(A) It shall be the intent of the Planning Commission to recommend site plans which promote the presence of a natural environment along the streetscape by including suitable and appropriate plantings such as trees and the like which develop in a way which is consistent with the safety aspects of vehicles and pedestrians. This requirement may be waived by the Planning Commission in cases where the site contains substantial woodlands which are to be preserved and where, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, no useful public purpose would be served. Unless otherwise approved by the city, street trees, when required, shall be planted within the strip between the sidewalk and the pavement.
(B) Tree species should be selected for tolerance of the harsh roadside conditions, for compliance with sight distance requirements, to ensure maintenance of accessability to fire hydrants, to provide a minimum overhead clearance of 15 feet over any street and eight feet over a sidewalk or bike path and to avoid interference with overhead or underground utility lines.
(C) Plantings within 15 feet of a fire hydrant shall be no taller than six inches.
(D) The development and planting of required shade trees and landscaping shall be the responsibility of the developer/proprietor; not the individual resident.
(E) Street trees shall be at least 50 feet from the intersection of two street right-of-way lines or access easements. Street trees shall be placed to avoid future driveway locations.
(F) Street trees shall be at least five feet from the edge of any paved surface.
(G) All unimproved surface area of the commons or parcel shall be planted with grass, ground cover, shrubbery or other suitable landscape materials, except where patios, terraces, decks, driveways and similar site features are allowed.
(Ord. 155, passed 3-18-2003)