(a) Existing Landscape Material.
(1) Unless otherwise noted, existing landscape material in healthy condition can be used to satisfy the requirements of this chapter in whole or in part provided they meet all requirements of this section.
(2) The Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to determine if any existing landscape material can be used to satisfy the requirements of this chapter.
(b) Vision Clearance.
(1) All landscaping shall be subject to the clear view standards established in Section 1131.06 "View Clearance."
(c) Walls and Fences Used for Screening.
(1) Walls and fences used to comply with the standards of this section shall also comply with Section 1115.15 "Fences Walls, and Hedges."
(2) Chain link fences with or without wooden or synthetic slat material shall not be allowed when used to satisfy the screening requirements of this chapter.
(d) Planting Standards. All plants utilized in the fulfillment of the requirements of this chapter shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Plant materials shall conform to the American Standard for Nursery Stock of the American Association of Nurserymen.
(2) Plant materials should consist of hardy, native and/or drought-tolerant vegetation to the maximum extent feasible.
(3) All planting materials shall be free of noxious weeds, disease, and pests.
(4) Street trees and any trees located within public rights-of-way or on publicly owned property shall be subject to the requirements of the Elmore Village Tree Committee.
(5) Vegetation shall comply with the minimum size requirements established in Table 1137-1. "Minimum Size Requirements for Vegetation."
Table 1137-1: Minimum Size Requirements for Vegetation | |
Vegetation Type | Minimum Size Requirement |
Large Deciduous Trees (Canopy) | 2.5-inch DBH |
Small Deciduous Trees (Understory) | 1.5-inch DBH |
Evergreen Trees | 6 feet in height when planted |
Shrubs | 1.5 feet in height when planted |
Hedges | Size as needed so that the plant materials form a continuous, unbroken screen within one (1) planting season |
DBH = Diameter at Breast Height | |
(6) Trees of species whose roots are known to cause damage to public roadways, sidewalks, or other public works shall not be planted closer than six (6) feet to such public works, unless the tree root system is completely contained within a barrier
(e) Species Diversity. To curtail the spread of disease or insect infestation in a new plantings, the overall landscape plan shall not contain more than thirty-three percent (33%) of any one (1) plant species, unless determined to be appropriate by the reviewing authority.
(f) Mounds. Slopes on earth mounds or berms shall be no greater than three to one (3:1) with a generally flat crest. Earth mounds or berms may vary in height and alignment with random plant material placements. Maximum height of mounds or berms in the front yard is three (3) feet.
(g) Artificial Plants. No artificial plant materials shall be used to satisfy the requirements of this chapter.
(h) Stormwater Facilities. Detention/retention facilities that are visible from a public street shall be integrated into a landscaped area. Such landscaped areas shall contain any combination of the following elements: shade and ornamental trees, evergreens, shrubbery, hedges, and/or native plants and grasses appropriate for the type of stormwater facility as well as ornamental fencing. (Ord. 30-22. Passed 12-12-22.)