The landscaping and screening standards provide additional guidance on the development of sites within Pella by addressing landscaping and screening requirements. They are designed to improve and protect the appearance of the community; buffer potentially incompatible land uses from one another; and preserve the value of properties within the City of Pella and surrounding areas where extraterritorial zoning is adopted.
1. Applicability. The provisions of this section shall apply to all new development on each lot or site upon application for a building permit, except for the following:
A. Reconstruction or replacement of a lawfully existing use or structure following a loss by fire, storm, tornado or other act of God greater than 60% of total building gross floor area.
B. Remodeling, rehabilitation or improvements to existing uses which do not require a building permit, or structures which do not substantially change the location of structures, parking or other site improvements.
C. Additions or enlargements to existing uses or structures that increase floor area or impervious coverage area by less than twenty-five percent (25%) and that are less than 5,000 square feet. Where such additions or enlargements are 25% or greater or larger than 5,000 square feet, these provisions shall apply only to that portion where the new development occurs.
A development may continue to comply with the buffer yard and screening requirements in effect at the time of issuance of its original permit, regardless of whether an adjacent lot or site is subsequently rezoned to a less intensive district which would otherwise require compliance with buffer yard or screening provisions.
2. Definitions. For the interpretation of this section, the following definitions shall be used:
A. “Greenspace area” means an area devoted to or developed predominately with plant material or natural landscape features, including lawn, ground cover, gardens, trees, shrubs and other plant materials. At a minimum “greenspace” includes grass or ground cover plus additional trees, shrubs or other screening where required herein.
B. “Screened” means shielded, concealed and effectively hidden from view by a person standing at ground level on an abutting site along the property line, or outside the area or feature so screened, by a fence, wall, hedge, berm or similar architectural or landscaped feature. In the event of sloping topography, the adjacent property line shall be the geographic reference point wherever screening is required.
3. Landscaping Requirements. Single-family and two-family dwellings shall maintain a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of lot area as a permeable and uncovered surface that contains living materials. Single-family and two-family dwellings are exempt from other requirements of this section. All other uses shall provide and maintain a greenspace area that equals or exceeds ten percent (10%) of the total lot area unless specified otherwise herein. The CBD District, because of its distinct and unique character, is exempt from the provisions of this section except for the screening requirements contained in Table 165.31-2. Additions or enlargements of existing uses or structures in the CBD District that increase floor area or impervious coverage area, including parking areas, by more than twenty-five percent (25%) shall adhere to the buffer yard requirements in Table 165.31-2.
4. Landscaping Materials and Installation Standards.
A. Installation. All landscaping shall be installed in accordance with accepted good planting procedures and other applicable City Codes and policies. The plant materials shall form an effective screen based on the approved site plan within five (5) growing seasons of installation. Landscaped areas shall require protection from vehicular encroachment. Installation of required landscaping shall be done within two (2) years after the date of Planning and Zoning Commission approval of the site plan.
B. Use of Inorganic Landscaping Materials. No artificial trees, shrubs, plants or turf shall be used to fulfill the minimum requirements for landscaping. Inorganic materials, such as stone or decorative pavers, may be used provided that such material does not comprise more than 35% of the minimum required landscaped area. Other concrete and/or asphalt pavement surfaces may not be used within the minimum required landscaped area, except for walkways less than five (5) feet in width.
C. Plant Material.
(1) Trees. Trees shall be a minimum of one inch (1") caliper [as measured one (1) foot above ground level] at the time of planting.
(2) Shrubs and Hedges. Shrubs shall be minimum of twelve (12) inches in height when measured at ground level immediately after planting. Hedges, where required, shall be planted and maintained so as to form a continuous, unbroken, solid visual screen within a maximum of five (5) years after time of planting.
(3) Vines. Vines shall be a minimum of one gallon container after planting and may be used in conjunction with fences, screens, or walls to meet physical barrier requirements as specified.
(4) Ground Covers. Ground covers used in lieu of grass, in whole or in part, shall be planted in such a manner as to present a finished appearance and reasonably complete coverage within twelve (12) months after planting.
