Weyauwega City City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VIII
Landscaping
§ 530-180 Purpose.
The purpose of requiring landscaping as an integral element of urban development is to:
A.
Provide vegetation to visually soften paved areas and buildings.
B.
Establish positive environmental conditions by providing shade, air purification, oxygen regeneration, ground water recharge, storm water runoff retardation, improved water quality, noise, glare and heat abatement, and protection from the forces of erosion.
C.
Buffer uncomplimentary land uses, lessen the impact of high intensity uses, and generally enhance the quality and appearance over the entire site of the project.
D.
Provide habitat for beneficial animals and insects.
E.
Improve quality of life for the residents of, and visitors to, the City of Weyauwega.
§ 530-181 Principles.
A.
Individual lots and conditions will afford distinctive and varied opportunities for landscape treatment. A landscape plan shall consider the preservation of existing, desired vegetation. Mature tree species that provide a substantial canopy shall be retained if possible. Installation of additional plant materials shall augment existing vegetation.
B.
Native species. Unless otherwise specified in this article, all proposed landscape species shall be natives. Nativars and cultivars are specifically prohibited.
(1)
Suitability.
(a)
All canopy trees, evergreens, shrubs, and flowers used to satisfy the requirements of this article shall be native to Wisconsin.
(b)
Non-native turf grasses are permissible as ground cover so long as noninvasive.
(c)
All vegetation shall be suitable for planting within the appropriate hardiness zone.
(2)
The landscape plan shall be comprised of the following:
(a)
Existing landscaping to be retained.
(b)
Canopy trees, evergreens, ornamental trees, and shrubs.
(c)
No less than 10% of required greenspace shall be comprised of native prairie plants.
(d)
The remainder of required greenspace shall be planted in a permanent ground cover of turf grass approved by the Plan Commission.
§ 530-182 Administration.
A.
Site plans. All nonresidential site plans submitted in accordance with this chapter shall include a landscape plan. All landscape plans shall be prepared by a qualified person and shall contain the following information:
(1)
North Arrow and scale.
(2)
Topographic information based upon U.S. Government datum, and final grading adequate to identify and properly specify planting for areas needing slope protection.
(3)
The location, size, and surface materials of all structures and parking areas.
(4)
The location, type, size, quantity and botanical name and common name of all proposed landscape materials.
(5)
The location, size, and common name of all existing plant materials to be retained on the site.
(6)
Plant materials shall be drawn to a scale to reflect mature sizes.
B.
Application. Applications shall be submitted to the City Clerk for proper distribution.
C.
Review and approval.
(1)
The Zoning Administrator shall review all site plans submitted under this section and make a recommendation to the Plan Commission to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the landscape plan.
(2)
The Plan Commission shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny the proposed landscape plan.
§ 530-183 Design criteria.
A.
General requirements.
(1)
Relationship to existing vegetation.
(a)
The addition of new plant materials shall augment existing vegetation.
(b)
Existing healthy and non-invasive species of trees, shrubs, or woodlands shall be incorporated in a landscape plan, and contribute toward any quantity requirement.
(c)
Diversity of vegetation species is required, although the selection of a plant palette shall consider new flora that is compatible with the growing and environmental requirements of existing vegetation.
(2)
Placement and setting.
(a)
The location, dimensions, and spacing of required plantings shall be adequate for their proper growth and maintenance, taking into account the sizes of such plantings at maturity and their present and future environmental requirements, such as wind, soil, moisture, and sunlight.
(b)
Plants shall be spaced to provide optimum growing conditions and resemble a natural setting. Evenly spaced "picket fence" style plantings shall be avoided.
(3)
Street adjacent planting. Trees or shrubs that are planted immediately adjacent to street and road rights-of-way shall be moderately tolerant of both salt spray and salt absorbed into the soil.
(4)
Size.
(a)
Canopy trees that are newly installed shall reach a minimum height and spread of 30 feet at maturity (10 years growth) as determined by the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) Standards. New canopy trees shall have a minimum caliper of two inches at planting.
(b)
Ornamental trees that are newly installed shall reach a typical minimum height of 15 feet at maturity, based on ANLA Standards. Ornamental trees shall have a distinctive ornamental character such as showy flowers, fruit, habit, foliage, bark, or growth habit. New ornamental trees shall have a minimum caliper of 1.5 inches.
(5)
Ground cover. All areas not covered by buildings or paving shall be covered with landscaping.
§ 530-184 Plant material types and quantities.
A.
