The landscaping materials to be utilized shall consist of the following.
(A) Walls and fences. Walls shall be constructed of natural stone, brick or artificial materials arranged in a linear, serpentine or other alignment; fences shall be constructed of wood. In industrial zones there shall be no height limitations on walls or fences. In all other zones, however, there shall be a three-foot height restriction for walls or fences in front yards, and an eight-foot height restriction in all other required yards. All walls or fences shall have a minimum opacity of 80%.
(B) Earth mounds. Earth mounds shall be constructed with proper slopes and adequate plant material to prevent erosion.
(C) Plants. All plant materials shall be living plants (artificial plants are prohibited), meet the American Nursery Standards, and shall conform with §§ 153.187 and 153.188. If plant material not included in the adopted list is to be used, the developer shall receive prior approval from the Zoning Inspector. In addition, plant material shall meet the following requirements.
(1) Quality. Plant materials used in conformance with the provision of this chapter shall conform to the standards of the American Association of Nurserymen and shall have passed any inspections required under state regulations.
(2) Deciduous trees (trees which normally shed their leaves in the fall). Deciduous trees should be species having an average mature crown spread of greater than 15 feet and having trunks which can be maintained with over five feet of clear wood in areas which have visibility requirements.
(3) Evergreen trees. Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of five feet high with a minimum caliber of one and one-half inches and a minimum spread of three feet immediately after planting.
(4) Shrubs and hedges. Shrubs and hedges shall be at least two feet to three feet in average height or spread when planted and shall conform to opacity and other requirements within four years after planting.
(5) Vines. Vines shall be at least 12 to 15 inches high at planting and are generally used in conjunction with walls or fences.
(6) Grass or ground cover. Grass (of common mixtures of Fescus, Bluegrass and Rye) shall be planted in species normally grown as permanent lawns in the city, and may be sodded, plugged, sprigged or seeded; except in swales or other areas subject to erosion where solid sod, erosion-reducing net or suitable mulch shall be used.
(7) Minimum. A minimum of 20% of the landscape planting required shall be of evergreen trees and shrubs.
(Ord. 2013-2, passed 2-7-2013)