(a) Topsoil Preservation. A permit shall be required prior to the clearing, grading, transportation, or other movement of soil or earth. A detailed sketch plan showing all property lines, acreage, zoning, proposed utilities and structures, existing utilities and structures, soil type, adjacent land uses, and flood plains shall be provided. A topsoil preservation permit shall not be required for roto-tilling, planting, or other activity typically associated with privately maintained residential lots and gardens. Topsoil moved during construction shall be redistributed on all re-graded surfaces to provide a minimum of six inches of even cover throughout the development area, and shall be stabilized following final grading using seed, sod, hydro-seed, or other vegetation. During construction, erosion control devices, including silt fences, hay bails, and tarps, shall be used to prevent destabilized soils from being washed or blown from the site. All erosion control measures shall be approved by the Village Engineer prior to beginning construction.
(b) Protection of Existing Plantings and Natural Features. A minimum of ten percent of the natural features of the site, including trees, rare plants, watercourses, historic areas, and other irreplaceable assets, shall be maintained. This requirement is in addition to all other required land donations. Temporary material and soil deposit may not be placed within five feet of shrubs or within ten feet of the drip line of any tree designated to be retained on the landscape plan. Protective barriers and tree wells shall be installed around all plants, trees, and/or groups thereof that are to be retained. Barriers shall be at least four feet in height and constructed of durable materials and are to remain in place until construction is completed.
(c) Debris Removal. All stumps, tree parts, litter, brush, weeds, scrap or excess building materials, or other debris, shall be removed from the site prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit. No tree stumps, tree parts, or other debris shall be buried anywhere in the development. Plant and tree material which is reduced to mulch may be used in landscaping areas, subject to Village Engineer approval.
(d) Slope Plantings. Landscaping of terraces, cuts, and fills shall be done using plant materials shown to prevent soil erosion. All slopes greater than twenty-five percent shall be landscaped with ground cover and materials appropriate for the type of planting, soil conditions, and the surrounding environment.
(e) Additional Landscaping. All areas not covered by site improvements shall be landscaped with grass, shrubs, trees or ground cover, or a combination thereof, in accordance with the approved landscape plan. In addition to the required ground cover, street trees, and screening, additional landscaping elements and plantings may be required where necessary for climate control, privacy, or other reasons in accordance with the landscape plan.
(f) Planting Specifications. Only nursery grown plant materials shall be installed within new developments and along Municipal rights of way. All landscaping shall be done following approval of the final grading by the Village Engineer.
Deciduous trees shall have a minimum two and one-half-inch caliper, measured thirty-six inches above the root ball at planting. The size of bushes and evergreens shall be allowed to vary depending on the location and type of planting to be used.
All planting materials shall be guaranteed by the developer for a minimum of one year from the time of planting. Any dead and/or dying trees or plants at that time shall be removed and replaced by the developer.
(g) Plant Species. The species of plantings shall be selected from those determined to be tolerant of a hardiness zone of five, as designated by the United States Department of Agriculture.
The Planning Department shall maintain a base list of appropriate plant species. (Alternative species may be permitted subject to Planning Department approval.)
(Ord. 940. Passed 4-14-97.)