Hardiness. All plants shall be selected based upon compatibility with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) hardiness zone for the City of Weyauwega (at this time, Hardiness Zones 5a and 5b).
B.
Plant standards. All plants shall meet the minimum standards for health, form, and root condition as outlined in the ANLA Standards.
C.
Species variation.
(1)
No single species shall exceed 35% of the proposed landscape plan.
(2)
All plant species included in the landscape plan shall be natives.
§ 530-185 District-specific design criteria.
A.
Location.
(1)
The landscaping requirements below shall be established and maintained within the street yard outside of any right-of-way and in rear yards and side yards.
(2)
Other than specific screening requirements as presented elsewhere in this chapter, landscaping shall frame the view of structures from the roadway and adjoining parcels.
(3)
Landscaping shall not be concentrated in any particular section of the yard unless so required due to site limitations.
B.
Location of yards. See § 530-300C for Yard Type Illustration.
C.
R-3 District required plantings.
Area | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
Street yard - for each 50 feet of street/road frontage | • 2 canopy trees or 1 evergreen • 1 ornamental tree or 3 tall shrubs • 5 low-to-medium shrubs |
Rear yard - for each 50 feet of property line | • 2 canopy trees or 1 evergreen • 1 ornamental tree or 3 tall shrubs • 5 low-to-medium shrubs |
Side yards - for each 50 feet of property line associated with the side yard | • 5 tall shrubs • 5 low-to-medium shrubs |
Native Species: All proposed canopy trees, evergreens, ornamentals, and shrubs shall be native species. | |
D.
B-1 District required plantings.
Area | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
Street yard - for each 50 feet of street/road frontage | • 2 canopy trees or 1 canopy tree and 1 ornamental tree • 5 shrubs |
Rear yard - for each 50 feet of property line. | • 2 canopy trees or 1 evergreen • 5 low-to-medium shrubs |
Side yards - for each 50 feet of property line associated with the side yard. | • 5 tall shrubs • 5 low-to-medium shrubs |
Native Species: All proposed canopy trees, evergreens, ornamentals, and shrubs shall be native species. | |
E.
B-2, I-1, and I-2 Districts required plantings.
Area | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
Street yard - for each 50 feet of street/road frontage | • 2 canopy trees or 2 evergreens • 1 ornamental tree or 3 tall shrubs • 5 low-to-medium shrubs |
Rear yard - for each 50 feet of property line. | • 2 canopy trees or 1 evergreen • 5 tall shrubs • 5 low-to-medium shrubs |
Side yards - for each 50 feet of property line associated with the side yard. | • 5 tall shrubs • 5 low-to-medium shrubs |
Native Species: All proposed canopy trees, evergreens, ornamentals, and shrubs shall be native species. | |
F.
G-1 District required plantings.
Area | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
Street yard - for each 50 feet of street/road frontage | • 2 canopy trees or 1 evergreen • 1 ornamental tree or 3 tall shrubs • 5 low-to-medium shrubs |
Rear yard - for each 50 feet of property line. | • 2 canopy trees or 1 evergreen • 1 ornamental tree or 3 tall shrubs • 5 low-to-medium shrubs |
Side yards - for each 50 feet of property line associated with the side yard. | • 5 tall shrubs • 5 low-to-medium shrubs |
Native Species: All proposed canopy trees, evergreens, ornamentals, and shrubs shall be native species. | |
G.
PDD District. Landscape requirements in the PDD District shall be determined on a case-by-case basis based upon the following factors:
(1)
The underlying zoning district.
(2)
Landscape standards for the underlying zoning district.
(3)
The intensity of uses on the parcel(s) in question.
(4)
Existing vegetation on parcel(s) in question and abutting parcels.
§ 530-186 Recommended landscape species.
All landscape species with the exception of turf grasses used as ground cover shall be native to Wisconsin. The native plants presented in the tables that follow are recommended for landscaping. The list is not exhaustive. Alternatives shall be considered when deemed by the Plan Commission to be appropriate for the location and setting. The species listed in the table are intended solely as a guide. It is the responsibility of the developer to ensure proposed species are suitable to their intended location.
A.
Canopy trees, tall.
Common Name and Latin Name | Max. Height | Salt Tolerant | Street Tree |
|---|---|---|---|
American basswood/Linden (Tilia americana) | 80 ft. | No | No |
American beech (Fagus grandifolia) | 80 ft. | No | No |
American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) | 100 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) | 90 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Chinquapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) | 60 ft. | Yes | No |
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) | 80 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) | 80 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) | 90 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Red maple (Acer rubrum) | 70 ft. | Yes | No |
River birch (Betula nigra) | 70 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) | 80 ft. | No | No |
White oak (Quercus alba) | 80 ft. | Yes | No |
B.
