(A) Purpose: The intent of this section is to provide a procedure by which new developments will preserve the natural atmosphere which is prevalent throughout the village.
(B) General: The requirements set forth herein are minimal in scope and are not to be assumed as a restriction on landscaping efforts nor a limit on quantities of trees or shrubs. Innovative ideas to naturalize disturbed landscapes are encouraged as long as they meet the overall objective of this section and the approval of the plan commission and board of trustees.
Restorative and landscaping measures set forth herein are intended to cover only those areas of the subdivision disturbed in the course of making the improvements required by this section. The applicant is encouraged to provide additional landscaping throughout the subdivision that will complement the existing features and the developed site. Of particular importance is the matter of noise abatement along high noise generators such as regional and area highways, collector streets and railroads.
(C) Seeding: All disturbed areas within the subdivision shall be restored by placing a minimum of three inches (3") of topsoil and seeding with a class II mixture per the requirements of subsection (F) of this section.
Consideration shall also be given to restoring select areas with natural growths of wildflowers, ground cover or similar material.
(D) Trees And Shrubs:
1. Shrubs and trees utilized in the landscaping plan shall be selected from the village approved listing of landscape materials on file with the village clerk. Not less than three (3) species of shrubs and three (3) species of trees will be utilized in developing a plan for a proposed subdivision.
2. All plantings shall be furnished balled and burlapped except as noted in the village approved listing of materials, which is maintained on file with the village clerk.
3. Trees and shrubs within a subdivision shall be located as follows:
a. Forested Areas: In those areas where existing trees and undergrowth occur, trees shall be replaced on a one for one basis for all trees removed that are ten inches (10") and larger in diameter, measured at a point two feet (2') above natural ground. Replacement trees shall not be less than four inches (4") in diameter, measured at a point twelve inches (12") above natural ground.
b. Shrubs: Shrubs shall be planted at such density as to blend with the existing growth and to soften the impact through the cleared area. Without limiting the foregoing, a minimum of ten (10) shrubs shall be planted on each side of a proposed street for every eighty (80) linear feet of right of way.
c. Open Areas: In those areas of the right of way where no growth exists, two (2) trees and ten (10) shrubs shall be planted on each side of the proposed street for every eighty (80) linear feet of right of way.
4. Trees shall not be planted closer than fifteen feet (15') to the paved edge of road or three feet (3') to the bottom edge of ditch. Shrubs shall not be planted closer than eight feet (8') to the paved edge of road or two feet (2') to the bottom edge of ditch. At intersections, plantings exceeding twelve inches (12") at mature height will not be placed closer to the edge of pavement than indicated below for the various street classifications:
Minor street | 35 feet |
All others | 50 feet |
5. Tree sizes shall not be less than four inches (4") in diameter as measured at a point twelve inches (12") above natural ground. Shrubs provided shall have a minimum height of twenty four inches (24") above natural ground.
(E) Steep Slopes: All slopes greater than three to one (3:1) shall be restored by means of sod or suitable ground cover.
(F) Specifications: All restoration and landscaping work shall be in accordance with the latest edition of "Standard Specifications For Road And Bridge Construction" of the Illinois department of transportation and American Association Of Nurserymen, "American Standard For Nursery Stock" (ANSI Z60.1-1990).
(G) Scheduling Of Planting: All required planting shall be undertaken and completed on a schedule as specified by the plan commission. (Ord. 93-5, 5-24-1993)