D. Location of Required Landscaping. The following areas are listed by priority for the placement of the required landscaped area:
(1) A minimum greenspace area of five feet (5') in width along all street frontages unless a greater width is required per Tables 165.31-1 and 165.31-2 or per the maturation factor specified below. Street/right-of-way landscaping shall not be located within the public right-of-way itself with the exception of City or State right-of-way landscaping.
(2) A minimum greenspace area of five feet (5') in width along all perimeter property lines unless a greater width is required per Tables 165.31-1 and 165.31-2. This five-foot perimeter greenspace area requirement does not apply to side yards where zero foot interior side yard setbacks are allowed or for uses in the CBD or CUC Districts.
(3) Trees required as part of Type C right-of-way plantings shall be placed at least one-half the maturation diameter from the right-of-way line.
E. Landscaping for Off-Street Parking Areas. All off-street parking areas (except for single and two-family uses) shall provide site trees on the basis of one (1) tree for every ten (10) off-street parking spaces provided or fraction thereof. Fifty percent (50%) of required site trees shall be placed along street frontages. The remaining 50% may be placed in interior parking lot areas. Site trees shall be of a minimum one inch (1") caliper as measured one (1) foot above ground level at the time of planting. Further, required site trees may be utilized in conjunction with parking area screening requirements as set forth in this section.
(1) Parking areas in the M2 Heavy Industrial Zoning District shall be exempt from the landscaping requirements except where said parking areas are adjacent non-industrial zoning districts or uses or where they are located adjacent a Gateway Corridor Overlay District.
(Ord. 681 - Oct. 05 Supp.)
F. Tulip Plantings in Lieu of Right-of-Way Trees. Up to 50% of required street/right-of-way trees may be substituted with twenty (20) square feet of tulip plantings per substituted tree. A minimum density of three (3) bulbs per square foot shall be maintained for such tulip plantings. The location of the tulip bulb planting areas shall be the same as the area of the tree being substituted. If tulip planting areas are used, they must be shown on the site plan and must be maintained as with any other site landscaping. The tulip planting areas used as substitute for required street/right-of-way trees shall also be maintained with annual flowers (annuals) at least between June 1 and September 1. The annual flowers shall have a density of at least two bedding plants per square foot.
Table 165.31-1 Landscape Depth and Minimum Lot Coverage
Zoning District | Minimum Depth of Greenspace Area Adjacent to Street Property Line | Minimum Percentage of Total Lot Area that Must be Landscaped with Vegetative Material |
R3 | 15 feet | 20% |
R4 | 15 feet | 20% |
CUC | 5 feet | 5% |
CC | 5 feet | 10% |
CPD | 10 feet | 10% |
M1 | 15 feet | 10% |
M2 | 15 feet | N/A |
Additional depth and lot coverage standards apply for the Gateway Corridor Overlay Districts (see subsection 15 of this Section 165.31). M1 and M2 Districts may have additional standards per subsections 5 through 10 of this Section 165.31. |
5. Screening Requirements. Table 165.31-2, Table of Screening Requirements, found later in this section, refers to the following types of screens listed below. The following three basic types of screens are hereby established and are to be used as the basis for screening requirements as established in such Table, as provided herein. Variations of these screening types which do not alter the intent of this section may be permitted at the time of site plan review with approval from the Zoning Administrator.
A. Opaque Screen, Type A. A screen that is opaque from the ground to a height of at least six feet (6') with intermittent visual obstructions from the opaque portion to a height of at least twelve feet (12'), except that uses in the CUC and CBD Districts or other uses that have a zero lot line setback and utilize a wall or fence to meet Type A screening requirements shall only be required to achieve the 6' tall, opaque screening standard. The opaque screen is intended to exclude all visual contact between uses and to create a strong impression of physical separation. The opaque screen may be composed of a wall, fence, landscaped earth berm, planted or existing vegetation. Planted vegetation or natural vegetation will be judged on the basis of the average mature height and density of foliage of the subject species or by field observation of existing vegetation. The opaque portion of the screen must be opaque in all seasons of the year. At maturity, the portion of intermittent visual obstructions should not contain any completed unobstructed openings more than ten feet (10') wide. The portion of intermittent visual obstructions may contain deciduous plants. Planting areas for the placement of these screens (for vegetative screen) shall be in accordance with Table 165.31-1, but in no case less than five feet (5') in width. The following are typical Type A Opaque Screens:
v Small trees planted thirty (30) feet on center (see Planting List A).