Canopy trees, short to medium.
Common Name and Latin Name | Max. Height | Salt Tolerant | Street Tree |
|---|---|---|---|
American green alder (Alnus viridis) | 30 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Cockspur hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) | 30 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) | 30 ft. | No | No |
Green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis) | 30 ft. | No | No |
Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) | 40 ft. | No | No |
Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) | 25 ft. | No | No |
Prairie crabapple (Malus spp.) | 25 ft. | Yes | No |
Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) | 25 ft. | Yes | No |
Speckled alder (Alnus incana) | 30 ft. | No | No |
C.
Evergreens.
Common Name and Latin Name | Max. Height | Salt Tolerant | Street Tree |
|---|---|---|---|
Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) | 60 ft. | No | No |
Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) | 70 ft. | No | No |
Black spruce (Picea marian) | 50 ft. | No | No |
Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) | 70 ft. | No | No |
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) | 60 ft. | Yes | No |
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) | 80 ft. | No | No |
White spruce (Picea glauca) | 80 ft. | No | No |
D.
Shrubs (and shrub-like grasses), medium to tall.
Common Name and Latin Name | Max. Height | Salt Tolerant | Street Shrub |
|---|---|---|---|
Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) | 15 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Common ninebark (physocarpus opulifolius) | 10 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Nannyberry viburnum (Viburnum lentago) | 15 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea)) | 10 ft. | No | No |
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) | 15 ft. | No | No |
E.
Shrubs, Low (and shrub-like grasses).
Common Name and Latin Name | Max. Height | Salt Tolerant | Street Shrub |
|---|---|---|---|
Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) | 7 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) | 8 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Creeping juniper (Juniperis horizontalis) | 10 in. | Yes | Yes |
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) | 3 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Meadowsweet (Spirea alba) | 4 ft. | No | No |
Oldfield common juniper (Juniperus communis var. depressa) | 4 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Rafinesque viburnum (Viburnum rafinesquianum) | 8 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Running serviceberry (Amelacnhier stolonifera) | 5 ft. | No | No |
Steeplebush (Spirea tomentosa) | 4 ft. | Yes | Yes |
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) | 4 ft. | Yes | Yes |
§ 530-187 Prohibited landscape species.
A.
Nativars, cultivars, and other non-native species are specifically prohibited.
B.
The following native species are prohibited for use in all landscaping plans for the reasons cited.
(1)
Trees.
(a)
Ash. Emerald ash borers.
(b)
Black walnut. Juglone secreted from roots, leaves, and husks creates barren area below drip line.
(c)
Boxelder. Weak wood and branch attachments are subject to storm damage; trees can be high maintenance due to drooping branches and poor growth form; attract Box Elder bugs which can be a nuisance.
(d)
Cottonwood. Susceptible to storm damage due to shallow root system and weak wood and branch attachments; female cottonwoods produce large numbers of cottony seeds which litter the landscape.
(e)
Silver maple. Subject to branch breakage following ice storms; aggressive roots can clog drains and buckle sidewalks; susceptible to wood and root decay; trees can be high maintenance due to poor growth form.
(f)
Willows. Willow trees are extremely fast-growing and quickly expand beyond their growing space; roots can interfere with water and sewer lines; weak wood is subject to storm damage and branch failure in high winds and heavy snow loads.
(2)
Shrubs.
(a)
Gray dogwood. Spreads vigorously.
(b)
Smooth sumac. Sumac growth can block rain and sunlight and begin to change the ecosystem's soil chemistry, temperature, and light levels. This can cause existing plants and small shrubs in the area to wither. By blocking the sunlight, sumac trees may also prevent new plants and vegetation from growing.
§ 530-188 Preservation of landscaping.
A.
Maintenance. All landscaped areas shall be maintained and preserved in accordance with the approved landscape plan.
B.
Responsibility for maintenance.
(1)
Maintenance of all landscaping shall be the responsibility of the owner, lessee, heirs, assigns, agents, homeowners' association, or other liable entity of the property.
(2)
The owner or liable entity in control of any private premises shall at all times maintain the premises free of litter and weeds.
C.
Plant replacement. Any plant materials included in an approved landscaping plan that do not survive a plant establishment period of two years after installation shall be replaced with plant material(s) of the same or like species of equal size within the next planting season, but in any event, within six months of the plant's demise.
