(a) Purpose. 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.
(b) Applicability. The provisions of this section apply to nonresidential parking areas within the R-1, R-2, R-2, RO, GC, HOC, LI and GI districts. If a requirement for landscaping in conjunction with off-street parking coincides with any other landscaping or buffer requirement of this chapter, the other landscaping or buffering requirement shall control.
(c) Required landscaping. Any open parking area containing more than 6,000 square feet of area or 15 or more parking spaces shall provide the following landscaping:
(1) Perimeter of parking area. Except where the parking is adjacent to a main building, a landscaped perimeter strip of no less than ten feet in width shall surround the perimeter of the parking lot. The edge of the parking lot shall be the edge of the perimeter strip. No parking or pavement shall be allowed in the perimeter strip except for intersecting drives and walkways. One tree is required for every 40 linear feet of perimeter.
(2) Interior parking area landscaping.
A. An area equal to five percent of the total area devoted to parking space 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 ten feet. Islands shall typically be located every 12 parking spaces and shall be curbed.
D. The required plant materials for the interior of parking areas shall be one deciduous tree for every 3,000 square feet.
(Ord. 2012-20, passed 4-17-2012)