(A) Generally. Landscaping shall be provided as part of site plan design. It shall be conceived in a total pattern throughout the site, integrating the various elements of the site design, preserving and enhancing the particular identity of the site, and creating a pleasing site character. Areas proposed for landscaping shall clearly indicate their use as buffering or open space or other purposes. Any proposed change to a landscaped area for other improvements may require an amendment to the approved site plan.
(B) Examples of landscaping. Landscaping may include plant materials such as trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials and annuals, and other materials such as rocks, water, sculpture, art, walls, fences, paving materials and street furniture. However, no element of landscaping in any proposed land development plan shall be construed to serve as a sign, as regulated by the borough Zoning Ordinance.
(C) Landscape plan. A landscape plan shall be submitted with each site plan application, unless a modification is granted pursuant to this chapter. The plan shall show where any existing vegetation is to be preserved and areas proposed for additional landscaping or buffering improvements. Where existing plantings are to be retained, the applicant shall include in the plans proposed methods of protecting them during construction.
(D) Plants for screening. The length and positioning of the screen shall be subject to review by the Planning Commission. Preferred species are those that can withstand dense planting without losing lower branches as they grow. Examples include, but are not limited to, northern cedar, Norway spruce, arborvitae and blue spruce.
(E) Garbage and trash containers. All land development plans shall identify trash collection areas of sufficient size for the proposed development, unless the scale of development is so small that residential curbside pickup is sufficient. Solid waste containment areas shall be tightly covered and located in side or rear yards. Solid waste containment areas shall be screened from public view and from adjacent properties by means of a solid face fence or wall.
(F) Detailed landscaping plan requirements.
(1) The location of all buffer and screening areas;
(2) The plan shall include a plant material schedule showing scientific and common names, specified sizes and quantities. Where appropriate, a reference key designation shall be included;
(3) Mounding of soil is encouraged where screening value is enhanced, aesthetic benefit is assured and the mound slopes do not create a slope or stormwater runoff hazard for adjoining properties; and
(4) Vegetation is required to be a compatible mixture of species providing, at maturity, an effective screen of interrupted view. The landscape architect is encouraged to use native plant species and avoid any plants identified as invasive. The following specifications shall be met for plantings in the required buffer area:
(a) Where required for screening or buffering, the specified plant material minimal sizes shall apply as follows:
Table 156I | ||
Plant Material Sizes for Buffers and Street Trees | ||
Type | Caliper | Height |
Table 156I | ||
Plant Material Sizes for Buffers and Street Trees | ||
Type | Caliper | Height |
Evergreen trees (balled and burlapped) | NA | 5 feet |
Shade trees (balled and burlapped) | 2 in. | 10 ft. |
Shrubs (balled and burlapped or container grown) | ||
Deciduous | 36 inches | |
Evergreen | 30 inches | |
(b) All plant materials shall comply with the standards of the plant industry issued as document ANSI Z60 by the American Association of Nurserymen.
(G) Buffering.
(1) Function and materials. Buffering shall provide a year-round visual screen in order to minimize adverse impacts. It may consist of fencing, a mix of evergreens and deciduous trees, berms, rocks, boulders, mounds or combinations thereof to achieve the same objectives.
(2) When required. Every development shall provide sufficient buffering when topographical or other barriers do not provide reasonable screening and when the Commission determines that there is a need:
(a) To shield neighboring properties from any adverse external effects of a development; or
(b) To shield the development from negative impacts of adjacent uses such as streets. In high density developments, when building design and siting do not provide privacy, the Commission may require landscaping, fences or walls to screen dwelling units for privacy. Buffers shall be measured from side and rear property lines, excluding driveways.
(3) Amount required.
(a) Where more intensive land uses abut less intensive uses, a buffer strip 25 feet in width shall be required.
(b) Where residential subdivisions or developments abut higher order streets (collectors or arterials), adjacent lots shall front on lower order streets, and a landscaped buffer area may be required by the Commission along the property line abutting the road. If required, the buffer strip shall be a minimum of 25 feet wide or wider where necessary for the health and safety of the residents. It shall include both trees and shrubs.
(4) Design. Arrangement of plantings in buffers shall provide maximum protection to adjacent properties and avoid damage to existing plant material. Possible arrangements include planting in parallel, serpentine or broken rows. If planted berms are used, the minimum top width shall be four feet, and the maximum side slope shall be 2:1.
(5) Planting specifications. Plant materials shall be sufficiently large and planted in such a fashion that a year round screen at least eight feet in height shall be produced within three growing seasons. All plantings shall be installed according to accepted horticultural standards.
(H) Maintenance. Plantings shall be watered regularly and in a manner appropriate for the specific plant species through the first growing season, and dead and dying plants shall be replaced by the applicant during the next planting season. No buildings, structures, storage of materials or parking shall be permitted within the buffer area; buffer areas shall be maintained and kept free of all debris, rubbish, weeds and tall grass.
(I) Parking lot landscaping.
(1) Amount required. In parking lots, of at least 40,000 square feet, at least 5% of the interior parking area shall be landscaped with plantings, and one tree for each ten spaces shall be installed. Parking lot street frontage screening and perimeter screening shall be a minimum of five feet wide. Planting required within the parking lot is exclusive of other planting requirements.
(2) Location. The landscaping should be located in protected areas, such as along walkways in center islands, at the ends of bays, or between parking stalls. All landscaping in parking areas and on the street frontage shall be placed so that it will not obstruct sight distance. At least 50% of all planting shall occur between the front face of the structure and the right-of-way line.
(3) Plant type. A mixture of hardy flowering and/or decorative evergreen and deciduous trees may be planted. The evergreens should be used along the perimeter of the lot for screening, and the deciduous trees for shade within the lot. The area between trees shall be mulched, planted with shrubs or ground cover, or covered with paving material. Any area that will be under the overhang of vehicles shall be mulched or covered with paving material.
(J) Paving materials.
(1) Design and choice of paving materials used in pedestrian areas shall consider such factors as function, climate, characteristics of users, availability, cost, maintenance, glare, drainage, noise, appearance and compatibility with surroundings.
(2) Acceptable materials shall include, but are not limited to, concrete, brick, cement pavers, asphalt and stone.
(K) Walls and fences.
(1) Walls and fences may be erected where required for privacy, screening, separation, security, erosion control or to serve other applicable functions.
(2) The design and materials used shall be functional and compatible with existing and proposed site architecture.
(3) No fence or wall shall be so constructed or installed as to constitute a hazard to traffic or safety.
(L) Street furniture.
(1) Street furniture, such as, but not limited to, trash receptacles, benches and decorative fences shall be located and sized in accordance with function trash receptacles shall be located in side or rear yards and screened from public access and view.
(2) The different street furniture components shall be compatible in form, material and finish, and meet all applicable site context standards. Design and materials shall be coordinated with existing and proposed site architecture. Selection of street furniture shall take into consideration function, durability, use of recyclables in manufacturing, maintenance and long term cost.
(Ord. 1432, passed 5-18-2015, Art. 5, § 508) Penalty, see § 155.999