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For all uses that include areas used for service, loading, and unloading activities, such areas shall be screened along the entire rear lot line and side lot lines from the rear lot line to the rear building line to the following minimum standards:
(a) The width of the screening area shall be a minimum of 5 feet. Screening shall consist of walls, hedges, fences, vegetation, or an acceptable combination of these elements, provided that screening must be at least 7 feet in height.
(b) Vegetation used for screening shall have a minimum opaqueness of 75% at all times within 2 years of planting.
(Ord. 01-014. Passed 7-17-01.)
Trash containers shall be screened according to the following minimum standards:
(a) Trash containers designed to service more than 1 residential unit or to service a nonresidential structure shall be screened on 3 sides by walls, fences, or natural vegetation or an acceptable combination of these elements.
(b) The height of such screening shall be at least 6 feet. The maximum height of walls and fences shall not exceed 10 feet. Vegetation shall have a minimum opaqueness of 75% at all times within 2 years of planting. The use of evergreen vegetation is encouraged. Vegetation shall be a variety and size that will attain 6 feet in height within 2 years of planting.
(Ord. 01-014. Passed 7-17-01.)
Landscaping within parking areas, whether ground cover or upright plant material, is necessary not only to reduce the generation of heat and water runoff, but to break up visually the expanse of paved areas. The use of parking islands or peninsulas strategically placed throughout the parking lot is required to landscape parking lot interiors. The use of shade trees in these landscape areas is encouraged. Any open parking area containing more than 6,000 square feet or 15 or more parking spaces shall provide the following interior landscaping in addition to the required perimeter screening:
(a) An area equal to 5% of the total area devoted to parking space and parking lanes shall be landscaped and permeable.
(b) Whenever possible, large parking areas of 30,000 square feet or larger shall be designed so as to break up their visual expanse and create the appearance of smaller parking lots. This distinction or separation can be achieved by interspersing yard space and buildings in strategic areas and by taking advantage of natural features such as slope, existing woodland or vegetation, drainage courses, and retention/detention areas that contain water throughout the year.
(c) Landscaping in parking areas shall be dispersed throughout in peninsulas or islands. The minimum island or peninsula size shall be 180 square feet with a 2-foot minimum distance between all trees or shrubs and the edge of pavement where vehicles overhang and should have a minimum width of 10 feet. Islands shall typically be located every 10 to 12 parking spaces and may be curbed.
(d) The required plant materials for the interior of parking areas shall be 1 deciduous tree for every 3,000 square feet. Where sight distance or maneuvering conflicts exist, trees shall have a clear trunk of at least 5 feet above the ground, and the remaining required landscape areas shall be planted with shrubs or ground cover not to exceed 2 feet in height.
(e) Areas located between any parking area and public right-of-way shall be landscaped with elements such as mounding, trees, ground cover, and shrubs.
(Ord. 01-014. Passed 7-17-01.)
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