(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
NON-COMPATIBLE ZONING. Any of the following zoning situations:
(a) Where any residential zone adjoins any business or industrial zone.
(b) Where any residential zone adjoins any mobile home park.
VUA (VEHICULAR USE AREA). Any open or enclosed area containing more than 2,000 square feet of area, including such businesses as car washes and drive- through banks or used by ten or more vehicles of any type, including but not limited to retail, wholesale and other business parking areas and lots; client and customer parking areas and lots provided by financial institutions and professional service providers; and, any other motor vehicular parking areas established within the city.
(B) General requirements. The requirements of this section shall apply to all new VUA’s installed subsequent to the adoption of this section. It shall also apply to a new addition to an existing VUA when the new addition exceeds 20% of the size of the existing lot, or a minimum of 3,000 square feet, whichever is greater. Landscaping must be approved in accordance with this section prior to issuance of building permit.
(C) Parking areas and lots.
(1) A ten foot curbed landscaped strip, lying wholly within the property line, shall be provided along those sides of VUA that abut public streets and five foot strips between property lines. A ten foot landscaped strip shall be provided between areas with non-compatible zoning. A masonry brick or stone wall, earth berm, or hedge maintained at least 30 inches in height above grade shall be located in the landscaped strip adjacent to the parking area. When the five foot strip between properties is planted to these specifications, additional planting is not required by the adjacent developer. However, the five foot strip is still required making a total of ten feet between VUA’s.
(2) All plantings required by this section shall meet the guidelines already established in Ordinance No. 35-1989, including the minimum spacing standards.
(3) Landscaped islands with concrete curbs shall be provided within VUA’s in proportion to the area of the parking lot. At least 5% of the total VUA area shall be devoted to landscaping. A minimum of one tree per 200 square feet of the 5% area shall be provided. This interior landscaping requirement is separate from the street frontage requirement.
(4) Minimum tree sizes at time of planting shall be as follows:
(a) Small ornamental trees (up to 20' mature height) 6' height, 1" caliper.
(b) Conifers/Evergreen trees (pine, spruce, etc.) 5' height.
(c) Canopy trees (medium and large trees with mature heights over 20') 10' height and 2" caliper. If overhead restrictions (powerlines) are not present, plant medium to large trees.
(d) Shrubs shall be at least two feet in average height or spread when planted.
(5) All landscaping required by the approved landscaping plan shall be installed within six months of the first occupancy of any building on the lot.
(6) All landscaping shall be maintained and dead plants replaced within three months.
(7) Exceptions shall be granted only by a majority vote of the Tree Board.
(Ord. 20-1993, passed 7-13-93; Am. Ord. 6-2001, passed 4-10-01)