v Six-foot high evergreen shrubbery planted four (4) feet on center (see Planting List D).
v Medium or large trees planted forty (40) feet on center (see Planting List B or C).
v Six-foot high earth-tone or natural colored wooden fence with intermittent trees (where maximum fence height restrictions allow).
v Six-foot high earth-tone or natural colored wooden fence or earth-tone or natural colored masonry wall (where maximum fence height restrictions allow).
v Medium or large evergreen trees, planted staggered, with the branches touching the ground (see Planting List E or F).
B. Semi-Opaque Screen, Type B. A screen that is opaque from the ground to a height of three feet (3'), with intermittent visual obstruction from above the opaque portion to a height of at least twelve feet (12') except that uses in the CUC and CBD Districts or other uses that have a zero lot line setback and utilize a wall or fence to meet Type B screening requirements are only required to achieve a 3' tall, opaque screen with intermittent visual obstruction to a minimum height of six (6) feet. The semi-opaque screen may be composed of a wall, fence, landscaped earth berm, planted or existing vegetation. Compliance of planted vegetative screens or natural vegetation will be judged on the basis of the average mature height and density of foliage of the subject species or by field observation of existing vegetation. At maturity, the portion of intermittent visual obstructions should not contain any completely unobstructed openings more than ten feet (10') wide. The zone of intermittent visual obstruction may contain deciduous plants. Planting areas for the placement of these screens (for vegetative screens) shall be in accordance with Table 165.31-1, but in no case less than five feet (5') in width. The following are typical Type B Semi-Opaque Screens.
v Small trees planted thirty (30) feet on center (see Planting List A).
v Three-foot high earth-tone or natural colored stone or masonry wall with intermittent trees.
v Small trees planted twenty (20) to thirty (30) feet on center on top of berm (see Planting List A).
v Three-foot high seeded or sodded earth berm (see Berming Requirements) with intermittent trees.
v Large trees planted forty (40) feet on center (see Planting List C).
v Three-foot high evergreen hedge shrubbery planted three (3) on center (see Planting List D).
C. Broken Screen, Type C. A screen composed of intermittent visual obstruction from the ground to a height of at least twelve feet (12'). The broken screen is intended to create the impression of a separation of spaces without necessarily eliminating visual contact between the spaces. It may be composed of a wall, fence, landscaped earth berm, planted or existing vegetation. Compliance of planted vegetative screens or natural vegetation will be judged on the basis of the average mature height and density of foliage of the subject species, or field observation of existing vegetation. The screen may contain deciduous plants. Planting areas for the placement of these screens (for vegetative screens) shall be in accordance with Table 165.31-1, but in no case less than five feet (5') in width. The following are typical Type C Broken Screens:
v Small trees planted thirty (30) feet on center (see Planting List A).
v Split rail or picket wooden fence with intermittent trees (fence colors for screening purposes shall be earth tone, white or natural wood colors).
v Medium or large trees planted forty (40) feet on center (see Planting List B or C).
v Small trees planted forty (40) feet on center with assorted shrubbery (see Planting Lists A, D, and G).
v Assorted shrubbery combined with tulip plantings (see Planting Lists D and G).
6. Screening Locations. Screening, as required in the Table of Screening Requirements, shall be required along the common lot lines of adjacent uses. Where uses are separated by an intervening right-of-way, the burdened use need only screen from the adjoining right-of-way as required in the Table. Screening required by a burdened use for a benefited use shall apply only to those uses which are determined to be permitted within the particular zoning district. A burdened use is not required to provide screening to benefit a use within a zoning district that is determined to be a nonconforming use.
7. Fencing. Fencing used as screening shall comply with the regulations of Section 165.30 of this chapter. In the event of conflict with the Landscaping and Screening provisions, the provisions of Section 165.30 shall apply.
