A.

Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to establish landscape requirements that will enhance the City's character and livability, improve water and air quality, mitigate the heat island effect, reduce the amount of stormwater conveyed to storm sewer systems, prevent erosion, expand and improve habitat for native plants and animals, and provide for transitions between zoning districts.

B.

Applicability. The requirements of this Section apply to the following:

1.

New developments that require site plan review, including conditional use permits, see Section 4.09 (Site Plan Review).

2.

Planned unit developments, see Section 5 (Planned Unit Developments).

3.

The construction, reduction, expansion, reconfiguration, or reconstruction of any existing parking lot of 10 spaces or more and/or that requires a permit, see Section 4.09 (Site Plan Review).

4.

Any change from one use to another that requires a conditional use permit.

5.

The removal of existing trees from any lot, per the requirements of Section 11.02 (Tree Preservation).

C.

Occupancy Certificate. The requirements of this Section must be met and landscape elements must be fully installed in good health and condition, as determined by the Building Commissioner, prior to the issuance of an occupancy certificate unless one or more of the conditional criteria below apply.

1.

Seasonal Conditions. If seasonal conditions preclude the completion of landscape installation, the applicant may be required to provide the City with a letter of credit, escrow, performance bond, or other surety, as approved by the Zoning Administrator, equal to 125 percent of the remaining costs of installation and material as estimated by a qualified landscape architect or similar professional, in order to receive an occupancy certificate.

2.

Special Conditions. If the development has been approved through a formal City process (such as a conditional use permit, variance, etc.) time for compliance with this section is as outlined in the ordinance related to that approval, but may not exceed 24 months. A preliminary landscape plan must be submitted to the Zoning Administrator no later than three months from the ordinance approval.

3.

Permit Revocation. Failure to implement the approved landscape plan or maintain installed landscape elements is cause for revocation of the occupancy certificate and/or the application of fines and penalties. All landscape elements are subject to periodic inspection for compliance with the approved landscape plan.

D.

Landscape Plan. A landscape plan must be submitted to the City as part of any site improvement that meets the criteria of Section 11.01.B (Applicability) and be approved by the Zoning Administrator. The landscape plan will be evaluated and approved based on the standards included in this Section 11 (Landscape Standards).

1.

Preparation of Landscape Plan. The landscape plan must be drawn to scale if the project meets the criteria of Section 11.01.B (Applicability). For planned unit developments and other cases at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator, the landscape plan must be prepared and stamped by a licensed landscape architect registered in the State of Illinois, or another qualified professional.

2.

Contents. The landscape plan must contain the following:

a.

Location and dimensions of all existing and proposed structures (including property lines and zoning setback lines), parking spaces, landscape islands, buffer yards, streetlights, utilities, easements, and other site elements.

b.

Location, quantity, size, spacing, and name, both botanical and common, of all existing plants, including trees and plants in the right-of-way. The landscape plan must indicate whether existing plants will be retained or removed, including information on how existing trees will be preserved and protected, see Section 11.02 (Tree Preservation).

c.

Location, quantity, size, spacing, and name, both botanical and common, of all proposed plants including the type of tree stock.

d.

Planting details and best management practices for all plantings, including type, depth, and quantity of soil.

e.

Existing and proposed grading of the site indicating contours at one-foot intervals.

f.

Elevations of all fences and retaining walls proposed for the site.

g.

Construction information, including the location of temporary roads, access points for construction equipment, staging areas, material storage areas, and other related information.

h.

To ensure ongoing compliance with this Section, a landscape plan must include an operations and maintenance plan that includes detailed information on operations and maintenance procedures, including the design specifications of any underground irrigation systems. The property owner is responsible for the maintenance of all elements of the landscape plan.

3.

Exemptions. At the discretion of the Zoning Administrator, the individual requirements of this Section 11.01.D (Landscape Plan) may be altered, reduced, or waived based on conditions specific to the subject property.

E.

Credit for Existing Vegetation. The Zoning Administrator may credit existing landscape elements toward the requirements of Section 11.04 (Street Trees), Section 11.07 (Parking Lot Landscaping), Section 11.08 (Buffer Yards), and/or Section 11.09 (Screening Requirements). The existing landscape elements must be acceptable species, adequately protected during the construction process, in good health, and must meet all applicable specifications of this Section.

