All new developments and the alteration or expansion of an existing development, shall also provide site landscaping as provided for below. Site landscaping shall consist primarily of new tree plantings or the preservation of existing landscaping material on the site.
(a) In a commercial district, except the C-2 Chardon Square Mixed Use District, a landscaped area equal to two percent (2%) of the gross floor area of all buildings or fraction thereof is required. The landscaped area shall contain trees, planting beds, hedges, mounds, benches, or other materials designed and located in a manner complimentary to the overall architecture of the surrounding buildings.
(b) Streets, lots, structures, and parking areas should be planned and located to avoid the unnecessary destruction of significant natural vegetation, wooded areas, or outstanding tree specimens.
(c) Trees having diameter at breast height (DBH) of eight (8) inches or greater, shall be preserved and protected from destruction or damage during construction according to subsection (d) below unless:
(1) Trees are within the public right of way, utility easement or a temporary construction easement approved by the Municipal Engineer.
(2) Trees are within the ground coverage are of a proposed structure or within twenty (20) feet of the perimeter thereof.
(3) Trees are within the driveway access to parking or service areas or proposed areas to service a single family detached dwelling.
(d) Protective Fencing. Whenever existing trees are to be protected from damage or destruction during construction, the owner shall be responsible for the construction, erection, and maintenance of temporary fencing or other physical barrier around the tree protection area. The fencing or other protective barrier shall be located a distance from the trunk that equals, at a minimum, the distance of the critical root zone or fifteen (15) feet whichever is greater, unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission. The fencing or other physical barrier shall remain in place and be secured in an upright position during the entire construction period to prevent impingement of construction vehicles, materials, spoils, and equipment into the tree protection area.
(Ord. 3273. Passed 5-9-24.)