PLANTING LISTS
A – Small Trees (under 30 feet)
Crab Apple, flowering | Dogwood, alternate-leaf | Hawthorn, Washington |
Hornbeam, American | Ironwood (Hop Hornbeam) | Lilac, Japanese tree |
Magnolias, saucer and star | Maple, Amur | Plum, American |
Plum, American | Redbud | Serviceberry, downy |
Sumacs, staghorn & smooth | Willow, native pussy | Witch-hazel |
Other small tree species* |
B – Medium Trees (30 to 50 feet)
Birch, river | Buckeye, Ohio | Oak, shingle |
Linden, littleleaf | Maple, red | Other medium tree species* |
Pear, callery | Cherry, black |
C – Large Trees (50 to 100 feet)
Ash, green | Ash, white | Basswood (American linden) |
Ginkgo (male only) | Hackberry | Hickory, shagbark |
Kentucky coffee tree | Maple, hard (sugar & black) | Maple, Norway |
Oak, bur | Oak, red | Oak, swamp white |
Oak, white | Sycamore | Other large tree species* |
D – Evergreen Shrubs
Pine, mugo | Mountain Juniper | Yew, Japanese |
Savin Juniper | Techny Arborvitae | Globe Arborvitae |
Other evergreen shrubs* |
E – Medium Evergreen Trees (30 to 50 feet)
Arborvitae (white cedar) | Pine, limber | Red cedar, eastern |
Other medium evergreen trees* |
F – Large Evergreen Trees (50 to 100 feet)
Baldcypress | Douglas-fir | Fir, white (concolor) |
Hemlock, eastern | Larch, European | Pine, ponderosa |
Pine, red | Pine, white | Colorado Spruce (blue or green) |
Spruce, Norway | Spruces, white & Black Hills | Other large evergreen trees* |
G – Shrubs
Leadplant Amorpha | Indigobush Amorpha | American Hornbeam |
American Bittersweet | Buttonbush | Virginsbower |
Silky Dogwood | Gray Dogwood | Redosier Dogwood |
American Filbert | Winged Eounymus | Elderberry |
Junipers | Virginia Creeper | Ninebark |
Mugho Pine | Yews | Potentilla |
Nannyberry | American Plum | Viburnums |
Amur Chokecherry | Fragrant Sumac | Smooth Sumac |
American Black Currant | Missouri Gooseberry | Clove Currant |
Blackcap Raspberry | Pussy Willow | Spirea Japonica |
Western Snowberry | Indian Currant | Lilac |
Other shrub species* | ||
*Other tree/shrub species may be permitted provided they are determined by a registered landscape architect or INLA certified nursery or approved by the City of Pella Parks Director.
Table 165.31-2 Table of Screening Requirements
BENEFITED USE |
A1 | RR | R1 | R1A | R1B | R1C | R2 | R3 | R4 | CBD | CUC | CC | CPD | INS | M1 | M2 | Adjoining ROW | ||
BURDENED USE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
RR** | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
R1** | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | C | |
R1A** | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | C | |
R1B** | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | C | |
R1C** | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | C | |
R2** | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | C | |
R3** | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | B | C | |
R4** | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | B | C | |
CBD | N/A | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
CUC | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | C/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | B | C | |
CC | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | C | C | N/A | C | C | N/A | B | C | |
CPD | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | C | C | C | C | C | N/A | B | C | |
INS | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | C | C | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | B | C | |
M1 | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | B | B | B | B | B | B | B | C | C | C | |
M2 | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | B | B | B | B | B | B | B | N/A | N/A | C*** | |
All off-street parking areas & vehicular use areas (except single and two-family uses) | N/A | A | A | A | A | A | A | B | B | # | # | # | # | # | # | # | B | |
Please refer to Section 165.12 and the Zoning Map for information pertaining to specific zoning districts.
** Single and two-family residential are not required to screen between uses, but all other uses in RR, R1, R1A, R1B, R1C, and R3 Districts are required to provide screening between uses as shown above.
