(a) Qualifying new development and expansion projects shall provide bufferyards as provided in the Bufferyard Requirements Table.
(b) No principal structures, accessory structures, parking areas storage or any temporary structure or use shall be placed in any bufferyard area.
(c) Existing vegetation shall be preserved in accordance with acceptable nursery industry procedures.
(d) Nursery stock identification tags shall not be removed from any planting prior to inspection and approval of final installation by the City.
(e) Bufferyard Screening Options. The following items are suitable for screening use individually or in combination with other permitted methods provided they create a dense screening effect, subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission.
(1) Walls and fences.
A. When walls or fences are used to fulfill screening requirements, they shall be detailed on the plan. They are to be constructed of weather-proof materials. Planning Commission shall approve the proposed materials used in the construction of a screening fence or wall.
B. Chain link fences with or without wooden or synthetic slat material shall not be permitted when used to satisfy bufferyard requirements.
(2) Plant and shrub materials. All plants are to be living and part of the acceptable plants list identified in this chapter or identified as acceptable plant material for hardiness in this USDA Agricultural Zone and as approved by the Planning Commission.
A. Plant materials. Plant materials used in conformance with the provision of this section shall conform to the standards of the American Association of Nurserymen and shall have passed any inspection required under state regulations.
B. Shrubs, vines and ground covers can be planted as bare root as well as balled and burlapped or containers.
(3) Trees. All trees are to be living and part of the acceptable tree lists identified in this chapter or identified as acceptable plant material for hardiness in this USDA Agricultural Zone and as approved by the Planning Commission.
A. Trees shall be balled and burlapped or in containers. Shrubs, vines and ground covers can be planted as bare root as well as balled and burlapped or containers.
B. All trees shall be measured from the top of the root ball to the top of the tree mass.
C. Deciduous trees. Deciduous trees shall have a minimum caliper of at least three inches with a single central leader, for large and medium trees, conforming to acceptable nursery industry procedures at the time of planting. If deciduous trees are to be used for screening purposes, additional materials listed in this section must be used to create a dense bufferyard.
D. Evergreen trees. Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of eight feet in height at the time of planting and shall be unsheared, full and branched to the ground. Evergreen plantings shall be designed to provide an effective, dense screen within four years of planting.
(4) Shrubs and hedges.
A. Shrubs and hedges shall be at least thirty-six inches in height at the time of planting.
B. All shrubs and hedges shall be designed to provide an effective, dense screen and mature height of at least six feet within four years after the date of the final approval of each planting.
C. The height at installation of the planting shall be measured from the level of the surface of the plant base at the edge closest to the screening.
(5) Grass or ground cover.
A. Grass of the Fescue(Gramineak) or Bluegrass(Poaceae) family shall be planted in species normally grown as permanent lawns in northeast Ohio.
B. In swales or other areas subject to erosion, solid sod, erosion reducing net, or suitable mulch and temporary seeding shall be used for immediate protection until complete coverage otherwise is achieved.
C. Grass sod shall be clean and free of weeds and noxious pests or diseases.
D. Grass shall be sown or placed in any area not landscaped or paved.
E. Ground cover shall be planted in such a manner as to provide seventy-five percent (75%) complete coverage after two growing seasons, but in no circumstance shall planting be more than twelve inches on center to present a finished appearance.
F. Rocks, pebbles, sand and similar materials are not approved ground cover.
(6) Earth mounds. Earth mounds may be used as physical barriers which block or screen a view. Differences in elevation between areas requiring screening does not constitute an earth mound. Earth mounds shall be constructed of earthen materials and shall conform to the following standards:
A. The maximum side slope shall be three horizontal to one vertical (3:1) and the design shall identify that proper erosion prevention and control practices will be utilized.
B. Berms and earth mounds shall be designed with physical variations in height and alignment throughout their length.
C. Landscape plant material installed on berms and earth mounds shall be arranged in an irregular pattern to accentuate the physical variation and achieve a natural appearance.
D. The landscape plan shall show sufficient detail, including a plan and profile of the berm or earth mound, soil types and construction techniques to demonstrate compliance with the above provisions.
E. Berms and earth mounds shall be located and designed to minimize the disturbance to existing trees located on the site or adjacent thereto.
F. No part of any berm or earth mound which is elevated more than thirty inches above natural grade shall be located within ten feet of any right-of-way or property line.
G. Adequate ground cover shall be used and maintained to prevent erosion of the earth mound.
H. Topsoil shall be placed over the earth mounds at a depth of four inches to facilitate vegetation growth on the mound.
(f) Bedding Surface.
(1) Any landscaped area shall not contain bare soil.
(2) Any ground area shall be covered with hardwood mulch, grass or other vegetative ground cover.
(3) Aggregated stone or decorative rock may be approved by the Planning Commission.
(4) All plant material will be mulched with shredded hardwood mulch, or approved equal.
(Ord. 2022-24. Passed 5-24-22.)