1145.02 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - LANDSCAPE PLANS AND SITE PLAN REVIEW.
   (a)    Intent. Landscaping is necessary for the protection and enhancement of the environment and for the continued vitality of all land uses in the City. The intent of this section is to promote the public health, safety and welfare by establishing minimum standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of landscape improvement. The requirements of this section are intended to help achieve a number of functional and environmental objectives such as:
      (1)    To promote the implementation of the city's comprehensive plan and any related subarea plans;
      (2)    To aid in stabilizing the environment's ecological balance by contributing to the processes of air purification, oxygen regeneration, reduction of greenhouse gasses, groundwater recharge, and storm water runoff retardation, while at the same time aiding in noise, glare and the reduction of heat islands;
      (3)    To encourage the preservation of existing trees and vegetation;
      (4)    To assist in providing adequate light and air and in preventing overcrowding of land;
      (5)    To provide visual buffering and enhance the beautification of the city;
      (6)    To reduce the physical impact between adjacent land uses by requiring complementary landscape treatments and providing a transitional area adjacent to natural areas;
      (7)    To safeguard and enhance property values and to protect public and private investment;
      (8)    To preserve, protect and restore the unique identity and environment of the City of Maumee and preserve the economic base attracted to the city by such factors;
      (9)    To define, articulate and integrate outdoor spaces, architectural elements, and various site elements;
      (10)    To conserve energy, and to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare;
      (11)    To provide habitat for living things that might not otherwise occur or be found in urban environs; and
      (12)    To provide reasonable standards to bring developed sites that existed prior to the adoption of these standards into compliance with the requirements contained herein.
      (13)    To offset the carbon "footprint" of buildings, structures, parking, etc.
   (b)    Scope of Application.
      (1)    The requirements set forth in this section will apply to all uses, lots, sites, and parcels that are developed or expanded following the effective date of this section. No site plan that is reviewed in accordance with Chapter 1135, site plan review procedures and requirements, may be approved unless the site plan shows required landscaping consistent with the provisions of this section. Except for plans pertaining to one or two-family use, the landscape plan shall be prepared by a Landscape Architect registered in the State of Ohio.
      (2)    Where landscaping is required, a building permit will not be issued until the required landscape plan is submitted and approved, and a certificate of occupancy will not be issued by the chief building official (or designee) unless provisions set forth in this section have been met or by providing either a performance guarantee, as authorized by Section 1145.08; or by entering into a development agreement with the City stipulating mile stones, costs and surety.
      (3)    The Zoning Administrator (or designee) will determine if the existing landscaping or screening identified for preservation meets the intent of this section (see subsection (d) of this section).
      (4)    Each landscape plan will be independently reviewed; the City Administrator, upon consultation with the Zoning Administrator (or designee) may determine that there exist unique circumstances that would prevent the installation of all or a portion of the required site landscaping, greenbelts, buffer zones, and parking lot landscaping or detention/retention basin landscaping requirements.
         A.   Such a determination must be made based upon criteria such as the following:
            1.    Topography;
            2.    Existing woodlands, wetland, floodplain, drainage conditions and poor soils;
            3.    Types and distance to adjacent land uses;
            4.    Dimensional conditions unique to the parcel;
            5.    Provision of adequate sight distances/clearance for motorists and pedestrians;
            6.    Health, safety and welfare of the city;
            7.    Clearance from overhead utility lines and separation from underground utilities; and
            8.    Accessibility to fire hydrants.
         B.   In return the applicant will be required to incorporate at least one (1) of the following elements in the landscape plan:
            1.    The utilization of credits obtained by preserving existing vegetation per the standards of subsection (c)(3)e.
            2.    Placing the required plant material elsewhere on the site, as approved by the Zoning Administrator (or designee);
            3.    Use of larger plant material (see subsection (c)(1) of this section); or
            4.    An alternative proposed by the applicant in writing and approved by the Zoning Administrator (or designee) (see subsection (g) of this section).