# A minimum of five (5) feet of greenspace area is required unless a greater width is required by other provisions of this section. Uses in the CBD and CUC Districts and other uses with a zero lot line setback may utilize a fence, masonry wall or other screen that meets Type A screen standards in lieu of the 5-foot greenspace.
*** M2 screening requirement for adjoining ROW (right of way) shall only apply to Gateway Corridor Overlay District right of ways.
(Ord. 681 - Oct. 05 Supp.) |
Table 165.31-2: Additional Requirements and Clarifications.
v For industrial districts, see Section 165.31(7) for special buffer yard and berming requirements.
v Burdened Use: The use which must provide the required screening.
v Benefited Use: The use from which the burdened use is screened.
v CBD uses which abut residential districts or residential uses established prior to the adoption date of the Zoning Ordinance in other commercial districts or in the CBD District shall be required to have a Type A Screen where adjacent to said use or district.
v CUC uses which abut residential districts or residential uses established prior to the adoption date of the Zoning Ordinance in other commercial districts or in the CUC District shall be required to have a Type A Screen where adjacent to said use or district.
v CC uses which abut residential districts or residential uses established prior to the adoption date of the Zoning Ordinance in other commercial districts or in the CC District shall be required to have a Type A Screen where adjacent said use or district.
8. Special Screening Requirements – Definitions. The following five basic types are hereby established and are to be used as the basis for screening requirements (unless modified elsewhere in this chapter) as established for the uses herein described.
A. Berms. A berm screen constructed of earthen materials not to exceed a slope of steeper than 3:1. A berm shall be so designed that drainage from said slope shall be directed away from paved areas and sidewalks with the berm being sodded and landscaped as necessary to provide soil stabilization. Additional plantings shall be added to provide an effective screen at least six feet (6') in height within five (5) growing seasons after installation. Berms shall be a minimum of thirty (30) inches in height or greater in height as required by screen type and this section. No berm shall be installed in the sight corner visibility area as defined in subsection 14 of this Section 165.31. All berms shall be designed such that at least 25% of the berm perimeter at ground level shall be curved or otherwise varied from a straight line and at least 25% of the berm height shall be four feet (4') in height.
B. Fence, Open. An open weave or mesh type fence constructed of wood or other approved material shall be combined with plant materials to form an effective screen not less than six feet (6') in height within five (5) growing seasons after initial installation.
C. Fence, Solid. A solid fence screen shall be not less than six feet (6') in height except where front yard restrictions limit fence height to four feet (4') and shall be constructed of wood or other approved materials and shall form an effective opaque screen.
D. Planting Screen. A planting screen shall consist of compact evergreen plants or other suitable plants as determined by the Planting Lists. They shall be of a kind, or used in such a manner, so as to provide an effective screen at least six feet (6') in height within five (5) growing seasons after initial installation. A planting screen intended for parking lot screenings shall have a minimum height of three feet (3') within five (5) growing seasons except for parking lot screening adjacent residential areas which shall have a minimum of six (6') feet of height.
E. Walls. A wall screen shall consist of concrete, stone, brick, tile or similar type of approved masonry material and shall form an effective opaque screen not less than six feet (6') in height with a maximum height of seven feet (7'). Where other City Codes or policies conflict with this height standard for walls, those Codes or policies shall apply and screening other than walls shall be used to satisfy the screening requirements herein.
9. Special Screening Requirements – Application. Screening in accordance with the above defined types of screens shall be provided to a height of six feet (6') and a minimum fifty percent (50%) opacity or greater as required by Table 165.31-2 or this section for the following uses:
A. Off-Street Parking Areas. Any off-street parking areas which abut residential districts except for the R-3 or R-4 Districts shall be screened with a Type A Screen consisting of a 100% opaque screen with a minimum height of six feet (6'). Off-street parking areas that abut the R-3 or R-4 Districts shall consist of at least a Type B Screen. Parking areas in R-3 or R-4 Districts which abut lesser residential districts must provide Type A Screening where they abut lesser residential districts.
B. Off-Street Loading Areas. All off-street loading areas that abut or front on an R-3 or R-4 residential zoning district shall be permanently screened from view along the abutting property lines. Loading areas for any use may not abut or front on an R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C or R-2 District.
