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 of area 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 percent of the total area devoted to parking spaces 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 areas.
(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 two 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 one deciduous tree for every 3,000 square feet. Where site distance or maneuvering conflicts exist, trees shall have a clear trunk of at least five feet above the ground, and the remaining required landscape areas shall be planted with shrubs or ground cover not to exceed two feet in height.