A.

Applicability. Trees in the parkways and public rights-of-way are the property of the City of Waukegan. Residents may not prune or remove such trees.

1.

Tree Removal Permit. A permit authorizing tree removal must be obtained from the City Forester prior to the following activities:

a.

Removal of any tree six inches or greater DBH (diameter at breast height).

b.

Removal of any tree or vegetation from a conservation easement.

c.

Removal of any tree from a tree preservation or no disturbance area.

d.

Removal of any tree or vegetation on any property that is the subject of a development application prior to the final approval of the development application and issuance of a building permit.

e.

Removal of any tree or shrub from any ravine or bluff, as defined by the Steep Slope Ordinance, see Ordinance 02-O-75 (Steep Slope), or its successor regulations.

f.

Removal of any oak tree.

2.

Procedure. An application for a tree removal permit must include a tree preservation and removal plan that specifies the tree or vegetation to be removed and how surrounding trees and vegetation will be protected and preserved. The tree preservation and removal plan must be approved by the City Forester in writing prior to the issuance of the tree removal permit. Such approval is not required if tree removal is performed by City employees or contractors.

3.

Criteria for Removal of Mature Trees. Every reasonable effort must be made to incorporate existing trees into the landscape plan for a proposed development. The City Forester will determine that one or more of the following criteria apply prior to granting approval to remove a mature tree:

a.

The tree is dead, dying, diseased, and/or a threat to public health or safety.

b.

The tree interferes with the provision of public services or is a hazard to traffic.

c.

The location of the tree prevents development or redevelopment that cannot be reasonably designed to protect the tree.

d.

The tree is not on the Morton Arboretum Northern Illinois Tree Species List or is not recommended for the planting site in which it is located.

B.

Replacement Standards. Mature trees removed illegally or to be removed as part of a new development pursuant to a tree removal permit must be replaced in accordance with the following standards. Illegally removed trees are subject to the fines outlined in the Fee and Fine Schedule. The City Forester may waive replacement and fine requirements in whole or in part for trees with less than ten inches DBH..

1.

Location. Replacement trees must be planted on the same zoning lot where the removal occurred unless waived in whole or in part by the City Forester. If the replacement trees cannot be planted on the same zoning lot, then the Zoning Administrator and City Forester will determine a suitable location for the replacement trees or require a payment of a fee-in-lieu of the replacement trees.

2.

Replacement Rate. The size of a mature tree is measured using its diameter at breast height, refer to Figure 11.02-1 Tree Measurement. Any tree to be removed must be replaced no later than six months after the date of approval, or the applicant will be required to pay into the City's General Fund, to be used for trees, in the amount equal to the full value of the tree to be removed.

a.

Any tree designated for removal on an approved tree preservation and removal plan must be replaced by a sufficient number of new trees such that the aggregate caliper size of the replacement trees is greater than or equal to double the aggregate diameter at breast height of the tree being removed. For example, a tree with a diameter at breast height of 10 inches may be replaced by five 4-inch caliper trees or four 1.5-inch caliper trees and seven 2-inch caliper trees.

b.

In the event that a tree designated for preservation is destroyed, damaged, or removed during the construction process, such tree must be replaced following the same 2:1 inch replacement rate or payment of a fee-in-lieu of replacement equal to the tree replacement value identified in Section 11.02.B.3 (Tree Valuation) will be required.

3.

Tree Replacement Valuation. The replacement value of a tree is set forth in the Fee and Fine Schedule.

C.

Tree Protection Fencing Requirements.

1.

Location. Prior to the issuance of any grading, utility, building, or demolition permits, tree protection fencing must be erected on the site consistent with the location indicated on the approved site plan and generally at a point not to exceed 20 feet beyond the foundation walls of all buildings and five feet from the edge of hardscape surfaces.

2.