10. Berming and Buffer Yard Area for Industrial Districts – Residential Adjacency. Berming along public right-of-ways shall be required in the M1 and M2 Industrial Districts where residential districts or residential uses established prior to the adoption date of this Zoning Ordinance are adjacent on the same right-of-way. Said berming shall be in accordance with standards for berms per this section and in addition to the other landscaping requirements of this section. The following buffer yard area standards shall apply to industrial districts in addition to the other landscaping requirements in this section:
A. A 40-foot buffer yard is required for all M1 District perimeter property lines which abut any residential districts.
B. An 80-foot buffer yard is required for all M2 District perimeter property lines which abut any residential districts.
11. Screening for Accessory Structures in Institutional Districts – Residential Adjacency. A Type A screen is required where new accessory structures in institutional zoning districts are located or constructed within 200 feet of any residential use or residential zoning district. Said screen shall provide a visual buffer between the accessory structure and the adjacent residential use or residential zoning district.
12. Screening Standards.
A. Application – Residential Adjacency. Screening per subsections 5 through 9 of this Section 165.31 is required between adjacent residential zoning districts or residential uses established prior to the adoption date of this Zoning Ordinance regardless of zoning district when one or more of the following conditions is directly visible from and faces toward the boundary of a residential zoning district or is adjacent to a residential use established prior to the adoption date of this Zoning Ordinance in a nonresidential zoning district:
(1) Outdoor storage areas or storage tanks, unless otherwise screened.
(2) Loading docks, refuse collection points and other service areas.
(3) Major machinery or areas housing a manufacturing process.
(4) Major on-site traffic circulation areas or truck and/or trailer parking.
B. Opaque Barrier. A minimum six-foot opaque barrier shall be provided which visually screens the conditions listed in paragraph A of this subsection from less intensive uses as follows:
(1) A solid wood and/or masonry fence or wall at least six (6) feet in height but not to exceed seven (7) feet. Where other City Codes or policies conflict with this height standard, those Codes or policies shall apply and another form of screening other than fences or walls shall be used to satisfy the landscaping requirements herein.
(2) A landscaping screen, using evergreen or deciduous materials, capable of providing a substantially opaque, hedge-like barrier and attaining a minimum height of six (6) feet within five years of planting.
(3) A landscaped earth berm with a maximum slope of three to one, rising no less than six (6) feet above the existing grade of the lot line separating the zoning districts.
(4) Any combination of these methods that achieves a cumulative height of six (6) feet.
C. Trash Dumpster Enclosure for New Developments. For new developments or building additions which are required to submit a site plan, any trash dumpsters stored outside a building shall be enclosed by a 6-foot tall opaque screen. Generally, said dumpster screening shall be composed of a solid wood and/or masonry fence or wall. Other materials, including berming and evergreen landscaping, may be utilized for the trash dumpster enclosure provided a 100% opaque (year round) screen is achieved. Trash dumpsters shall not be located in the required front yard.
D. Location of Screening Wall and/or Landscaping. A screening wall fence and/or landscaping shall be installed on the more intensive zoning district property line side.
E. Screening; Effect on Drainage. Screening shall not adversely affect surface water drainage.
13. Tree Plantings.
A. All trees, shrubs, hedges and decorative items placed or planted along any street or alley shall be placed a minimum of five feet (5') from the property line while maintaining sight corner visibility. Such placing or planting cannot be located between the street curb and the property line except within the CBD Zoning District where approved by the Public Works Director. As an exception to this requirement, the Public Works Director may permit landscaping in the right-of-way if it is City landscaping or landscaping as part of a Gateway Corridor Overlay District or landscaping in the R1C District. In no case, however, shall landscaping pose a traffic safety hazard.
B. Each property owner is responsible to trim trees, hedges and shrubs that interfere with sidewalk right-of-ways and/or the safety of pedestrians. All branches or foliage shall be trimmed to at least eight feet (8') above the sidewalk surface and twelve feet (12') above the street surface. All placed or planted items shall maintain the sight corner visibility.
C. The City electric utility and any other properly franchised public utility is granted permission to trim or cut any trees that interfere with public utility lines.
