot islands and landscaped areas must be calculated as follows:

(i)

A minimum of one shade tree for every 1,500 square feet of off-street parking lot area, up to6,000 square feet.

(ii)

A minimum of one shade tree for every 3,000 square feet of pavement area above 6,000 square feet.

2.

Off-street parking facilities larger than 10,000 square feet must be appropriately broken up by linear planting strips or variable shaped islands in the interior of the parking facility. Such planting strips or islands must be landscaped with shade trees and suitable ground cover.

(2)

Size of parking lot islands. Where parking lot islands are required, they must be the same dimension as the parking stall. Double rows of parking must provide parking lot islands that are the same dimension as the double row. However, no parking lot island may be less than 120 square feet in area.

(3)

Design of planting areas. Parking lot islands and landscaped areas must be at least six inches above the surface of the parking lot and protected with concrete curbing, except where designed specifically for the absorption of stormwater. Such islands and landscaped areas must be properly drained and irrigated, as appropriate to the site conditions, to ensure survivability.

(4)

Type of landscape material. Shade trees are the primary plant materials used in parking lot islands and landscaped areas. Ornamental trees, shrubs, hedges and other plant materials may be used to supplement the shade tree plantings but must not create visibility concerns for automobiles and pedestrians.

(5)

Quantity of landscape material.

a.

A minimum of one shade tree must be provided for every parking lot island. If the island extends the width of a double row, then two shade trees must be provided.

b.

Landscaped areas within the parking lot must provide a minimum of one shade tree for every 300 square feet of landscaped area.

(6)

Ground cover. A minimum of 75 percent of every parking lot island or landscaped area must be planted in turf or other live ground cover, perennials or ornamental grasses. Subject to approval of the landscape plan, planting beds where proper irrigation is difficult may be mulched with shredded hardwood, granite mulch, river rock, feather rocks or similar materials so long as the approved landscape plan includes maintenance provisions.

(Ord. No. 08-50, § 2(exh. A(14.10)), 8-12-2008)

(a)

This section establishes standards for the dimensions and improvement requirements of bufferyards between uses or zoning districts within the rear or interior side yard. Nothing in this section is deemed to prevent the applicant's voluntary installation of bufferyards to these design specifications. See figure 14-2, bufferyards.

(b)

In some instances, a bufferyard may not be required. These include, but are not limited to, instances where the rear wall of a commercial building is located on the rear property line or where an alley is located between a commercial property that abuts a residential property. Where it proves difficult to meet the bufferyard requirements of this chapter, which may include other situations than those listed here, the village may approve alternative approaches or waive requirements.

(c)

Bufferyards are required in the following situations:

(1)

Where a multifamily or townhouse development abuts a single-family or two-family dwelling.

(2)

Where a nonresidential district abuts a residential district.

(3)

Where a nonresidential use is located within a residential district.

(d)

Bufferyards must be provided in interior side yards and rear yards. Bufferyards may be located within required yards, but are reserved for the planting of material and installation of screening as required by this section. No parking, driveways, sidewalks, accessory buildings or other impervious surfaces are permitted within the bufferyard area. See figure 14-2.

(e)

All plantings in the bufferyard must be in accordance with the design standards of this section. The minimum size and improvement of bufferyards is as required by this section.

(1)

Interior side yard bufferyards. A bufferyard within the interior side yard must be a minimum of eight feet in width. Within this required bufferyard, the following landscaping is required:

a.

Shade trees must be planted on an average of one tree for every 30 linear feet of yard length. As part of the landscape plan approval, shade trees may be spaced at various intervals or clustered based on specific site requirements or design scheme, but the total number of shade trees planted must be no less than the amount required by a linear planting spaced 30 feet apart.

b.

Shrubs must be planted on an average of one shrub for every three feet of yard length. As part of the landscape plan approval, shrubs may be spaced at various intervals based on specific site requirements or design scheme, but the total number of shrubs planted must be no less than the amount required by a linear planting spaced three feet apart.

c.

A masonry wall (stone, stucco or brick), solid wood or simulated wood fence, or dense evergreen hedge six feet in height must be erected along 100 percent of the yard length. Fences must receive the same architectural treatment on both sides (i.e., finished on both sides). Fence supports must be located on the side of the fence inside the property line.

d.

Instead of required fences or walls in subsection (e)(1)c of this section, berms accentuated with additional landscape plantings and turf are permitted so long as effective screening is provided to a minimum height of six feet.

e.

