(a) Required Landscaping Adjacent to Public Rights-of-Way. Where paved ground surface areas are located adjacent to sidewalks, streets, and other public rights-of-way, landscaping shall be provided between the public right-of-way and the paved ground surface area. Said landscaping shall include a landscaped yard at least thirty (30) feet in width containing an opaque screen of landscaping at least three (3) feet in height. Said screen may be composed of a berm at least three (3) feet in height, a maintenance-free wall at least three (3) feet in height or a screen of landscaping at least two and one-half (2-1/2) feet in height at time of planting. If a screen of living landscaping material is utilized, it shall attain capacity and a height of three (3) feet within twelve (12) months of planting under normal growing conditions. One (1) tree shall be planted for each fifty (50) linear feet, or fraction thereof, of frontage on a public right-of-way. Landscaping adjacent to public rights-of-way is not required if the paved ground surface area is completely screened from the public right-of-way by an intervening building or structure.
No berm or other landscaping shall interfere with the natural flow of water.
(b) Existing Plant Materials.
(1) In instances where healthy plant material exists on a site prior to its development, the forester may adjust the application of the above standards to allow credit for such plant material if such an adjustment is in keeping with, and will preserve, the intent of this section.
(2) All existing plant materials must first be inspected by the forester to determine the health and desirability of such materials. In the event plant materials are to be saved, prior approval must be obtained from the Building Official before any delimbing, root pruning, or other work is done.
(3) If such existing plant material is labeled "to be saved" on site plans, protective techniques, such as, but not limited to, fencing placed at the drip-line around the perimeter of the plant material, shall be installed. No vehicle or other construction equipment shall be parked or stored within the drip-line of any plant material intended to be saved.
(4) In the event that healthy trees labeled "to be saved" on the approved site plan are destroyed or damaged, as determined by the Building Official, the owner, developer, or contractor shall replace said trees with individual trees of comparable type and size or a group of individual trees which total the same size.
(c) Screening of Trash Storage Areas. Any new or altered use which requires an outdoor trash storage area shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) Any such area shall be limited to normal refuse which is collected on a regular basis and shall be maintained in a neat, orderly, and sanitary condition.
(2) In no instance shall any such refuse be visible above the required screening.
(d) Utilities.
(1) Electrical telephone and cable television lines shall be underground.
(2) Surface mounted transformers and similar equipment for the underground wires shall be shown on the final site plan and shall be screened from view.
(e) Walkways. Where the subject site borders a public right-of-way, a sidewalk five (5) feet in width or greater shall be provided within the public right-of-way one (1) foot from the subject site's property lines, except that the Planning Commission may approve an alternate location to provide for a logical interconnection with adjoining properties.
(f) Lighting.
(1) Lighting is an integral part of the corridor design concept and a major element in creating a unique and safe night-time ambience. All exterior lighting shall be designed as part of the overall architectural concept. Fixtures, standards, and all exposed accessories shall be harmonious with the building design, the lighting design and hardware of the public spaces, and the overall visual environment of the district. Obtrusive appearance of their setting should be avoided.
(2) Night lighting of buildings shall be selective and focused; overall ambient lighting of buildings is not desirable. Rather, lighting should highlight entrances, dramatize special architectural features, keynote repeated features, and use the play of light and shadow to articulate the facade. The creative use of lighting to accomplish these ends is strongly encouraged. The lighting of signs themselves will play a significant role in the nighttime visual environment.
(3) For safety, identification, and convenience, entrances of buildings and parking areas shall be well illuminated.
(4) Vestibules created by recessed entries shall be illuminated by downlights.
(5) All show window areas shall be adequately lighted employing concealed or baffled sources which will not create glare or uncomfortable visual conditions for pedestrians.
(Res. 24-95. Passed 2-13-95.)