      (5)    Landscape plan review required. A separate landscape plan detailing the landscape changes consistent with the standards of this chapter must be submitted to the Zoning Administrator (or designee) when:
         A.   A full site plan (FSP) is mandated, per the requirements of Chapter 1135;
         B.   Where the building and/or parking area is being increased by at least fifteen percent (15%) or reconstructed; or
         C.   The building is being changed to a more intense use and/or has an existing legal non-conforming use or structure on the property, as determined by the City Administrator and/or Zoning Administrator (or designee). The change in use intensity must consider factors such as required parking, amount of traffic generated, maximum building occupancy or change to a different use category in the Building Code or Zoning Ordinance.
   (c)    Landscape Plan Specifications.
      (1)    Minimum requirements. The requirements contained in this section are considered the minimum necessary to achieve the intent of this section, but nothing herein will preclude the use of more extensive landscaping to further improve the function, appearance and value of the property. The use of larger plant material may be used to count towards the overall minimum planting requirements (i.e. planting a twelve-foot tall evergreen when a six-foot is required equals credit for one and one-half (1½) trees). All substitutions may be allowed at the discretion of the City Administrator upon consultation with the Zoning Administrator.
      (2)    Appropriate design professional requirement. The Zoning Administrator (or designee) may require the landscape plans to be prepared by an appropriate design professional due to the complexity of a project or another compelling issue.
      (3)    Required information. The landscape plan must demonstrate that all requirements of this section are met and must include the following information:
         A.   Illustration of the location, spacing, species, size and root ball of proposed plant material, including a plant schedule;
         B.   Separately identify compliance with the minimum numeric requirements (rounded up) for site landscaping, greenbelts, buffer zones, parking lot landscaping, and detention/retention ponds, rain gardens, rainwater harvesting systems, and hydrologic separators which utilize swirl concentration to separate trash, debris, sediment, and hydrocarbons from storm water runoff;
         C.   Clearly identify and delineate proposed planting beds and turf grass areas;
         D.   Provide typical cross sections to illustrate views from adjacent land uses, and the slope, height, and width of proposed berms or landscape elements, as required by the Zoning Administrator (or designee);
         E.   Existing vegetation survey. Provide a survey of existing vegetation in accordance with Section 1145.03 of this chapter which denotes the following:
            1.    Trees, noting their size (i.e., caliper or height) and type (i.e., canopy, evergreen, or other ornamental);
            2.    Shrubs, noting their size and type/form (i.e., upright or spreading evergreen or small or large deciduous);
            3.    Ground covers, noting their size/coverage and type (i.e., woody plants and vines or perennials); and
            4.    Identify the vegetation proposed for preservation and the credits (if any) that will be claimed per the standards cited in Section 1145.03 of this chapter.
            5.   Additional information may be required by the Zoning Administrator based on the existing conditions of a site. All credits to landscaping standards shall be approved at the discretion the City Administrator, upon consultation with the Zoning Administrator.
         F.   Delineate the location of protective fencing around existing vegetation identified for preservation per the standards of Section 1145.07 (d) of this chapter. A detail of all such fencing must be provided on the landscape plan and meet the standards for such fencing included in Section 1145.07 of this chapter;
         G.   Provide construction details to resolve specific conditions such as limits of grading adjacent to areas with trees and vegetative cover to be preserved, tree wells to preserve existing trees, culverts, and/or drain tile to maintain natural drainage patterns;
         H.   Provide details to ensure proper installation and establishment of proposed plant material (e.g., tree stakes, guy wires, protective fencing, etc.), as directed by the Zoning Administrator (or designee); and
         I.   Identify a landscape maintenance program, including a statement that all diseased, damaged or dead materials will be replaced in accordance with the requirements of this section.
   (d)    Landscape Standards. 
      (1)   All landscaping must conform to the following standards, unless otherwise approved by the City Administrator upon consultation with Zoning Administrator (or designee), each of which will be calculated separately. A professionally designed landscape irrigation system shall be required to ensure plant life.
Table of Landscape Standards
Location
Dimensions (min.)
Landscape Quantities (a) 
Shrubs (min.) (b)
Other Materials
      
Trees (min.)
