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City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
LANDSCAPING
§ 156.130 PURPOSE.
The purpose of these landscaping requirements is to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare through the preservation of the environment by recognizing the vital importance of tree growth in the ecological system. It is further the purpose of this section to specifically encourage the preservation and replacement of major trees removed in the course of land development, to promote the proper utilization of landscaping as a buffer between particular land uses, and to minimize noise, air and/or visual pollution and artificial light glare.
(Ord. 34-90, passed 12-26-90)
§ 156.131 TREE PRESERVATION.
(B) Preservation of wooded areas. When preparing and reviewing subdivision plans and preliminary and final development plans, good faith effort shall be made to preserve natural vegetation areas. Streets, lots, structures and parking areas should be laid out to avoid unnecessary destruction of heavily wooded areas or outstanding tree specimens.
(Ord. 34-90, passed 12-26-90)
Cross-reference:
§ 156.132 LANDSCAPING SCREENING.
(A) Screening of service areas. For commercial, industrial, office, institutional and multiple-family uses, all areas used for service, loading and unloading activities shall be screened on those portions of the lot which abut districts where single and two-family residences are permitted uses. Screening shall consist of walls, landscaped earthen mounds, fences, natural vegetation or an acceptable combination of these elements, provided that screening must be at least six feet in height. The use of year-round vegetation, such as pines or evergreens, is encouraged. Vegetation shall be planted no closer than three feet to any property line.
(B) Screening of trash receptacles. For commercial, industrial, office, institutional, and multiple- family uses, all trash and garbage container systems shall be screened or enclosed by walls, fences, or natural vegetation to screen them from view. Container systems shall not be located in front yards, and shall conform to the side and rear yard pavement setbacks in the applicable zoning district. The height of such screening shall be at least six feet in height. The use of year-round vegetation, such as pines and evergreens is encouraged.
(C) Additional screening requirements. For commercial, industrial, office and institutional uses which abut districts where single and two-family residences are permitted uses and landscaping is required pursuant to other sections of this chapter to screen those uses from adjacent districts, such screening shall consist of natural vegetation planted no closer than three feet to any property line. Natural vegetation shall be of a variety which will attain ten feet in height within five years of planting.
(D) Maintenance of shrubbery and hedges. No shrubbery or hedge shall be planted, in any district, in such a manner that any portion of growth extends beyond the property line. The owner or occupant of property on which there is shrubbery, hedges, or trees so located as to affect the vision of drivers on adjacent streets shall keep shrubbery and hedges trimmed to a maximum of 30 inches in height, and keep trees trimmed so as to avoid creating traffic hazards.
(Ord. 34-90, passed 12-26-90)
§ 156.133 LANDSCAPE MATERIALS.
Landscape materials utilized in meeting requirements of this section should complement the form of existing trees and plantings, as well as the general design and architecture of the developed area. The type of sun or shade should be considered in selecting plant materials. Artificial plants are prohibited. All landscape materials shall be living plants and shall meet the following requirements.
(A) Quality. All plant material shall conform to the standards of the American Association of Nurserymen and shall have passed any inspections required under state regulations.
(B) Deciduous trees. Trees which normally shed their leaves in the fall, shall be species having an average mature crown spread of greater than 15 feet and having trunks which can be maintained with over five feet of clear wood in areas where visibility is required, except at vehicular use intersections where the clear wood requirement shall be eight feet. A minimum of ten feet overall height, or a minimum caliper (trunk diameter as measured six inches above ground) of at least two inches immediately after planting shall be required. Trees of undesirable species, as cited in §§ 96.01 through 96.14, are prohibited.
(C) Evergreen trees. Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of three feet high with a minimum caliper of one-inch immediately after planting.
(D) Shrubs and hedges. Shrubs shall be planted at least two feet in average height when planted and shall conform to specified requirements within four years after planting.
(E) Vines. Vines shall be at least 12 inches high at planting and generally used in conjunction with walls or fences.
(F) Grass or ground cover. Grass of the fescue (Gramineae) or bluegrass (Poaceae) family shall be planted in species normally grown as permanent lawns, and may be sodded or seeded. In swales or similar areas subject to erosion nets, or suitable mulch shall be used; nurse grass shall be sown for immediate protection until complete coverage otherwise is achieved in certain cases, ground cover consisting of rocks, pebbles, sand or similar materials may be approved.
(Ord. 34-90, passed 12-26-90)