The landscaping and screening requirements specified herein are intended to foster aesthetically pleasing development that will protect and preserve the appearance, character, general health and welfare of the village while encouraging native species, practicality, diversity and ease of maintenance. Additionally, these regulations are intended to, in an environmentally sensitive manner, increase the compatibility of adjacent uses by requiring a buffer or screen between uses, and in doing so, minimize the harmful impact of noise, dust or other debris, motor vehicle headlight glare or other artificial light intrusions and other objectionable activities or impacts conducted or created by an adjoining or nearby use. (Ord. 15-1766, 2-10-2015)

   A.   The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all development where a site plan is submitted in accordance with the provisions of section 10-3-27 of this title, in accordance with section 4-7-5 of this code, or with any planned unit development, conditional use permit, preliminary plat, or final plat.

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

   C.   For any conforming or legally nonconforming building or use which is in existence on the effective date hereof which subsequent thereto is damaged or destroyed by fire, collapse, explosion or other cause, and which is reconstructed, reestablished or repaired, landscaping equivalent to any maintained at the time of such damage or destruction shall be restored or maintained, except that when such damage or destruction exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the value of the building or use, landscaping shall be provided as required by this chapter for equivalent new use or construction.

   D.   All landscaping as required in this chapter shall be in addition to all other landscaping requirements contained within this code including, but not limited to, requirements for parkway trees and the preservation and replacement of existing trees. (Ord. 15-1766, 2-10-2015)

   A.   All plant material shall comply with the provisions set forth by the most recent edition of the "American Standard For Nursery Stock", as sponsored and approved by American Association Of Nurserymen and the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI).

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

      1.   Climate hardiness of plant material.

      2.   High disease resistance and stress tolerance.

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

      4.   Inclusion of native plant material where appropriate.

      5.   Overall year round ornamental effect.

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

   D.   Unless otherwise specified, the minimum size for plant materials installed to meet the requirements of this chapter shall be as follows:

      1.   Overstory trees: Two and one-half inch (2.5") caliper.

      2.   Evergreen trees: Six foot (6') height as planted.

      3.   Ornamental trees:

         a.   Single trunk: Two inch (2") caliper.

         b.   Multitrunk: Six foot (6') height as planted.

      4.   Large shrubs: Twenty four inch (24") height as planted.

      5.   Small shrubs: Eighteen inch (18") height as planted.

   E.   Caliper of the trunk shall be measured six inches (6") above the ground up to and including four inch (4") caliper size and twelve inches (12") above the ground for larger sizes.

   F.   The branches of deciduous trees and shrubs may be selectively thinned by up to one-third (1/3) 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.

   G.   All trees and shrubs shall be mulched with a minimum of four inch (4") depth shredded bark, wood chips or other all organic mulch. All flower and ground cover beds shall be mulched with a minimum of two inch (2") depth shredded bark or other all organic mulch.

   H.   A minimum number of species of trees and a minimum number of species of shrubs shall be required on each parcel as follows:

 

 

   I.   Landscape materials shall be selected and located so as to not obstruct visual or physical access to fire hydrants or other firefighting facilities. Trees and shrubs shall not be located closer than ten feet (10') to fire hydrants, other firefighting facilities or other aboveground utilities. Trees shall be planted no closer than thirty feet (30') from a traffic control device and streetlight. Landscape materials to be planted on corner lots or near intersections shall comply with the standard set forth in section 10-3-14, "Visibility On Corner Lots", of this title.

   J.   Landscaping requirements as defined by this chapter shall be based on planting units as calculated as follows:

      1 overstory tree = 10 plant units

      1 evergreen tree = 7 plant units

      1 ornamental tree = 5 plant units

      1 large shrub = 2 plant units

      1 small shrub = 1 plant unit

      Perennials and ground covers = 1/2 plant unit per 100 square feet of area

(Ord. 15-1766, 2-10-2015)

Credit toward the landscape requirements of this chapter may be allowed for existing vegetation and other landscape features of a quality and of a size as required by this chapter that the applicant proposes to preserve on an equal basis. The existing vegetation for which credit is given shall be shown and labeled as such on the landscape plan. (Ord. 15-1766, 2-10-2015)

   A.   Where the scope of this chapter applies, landscape plans shall be submitted and approved by the same procedure set forth in this code for a site plan for commercial and industrial developments, and for planned unit developments.

   B.   The landscape plan shall show exact locations and quantities of landscape features. Each proposed plant shall be identified as to botanical and common name, size and installed condition (balled and burlapped, container, etc.). Bare root plants shall not be allowed.

   C.   At the preliminary plat stage, a "preliminary landscape plan", indicating general locations and approximate quantities of landscape features shall be prepared. A list of typical plants proposed shall be provided, including common and botanical names, installed condition, and approximate sizes.