Site Landscaping (n)
Within the lawn extension/terrace (i.e., between the sidewalk and street curb)
2.5"
1 canopy tree per each 30 linear feet of frontage
Turf grass (i.e., lawns) and planting beds (per the requirements of subsection (e)(6) of this section). Shrubs, stone, hard surfaces or walls are not allowed in the terrace area unless there are unusual circumstances present and the Zoning Administrator concurs.
Cul-de-sac islands (if applicable)
2.5" or 7'-8' Spruce
1 canopy or evergreen tree per each 500 sq. ft. area
Turf grass (i.e., lawns) and planting beds (per the requirements of subsection (e)(6) of this section)
Front Yard (new residential only) Between the principal structure and the sidewalk/right-of-way line
2.5"
1 tree per each 30 linear feet of frontage
4 shrubs per each 20 linear feet or, if not feasible, sufficient ornamental trees and shrubs (as determined by the Zoning Administrator (or designee)) located in clearly defined planting beds to screen views to the adjacent street, as well as turf grass (i.e., lawns)
Outdoor ground mounted equipment (i.e. HVAC units, etc.)
Mature evergreen hedge or privacy fence or wall no less than the height of the equipment
Entire property - Open areas remaining after accounting for the required landscape areas
2.5"
1 tree per each 1,200 sq. ft. of total lot area
1 large shrub per each 400 sq. ft. of total lot area
Turf grass and planting beds
Table of Landscape Standards
Location
Dimensions (min.)
Landscape Quantities (a) 
Shrubs (min.) (b)
Other Materials
Trees (min.)
Greenbelts (c)
All zoning districts or uses - Between the principal structure or use and the sidewalk/right-of-way line
2.5"
1 tree per each 30 linear feet of frontage (d, e) 
4 shrubs per each 20 linear feet or, if not feasible, sufficient ornamental trees and shrubs (as determined by the Zoning Administrator (or designee)) located in clearly defined planting beds to screen views as well as turf grass (i.e., lawns) (d, e) 
Buffer Zones
Multiple-family residential district or use adjacent to one-family and one- and two-family residential districts or uses - Between the principal structure or use and the property boundary
2.5" or 7'-8' Spruce
1 canopy or evergreen tree per each 20 linear feet
4 shrubs per each 20 linear feet or, if not feasible, sufficient ornamental trees and shrubs (as determined by the Zoning Administrator (or designee)) located in clearly defined planting beds to screen views as well as turf grass (i.e., lawns)
Institutional uses adjacent to any residential district or use - Between the principal structure or use and the property boundary
2.5" or 7'-8' Spruce
1 canopy or evergreen tree per each 20 linear feet
4 shrubs per each 20 linear feet or, if not feasible, sufficient ornamental trees and shrubs (as determined by the Zoning Administrator (or designee)) located in clearly defined planting beds to screen views as well as turf grass (i.e., lawns)
Commercial and industrial district or use adjacent to any residential district or use - Between the principal structure or use and the property boundary
2.5" and 7'-8" Spruce
1 canopy tree and 2 evergreen trees per each 20 linear feet
4 shrubs per each 20 linear feet or, if not feasible, sufficient ornamental trees and shrubs (as determined by the Zoning Administrator (or designee)) located in clearly defined planting beds to screen views as well as turf grass (i.e., lawns)
Table of Landscape Standards
Location
Dimensions (min.)
Landscape Quantities (a) 
Shrubs (min.) (b)
Other Materials
      
Trees (min.)
Industrial district or use adjacent to any commercial district or use - Between the principal structure or use and the property boundary
2.5" or 7'-8" Spruce
1 canopy or evergreen tree per each 20 linear feet
4 shrubs per each 20 linear feet or, if not feasible, sufficient ornamental trees and shrubs (as determined by the Zoning Administrator (or designee)) located in clearly defined planting beds to screen views as well as turf grass (i.e., lawns)
Berm and/or Masonry Wall (f) 
Along the lot line, but outside of the required front yard setback (g, h)
Between 4 and 6 feet tall (i) 
Applicable buffer zone landscaping may also be required
Parking Lot Islands (parking areas must also comply with subsection (i) of this section)
Within and/or immediately adjacent to the parking lot, protected by curbing, and spaced no more than 15 parking spaces apart in lots with less than 75 spaces or 20 spaces apart in lots with more than 75 spaces
9 feet wide, 150 sq. ft. in area, 9 foot curve radius adjacent to aisle lanes
2 canopy trees per 150 sq. ft. of the total area comprising parking lot islands (j) 
Planting beds (per the requirements of subsection (e)(5) of this section)
         
Table of Landscape Standards
Location
Dimensions (min.)
