(a) The intent of this Chapter is to establish minimum standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of landscaping along public streets, as buffer areas between uses, on the interior of sites, within parking lots, and adjacent to buildings. Landscaping is viewed as a critical element contributing to the aesthetics, development quality, stability of property values, and the overall character in the Municipality.
(b) The standards of this Chapter are also intended to preserve quality mature trees, screen headlights to reduce glare, integrate various elements of a site, help ensure compatibility between land uses, assist in directing safe and efficient traffic flows at driveways and within parking areas, and minimize negative impacts of stormwater runoff.
(c) The landscape standards of this Chapter are considered the minimum necessary to achieve the intent. In several instances, the standards are intentionally flexible to encourage creative design. Applicants are encouraged to provide additional landscaping to improve the function, appearance, and value of their property. (Ord. 1166. Passed 9-24-01.)