The selection, size, spacing and planting of all landscaping within a subdivision shall comply with the landscaping standards of the zoning ordinance and the following standards:
(A) General standards.
(1) Tree species should be selected for tolerance of the harsh roadside conditions in southeast Michigan, for compliance with sight distance requirements, to ensure maintenance of accessibility to fire hydrants, to provide a minimum overhead clearance of 15 feet over any roadway and 8 feet over a sidewalk or bikepath, and to avoid interference with overhead or underground utility lines.
(2) Plantings within 15 feet of a fire hydrant shall be no taller than 6 inches.
(3) The development and planting of required landscaping shall be the responsibility of the proprietor, not the individual lot owner.
(4) The Township Board, upon recommendation from the Planning Commission, may approve fewer trees if the proprietor provides evidence that existing healthy trees over 2.5 inch caliper or natural habitat areas will be preserved during and after construction.
(5) The landscape plan shall be approved by the Township Board, upon recommendation of the Planning Commission, as part of the final preliminary plat process.
(6) All landscaping within the county road right-of-way shall require a permit from the County Road Commission.
(B) Street trees.
(1) The minimum size of all street trees shall be 2 inch caliper.
(2) One canopy tree shall be planted for each 40 linear feet along a median boulevard.
(3) Street trees shall be planted so that each lot has at least 2 canopy trees and each corner lot has at least 3 canopy trees. Street trees shall be placed to avoid any future driveway locations.
(4) Street trees shall be at least 50 feet from the intersection of 2 street right-of-way lines or access easements.
(5) Street trees shall be planted between the curb and sidewalk; where curbs or sidewalks do not exist, trees shall be located between the front property line and the edge of the pavement but outside of areas needed for open ditches or potential future sidewalks. Where tree location in the public right-of-way is not possible due to conflicts with overhead or underground utility lines or restrictions of the County Road Commission, street trees may be located on private property within 5 feet of the road right-of-way. Where a meandering sidewalk or bikepath exists or is approved, the street tree locations shall be determined by the township. Trees shall be within 5 feet of the road right-of-way or easement and shall not interfere with sight distance required by the County Road Commission.
(6) The lowest branch of any canopy tree shall provide a minimum 15-foot clearance over a public street or private road, and a minimum 8 feet above grade from a sidewalk or bikepath. Greater clearances shall be provided if required by the County Road Commission.
(7) Street trees should be informally arranged, rather than using a formal or regimented scheme, to be consistent with the township’s goal of retaining a rural character.
(8) The Planning Commission may allow existing trees of 2-1/2 caliper or greater, preserved in good condition, to be counted towards meeting the above requirements.
(C) Landscaping in culs-de-sac. Where a cul-de-sac contains an island, the island must be either be mounded to a height of between 1 foot, 6 inches and 2 feet, 6 inches and planted with grass or ground cover.
(D) Subdivision entrances. Subdivision entrances may include landscaping, lighting, identification signs, wrought iron fences or other architectural features. All these features shall comply with the zoning ordinance. A detail of the entranceway shall be submitted with the tentative preliminary plat. The lighting for entryway signs must be ground-mounted with no more than two 125-watt bulbs directed toward each face of a sign. In no case shall high-pressure sodium or other non-standard bulbs be utilized. Any features proposed to be placed within the county road right-of-way must meet County Road Commission design and sight distance standards. Any features proposed to be placed outside of the county road right-of-way must be located within an easement recorded for the maintenance of the features by the subdivision association.
(E) Buffer/transition zone. A buffer/transition zone shall be meet all requirements of § 152.078(E) of this chapter. The buffer/transition zone may include preservation of existing woodlands or slopes, plus the addition of landscaping to provide an effective screen.
(F) Landscape greenbelt. A greenbelt shall be planted or preserved along public rights-of-way and designated frontage roads. The greenbelt is intended to provide a transition between the roadway and an existing or proposed land use. Greenbelts shall be provided in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) Where a residential development borders a major thoroughfare, and wherever a rear yard abuts a public street or private road, an easement for construction of a greenbelt shall be provided, in addition to the required rear yard setback, measured from the interior setback line. Existing natural features shall be retained wherever possible to promote a natural appearance and to protect the existing ecosystem within the greenbelt. Where a freeform berm is used as part of the landscape greenbelt, the minimum height shall be 2 feet, 6 inches. The maximum slope of the berm facing the primary road shall be 6:1 and the maximum slope of the berm facing the inside of the lot shall be 3:1. The construction of the greenbelt and its plantings shall be the responsibility of the developer and not the individual lot owner(s).
(2) The width of the greenbelt shall be 35 feet in residential districts and equivalent to the minimum required parking lot setback in non-resident districts.
(3) Greenbelts shall include living materials and planting beds, except for approved sidewalks, bike paths, signs, driveways, and essential services.
(4) The greenbelt shall contain a minimum of 1 canopy tree or evergreen per 30 linear feet, or fraction thereof, of road frontage including any openings for driveways, pathways or easements. The Planning Commission may require the substitution of evergreen trees due to site conditions.
(5) Ornamental trees may be used to diversify greenbelt planting requirements, provided 2 ornamental trees shall be provided for each 1 required canopy tree or evergreen tree.
(6) Greenbelt plantings may be arranged to simulate a natural setting such as massing or staggered rows, except where the Planning Commission finds a more formal arrangement would be consistent with the established character of the area.
(7) Greenbelts shall be designed to ensure adequate sight visibility for motorists, adequate clearance for pedestrians and vehicles, clearance from overhead utility lines, adequate separation from underground utilities and accessibility to fire hydrants. Where such conditions prohibit full compliance, the Planning Commission may adjust the location of the required materials so as long as the design intent is met.
(G) Detention/retention pond. A minimum of 1 evergreen tree shall be planted every 40 feet around the perimeter of all detention or retention ponds.
(H) Surety bonds. Where the installation of trees is deferred until after construction of housing units is completed, the Township Board shall require a performance guarantee for tree planting.
(Ord. 372.1 § 404, passed 6-10-1999; Am. Ord. 424, passed 12-14-2006)