The proposed landscape materials should complement the form of existing trees and plantings, as well as the development’s general design and architecture. The type of shade or sun should be considered when selecting plant materials.
(a) Walls and Fences. To comply with Chapter 1464 of the Building and Housing Code, for any proposed new building, residential or otherwise, where stone fencing exists, such stone fencing shall be retained and improved as part of the approved landscaping.
(b) Earth Mounds. As used in this division (b), “earth mounds” means physical barriers which block or screen the view, similar to a hedge, fence or wall. Earth mounds shall be constructed with proper and adequate plant material to prevent erosion. A difference in elevation between areas requiring screening does not constitute an existing earth mound and shall not be considered as fulfilling any screening requirements.
(c) Plants. Artificial plants are prohibited. All plant materials shall be living plants and shall meet the following requirements.
(1) Quality. Plant materials used in conformance with the provisions of this chapter shall conform to the standards of the American Association of Nurserymen and shall have passed any inspections required under state regulations.
(2) Deciduous Trees. Trees which normally shed their leaves in the fall shall be species having an average mature crown spread of greater than 15 feet in central Ohio and having trunks which can be maintained with over five feet of clear wood in areas which have visibility requirements, except at vehicular use area intersections where the eight-foot clear wood requirement shall control. Trees having an average mature crown spread of less than 15 feet may be substituted by a grouping of the same so as to create the equivalent of a 15 foot crown spread. A minimum of ten feet of overall height or a minimum caliper, trunk diameter, measured six inches above ground for trees up to four inches caliper, of at least one and three-fourths inches, immediately after planting, shall be required. Trees of a species whose roots are known to cause damage to public roadways or other public works shall not be planted closer than 15 feet to such public works, unless the tree root system is completely contained within a barrier whose minimum interior containing depth is five feet and which is constructed of four-inch thick reinforced concrete.
(3) Evergreen Trees. Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of five feet high with a minimum caliper of one and one-half inches immediately after planting.
(4) Shrubs and Hedges. Shrubs and hedges shall conform to the opacity and other requirements set forth in this chapter within four years after planting.
(5) Vines. Vines shall be at least 12 or 15 inches high at planting and shall generally be used in conjunction with walls or fences.
(6) Grass or Ground Cover. Grass of the fescue (Gramineae) or bluegrass (Poaceae) family shall be planted in species normally grown as permanent lawns in central Ohio and may be sodded or seeded, except in swales or other areas subject to erosion, where solid sod, erosion-reducing net or suitable mulch shall be used. Nurse-grass seed shall be sown for immediate protection until complete coverage is otherwise achieved. Grass sod shall be clean and free of weeds and noxious pests or diseases. Ground cover shall be planted in such a manner as to present a finished appearance and as to result in 75% of complete coverage after a complete growing season, with a maximum of eight inches on center. In certain cases, ground cover may also consist of rocks, pebbles, sand and similarly approved materials.
(d) Maintenance and Installation. All landscaping materials shall be installed in a sound, workmanlike manner and according to accepted, good construction and planting procedures. The owner of the property shall be responsible for the continued proper maintenance of all landscaping materials and shall keep them in a proper, neat and orderly appearance, free from refuse and debris at all times. All unhealthy or dead plant material shall be replaced within one year or by the next planting period, whichever comes first, while other defective landscape material shall be replaced or repaired within three months.
(e) Violations. A violation of any of the provisions of this section shall be grounds for the Building Inspector to refuse a building occupancy permit or to institute legal proceedings.
(Ord. 5-89, passed 5-8-1989)