Fences. Tree protection fencing may be comprised of wood, plastic, or chain link fencing. Based on the review of the site plan, a specific fence type may be required by the City Forester in locations where construction activity must occur proximate to trees or areas to be preserved. Fences must be installed in accordance with Section 9.03.C.17.c (Construction, Design, and Appearance), unless otherwise specified in this section. The fence must be four feet in height with steel supporting posts eight feet to ten feet on center. The posts must be driven into the ground to hold the fence in an upright position throughout construction on the site.

3.

The fence must remain in place, in a full upright position, until all construction activity on the site is completed, the site is ready for the final landscape grading, and removal of the fence has been approved by the City Forester.

Figure 11.02-1
Tree Measurement

(Ord. No. 25-O-03, § 2(Exh. A), 1-6-25)

A.

Design and Installation.

1.

National Standards. All landscape elements must be installed in accordance with the practices and procedures established by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association. Landscape elements must be healthy and hardy upon installation and must be planted with appropriate space and soils to ensure sustained growth.

2.

Soil Requirements. A minimum soil depth of three feet and minimum planting bed width of six feet is required for all tree planting areas. Refer to Figure 11.03-1 Minimum Soil Depth and Figure 11.03-2 Minimum Planting Bed Width. In order to accommodate subsurface root expansion, a minimum volume of 1,000 cubic feet of structural soil is required per large shade tree or evergreen tree, and a minimum volume of 750 cubic feet of structural soil is required per medium shade tree. Whenever possible, tree plantings must be located to connect subsurface root spaces.

Expand

Figure 11.03-1 Minimum Soil Depth	Figure 11.03-2 Minimum Planting Bed Width

 

3.

Plant Size Requirements. Landscape elements must be installed in accordance with Table 11.03-1 Required Landscape Size at Installation, unless otherwise noted in this Ordinance or approved by written consent of the Director of Public Works.

4.

Tree Species Permitted and Species Diversity. Tree and plant species that are native or naturalized to northeastern Illinois, and drought- and salt-tolerant, are required. Diversity of tree genus and species is encouraged. Refer to the Morton Arboretum Northern Illinois Tree Species List for preferred species. For projects requiring a certified landscape plan prepared by a Landscape Architect, per Section 11.01.D (Landscape Plan), refer to Table 11.03-2 Species Diversity Requirements for specifications.

5.

Irrigation. Permanent irrigation systems are not required but may be installed as recommended by a landscape architect or the City Engineer. All irrigation systems that are installed must be designed to minimize the use of water and require certification that the system is water efficient (e.g. EPA WaterSense certified). Irrigation systems are not allowed in the right-of-way.

6.

Utility Easements. Landscape elements may be installed within utility easements, but shade trees may not be planted under overhead utilities. Existing shade trees located beneath overhead utilities may not be counted as existing vegetation in a Landscape Plan. If it is not practical to locate shade trees away from overhead utilities, the property owner will be responsible for maintaining the trees in such a manner that will not interfere with the overhead utilities and for replacing any trees that are damaged during utility repairs.

B.

Planting Location and Visibility. All landscape elements must be located in compliance with the visibility standards of Section 8.05.D (Visibility Obstruction) and Section 10.06.A.6 (Visibility). Where practical, deciduous trees, shrubs and vines must be planted along the south and west sides of buildings to provide shade during the summer. Where practical, evergreens and other plant materials must be concentrated on the north side of buildings in a manner that dissipates the effect of winter winds.

C.

Maintenance. All landscape elements must be installed and maintained in good condition at all times to ensure healthy vegetation and an orderly appearance. Non-emergency pruning of all tree species is permitted year-round except all species of elms and oaks which may not be pruned from April through October.

1.

Maintenance Responsibility. Landscape elements, such as vegetation and trees, irrigation systems, fences, and walls, must be properly installed and maintained. The property owner is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of landscape elements on their property to keep them in good condition for the lifespan of the development and/or parking lot.

2.

Surety. A letter of credit, escrow, performance bond, or other surety, as approved by the Zoning Administrator may be required and be subject to periodic inspection, in an amount equal to 125 percent of the value to purchase, plant, and maintain landscaping. Such letters must remain in place for two years after installation to ensure proper maintenance in accordance with this Section, unless sooner released in part or in whole by the Zoning Administrator.

3.

