(A) Existing vegetation.
(1) Existing vegetation shall not be removed or disturbed until the Village of Pinckney has approved the required landscape plan, final site plan and land use permit.
(2) Existing, healthy, native vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum degree practical, especially trees eight inches or more in diameter at breast height.
(3) Planting requirements may be waived if the existing vegetation to be retained on the site meets or exceeds the standards set forth in this subchapter.
(B) Quality. Plant materials shall be of generally acceptable varieties and species, free from insects and diseases, hardy to southeast Michigan and shall conform to the current minimum standards of the American Association of Nurserymen.
(C) Composition.
(1) Plantings shall be clustered and staggered rather than situated in straight rows for interest and variety unless the placement is an integral part of a design element, such as an alley of trees.
(2) A mixture of plant materials is recommended as a protective measure against insect and disease infestation. However, a limited mix of hardy species is recommended rather than a large number of different species to produce a more cohesive and orderly design.
(D) Ground cover. All landscaped areas that do not contain trees, shrubs or planting beds shall be covered with living ground cover (including grass) and/or organic mulch. Stone or aggregate shall not be accepted as a ground cover. Ground cover shall be planted in sufficient quantity to present a finished appearance within one growing season and shall not exceed 18 inches in height at maturity.
(E) Berms.
(1) Height. Berms shall be at least two and one-half feet in height and no more than five feet in height, as measured on the side of the proposed berm having the highest finished grade.
(2) Side slopes. Side slopes shall be no steeper than one vertical foot for every three horizontal feet, and shall be designed and planted to prevent erosion. Side slopes shall be planted with naturalized groupings as required for landscape buffers herein.
(3) Shape. Berms shall be constructed with a rounded surface at least two feet in width at the highest point and extending the length of the berm. In general, the shape of berms shall appear to be as natural as possible.
(F) Visibility at road intersections. All plant materials and structural landscape elements within a vision clearance area shall comply with § 152.261(E).
(G) Curb stops. A curb or wheelstop may be required along interior parking lot landscape islands, perimeter landscape strips and landscapes adjacent to road rights-of-way to prevent vehicles from damaging plants and structural landscape elements.
(H) Dumpsters. Dumpsters shall be located and screened in accordance with § 152.262(M).
(I) Inspection. It shall be the property owner or developer's responsibility to request a landscape inspection by the Zoning Administrator within ten to 14 months after land use permit approval, to assure full compliance with the approved site plan.
(Ord. 37, passed 8-28-2005)