D. All property owners are responsible for all trees except those that are dead or dying within the City right-of-way. The City may trim trees for traffic control or utility service provision.
E. The owner, occupant or agent in charge of any property shall, at his or her own expense, remove all dead wood or limbs from elm trees and any other tree otherwise diseased or having dead limbs. Removal of any diseased or dead tree or limb shall be completed within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice to remove the diseased or dead item. If the owner, occupant or agent in charge of any property fails to comply with written notice ordering the removal of any dead or diseased tree, bush, wood or debris, the City Council shall have the item removed and the cost to do so shall be assessed against the property. If an assessment for removal of dead or diseased items is not promptly paid (within sixty [60] days), the City Clerk shall certify the costs of removal to the County Treasurer, and such costs shall be collected with and in the same manner as general property taxes.
14. Sight Corner Visibility. On a corner lot, nothing shall be erected, placed, planted or allowed to grow in such a manner as to impede vision between a height of two and one-half feet (2½') and twelve feet (12') above the surface of the street described as follows: an area forming a triangle bounded by the street right-of-way lines or property lines of a corner lot and a straight line joining points on the right-of-way lines twenty-five feet (25’) from the point of intersection of the right-of-way or property lines.
15. Gateway Corridor Overlay District Standards. The requirements for the Gateway Corridor Overlay District are based on the Washington Street/Vermeer Road Visual Quality Study and are intended to protect and enhance property values and provide a high level of visual aesthetics as one enters Pella. In particular, they are intended to help these corridors maintain a quaint and beautified appearance as new development and redevelopment occurs. The following standards shall apply to the Gateway Corridor Overlay District and be utilized in conjunction with the other requirements contained in this chapter except that these right-of-way or streetscape requirements shall be used in lieu of the standard “Type C” right-of-way screening. All other screening requirements in this chapter shall apply (parking landscaping, buffer landscaping, etc.).
A. Overstory Trees. Large overstory trees shall be placed along both sides of Washington Street 100 feet on center from 230 feet east of West 15th Street to 220 feet west of West 5th Street. Large overstory trees shall be selected from the following plant palette:
Black Maple | Northern Pin Oak | Red Oak |
Norway Maple | White Ash | Bur Oak |
Red Maple | Green Ash | Pin Oak |
Black Oak | Ginkgo (male only) | Honeylocust |
American Linden | Silver Maple | Kentucky Coffeetree |
Littleleaf Linden | Sugar Maple | Black Walnut |
Horsechestnut | Ohio Buckeye | River Birch |
Eastern Poplar | Sycamore | White Oak |
Shagbark Hickory | Bitternut Hickory | Hackberry |
Medium overstory trees shall be placed along both sides of Washington Street 50 feet on center from West 5th Street to Hazel Street except between West 1st Street to East 1st Street. Medium overstory trees shall be placed on the north side of Washington Street only between West 1st Street and Broadway Street and between Main Street and East 1st Street. Medium overstory trees shall be selected from the following plant palette:
Black Maple | Honeylocust | Norway Maple |
Sycamore | Red Maple | White Oak |
Sugar Maple | Red Oak | Hackberry |
Bur Oak | White Ash | Black Oak |
Green Ash | American Linden | Ginkgo (male only) |
Littleleaf Linden |
Large overstory trees shall be placed along both sides of Vermeer Road 100 feet on center from Hazel Street to Highway 102.
B. Ornamental Trees Ornamental understory trees shall be placed around the back side of entry features, the back side of seating areas, and to the outside of the sidewalk at varying intervals along Vermeer Road east of 240th Place to Highway 102. Ornamental understory trees shall be selected from the following plant palette:
Amur Maple | Flame Crab | European Alder |
Siberian Crab | Speckled Alder | Cherry Crab |
Hazel Alder | Crabapple | Juneberry |
Ironwood | Allegany Serviceberry | Bird Cherry |
Eastern Redbud | Wild Red Cherry | Cockspur |
Black Cherry | Beauty Crab | Common Chokecherry |
Dolgo Crab | European Mountain Ash | Showy Mountain Ash |
The wall along the north side of Vermeer Road from 240th Place to Highway 102 shall have niches for planting of ornamental understory trees.
