The purposes of these landscaping regulations is to specifically encourage the preservation and replacement of major trees removed in the course of land development, to promote the utilization of landscaping as a buffer between particular land uses and to minimize noise, air and/or visual pollution and artificial light glare.

(2003 Code, § 153.435) (Ord. 3459, § 32.01, passed 3-7-2002)

   (A)   The following species of trees shall be deemed undesirable and their use for landscaping purposes within the city shall be discouraged.

   (B)   In no case shall these species be planted within 25 feet from any water, sanitary or storm drainage lines within the boundaries of the city:

      (1)   Box-elder (Acer negundo);

      (2)   Silver maple (Acer saccharinum);

      (3)   Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa);

      (4)   Tulip tree (Liriodendrum tulipfera);

      (5)   Mulberry (Morus alba);

      (6)   Poplars (all kinds) (Popoulus); or

      (7)   Willows (all kinds) (Salix).

(2003 Code, § 153.436) (Ord. 3459, § 32.02, passed 3-7-2002) Penalty, see § 153.999

   When preparing and reviewing site and development plans, good faith effort shall be made to preserve natural vegetation. Streets, lots, structures and parking areas should be laid out to avoid unnecessary destruction of heavily wooded areas or outstanding tree specimens.

(2003 Code, § 153.437) (Ord. 3459, § 32.03, passed 3-7-2002) Penalty, see § 153.999

   (A)   Screening of uses in particular districts. The development standards for particular districts require the installation of landscaped “buffer” areas of those side or rear yards that are adjacent to districts where single- or two-family residences are permitted uses. When required, such 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 seven feet in height. The use of year-round vegetation, such as pines or evergreens, is encouraged. Landscaped screening shall have at least 75% opacity during full foliage.

   (B)   Screening of trash receptacles. The development standards for particular zoning districts require the screening of trash receptacles to effectively screen them from view. In those cases where screening is required, landscaping can be utilized to meet the requirement, provided the standards for such landscaping meet the requirements of division (A) above.

   (C)   Maintenance of shrubbery and hedges. In any district, no shrubbery or hedge shall be planted 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 located so 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 covering or obscuring of traffic visibility or traffic control signals.

(2003 Code, § 153.438) (Ord. 3459, § 32.04, passed 3-7-2002) Penalty, see § 153.999

   Landscape materials utilized in meeting requirements of this chapter 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)   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 the ground) of at least two inches immediately after planting, shall be required. Trees of undesirable species, as cited in § 153.446, are prohibited.

   (B)   Evergreen trees. Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of three feet high with a minimum caliper of one inch immediately after planting.

   (C)   Undesirable species. In meeting the planting and maintenance requirements of this subchapter, the species of trees listed in § 153.446 shall not be utilized.

   (D)   Shrubs and hedges. Shrubs shall be at least two feet in average height when planted.

   (E)   Grass or ground cover. Grass of the fescue (Gramineae) or bluegrass (Poaceae) family shall be planted in spaces 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.

(2003 Code, § 153.439) (Ord. 3459, § 32.05, passed 3-7-2002) Penalty, see § 153.999