   D.   All landscape plans shall include the following:

      1.   North point and scale.

      2.   Topographic information and proposed grades.

      3.   Proposed pavements and structures, including at grade screen walls and fences.

      4.   Existing and proposed utilities, above and below ground, including pole mounted light fixtures.

      5.   Location, type, size, quantity and installed condition of all proposed landscape materials.

      6.   Common and botanical names of all proposed plant material.

      7.   Location, size, and common/botanical name of existing vegetation to remain, in a manner to differentiate this vegetation from proposed vegetation.

      8.   Symbols representing proposed plant material shall be drawn to scale showing approximately two-thirds (2/3) to full mature size and labeled as to quantity and type.

      9.   Summary of plant units required and proposed.

      10.   Locations of required irrigation system.

      11.   Location and details of all site amenities including, but not limited to, trash receptacles, bicycle racks, benches, tables and chairs, and movable planters. (Ord. 15-1766, 2-10-2015)

Revisions to an approved landscape plan may be considered to address unforeseen circumstances on site or availability of plant material. The village administrator 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. 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, ornamental, or evergreen trees, or large or small shrubs) and have the same general design characteristics (mature size, spread, density) as the materials being replaced. When the village administrator or his/her designee authorizes any change, a replacement revised landscape plan to include the changed conditions, and duly noted as such on the plan, must be submitted and approved by the village administrator or his/her designee. (Ord. 15-1766, 2-10-2015)

The owner, tenant, and/or his/her agent, if any, shall be jointly and severably responsible for the maintenance of all landscaping required by the provisions of this chapter or by any approved landscape 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, debris and weed growth. The owner, tenant or his/her agent shall replace any dead or severely damaged or diseased plant materials during the next planting season for the particular plant or plants in question. Maintenance and replacement of plant materials and mulch shall be in accordance with section 10-14-3 of this chapter. (Ord. 15-1766, 2-10-2015)

   A.   Parkway Trees: Parkway trees are required in accordance with the village of Shorewood subdivision ordinance.

   B.   Double Frontage Lots: Landscaping shall be provided on each double frontage lot along the frontage from which lot does not have access to the public right of way. The landscaping shall be located parallel to the lot line and shall extend along the entire frontage. If a fence is located along the frontage, the required landscaping shall be provided on the side of the fence facing the public right of way. The landscaping shall be provided in accordance with the following requirements depending on the classification of the adjacent right of way as designated in the village of Shorewood comprehensive plan:

      1.   Adjacent to a local or collector right of way: A minimum of a fifteen foot (15') wide landscape area consisting of a minimum of fifty (50) plant units per one hundred (100) linear feet of frontage. Twenty five percent (25%) of the unit count must be evergreen.

      2.   Adjacent to an arterial right of way: A minimum of a twenty five foot (25') wide landscape area consisting of a minimum of seventy five (75) plant units per one hundred (100) linear feet of frontage. Twenty five percent (25%) of the unit count must be evergreen. Berming and mounding to a minimum height of two feet (2') shall be incorporated into the landscape plan. (Ord. 15-1766, 2-10-2015)

   A.   Parkway Trees: Parkway trees are required in accordance with the village of Shorewood land subdivisions ordinance and title 4, chapter 7 of this code.

   B.   Front And Corner Side Yards: All front and corner side yards except that part devoted to driveways, parking, and walkways shall be sodded and landscaped with trees and shrubs. A minimum ratio of ten (10) plant units shall be provided for each one thousand (1,000) square feet of yard area. This yard area requirement is in addition to landscaping which is proposed to meet other requirements of this chapter. All front and corner side yards shall include an irrigation system.

   C.   Interior Side And Rear Yards: All interior side and rear yards except that part devoted to driveways, parking, and walkways shall be sodded and landscaped with trees and shrubs. A minimum ratio of ten (10) plant units shall be provided for each one thousand (1,000) square feet of yard area. This yard area requirement is in addition to landscaping which is proposed to meet other requirements of this chapter. All front and corner side yards shall include an irrigation system.

   D.   Foundation Landscaping: Foundation landscaping shall be provided on those sides of the building that face a public right of way.

      1.   Required foundation landscaping shall be located in a planting bed a minimum of ten feet (10') in width adjacent to the building.

      2.   Required foundation landscaping area shall remain open and free to all paving except where sidewalks and driveways that lead directly into the building are necessary for ingress and egress, or for access to firefighting facilities. In no case shall the foundation landscaping area be reduced to extend across less than fifty percent (50%) of the building face due to said sidewalks, driveways, or firefighting facilities.

      3.   Required 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. All planting area that is not occupied by trees, shrubs, flowers, ground cover, ornamental grasses or mulch shall be sodded.