Care of Landscape Elements until Fully Established. All installed landscape elements must be watered, mulched, and replaced as needed until fully established.

4.

Ongoing Maintenance. All landscape elements must be maintained in good condition in perpetuity and must have a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance. Any landscape element that is removed due to disease, damage, death, or any other reason must be replaced no later than 30 days after the beginning of the growing season, in accordance with the requirements of this Section and the approved landscape plan.

(Ord. No. 25-O-03, § 2(Exh. A), 1-6-25)

A.

Applicability. Consistent and appropriately spaced street trees aid in beautifying and shading the City, supporting storm water management and clean air, and enhancing property values. The requirements of this Section apply to existing and proposed parkway areas adjacent to new developments that require approval of site plan review, see Section 4.09 (Site Plan Review) or planned unit developments, see Section 5 (Planned Unit Developments). Requirements for this Section may be waived by the Zoning Administrator when site specific conditions are identified that meet the general intent of this ordinance.

B.

Street Tree Requirements.

1.

Frequency. Where an unpaved parkway exists within the right-of-way, street trees must be installed by the applicant for the proposed development at a minimum rate of one large shade tree per 40 linear feet of street frontage. This requirement may be waived in part or in whole by the City Engineer if the parkway is deemed to be an unsuitable planting location due to planting space, visibility, presence of utilities, or other hazards that cannot be reasonably abated.

2.

Spacing. Landscape elements must be installed in accordance with Table 11.03-1 Required Landscape Size at Installation, unless otherwise noted in this Ordinance. Street tree spacing must comply with the spacing requirements of Table 11.04-1 Street Tree Spacing. Trees must be selected for appropriate size at maturity for the subject parkway width, as determined by the City Forester. Trees must be spaced on center, or at a rate that matches the existing tree spacing pattern on adjacent parkways, whichever results in a greater density of tree plantings. Spacing may be adjusted to ensure adequate room for sidewalks, streetlights, signs, and utilities, with prior written approval by the City Engineer.

3.

Tree Wells. Tree wells must be utilized in locations where the sidewalk extends from the back of the curb to the lot line and there is no parkway present. Tree wells in sidewalks must provide a continuous trench with a depth of at least three feet to allow for better root growth and healthier trees. Location of tree wells must allow for the sidewalk to meet standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This requirement may be waived in part or in whole by the City Engineer if the parkway is deemed to be an unsuitable planting location due to planting space, visibility, presence of utilities, or other hazards that cannot be reasonably abated.

4.

Materials. Tree wells materials must be approved by the Zoning Administrator and City Forester for compliance with design guidelines, and to promote tree health and the walkability of pedestrian areas.

5.

Jurisdictional Control. If a County or State has jurisdiction over a public right-of-way which prevents the installation of the required number of street trees, then the trees must instead by planted within the front yard of the adjacent zoning lots within the proposed development. These street trees are required in addition to other applicable landscape requirements.

A.

Required Residential Trees. All new residential developments must include canopy/shade trees according to the rates shown in Table 11.05-1 Required Trees (Residential). All required trees must comply with the requirements of Section 11.03 (Design, Installation, and Maintenance).

B.

Foundation Planting

1.

Location. Foundation planting must be installed for all multiple-unit dwellings in the L1, L2, L3, R3, R4, and R5 Districts where a setback is provided. Foundation planting must be installed along the front and corner side façades of all buildings, except entrances and other areas where it may be impractical (such as window wells and utility meters), as determined by the Zoning Administrator.

2.

Size. Foundation planting must extend at least six feet from the edge of the building.

3.

Landscaping Materials. A minimum of 80 percent of the foundation planting must consist of ornamental trees, native or ornamental grasses, shrubs, perennials, or other live groundcover. Front and corner side yards must be properly sodded or hydro-seeded prior to occupancy.

(Ord. No. 25-O-03, § 2(Exh. A), 1-6-25)

A.

Requirements. All new non-residential developments must have at least 50 percent of the open space landscaped including the requirements of this section and must have the remaining areas properly sodded or hydroseeded prior to occupancy. All required trees must comply with the requirements of Section 11.03 (Design, Installation, and Maintenance). All new non-residential developments must include canopy/shade trees according to the following rates:

1.

