(A) Parking lot perimeter landscape yard. Refer to Figure 1250.05-A. Location of Landscape Requirements and Figure 1250.05-B. Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape Yard.
(1) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to soften the visual impact of parking areas that are visible from the street.
(2) Applicability. The requirements of this section apply to properties in all zoning districts where a parking lot is located adjacent to the front and/or corner side lot line.
(3) Landscape requirements.
(a) Location. The landscape yard shall be located between the front and/or corner side lot line and the back of the parking lot curb.
(b) Minimum landscape yard. A landscape yard with a minimum depth of eight feet is required along the length of the parking lot that abuts the front and/or corner side lot line, excluding any driveways.
(c) Landscape elements. The landscape yard shall include the following:
1. A continuous hedge comprised of individual small shrubs with a minimum width of 24 inches, spaced 36 inches on center, and maximum height at maturity of 30 to 42 inches.
2. One medium or large shade tree for every 25 linear feet of perimeter area. Trees may be spaced evenly or grouped.
3. Any portion of the landscape yard not covered by hedges and trees shall be planted with turf or other groundcover, or mulched.
(d) Fence. Fencing is required 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 from the back of the parking lot curb to allow for vehicle overhang. The required landscape yard shall be located between the fence and sidewalk to provide visual interest from the street.
2. The fence shall be a minimum of three feet and maximum of four feet in height. Solid masonry fences shall have a minimum of two feet, six inches in height and maximum of three feet in height.
3. A paved opening with a minimum width of three feet shall be provided at least every 50 feet to allow pedestrian access to the parking lot.
4. The fence shall be at least 30% open, unless solid masonry is used.
5. Ornamental metal, masonry, and wood are permitted fence materials. Chain link is prohibited.
Figure 1250.05-A. Location of Landscape Requirements
Figure 1250.05-B. Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape Yard
(B) Parking lot interior landscape. Refer to Figure 1250.05-A. Location of Landscape Requirements and Figure 1250.05-C. Parking Lot Interior Landscape.
(1) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to improve the aesthetic appeal of parking lots as well as minimize paving and stormwater runoff via increased pervious surface coverage.
(2) Applicability. The requirements of this section apply to all new parking lots with 15 or more parking spaces or existing lots that are expanded or reconstructed to contain 15 or more spaces.
(3) Landscape island requirements.
(a) Spacing. One landscape island shall be provided for every 15 contiguous parking spaces. All rows of parking shall be terminated by a landscape island or landscape area.
(b) Minimum island size. Each landscape island shall have a minimum width of six feet and minimum area of 100 square feet. Landscape islands provided for double rows of parking shall have a minimum width of eight feet and a minimum area of 200 square feet.
(c) Alternate configuration. In conjunction with landscape plan approval, the Zoning Administrator may permit a different configuration of landscape islands and landscape areas to allow for more efficient site design or permit larger landscape areas that support tree health or stormwater management objectives. However, the overall area required for landscape islands shall be met.
(d) 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 shade trees.
(e) Groundcover. A minimum of 80% of each landscape island shall be planted with turf or other live groundcover, perennials, or ornamental or native grasses.
(f) Curbing. Landscape islands shall be located at least six inches above the surface of the parking lot and protected with concrete curbing, except as approved for stormwater management facilities by the Zoning Administrator.
Figure 1250.05-C. Parking Lot Interior Landscape
(Ord. 17-31, passed 9-12-2017)