      4.   At the discretion of the village administrator or his/her designee, required foundation landscaping may be relocated elsewhere on site or provided in an alternate manner, such as through the use of aboveground planting containers or boxes. This may be considered, for example, underneath gas pump canopies or between a drive-through lane and the pick up window.

   E.   Vehicle Use Areas: Landscaping shall be provided for parking areas and other areas devoted to use by vehicles (vehicle use areas).

      1.   Vehicle Use Areas Adjacent To A Public Right Of Way:

         a.   When vehicle use areas are adjacent to a public right of way, a minimum five foot (5') wide landscape strip shall be provided along the length of the vehicle use area. For properties that are one acre or less in area or include common access with an adjacent property, said landscape strip shall be a minimum ten feet (10') in width. The landscaping within this area shall consist of one or more of the following options:

            (1)   A minimum of sixty (60) plant units per five hundred (500) square feet of area between the vehicle use area and the public right of way.

            (2)   An undulating berm or earth mounding that is at least one foot (1') higher than the finished elevation of the parking lot (at the nearest point) and fifty (50) plant units per five hundred (500) square feet of area between the vehicle use area and the public right of way.

            (3)   A minimum three foot (3') grade drop from the right of way line to the vehicle use area, and fifty (50) plant units per five hundred (500) square feet of area between the vehicle use area and the public right of way.

            (4)   A three foot (3') high wall of brick, stone or finished concrete with a five foot (5') wide planting strip and fifty (50) plant units per five hundred (500) square feet of area between the vehicle use area and the public right of way.

            (5)   A minimum twenty five foot (25') wide strip of existing woodlands.

         b.   Plant materials shall be limited to a mature height of two feet (2') within ten feet (10') of any curb at a driveway intersection.

      2.   Vehicle Use Areas Adjacent To Residential Uses:

         a.   When vehicle use areas are adjacent to residential uses, a minimum fifteen foot (15') wide landscape strip shall be provided along the length of the vehicle use area. The landscaping within this area shall consist of one or more of the following options:

            (1)   A minimum of one hundred (100) plant units per one thousand (1,000) square feet of area between the vehicle use area and the residential property.

            (2)   An undulating berm or earth mounding that is at least two and one-half feet (2.5') higher than the finished elevation of the parking lot (at the nearest point) and eighty (80) plant units per one thousand (1,000) square feet of area between the vehicle use area and the residential property.

            (3)   A minimum three foot (3') grade drop from the property line to the vehicle use area, and seventy (70) plant units per one thousand (1,000) square feet of area between the vehicle use area and the public right of way.

            (4)   A minimum twenty five foot (25') wide strip of existing woodlands.

         b.   Plant materials shall be limited to a mature height of two feet (2') within ten feet (10') of any curb at a driveway intersection.

      3.   Drive-Through Lanes Adjacent To Other Vehicle Use Areas: If drive-through lanes are separated from adjacent vehicle use areas, a curbed planting bed along the entire length of the lane from the beginning of the vehicle stacking area through the end of the drive-through canopy or, if no canopy is present, to the transaction window or machine shall be required. The planting bed shall be a minimum of three feet (3') wide (excluding the curb) and shall contain a minimum ratio of one hundred (100) plant units per one thousand (1,000) square foot area. If the drive- through lanes are not separated from adjacent vehicle use areas, the plant units required by inclusion of such separation pursuant to this section shall be located elsewhere on the property and so noted on the landscape plan. These plants shall be in addition to all other requirements of this chapter.

      4.   Interior Parking Lot Landscaping:

         a.   The interior of the parking lots shall be planted with overstory trees at a ratio of one tree for every ten (10) parking spaces or fraction thereof. They shall be evenly dispersed throughout the parking area. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the required trees shall be placed in planting beds at a ratio of one planting bed for every twenty (20) spaces and shall meet the following requirements:

            (1)   The minimum area of planting bed for each tree shall be one hundred sixty two (162) square feet with a minimum dimension of nine feet (9') in any direction. These planting beds shall include a barrier curb. Planting beds may be combined to create larger planting islands within the parking lot.

            (2)   These planting beds shall not be used for snow storage. Separate snow storage areas shall be designated on the landscape plan.

            (3)   Small shrubs, flowers and ground covers other than turf grass may be planted in the tree planting beds, in addition to the required overstory trees.

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

            (5)   Plant materials shall be limited to a mature height of no more than two feet (2') within ten feet (10') of any curb at a driveway intersection.

         b.   Curbed planting islands shall be provided at the ends of each row of parking. These islands shall be a minimum of six feet (6') wide and shall extend the length of the parking stalls. These islands shall be a minimum of nine feet (9') wide and a minimum of one hundred sixty two (162) square feet to contain a required parking lot overstory tree. They shall be landscaped with trees, shrubs, flowers or ground covers.