One tree must be planted for every 500 square feet of the area required to be landscaped.

2.

One shrub must be planted for every 50 square feet of the area required to be landscaped.

B.

Foundation Planting.

1.

Location. Foundation planting must be installed for non-residential development in the L1, L2, L3, B1, B2, B3 and R/LI Districts where a setback is provided. Foundation planting must be installed along the front and corner side façades of all buildings, except entrances and other areas where it may be impractical (such as window wells and utility meters), as determined by the Zoning Administrator.

2.

Size. Foundation planting must extend at least four feet from the edge of the building.

3.

Landscaping Materials. A minimum of 80 percent of the foundation planting must consist of ornamental trees, native or ornamental grasses, shrubs, perennials, or other live groundcover. Front and corner side yards must be properly sodded or hydro-seeded prior to occupancy.

A.

Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape. Refer to Figure 11.07-1 Location of Landscape Requirements and Figure 11.07-2 Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape.

1.

Location. Parking lot perimeter landscape requirements apply to lots in all zoning districts in which parking facilities are located adjacent to a lot line. Parking lot perimeter landscape must be located directly adjacent to the lot line.

2.

Minimum Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape. A parking lot perimeter landscape with a minimum depth of ten feet is required along the length of the parking lot that is adjacent to the lot line, excluding any driveways.

3.

Landscape Elements. The parking lot perimeter landscape must meet all of the standards of Section 11.03 (Design, Installation, and Maintenance) and include the following:

a.

Parking lot perimeter landscaping must provide at least 50 percent coverage along the adjacent lot lines and may include berms, ornamental trees, evergreen trees, shrubs, hedges, groundcovers, and perennials in clusters of seven plantings at a minimum.

b.

One large shade tree per 30 linear feet of perimeter area, or one medium shade tree per 25 linear feet of perimeter area, or any combination thereof. Trees may be spaced evenly or grouped.

c.

Any portion of the parking lot perimeter landscape not covered by hedges and trees must be planted with clump or no-mow grasses, other perennial groundcover, or mulch.

d.

Landscape areas are encouraged to be inverted using bioswales to retain stormwater runoff.

4.

Fence. Parking lot fencing may be installed to further screen the parking lot from view of the street and is subject to the following requirements. Fences must be installed in accordance with Section 9.03.C.17.c (Construction, Design, and Appearance), unless otherwise specified in this section. Permits are required for all fences within the City of Waukegan including replacement fences.

a.

The fence must be located a minimum of two feet from the back of the parking lot curb to allow for vehicle overhang. The required parking lot perimeter landscape must be located between the fence and sidewalk to provide visual interest from the street.

b.

The fence must be a minimum height of three feet and maximum height of four feet, unless a taller fence is required elsewhere in this ordinance.

c.

A paved opening with a minimum width of three feet must be provided at least every 50 feet to allow pedestrian access to the parking lot, except for screening fences required elsewhere in this ordinance.

d.

Ornamental metal, masonry, and wood are permitted fence materials. Chain link fences are not permitted as ornamental or screening fences as required by this section.

e.

Earthen berms may be required at the discretion of the City Engineer. All berms must be a minimum of three feet and planted with turf or other live groundcover.

f.

Landscaping may not exceed the height of the fence, with the exception of trees required per the parking lot perimeter landscaping requirements in Section 11.07 (Parking Lot Landscaping).

Figure 11.07-1 Location of Landscape Requirements

Figure 11.07-2 Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape

B.

Parking Lot Interior Landscape Islands. Refer to Figure 11.07-5 Parking Lot Interior Landscape Islands and Figure 11.07-2 Location of Landscape Requirements.

1.

Small Parking Lot Landscaping. In parking lots with more than ten but fewer than 40 spaces, all rows of parking must be terminated by end landscape islands or landscape areas of at least 150 square feet. Parking lots with ten or fewer spaces are not required to install landscape islands.

2.

