(A) The development of land for parking lot purposes alters natural topography, disturbs existing vegetation and creates impervious surface, all of which can have a negative effect on the ecological balance of an area by causing increases in air temperature and accelerating the processes of runoff, erosion, and sedimentation. Recognizing that the preservation or installation of vegetative cover in parking lots promotes the health, safety and general welfare by aiding in the stabilization of the environment’s ecological balance by contributing to the process of air purification, ground water recharge, and storm water runoff retardation while at the same time aiding in noise, glare and heat abatement the following requirements for the landscaping of parking and outdoor display areas are enacted.
(B) Interior Landscaping. Interior landscaping shall be provided within the boundaries of the parking lot unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission. If interior landscaping is provided along the perimeter of the parking lot, it shall be in addition to the perimeter landscaping requirements.
(1) Interior landscaping areas equivalent to 5% of the vehicle use area shall be required in all parking lots of 20 spaces or more. One deciduous shade tree shall be required for each 150 square feet of required interior landscape area. The vehicle use area includes all areas used for vehicular circulation and parking.
(2) Terminal landscape islands shall be provided at the end of each row of parking spaces to separate parking from adjacent drive aisles. Terminal islands shall be curbed, and shall be at least 144 square feet in area and 18 feet long for each single row of parking spaces. Each landscape island shall have a minimum of one shade tree. The reviewing authority may waive the requirement for terminal landscape islands in the interest of meeting barrier free requirements.
(3) Interior landscape islands shall have a minimum area of 160 square feet and a minimum width of eight feet (measured from the back of curb). Each landscape island shall have a minimum of one deciduous shade tree.
(4) Parking lot divider medians with a minimum width of eight feet (measured from the back of curb) may be used to meet interior landscape requirements and shall form a continuous strip between abutting rows of parking. One shade tree or two ornamental trees shall be required for each 25 lineal feet of divider median or fraction thereof. Shrubs shall be planted to form a continuous hedge the full length of divider medians which separate parking areas from access drives.
(5) Wheel stops or curbing shall be installed to prevent vehicles from encroaching more than two feet into any interior landscaped area. If a landscape area is used for parking overhang, at least two feet of clear area planted with lawn or covered with mulch shall be provided where cars will overhang the curb to protect landscape plantings from damage.
(C) Perimeter landscaping. Perimeter landscaping shall be provided along the edge of any parking lot facing and located within 100 feet of a public right-of-way, unless, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, the parking lot will be sufficiently screened from view by buildings or other site features or improvements. Parking lot perimeter landscaping shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Perimeter parking lot landscaping shall include a minimum of one deciduous shade tree per each 25 linear feet or fraction thereof and one ornamental tree per each 35 linear feet or fraction thereof.
(2) Wherever a parking lot or vehicle parking space is located within 30 feet of a public street or right-of-way, the perimeter landscaping shall also include a continuous hedge of deciduous or upright evergreen shrubs planted not more than 30 inches on center between the parking area and the street.
(D) Curbing required. All landscaping and perimeter screening shall be protected from vehicle encroachment with concrete curbing or similar permanent means.
(E) Snow storage area. Adequate snow storage area shall be provided within the site. Plant materials in snow storage areas shall be hardy, salt-tolerant groundcovers characterized by low maintenance requirements.
(Ord. passed 2-20-17)