Areas not planted with trees or shrubs must be maintained as turf or other ground cover.

(2)

Rear yard bufferyard. When required, the bufferyard within the rear yard must be a minimum of ten feet in width. Within this required bufferyard, the following landscaping is required:

a.

A mix of shade trees and evergreen trees planted on an average of one tree for every 20 linear feet of the yard length. As part of the landscape plan approval, trees may be spaced at various intervals or clustered based on specific site requirements or design scheme, but the total number of trees planted must be no less than the amount required by linear planting spaced 20 feet apart.

b.

Shrubs must be planted on an average of one shrub for every three feet of yard length. As part of the landscape plan approval, shrubs may be spaced at various intervals based on specific site requirements or design scheme, but the total number of shrubs planted must be no less than the amount required by a linear planting spaced three feet apart.

c.

A masonry wall (stone, stucco or brick), solid wood or simulated wood fence, or dense evergreen hedge six feet in height must be erected along 100 percent of the yard length. Fences must receive the same architectural treatment on both sides (i.e., finished on both sides). Fence supports must be located on the side of the fence inside the property line.

d.

Instead of required fences or walls in subsection (e)(2)c of this section, berms accentuated with additional landscape plantings and turf are permitted so long as effective screening is provided to a minimum height of six feet.

e.

Areas not planted with trees or shrubs must be maintained as turf or other live ground cover.

Figure 17-2. Bufferyards

(Ord. No. 08-50, § 2(exh. A((14.11)), 8-12-2008)

(a)

Refuse disposal dumpsters and refuse storage areas. Refuse disposal containers, recycling containers, and refuse and recycling storage areas in all zoning districts must be screened on three sides by a solid wood or simulated wood fence or masonry screen wall and an opaque gate on the fourth side to a height of no less than six feet but no more than eight feet. The dumpster must be situated on a concrete apron that extends a minimum of six feet beyond the opening of the enclosure, so as to support the weight of the waste disposal vehicle during unloading. All refuse must be stored within the covered refuse disposal containers.

(b)

Loading berths. Where feasible, loading berths in all zoning districts must be located and oriented so as not be visible from the street and adjacent properties, while still allowing access to the use it is serving. In addition, loading berths in all zoning districts must be screened as much as possible, unless such screening is determined unnecessary by the village. Such screening must consist of a solid wood or simulated wood fence or masonry screen wall to a height of no less than six feet. A dense evergreen hedge may be substituted for a fence or wall, subject to approval of the landscape plan.

(c)

Outdoor storage and display areas.

(1)

Outdoor storage areas. All outdoor storage areas must be completely screened by a solid wood or simulated wood fence or masonry screen wall to a height of no less than six feet but no more than eight feet. Where feasible, plant materials should be installed along the fence or wall located along the public right-of-way to provide a softening effect. No materials stored outdoors must be of a greater height than that of the required fence or wall.

(2)

Outdoor display areas.

a.

When the rear yard of an outdoor display area is separated from a residential district by an alley, the outdoor display area must be effectively screened from view and buffered as required by this chapter for rear bufferyards.

b.

All outdoor display areas must be designed with a landscaped yard along the public right-of-way, excluding alleys, a minimum of five feet in width and planted with shade or evergreen trees at a rate of one tree per 40 feet, and supplemented with shrubs and perennials to enhance the view from the public right-of-way. These screening requirements are not intended to prohibit openings reasonably necessary for access drives and walkways.

c.

Motor vehicle sales or rental establishments with outdoor sales and display lots must be designed with permanent screening along the right-of-way. Such screening may consist of small shrubs and/or a low pedestrian wall to a height of two feet, rather than shade or evergreen trees as required in subsection (c)(2)b of this section, to optimize the view of motor vehicles for sale.

d.

Growing areas for nursery stock located in the front or corner side yard are considered to meet screening requirements.

(d)

Drive-through facility. Drive aisles of drive-through facilities must be effectively screened from view along the public right-of-way and at the edges of sites adjacent to residential properties in order to minimize the impact of exterior site lighting, headlight glare and any menu intercom displays. Such screening must consist of a solid wood or simulated wood fence, masonry screen wall, or dense evergreen hedge at least six feet in height. Chainlink fencing is prohibited. Plant materials should be installed along the fence or wall to provide a softening effect.

(Ord. No. 08-50, § 2(exh. A(14.12)), 8-12-2008)