A. Selection of Plant Material: New planting materials must be:
1. Of good quality, and capable of withstanding the climate extremes of northeastern Illinois, as well as, an individual site’s microclimate.
2. Of appropriate size and density, both at the time of planting and at maturity, to conform to the Design Guidelines set forth in Section 12-10-5
of this title.
3. Preferably drought tolerant. A list of recommended plans can be found in the Des Plaines Planting Guide maintained by the Department of Community and Economic Development.
4. Salt tolerant for landscaping near streets and other rights of way. A list of recommended plants can be found in the Des Plaines Planting Guide maintained by the Department of Community and Economic Development.
5. In conformance with the Prohibited Plants section of the Des Plaines Planting Guide maintained by the Department of Community and Economic Development.
B. Installation of Plant Materials:
1. All landscaping materials shall be installed in conformance with the Design Standards set forth in Section 12-10-5
and the current planting procedures established by the American Association of Nurserymen before a Final Certificate of Occupancy can be can be issued by the City.
2. Minimum Plant Size:
a. Shade Trees: All shade trees shall have a minimum trunk size of two and one half inches in caliper at time of planting, unless otherwise specified.
b. Shrubs:
i. All shrubs, except parkway shrubs, shall have minimum height of eight inches at planting and a maximum height of four feet at maturity.
ii. Parkway shrubs shall have no minimum height at planting but shall have a maximum height of 36 inches at maturity.
3. The installation of all plant material required by this chapter may be delayed until the next optimal planting season, as determined by the zoning administrator.
4. All landscaping installed within a ten-foot vision triangle, must not exceed three feet in height at any time. The ten-foot vision triangle shall be measured starting from the outermost tip of the back of the curb at the intersection, then projecting towards the private property lines at 45-degree angles.
C. Bond Required. When the installation of landscaping is delayed due to inclement weather, a bond is required pursuant to Section 10-13-3
prior to Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
D. Maintenance:
1. All landscaping materials and structures, including plantings, fences, walls, and other barriers, shall be maintained in good condition free of refuse and debris so as to present a healthy, safe, and orderly appearance.
2. The owner of the property shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of all failed landscaping materials and structures. When necessary, plant material shall be replaced with a plant of equal type, size and quantity to those depicted on the approved landscape plan.
3. Irrigation systems shall be maintained in good operating condition to promote the health of the plant materials and the conservation of water. A license agreement is required before an irrigation system is installed pursuant to Section 8-5-2. (Ord. Z-8-20, 2-18-2020)