10-9-5: PARKING LOT LANDSCAPING:

   A.   Tree Canopy Coverage: Tree canopy coverage requirements shall be met through tree plantings located within perimeter yards (subsection B, "Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape", of this section) and interior landscape islands (subsection C, "Parking Lot Interior Landscape Islands", of this section) such that shade canopy is provided for a minimum of forty percent (40%) of the parking area hardscape, including all parking spaces, travel lanes, and other impervious areas not exempted by this section. Refer to figure 10-9-5-1, "Tree Canopy Coverage", of this subsection.

      1.   Calculation: Coverage credit for each tree shall be calculated using the projected full canopy width of the tree at maturity. Coverage credit for trees planted in perimeter landscape or buffer yards shall be credited in the amount that such plantings cover the parking area hardscape. Refer to the most recent Morton Arboretum Northern Illinois Tree Species List for canopy coverage estimates.

      2.   Loading Area Exemption: Designated loading areas shall be exempt from the amount of parking area hardscape for the purpose of this requirement.

      3.   Solar Energy Collection Systems: Any portion of this requirement may be met through installation of solar energy collection systems that comply with the standards of this title and provide shade to the parking area, with the approval of the Zoning Administrator.

      4.   Modification Of Requirements: The Zoning Administrator may modify shading requirements for sites located under power lines or other obstructions that prohibit strict compliance, and grant credit for new off-site trees provided in lieu of required on- site plantings, where appropriate.

FIGURE 10-9-5-1
TREE CANOPY COVERAGE

   B.   Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape: Refer to figures 10-9-5-2, "Location Of Landscape Requirements", and 10-9-5-3, "Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape", of this subsection.

      1.   Landscape Requirements:

         a.   Location: Parking lot perimeter landscape shall apply to properties in all zoning districts in which parking facilities are located adjacent to the front or corner side lot line. The parking lot perimeter landscape shall be located directly adjacent to the front or corner side lot line.

         b.   Minimum Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape: A parking lot perimeter landscape with a minimum depth of eight feet (8') is required along the length of the parking lot that abuts the front or corner side lot line, excluding any driveways.

         c.   Landscape Elements: The parking lot perimeter landscape shall meet all of the standards of section 10-9-3, "Design, Installation, And Maintenance", of this chapter and include the following:

            (1)   A continuous hedge comprised of individual small shrubs of an appropriate species that are adaptable to being grown as a hedge, with a minimum width of twenty four inches (24"), spaced thirty six inches (36") on center, and a maximum height at maturity of thirty inches (30") to forty two inches (42").

            (2)   One large shade tree per thirty (30) linear feet of perimeter area, or one medium shade tree per twenty five (25) linear feet of perimeter area, or any combination thereof. Trees may be spaced evenly or grouped.

            (3)   Any portion of the parking lot perimeter landscape not covered by hedges and trees shall be planted with turf, clump or no-mow grasses, other perennial groundcover, or mulch.

         d.   Fence: Fencing may be installed to further screen the parking lot from view of the street and shall be subject to the following:

            (1)   The fence shall be located a minimum of two feet (2') from the back of the parking lot curb to allow for vehicle overhang. The required parking lot perimeter landscape shall be located between the fence and sidewalk to provide visual interest from the street.

            (2)   The fence shall be a minimum height of three feet (3') and maximum height of four feet (4').

            (3)   A paved opening with a minimum width of three feet (3') shall be provided at least every fifty feet (50') to allow pedestrian access to the parking lot.

            (4)   Ornamental metal, masonry, and wood are permitted fence materials. Chain link fences are prohibited.

FIGURE 10-9-5-2
LOCATION OF LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS

FIGURE 10-9-5-3
PARKING LOT PERIMETER LANDSCAPE

   C.   Parking Lot Interior Landscape Islands: Refer to figure 10-9-5-4, "Parking Lot Interior Landscape Islands", of this subsection and subsection B, figure 10-9-5-2, "Location Of Landscape Requirements", of this section.

      1.   Spacing: One landscape island shall be provided for every ten (10) contiguous parking spaces. All rows of parking shall be terminated by a landscape island or landscape area.

      2.   Size: For a single parking row, the landscape island shall have a minimum length equal to the length of the adjacent parking space and a minimum area of one hundred (100) square feet. When double rows of parking are provided, the required landscape islands shall have a minimum length equal to the total length of the adjacent parking spaces and a minimum area of two hundred (200) square feet.

      3.   Alternate Configuration: In conjunction with landscape plan approval (see subsection 10-9-1D, "Landscape Plan", of this chapter), the Zoning Administrator may permit a different configuration of landscape islands to allow for more efficient site design or to permit larger landscape areas. Regardless, the overall area and number of plantings required for landscape islands pursuant to this section shall be met.

      4.   Trees: A minimum of one shade tree shall be provided per landscape island. Landscape islands provided for double rows of parking shall include a minimum of two (2) shade trees.

      5.   Groundcover: A minimum of eighty percent (80%) of each landscape island shall be planted with turf or other live groundcover, perennials, or ornamental or native grasses. Shrubs shall not be permitted in landscape islands.

      6.   Curbing: Landscape islands shall be protected with concrete curbing and have a minimum height of six inches (6") as measured from the parking lot surface. Curbing may contain inlets to accept drainage, unless it is determined by the Zoning Administrator that inlets would result in greater runoff volume inflow than could be supported by the landscape island. Refer to figure 10-9-5-5, "Curb Inlet Design", of this subsection. Wheel stops and other alternate landscape protections may be approved by the Zoning Administrator to facilitate certain stormwater management facilities.

FIGURE 10-9-5-4
PARKING LOT INTERIOR LANDSCAPE ISLANDS

FIGURE 10-9-5-5
CURB INLET DESIGN

(Ord. 67-2018, 12-18-2018)