Medium Parking Lot Landscaping. In parking lots with 40 or more but fewer than 125 spaces, all rows of parking must be terminated by end landscape islands or landscape areas of at least 150 square feet. Additional landscape islands are required every ten spaces between end landscape islands or landscape areas. For a single parking row, the landscape island must have a minimum length equal to the length of the adjacent parking space and a minimum area of 150 square feet. When double rows of parking are provided, the required landscape islands must have a minimum length equal to the total length of the adjacent parking spaces and a minimum area of 300 square feet.

3.

Large Parking Lot Landscaping. In parking lots that accommodate 125 spaces or more, all rows of parking must be terminated by end landscape islands or landscape areas of at least 150 square feet. Additional landscape islands are required every 20 spaces between end landscape islands or landscape areas. For a single parking row, the landscape island must have a minimum length equal to the length of the adjacent parking space and a minimum area of 150 square feet. When double rows of parking are provided, the required landscape islands must have a minimum length equal to the total length of the adjacent parking spaces and a minimum area of 300 square feet. Alternating rows of double-row parking must provide a continuous landscaped median of at least five feet in width.

4.

Alternate Configuration. In conjunction with landscape plan approval, see Section 11.01.D (Landscape Plan), the applicant may make a request for a different configuration of landscape islands and medians to allow for more efficient site design or to permit larger landscape areas. Regardless, the overall area and number of plantings required for landscape islands and medians must be met. Such configurations may only be approved at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator and will be considered fully conforming with the requirements of this section.

5.

Trees. A minimum of one shade tree must be provided per landscape island. Landscape islands provided for double rows of parking may include a maximum of two shade trees. Landscaped medians must provide a minimum of one shade tree per 40 linear feet of median.

6.

Groundcover. A minimum of 80 percent of each landscape island and median must be planted with ornamental or native grasses, perennials, turf, or other live groundcover. Shrubs are not permitted in landscape islands.

7.

Curb Design. Landscape areas must be protected with concrete curbing and have a minimum height of six inches as measured from the parking lot surface. In parking lots where landscape areas are at or below grade, curbing may contain a sufficient number of inlets to properly manage drainage, unless it is determined by the City Engineer that inlets would result in greater runoff inflow than could be supported by the landscape island. Refer to Figure 11.07-3 Curb Inlet Design. Wheel stops and other alternate landscape protections may be approved by the Zoning Administrator to facilitate certain stormwater management facilities.

Figure 11.07-3 Curb Inlet Design

Figure 11.07-4 Parking Lot Interior Landscape Islands

C.

Runoff Infiltration. All required parking lot landscape areas must be designed to accept and facilitate stormwater runoff infiltration through curb design, adequate soil depth, appropriate plant selection, and site grading to convey stormwater. Landscaped areas are encouraged to include depressed planters with bioretention and infiltration areas to assist in water quality protection and facilitate groundwater recharge.

(Ord. No. 25-O-03, § 2(Exh. A), 1-6-25)

A.

Applicability. Buffer yards are used to separate more intensive zoning districts and uses from less intensive zoning districts and uses. A buffer yard is required adjacent to lot lines where the proposed development meets one or more of the following criteria. For the purposes of this Section, lots are not considered directly adjacent to one another if an alley or other right-of-way separates the lots. Reconstruction of existing parking lots of fewer than ten parking spaces is exempt from buffer yard requirements. Refer to Figure 11.07-2 Location of Landscape Requirements and Figure 11.08-1 Buffer Yards.

1.

Non-Residential District. A buffer yard is required if the lot is located in the B2, B3, E, H/C, R/LI, or I District and is directly adjacent to a lot located in the CR, R1, R2, R3, R4, or R5 District.

2.

Non-Residential Use in Residential Districts. A buffer yard is required for lots located in the CR, R1, R2, R3, R4, or R5 District if the lot contains a non-residential use and is adjacent to a residential use. Parks are exempt from this requirement.

B.

Buffer Yard Requirements.

1.

Location. The buffer yard must be located directly adjacent to the interior side and/or rear lot line, along the entire length of the lot line where the zoning district transition occurs.

2.

Minimum Buffer Yard Depth. A buffer yard must have a minimum depth of ten feet. Landscape areas that are provided as part of required parking lot perimeter landscape, see Section 11.07.A (Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape), may count toward the minimum buffer yard requirement.