C. Groundcover.
(1) Ornamental plantings shall be placed at all four corners of street intersections from West 5th Street to Hazel Street. The ornamental plantings shall fill the areas bordered by the street corner and the intersecting sidewalks. Species for ornamental plantings (groundcover) shall be chosen from the shrub species lists (Planting List G).
(2) Ornamental plantings shall be placed in three-foot wide strips on either side of Washington Street from West 5th Street to Hazel Street. The planting strips shall be two feet off of back of curb. Species for ornamental plantings (groundcover) shall be chosen from the shrub species lists (Planting List G).
(3) Ornamental plantings shall be placed at entry features. The planting areas shall match the placement and width of the colored concrete pavers in the street. The planting areas shall fill the areas between the sidewalk and the street. Species for ornamental plantings (groundcover) shall be chosen from the shrub species lists (Planting List G).
D. Variations Based on Land Use – Interchange Area.
(1) Large overstory trees shall be placed in rows 55 feet on center on the north side of Washington Street on both sides of Highway 163. The tree rows shall be spaced 100 feet apart and run perpendicular to the centerline of Washington Street. Each row shall tie into the street tree spacing along Washington Street except for the furthest west row. The furthest west row shall begin 195 feet from the centerline of Washington Street. The second furthest row of trees shall be omitted to allow for a view corridor for the entry feature on Washington Street.
(2) Ornamental plantings shall be placed in rows ten feet wide. The ornamental planting rows shall be spaced 100 feet apart, and run perpendicular to the centerline of Washington Street. Each row shall extend from the edge of pavement to either the end of a row of trees, to the right-of-way of Highway 163, or to the edge of pavement. Species for ornamental plantings (groundcover) shall be chosen from the shrub species lists (Planting List G).
16. Time of Application. The provisions contained in this section shall be applied for each individual lot or site when an application for a site plan review on such lot is made. A Landscape Plan shall be submitted with each application. Such plan shall be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator for compliance with the provisions of this section.
17. Maintenance of Required Landscaping. The owner, tenant and agent, if any, shall be jointly and severally responsible for the maintenance of all landscaping which shall be maintained in good condition so as to present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance and shall be kept free from refuse and debris. If replacement is necessary, all plants and other non-living landscape materials shall be equal in size, density and appearance as originally required at the time of application approval.
18. Administrative Provisions.
A. All trees, hedges, shrubs, and other decorative items such as fence posts and ornamental placements placed or planted along the streets shall be uniformly located. All trees, hedges, shrubs and vegetative growth shall be trimmed or cut as directed by the Building Official.
B. No trees, hedges, shrubs, or vegetative growth shall be placed between the street curb and the property line that will attain a height of 30 inches or more except for the Gateway Corridor District when it is determined by the Public Works Director that no sight visibility hazard would be created. At the discretion of City Council, pursuant to application of petition by individuals or the City, and review by the City of Pella staff, trees may be permitted in the right-of-way in other locations besides the Gateway Corridor District.
C. Any plantings or decorative items which are considered a safety hazard, which interfere with public utility lines, shall be removed within 30 days upon written notice by the Building Official to the property owner. If the property owner refuses to remove the specified item, the cost of removal shall be assessed against the property owner in accordance with Section 364.12(2)(c) of the Code of Iowa. The property owner may appeal the decision of the Building Official to the City Council.
D. The Building Official is empowered to have any noxious weeds removed from public or private property. The Building Official is empowered to have any dense growth of weeds, grass, vines, brush or other vegetation in the City which may constitute a health, safety or fire hazard to be trimmed, cut or removed as determined by the Building Official. All growths of grass or weeds in excess of 12" in height shall be deemed as a nuisance. Exempt from this requirement are growths on agricultural property pursuant to the Conservation Reserve Program, and growths used primarily for educational and/or research purposes, so long as the growths are controlled.
E. The Building Official is empowered to have trees infected with Dutch Elm Disease removed or any other trees determined to be dangerous to person or property.