Landscape Quantities (a) 
Shrubs (min.) (b)
Other Materials
      
Trees (min.)
Perimeter Parking Lot Landscaping (parking areas must also comply with subsection (i) of this section)
Perimeter of the parking lot envelope
Parking lots must meet set back requirements from a right-of-way and abutting property lines, and required plantings must be within 10 ft. from the edge of pavement
1 canopy tree per each 2,000 sq. ft. of paved surface area (k) 
3 foot tall perimeter hedge along a right-of-way or, if not feasible, sufficient shrubbery (as determined by the zoning administrator (or designee) located in clearly defined planting beds, as well as turf grace (i.e. lawns) (m, n) 
Loading and Outside Storage Areas
Loading and outside storage areas
The zoning administrator (or designee) may require additional landscaping/screening for loading areas and outdoor storage areas when visible from adjoining parcels or streets
Detention and Retention Ponds (k)               
Rear or side yards within a natural or man-made depression designed to appear natural or free formed
1 tree per each 50 linear feet measured at the top bank of the pond (l, m)
10 shrubs per 50 linear feet measured at the top of the pond or, if not feasible, sufficient shrubbery (as determined by the zoning administrator (or designee)), located in clearly defined planting beds plus a native seed mix on the slopes to prevent erosion (l, m)
         
      (2)    Footnotes to the Table of Landscape Standards.
         a.   Adjustments in the placement of plantings are subject to any required site clearance triangles, per the requirements of Section 1145.06 of this chapter.
         b.   The type of shrubbery must be a mix of each type noted in subsection (e)(2) of this section.
         c.   Pertains to the entire street frontage of a property, as measured from the right-of-way, excluding access drives (i.e., driveway cuts).
         d.    Greenbelt plantings must be arranged to emulate the landscape character of the surrounding areas. Subject to Zoning Administrator (or designee) determination, the greenbelt plantings may be waived within the C-3 (uptown commercial) district when the buildings are located at or within 1' from the front property line.
         e.    Nothing but landscaping, including decorative fencing and landscape features is allowed within the greenbelt.
         f.    A berm and/or masonry wall may be required as part, or in place of, the buffer when deemed necessary by Zoning Administrator (or designee) to meet the intent of subsection (e)(9) of this section and must conform to Section 1145.07 of this Chapter.
         g.    The location may be modified by the Zoning Administrator (or designee) at the discretion of the City Administrator (or designee) due to unique circumstances, such as conflicts with underground utilities and better screening provided at alternative locations.
         h.    See Section 1145.07 of this Chapter for berm construction standards.
         i.    Up to an eight-foot berm and/or wall may be permitted within the commercial and industrial districts.
         j.    No branches may remain within five (5) feet above the grade of the parking lot, if the drip line extends outside of the landscape area.
         k.    Decorative treatment may be incorporated into the perimeter parking lot landscaping such as the inclusion of tree clusters and decorative fencing and landscape features. Treatment provided must be compatible with, or a site improvement to, surrounding properties. This decorative treatment is encouraged on sites within the commercial districts and multiple family developments near the Uptown Commercial District.
         l.    The basin or berm slopes must be sculptured to filter and soften the views and at a slope not to exceed 5 to 1.
         m.    The plantings must be clustered in a natural pattern around the basin with trees above the freeboard line (i.e., the high water mark designed for the pond), and all other plantings must be tolerant of wet/moist soils. (e.g., London Plane Trees (Platanus x acerifolia), Red Maples (Acer rubrum), etc.) The location of plant material will also be done in consideration of the need to provide access for and minimize disruption of plant material during routine pond maintenance.
         n.   The total tree count for any lot shall not be lower than one (1) tree per 2180 square feet of total lot area. Under special circumstances, the City Administrator, upon consultation with the Zoning Administrator, may approve a total tree count which is lower than this amount.
