An alternative landscaping plan may be used where impractical situations would result from application of § 166.02, Landscaping Standards, or to replace a tree accidentally damaged in accordance with § 166.01, Tree Protection. Alternative plans, materials, or methods may be justified due to natural conditions, such as streams, waterways, topography, and physical conditions related to the site. Also, the lot configuration and utility easements may justify an alternative landscaping plan.
(A) Allowable deviations. The Zoning Administrator shall approve an alternative landscaping plan if it meets the purpose and intent of the landscaping standards in this section. Deviations from the standards of this section include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) Reduced planting rates due to public facilities. An adjustment to planting locations or reduction in the type or total number of required caliper inches when underground connections to public facilities or public utilities, or public easements or right-of-way, are located upon or in close proximity to the parcel.
(2) Reduction in standards due to nature of parcel. A reduction in the count, spacing, or species diversity standards is more desirable in terms of good landscape planning practice considering the nature of the parcel and adjacent parcels.
(3) Payment into designated tree fund. The Zoning Administrator may determine if a payment-in-lieu into the city's designated tree fund is an appropriate form of compliance with the landscaping standards in this ZDO. When a payment-in-lieu is identified as an option, the payment amount shall be proportional to the impact that is being mitigated.
(Ord. 05-10, passed 3-23-10)