ORDINANCE NO. 2024-O-016

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10-4-12 "LANDSCAPING" OF THE VILLAGE OF MOKENA CODE OF ORDINANCES

WHEREAS, the Village of Mokena (hereinafter "Village") is committed to enhancing the natural beauty and environmental quality of the community through thoughtful landscaping and urban forestry management; and

WHEREAS, Section 10-4-12 of the Village Code outlines the requirements for landscaping within parkways and other public use areas, including the planting of parkway trees; and

WHEREAS, it has been recognized that the current landscaping requirements need revision to better align with the Village's objectives for sustainable development, biodiversity, aesthetic appeal, and public safety; and

WHEREAS, the Village desires to amend Section 10-4-12 to incorporate updated landscaping standards that reflect best practices in urban forestry and environmental stewardship;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Mokena, Illinois, as follows:

Section 1:

Section 10-4-12 "LANDSCAPING" of the Village of Mokena Code of Ordinances is hereby amended to read as follows:

10-4-12: LANDSCAPING:

A.   All parkways within the dedicated street area or other public use areas shall be restored according to the village of Mokena's standard specifications for subdivision improvements.

B.   Parkway trees shall be provided at the equivalent of not more than forty feet (40') apart in the right of way adjacent to the development. Such trees may be clustered or spaced linearly in the right of way as determined appropriate by the Village. Parkway trees shall have a minimum trunk size of two and one-half inches (2 1/2") in diameter, as measured six inches (6") above the established ground level.

No trees shall be planted closer than twenty five feet (25') from the right of way line at an intersection or closer than ten feet (10') from any driveway, streetlight, or fire hydrant.

Parkway trees shall be limited to the species listed in the Urban Forestry Management Plan.

Section 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval, and publication in accordance with the law.

Section 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.

PASSED this 22nd day of April, 2024, by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Mokena, Will County, Illinois.

Ayes:    6

Nays:    0

Absent:   0

APPROVED this 22nd  day of April, 2024.

Village President

ATTEST:

Village Clerk