   F.   Loading Docks, Service Yards, And Exterior Work Areas: Service yards, loading docks and exterior work areas shall be screened from view from public rights of way. The screening shall consist of either of the following:

      1.   Sightproof board fence constructed of cedar or preservative treated lumber of a minimum six feet (6') in height.

      2.   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 feet (4') in height at the time of installation. Overstory trees may be used, but shall not count toward the landscape requirement.

   G.   Open Storage Yards: Open storage yards shall be screened on all sides by solid walls or fences (including solid doors or gates thereto) at least eight feet (8') high, but in no case lower in height than the materials to be stored. If stored materials exceed eight feet (8') in height, then landscaping shall be provided at a minimum ratio of fifty (50) plant units for each one hundred (100) linear feet of the fence or wall visible from the public right of way. The landscaping shall be in addition to the fence or wall. The installed height of the landscaping shall be equal to or greater than one-half (1/2) the height of the fence or wall.

   H.   Recycling And Refuse Receptacle Areas: Refuse and recycling receptacles and removal areas shall be screened from view on all sides. The screening shall consist of a sight proof wall constructed of the same materials and style used on the principal structure, and shall be a minimum six feet (6') in height. The side that includes access into the facility shall include a sight proof gate, and be oriented to be minimally visible from adjacent properties. Such gates shall remain closed in idle times when the receptacles are not being actively loaded or emptied. Landscape material should be provided adjacent to this area.

   I.   Rooftop Screening Required: All heating, air conditioning, ventilating, communication receiving and transmitting devices, or other mechanical equipment located on the roof of any structure or building, shall be screened by a parapet wall that provides one hundred percent (100%) screening.

      1.   The design shall provide the one hundred percent (100%) screening effect required by this section.

      2.   The parapet wall shall not exceed one-third (1/3) of the height of the supporting wall.

      3.   The parapet wall shall be constructed of the same materials used in the construction of the principal building or structure and shall be designed to be architecturally integrated with the building's overall design.

      4.   Metal, wood or other materials which are installed as or appear as an after the fact screening to surround mechanical equipment are not acceptable.

      5.   If for any reason the required parapet walls are designed to vary in height, and one hundred percent (100%) screening cannot be guaranteed, then a rooftop mechanical placement plan shall be required to be submitted as part of the village's site plan approval process. Such placement plan shall delineate the limits of any mechanical system placement area such that one hundred percent (100%) screening will be accomplished when final placement is determined.

      6.   Communication devices shall be located and screened in such a manner to minimize visibility to the greatest extent possible. (Ord. 15-1766, 2-10-2015)

   A.   The required landscaping in yards abutting residential districts shall be comprised of a 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 feet (4'). 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 forty (40) plant units for each one thousand (1,000) square feet of a yard abutting a residential district.

   C.   The landscaping shall be distributed throughout the yard abutting a residential district.

   D.   The required number of plant units may be reduced by thirty percent (30%) in that part of the yard abutting a residential district in which any of the following are provided:

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

      2.   Earthen berm: Minimum six feet (6') high and maximum three to one (3:1) slope.

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

   E.   If existing woodlands are located within the yard abutting a residential district, preservation of those woodlands may substitute for part or all of the required landscaping. If existing woodlands are located in only part of the transitional yard, the required number of plant units may be proportionately reduced. If existing woodlands substitute for any portion of the required landscaping, a six foot (6') high sightproof, wood board fence shall be provided along the edge of the preserved woodlands area. The substitution of existing woodlands for landscaping in a yard abutting a residential district is at the discretion of the village administrator or his/her designee and shall be indicated on the approved landscape plan.

   F.   The area of the yard abutting a residential district not planted with trees, shrubs or existing woodlands shall be planted with sod, live ground cover, flowers, ornamental grasses or some combination thereof.

   G.   No driveways, parking, loading areas or other vehicular use area shall be allowed in yards abutting residential districts. (Ord. 15-1766, 2-10-2015)

All developments that include stormwater retention or detention facilities shall provide landscaping around the perimeter of such facility generally above high water level. Only plants that are adapted to temporary flooding may be planted below high water level. Such landscaping shall be comprised of a minimum of twenty (20) plant units for every one hundred (100) linear feet of perimeter, or part thereof, as measured at high water level. Where located adjacent to a major arterial or collector road as designated in the village of Shorewood comprehensive plan, an irrigation system shall be included. (Ord. 15-1766, 2-10-2015)

Innovative landscaping treatments are encouraged and shall be considered as a positive attribute in connection with any request for a variation from the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 15-1766, 2-10-2015)