§ 156.126  LANDSCAPING STANDARDS (LS).
   (A)   LS-01:
      (1)   Landscaping is an essential part in the design and development of a site. Such plantings are a benefit to the environment, public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare of the community. These standards will result in the reduction of storm water runoff, glare, heat buildup, may reduce energy costs in structures and will improve the aesthetics of the community.
      (2)   A detailed landscape plan including size, type and location of plant materials shall be submitted for review and approval to the Plan Commission or its designees for all multi-family, commercial, industrial or institutional new construction projects, additions or conversion from residential to commercial. For the purposes of this section, institutional is included, but is not limited to, governmental institutions, schools, churches and hospitals. The minimum requirements are as follows.
         (a)   All deciduous trees planted must be one and one-half inch caliper trees. All evergreen trees planted shall be a minimum of five feet in height. All shrubs planted shall be a minimum of 24 inches in height.
         (b)   Any trees planted to meet the landscaping standards must be replanted with a tree of like species if the tree dies or becomes diseased at any time regardless of property ownership.
         (c)   A minimum of 65% of all plantings, including foundation plantings, shall be located in the front yard(s).
   (B)   LS-02: minimum plantings required by use:
Use
Type
Num.
Per
Size
Use
Type
Num.
Per
Size
Single-family
Deciduous
1
1 dwelling unit
1-1/2” caliper
Needled evergreen
1
1 dwelling unit
5 feet tall
Foundation plantings
1
20’ of perimeter
12” tall
Multiple- family
Deciduous
1
2 dwelling units
1-1/2” caliper
Needled evergreen
1
2 dwelling units
5 feet tall
Ornamental
1
4 dwelling units
6 feet tall
Foundation plantings
1
10’ of perimeter
12” tall
Retail commercial (Not DC District)
Deciduous
1
1,000 sq. ft. floor area
1-1/2” caliper
Needled evergreen
1
1,000 sq. ft. floor area
5 feet tall
Ornamental
1
1,000 sq. ft. floor area
6 feet tall
Foundation plantings
1
20’ of perimeter
18” tall
Office commercial (Not DC District)
Deciduous
1
1,000 sq. ft. floor area
1-1/2” caliper
Needled evergreen
1
1,000 sq. ft. floor area
5 feet tall
Ornamental foundation
1
1,000 sq. ft. floor area
6 feet tall
Plantings
1
10’ of perimeter
18” tall
Institutional (Not DC District)
Deciduous
1
1,000 sq. ft. floor area
1-1/2” caliper
Needled evergreen
1
1,000 sq. ft. floor area
5 feet tall
Ornamental
1
1,000 sq. ft. floor area
6 feet tall
Foundation plantings
1
10’ of perimeter
18” tall
Industrial (Not DC District)
Deciduous
1
3,000 sq. ft. floor area
1-1/2” caliper
Needled evergreen
1
3,000 sq. ft. floor area
5 feet tall
Ornamental
1
3,000 sq. ft. floor area
6 feet tall
Foundation plantings
1
30’ of perimeter
24” tall
 
      (1)   The plantings required to meet buffer yard or parking lot standards shall not be counted toward this minimum landscaping requirement.
      (2)   Existing vegetation on site can be counted toward the minimum landscaping requirements.
      (3)   All foundation plantings must be within ten feet of the structures’ foundation and should be scrubs, ornamental bushes, ornamental plants or flowering plants.
   (C)   LS-03: general standards for landscaping:
      (1)   No landscaping materials, vegetation, plants, shrubs, trees, retaining walls, bedding, lighting or mounds may extend into any existing or proposed right-of-way or easement without the written permission from the agency that established the right-of-way or easement.
      (2)   No trees may be planted within five feet of sidewalks, streets, curbs, gutters, drainage tile or other infrastructure, unless approved otherwise by the Planning Commission.
      (3)   The species of trees and plants for proposed landscape plan may be subject to approval of Plan Commission or its designees.
(Ord. 2002-05, passed 12-30-2002, § 7.7)