It is the intent of this section to require landscape buffers and screening to reduce negative effects between incompatible land uses; to provide landscaping within parking areas; and to enhance aesthetic qualities, character, privacy and land values.
(a) Definitions. Landscaping may include plant materials such as trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennial and annual plants; landscape elements such as rocks, water features, fences, walls, paving materials, and site lighting; and site furnishings such as benches, drinking fountains, trash receptacles, and planters.
(b) Landscape Plans. The following information shall be provided:
(1) Existing and proposed topography, correlated with the grading plan.
(2) Location, size, type, and condition of existing plant materials to be saved, or moved; and proposed means of protecting plant material during construction.
(3) Location of proposed planting materials; and a planting list of proposed materials (size, quantity, botanical and common names, spacing, and root type).
(4) Sections, elevations, plans and details of landscape elements, such as berms, walls, ponds, retaining walls, and tree wells.
(5) Proposed planting dates.
(6) Planting and staking details.
(c) Plant Materials. Plant and grass materials shall be of acceptable varieties and species, hardy in Eaton County, and shall conform to the current minimum standards of the American Association of Nurserymen.
(d) Installation and Maintenance. Plant materials shall be installed in a sound, workmanlike manner, and according to acceptable planting procedures. All plant materials shall be maintained in a healthy and growing state. All landscape elements shall be kept in good repair.
(e) Required Buffers and Landscaping.
(1) Commercial land uses adjacent to existing residential land uses. Landscaping and fencing material shall be required which provide an appropriate and reasonable visual screen.
(2) Commercial land uses adjacent to residentially zoned vacant land. Landscaping and fencing material shall be required which provide an appropriate and reasonable visual screen.
(3) Commercial land uses adjacent to commercial land uses. There shall be no landscape requirement.
(4) Multiple family residential uses adjacent to single-family and two- family land uses. Landscaping and fencing material shall be required which provide an appropriate and reasonable visual screen.
(5) Multiple family residential uses adjacent to multiple family residential uses. There shall be no landscape requirement.
(6) Parking lots adjacent to the public right-of-way. Landscape materials shall be required which will provide an appropriate and reasonable visual screen.
(Ord. 99-5. Passed 7-12-99.)