3.

Landscape Elements. The buffer yard must include the following:

a.

A continuous hedge comprised of individual small shrubs with a minimum width of two feet, spaced three feet on center.

b.

One evergreen tree for every 30 linear feet of buffer area. Trees may be spaced evenly or grouped.

c.

Any portion of the buffer yard not covered by hedges and trees must be planted with turf, clump, or no-mow grasses, perennial groundcover, or mulch.

d.

In residential and commercial zoning districts, a continuous hedge of individual shrubs may be allowed instead of providing evergreen trees within a buffer yard with prior written Zoning Administrator approval, provided that the hedge height at maturity is taller than 42 inches.

4.

Fence. Fences in buffer yards are required when a lot located in the B3, R/LI, or I District is directly adjacent to a lot located in the CR, R1, R2, R3, R4, or R5 District and optional in all other buffer yards. Fences must be installed in accordance with Section 9.03.C.17.c (Construction, Design, and Appearance), unless otherwise specified in this Section. Permits are required for all fences within the City of Waukegan (replacements included). The requirements below only apply to fences in buffer yards adjacent to CR, R1, R2, R3, R4, or R5 Districts.

a.

Location. The fence must be located along the entire length of the affected interior side or rear lot line.

b.

Height. Buffer yard fences must be six feet in height.

c.

Type. Solid fences are required for buffer yards.

Figure 11.08-1 Buffer Yards

(Ord. No. 25-O-03, § 2(Exh. A), 1-6-25)

A.

Applicability. The requirements of this Section apply to refuse areas, ground-mounted mechanical equipment, ground-mounted utilities, outdoor storage areas, and off-street loading areas for the purpose of screening these uses and facilities from view of the street and adjacent lots. The requirements of this Section also apply for tree protection fencing after a permit is issued for grading, utility, and building or demolition.

B.

Refuse Area, Ground-Mounted Mechanical Equipment, Ground-Mounted Utility, and Outdoor Storage Area Screening Requirements. Refer to Figure 11.09-1 Refuse Area, Ground-Mounted Mechanical Equipment, Ground-Mounted Utility, and Outdoor Storage Area Screening.

1.

Location. Refer to Section 9.02.B.24 (Outdoor Storage Area) and Section 9.03.C.23 (Mechanical Equipment) for location requirements for outdoor storage and ground-mounted mechanical equipment standards.

2.

Fences and Walls. The areas or facilities to be screened must be completely screened by either a wood fence or masonry wall on three sides, and an opaque gate on the fourth side. Fences and walls must be installed in accordance with Section 9.03.C.17.c (Construction, Design, and Appearance), unless otherwise specified in this section. The wall of a principal structure may serve as a screening wall.

a.

Height. The fence or wall must be a minimum of six feet in height but may not exceed eight feet in height.

b.

Complementary Design. Screening elements must complement the architectural style of the primary building on-site and use building materials similar to those used for the primary building.

c.

Gate. The enclosure of the refuse area or outdoor storage area must be gated and remain closed except during times of refuse deposit or collection.

3.

Landscape Elements. For refuse areas that are visible from the public right-of-way, landscape shrubs or native grasses must be installed on a minimum of two sides of the area, with plantings located between the fence or wall and back of curb and screening the full length of each side. Installed shrubs must form a continuous hedge comprised of individual small shrubs of an appropriate species that are adaptable to being grown as a hedge, with a minimum width of two feet, spaced three feet on center.

C.

Off-Street Loading Area Screening Requirements. The area adjacent to any off-street loading areas that are visible from the public right-of-way must include buffering and landscaping in accordance with Section 11.07.A (Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape).

Figure 11.09-1 Refuse Area, Ground-Mounted Mechanical Equipment, Ground-Mounted Utility, and Outdoor Storage Area Screening

(Ord. No. 25-O-03, § 2(Exh. A), 1-6-25)

A.