   (e)    Specifications for Landscape Improvements and Plant Materials. 
      (1)    Plant material. All plant material must be hardy to the City of Maumee (i.e., USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a), be free of disease and insects, and conform to the American Standard for Nursery Stock of the American Nursery and Landscape Association.
      (2)    Minimum sizes and spacing. The minimum plant sizes must be provided in accordance with the following:
Table of Minimum Plant Sizes and Spacing 
Plant Type
Minimum Plant Size
Spacing Requirements
(max. on center)
Canopy Trees
Two and a half-inch caliper
Thirty (30) feet
Coniferous Trees
Seven to eight-foot height (a)
Fifteen (15) feet
Other Ornamental Trees
Six-foot height
Fifteen (15) feet
Large Deciduous Shrubs
Three-foot height
Four (4)-six (6) feet
Small Deciduous Shrubs
Two-foot height
Three (3) feet
Upright Evergreen Shrubs
Two-foot height
Three (3)-four (4) feet
Spreading Evergreen Shrubs
Two-foot spread
Three (3)-four (4) feet
Perennial Flowers
1 Gallon
Fifteen (15) inches
Perennial Grasses
2 Gallon
Twenty (20) inches
      (3)    Footnotes to the Table of Minimum Plant Sizes and Spacing. 
         A.    Height of coniferous trees shall be measured at the third tine from the top, not a measurement of overall height.
      (4)    Mixing of species. The overall landscape plan may not contain more than one-third (33.3%) of any one (1) plant species for each type of planting specified in the Table of Landscape Standards (see subsection (d) of this section). The use of native species and mixture of plants from the same plant community is strongly encouraged.
      (5)    Trees not permitted. Various trees are not permitted for the following reasons, although the Zoning Administrator (or designee) may allow them when associated with an appropriate ecosystem, for historic preservation, or another compelling objective:
         A.    Easily damaged or short lived. Including, but not limited to, Black Locusts (Robinia pseudoacacia), Silver Maples (Acer saccharinum), and various Poplars and Cottonwoods (Populus species);
         B.    Bears nuisance leaves, fruit, or other characteristics. Including, but not limited to, Weeping Willows (Salix babylonica), nut-bearing Horse Chestnuts (Aesculus species), female Ginkgoes (Ginkgo biloba), various Mulberries (Morus species), Catalpas (Catalpa speciosa), various Poplars and Cottonwoods (Populous species), Honey Locusts with thorns (Gleditsia triacanthos (i.e., not var. inermis)), and Hawthorn, Thornapple, May-tree, Whitethorn, or Hawberry (Crataegus species);
         C.    Weedy or invasive. Including, but not limited to, Box Elders (Acer negundo), various Poplars and Cottonwoods (Populus species), Trees of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and Black Locusts (Robinia pseudoacacia);
         D.    Roots clog drains and sewers and crack sidewalks and foundations. Including, but not limited to, Weeping Willows (Salix babylonica) and Silver Maples (Acer saccharinum); and
         E.    Unusually susceptible to disease or insects. Including, but not limited to, American Elms (Ulmus americana) and various Ashes (Fraxinus species).
      (6)    Planting beds.
         A.   Planting beds are clearly defined areas surrounding a single tree, shrub, or grouping of trees and shrubs and may also include annuals, various other types groundcovers, and mulch.
            There is no size limit for a planting bed as long as dedicated open areas of mulch does not exceed one-third (33.3%) of its total area. Plant coverage will be determined as follows:
            1.    An eighteen-inch radius circle around the trunk of a canopy tree;
            2.    The drip-line of an ornamental tree or shrub at the time of planting; and
            3.    Groupings of ground cover (excluding annuals) planted to become dense and touch after one (1) complete growing season.
            Mulch is required in those areas at the time of planting, but only half will be included when determining the percentage of a planting bed dedicated to open areas of mulch.
         B.   Mulch must be maintained at a minimum of three (3) inches deep in order to prevent weed growth and soil erosion and to retain soil moisture.
         C.   Material in planting beds shall be identified on the landscape plan and approved by the Zoning Administrator (or designee) and maintained in good condition.
