The provisions of this section do not apply to areas within the corporate limits of the City of Vincennes. Landscaping requirements in those areas must comply with the provisions and procedures as outlined in the appropriate sections of the land use code of the City of Vincennes.
(A) Purpose. Landscaping and screening devices are required for the following purposes:
(1) To reduce dust, glare and erosion;
(2) To provide shade;
(3) To assist in screening objectionable light, views and noises;
(4) To visually soften buildings and parking areas;
(5) To aid and improve air quality; and
(6) To provide privacy.
(B) General provisions.
(1) Landscaping plantings shall not be placed so as to interfere with site drainage.
(2) Landscape plantings shall not be placed in any public utility easement unless specifically permitted on the approved site plan.
(3) Plantings shall not be placed where they may interfere with the maintenance of sanitary or storm structures, fire hydrants or water valves, or any other overhead or below ground public utility.
(4) Landscape planting shall not be placed within any public street right-of-way unless previously approved by the appropriate legislative body.
(5) The sight "visibility triangle" requirements outlined in § 152.022 shall be maintained at all times.
(6) All disturbed areas shall be restored with sod or seed unless specifically approved otherwise.
(7) In all districts the adjacent right-of-way shall be sodded or re-seeded unless specifically approved otherwise.
(C) Standards for commercial and industrial landscaping.
(1) Commercial and industrial landscapes must follow the general provisions outlined in this section.
(2) Plantings should contain a variety of specimens using plant specimens native to the state.
(3) Native deciduous trees: Basswood, Beech, Cherry, Crabapple, Green Ash, Honey Locust, Maple, Oak, Tulip Tree, Walnut; (eight feet to ten feet high and one and one-half inches caliper minimum at the time of planting).
(4) Native evergreen trees: Virginia Pine, White Pine, Eastern Red Cedar, Northern White Cedar, Eastern Hemlock, Cypress, (four feet to five feet high at the time of planting).
(5) Native shrubs: Service Berry, Black Chokeberry, Buttonbush, Ninebark, (one-third of expected mature height at the time of planting).
(6) Other native landscaping materials found in the publication Landscaping with Plants Native to Indiana published by The Nature Conservancy and not listed above are also allowed. Copies of this publication are available upon request at the Area Plan Office.
(7) Additional non-native species of plants may be allowed in the landscape so long as they are a non-invasive species.
(8) Consideration should be taken when selecting trees that will eventually overhang parking lots, homes, swimming pools or other sensitive areas. Trees that bear fruit and nuts are not desirable in these locations.
(D) Standards for residential landscaping.
(1) Residential landscapes must follow the general provisions outlined in this section.
(2) In residential districts or uses the entire front yard, side yard and rear yard shall be sodded or re-seeded.
(3) Using plant specimens native to the state is encouraged.
(E) Refuse containers. No refuse containers or storage areas shall be located between any principal structure and either its front or corner side lot line.
(F) Maintenance. All landscaping shall be properly maintained. Dead plant materials shall be replaced in a timely manner, and landscaped areas shall be kept free of weeds and debris. Failure to maintain landscaping properly shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
(Ord. 2006-13, passed 4-3-2006; Ord. 2012-9, passed 7-2-2012)