The following minimum landscaping is required for newly developed single- and two-family residential lots:
(A) Prior to the issuance of a certificate of completeness or a certificate of occupancy for newly-constructed single- and two-family residences, the following number of trees and shrubs must exist or be planted on the lot:
(1) Lots smaller than one (1) acre in size:
(a) Four (4) trees; and
(b) Ten (10) shrubs.
(2) Lots larger than or equal to one (1) acre in size:
(a) Six (6) trees plus two (2) additional trees for each one-half (½) acre above one (1) acre in size, up to a maximum of forty (40) trees.
(b) Twenty (20) shrubs plus ten (10) additional shrubs for each acre above one (1) acre in size, up to a maximum of fifty (50) shrubs.
(B) Of the required trees, a minimum of fifty percent (50%) shall be species native to the county. Required shrubs may be either native or non-native.
(C) Existing trees and shrubs may be utilized to meet the requirements of this subchapter, provided such vegetation is located within the property lines of the lot and not in any rights-of-way or easements. Planted trees and shrubs must be a variety which is compatible with the existing soil and drainage conditions, must be in locations which will not cause danger or interference with existing structures, on-site septic systems, wells, utility lines (both above and below ground), driveways or water bodies, and are not permitted within any easement or right-of-way.
(D) One hundred percent (100%) of the lot must be covered with lawn grass or other approved living ground cover, excluding principal structures, accessory structures, vehicle-use areas, and pedestrian walkways. Nonliving ground cover is permitted within planting beds/flower beds provided such beds do not occupy more than ten percent (10%) of the lot, less the excluded impervious areas. The Planning Director may approve landscape beds with a mix of living and nonliving ground cover in excess of ten percent (10%) following submission of a detailed landscape plan depicting the proposed plantings. The intent of this section is that all landscaped areas present a finished appearance, as determined by the Planning Director.
(Ord. 94-15, passed 7-7-94)