         D.   Mulch and stone landscape beds will be permitted in parking islands contained by curb and gutter.
      (7)   Top soil. Top soil must consist of a four (4) inch base for lawn areas and an eight (8) to twelve (12) inch base within planting beds. This also applies to berms.
      (8)    Proximity to utilities. Plant material cannot be located in a manner that will interfere with or cause damage to underground or overhead utility lines, public roads or other public facilities.
      (9)    Turf grass. Turf (i.e., lawn) grass must be planted in species normally grown as permanent lawns in cool/humid area of the North American Climate Zone. Turf grasses may be seeded or sodded. Only rolled sod, erosion reducing net or suitable mulch may be used in swales or other areas susceptible to erosion and must be staked where necessary for stabilization. When complete sodding or seeding is not possible, nurse grass (i.e., fast growing temporary) seed must be sown and mulched for immediate protection until permanent coverage is achieved. Turf grass sod, seed, and top soil must be free of weeds and noxious pests or disease. Areas of turf grass must be adequately irrigated for the first two (2) growing seasons.
      (10)   Regulations pertaining to sight distance. All proposed landscaping adjacent to the intersection of two or more streets or access drives must meet the standards of Section 1145.06 of this Chapter.
   (f)    Minimum Standards for Installation, Irrigation and Maintenance.
      (1)    Timing of planting. All required plant materials must be planted prior to issuing a certificate of occupancy by the chief building official (or designee) in consultation with the Zoning Administrator (or designee). In the event that the project is completed during a time of year when planting is impractical, a performance guarantee, as authorized by Section 1145.08 of this Chapter, must be provided equal to the amount of installation of the proposed landscaping.
      (2)    Completion of improvements. Tree stakes, guy wires, and tree wrap installed to satisfy subsection (c)(3)H. of this section must be removed by the date indicated on the landscape plan.
      (3)    Irrigation. Except in one or two-family uses, an automatic irrigation system shall be required for all landscaped areas and must be indicated on the landscape plan and approved by the Zoning Administrator (or designee).
      (4)    Maintenance. The owner of the property is responsible for the regular maintenance of all landscaping. Landscaped areas and plant materials required by this section must be kept free from refuse and debris. Plant materials, including turf grass (i.e., lawns), must be maintained in a healthy growing condition, neat and orderly in appearance per the intent of the approved site plan. Additionally, all plantings approved as part of a site plan must be maintained in perpetuity or an amended landscape plan must be submitted for consideration by the Zoning Administrator (or designee). However, if any required plant material dies or becomes diseased, it must be replaced. Replacement must be within thirty (30) days unless an extended time period is necessary due to weather in which case a written request may be submitted and reviewed by the Zoning Administrator (or designee) prior to its potential authorization.
   (g)    Proposal by Applicant for Complying with Requirement. 
      (1)    Proposal by applicant. If the applicant demonstrates that compliance with this section is not feasible on the property, in lieu of complying with all of a part of the specific requirements set forth in this section for landscaping, the applicant may propose in writing an alternative means of compliance. Subject to approval by the City Administrator, upon consultation with the Zoning Administrator (or designee), for a particular property and circumstance, such alternative may include, by way of example, installing landscape materials in the immediate area of the property being developed or paying moneys into the city tree fund in an amount by multiplying the total quantity of plantings that would not be installed by the cost per plant. That proposal must include a timetable for performance, and state whether a performance guarantee (see Section 1145.08 of this chapter) would be filed to secure such performance.
      (2)    Review by the Zoning Administrator (or designee). The Zoning Administrator (or designee) will review the written proposal of the applicant and determine whether the proposal would be accepted in place of the landscape requirements that would not be completed in accordance with this section. Any deviation shall be a component of a required development agreement approved by the City Administrator if and to the extent the Zoning Administrator (or designee) is satisfied that the applicant has demonstrated that it would not be feasible to fully comply with the landscaping requirements in this section, the determination by the Zoning Administrator (or designee) on whether to approve an applicant's proposal will be based on the standard of most closely achieving the intent of the ordinance, to the extent reasonably feasible. The expense of complying with this section shall not be a basis of consideration by the Zoning Administrator (or designee). Any bonding to be a part of the proposal shall be subject to review by the City Attorney, and shall conform with customary bonding requirements for development in the city.
