Areas within the setbacks of the lot and not covered by structures shall be landscaped with grass, trees, shrubbery or other appropriate ground cover or landscaping material. Landscaping material shall be maintained in good and healthy condition.
(a) Weather Related Delays and Contingencies. No zoning occupancy certificate shall be issued until the landscaping has been installed in compliance with the approved landscape plan, and the landscaping has been inspected and approved by the Municipal Engineer or Arborist. Due to the prevailing weather conditions in Northeast Ohio from late autumn until early spring, the Community Development Administrator may extend the deadline for compliance with the requirements of this Chapter until the next growing season to assure the viability of the plants and materials to be installed. For a project that is completed between November 1st and April 30th the applicant may sign an agreement with the City of Chardon extending the deadline for installing all required landscaping and ground cover until June 1st. The Community Development Administrator may also grant an extension beyond June 1st for further extraordinary or unusual weather related circumstances.
(b) Planting Arrangement. Trees and shrubs shall be arranged to create varied and attractive views. The plant material selected should provide a variety of color and seasonal interest displayed throughout the year. Landscape materials shall be located to avoid interference with visibility per Section 1147.15 (Visibility at Intersections).
(c) Screening. All screening and buffer yards shall be free of advertising and signs, except for directional signs and signs for the efficient flow of vehicles.
(d) Parking. Vehicle parking shall not be permitted in landscaped areas.
(e) Pedestrian Movement. Landscaping materials shall not be placed where they will prevent pedestrian movement unless planted to create a pedestrian barrier.
(f) Damage to Public Works. Plant material shall not interfere with or cause damage to underground utility lines, public roadways or other public works.
(g) Maintenance. The lot owner shall maintain landscaping in good condition and keep plants healthy and thriving by following best practices for watering, fertilizing, mulching and weeding, in order to present a neat and orderly appearance. Landscape areas shall be free from refuse and debris. No plant material required herein shall be removed unless replaced with like kind and size. Prior to removal, a revised landscape plan shall be submitted to the Community Development Administrator for review and approval per Section 1111.01(c)(3) (Minor Construction Approval).
(h) Vehicular Encroachment on Landscaping Islands. Concrete curbs or other wheel stops shall be provided to assure that vehicles overhang into landscape areas no more than two and one-half (2.5) feet.
(i) Unacceptable Species. Trees which have undesirable characteristics such as excessively thick foliage, low branches, unpleasant odors, susceptibility to disease or attack by insects, or large root systems, such as Poplar, Willow, Cottonwood, American Elm, nut and fruit trees, Ailanthus, Mountain Ash and Oregon Maple, are prohibited in a public right of way or easement and within twenty-five (25) feet of a public sewer.
(j) Continuing Maintenance. The property owner is responsible for maintaining and replacing when necessary plants and materials shown on the approved site plan for a non residential project.
(k) Ground Cover. The property owner is required to maintain vegetative or other effective ground cover to prevent soil erosion.
(Ord. 3273. Passed 5-9-24.)