Applicability. Outdoor lighting standards prevent light trespass, promote energy efficiency, minimize light pollution, and enhance public safety. The requirements of this Section apply to all new or replacement outdoor lighting, with the exception of unshielded lighting for holiday decorations or permitted temporary uses as established in Section 9.04 (Temporary Uses and Structures). The Zoning Administrator may impose reasonable restrictions on the use of such lighting for temporary uses as necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

B.

General Requirements.

1.

Prohibited Lighting. Any outdoor lighting that may be confused with a traffic control device is prohibited except if it is authorized by federal, state, county, or local government. Flashing lights, strobe lights, and laser lights are prohibited.

2.

Design That Prevents Glare. All lighting must be designed to prevent glare and interference with residential lots and motor vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic.

3.

Fixtures. All new and replacement outdoor lighting must have full cut-off or fully shielded fixtures. For non-residential uses, fixtures located within 20 feet of a residential property line must be directed toward the interior of the property and fully shielded from view of the adjacent residential property. For outdoor recreational uses, fixtures must be aimed toward the interior of the property. Written documentation must be submitted in addition to the other requirements of this section that demonstrate that the location, type, and direction of all lighting fixtures will focus lights on the playing fields and minimize glare and visibility from adjoining properties.

4.

Automatic Lighting Controls. Wall outdoor lighting on non-residential lots must be controlled by a photo sensor, occupancy sensor, or timer to automatically reduce outdoor lighting when sufficient daylight is available, and to automatically turn off lights by the earlier of midnight or one hour following the close of business. This excludes security lighting, and any lighting necessary to achieve minimum foot candle requirements as set by Table 11.10-01 Outdoor Illumination Requirements.

5.

Façade Illumination. Building façade illumination must be limited to fully shielded fixtures directed towards the façade. All light from such fixtures must be concentrated on the exterior wall surface of the building being illuminated and be built with a dimmer switch and/or daylight shut-off sensor.

6.

Decorative Lighting: Uplighting, accent, landscape, or other decorative lighting may be permitted upon approval of a site plan in accordance with Section 4.09 (Site Plan Review). Considerations will include overall brightness (lumens) and light trespass. Decorative lighting must be built with a dimmer switch and/or daylight shut-off sensor.

7.

Energy-Efficient Technology. The use of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) or similar technology is encouraged.

8.

Photometric Plan. A photometric plan prepared by a professional must be approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to installation of outdoor light fixtures for new developments of non-residential uses with large parking lots, as defined in Section 5 (Planned Unit Developments), and ground-up constructions of residential uses with more than four units. All other development activity must still comply with the general requirements listed above. A photometric plan must include the following:

a.

All property lines, building locations, dimensions of paved areas, and location of all curbs relative to the proposed outdoor light and fixture.

b.

Proposed outdoor light and fixture location.

c.

Details and height specifications of all proposed exterior lights and fixtures, including, as applicable, B.U.G. rating values.

d.

Photometric data at all property lines and within all parking lots at a maximum of ten feet of spacing of measured at the ground. When possible, photometric data must extend 15 feet beyond the property line.

e.

Photometric data must be generated by a recognized computer program and must include calculation of maximum foot-candles, minimum foot-candles, average foot-candles, and average to minimum uniformity ratio.

f.

Other information as required.

C.

Illumination Standards.

1.

Illumination. All outdoor lighting illumination levels must meet the requirements of Table 11.10-01 Outdoor Illumination Requirements.

2.

Color Temperature.

a.

Residential and Commercial Uses. The Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) must be within 2700-3000 Kelvin and have a minimum Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 70 percent.

b.

Recreational Facilities and Industrial Uses. The Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) must be within 2700-4100 Kelvin and have a minimum Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 70 percent.

3.

Sign Illumination. Sign illumination must conform to the provisions of Section 12 (Signs).

4.

Height.

a.

Non-Residential Uses. Light poles and building-mounted fixtures may not exceed 20 feet in height in business districts and 30 feet in manufacturing districts. Light poles for educational facilities or outdoor recreational facilities may not exceed 60 feet in height. Outdoor lighting for all outdoor recreation areas is subject to review of building permit and photometric plan.

b.

Residential Uses. Light poles may not exceed 20 feet in height for residential uses. Building-mounted fixtures, including under-soffit lighting, may not exceed five feet in height.