      (3)    Effect of approval. If the applicant's written proposal is approved by the Zoning Administrator (or designee), the proposal shall be deemed to be a regulation required under this section, and a failure to comply with the approved proposal shall be deemed to be a violation of this section.
   (h)    City Tree Fund. 
      (1)   All revenues raised in lieu of complying with all of a part of the specific requirements set forth in this section for landscaping (per subsection (g)(1) of this section) must be placed in a City tree fund together with such other revenues from any source or combinations of sources of revenues otherwise legally available which have been designated to be used for the planting of trees and shrubs within public rights of way, public property, and/or public parks.
      (2)    No part of the funds held in the city tree fund may be transferred to the general operating fund or used for any purpose other than undertaking the planting of trees and shrubs in the city.
   (i)   Landscape Requirements for Parking Areas: Landscaping within parking areas, including both ground cover or upright plant material, is necessary not only to reduce the generation of heat and water runoff, but to break up the expanse of paved areas. The use of parking islands or peninsulas strategically placed throughout the parking area is required in accordance with the following specific requirements and all other requirements of this Chapter and Chapter 966 of the Codified Ordinances.
      (1)   All parking lots must include adjoining landscaping strips at least four (4) feet in width along each side and rear lot line. Such landscaping strips shall include hedges or plantings of shrub material which meet the requirements of subsection (e) of this section.
      (2)   For all parking areas that contain more than twenty-five (25) spaces, a minimum area equal to one parking space for each twenty-five (25) spaces (or fraction thereof) shall be provided and shall be landscaped and permeable in accordance with this Chapter and Chapter 966 of the Codified Ordinances. Landscaped islands shall be irrigated. Said 1 parking space landscape requirement shall be in addition to all other landscape requirements.
      (3)   All permanent landscape screened areas shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition, neat and orderly in appearance.
      (4)   All screen planting and fencing required under the provisions of this section shall be adequately protected so as to prevent damage thereto by automobiles parking in such parking areas.
      (5)   When it is proposed that a parking area provide substantially more parking than is permitted by applicable sections of this ordinance, additional landscaping shall be provided to help mitigate impact of large amounts of hard surfaces. The specific amount of area that is to be landscaped and permeable shall be at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator and may be determined as follows:
 
Parking Landscape Requirements For Parking Areas
Exceeding the Maximum Permitted Number of Parking Spaces
Parking Requirement
Required Increase in the Amount of Landscaping
The parking area represents no more than 100 percent of the maximum permitted parking spaces pursuant to Section 1141.06 (Off-Street Parking Requirements).
As defined in Subsections (1) and (2) above.
The parking area represents more than 100 percent, but less than 150 percent of the maximum permitted parking spaces pursuant to Section 1141.06 (Off-Street Parking Requirements).
As defined in Subsections (1) and (2) above, except as follows:
1) the width of the adjoining landscaping strips shall be increased to six (6) feet along each side and rear lot line, and landscaping materials shall include a combination of hedges, shrubs and ground cover with a minimum of four (4) feet in height at the time of planting and spaced four (4) to six (6) feet apart, and
2) For all parking areas that contain more than twenty-five (25) spaces, a minimum area equal to two (2) parking spaces for each twenty-five (25) spaces (or fraction thereof) shall be provided and shall be landscaped and permeable in accordance with this Chapter and Chapter 966. Landscaped islands shall be irrigated.,
The parking area represents 150 percent or more of the maximum permitted parking spaces pursuant to Section 1141.06 (Off-Street Parking Requirements).
In addition to those additional requirements defined above for when the parking area represents more than 100 percent, but less than 150 percent of the maximum permitted parking spaces pursuant to Section 1141.06 (Off-Street Parking Requirements), the applicant shall demonstrate how the use of more extensive landscaping and creative site design effectively interrupts large expanses of parking area and effectively screens view of proportionately larger parking to the satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator as part of the Site Plan review process.
(Ord. 093-2020. Passed 7-6-20.)