1253.06 DESIGN CRITERIA.
Landscape Plans described above shall be prepared based on the following design criteria. The evaluation and approval of Landscape Plans shall also be based on these design criteria.
A. Scale and Nature of Landscaping Material. The scale and nature of landscaping materials should be appropriate to the size of the structures. Large scaled buildings, for example, should generally be complemented by larger scaled plants.
B. Selection of Plant Material. Plant material should be selected for its form, texture, color, and concern for its ultimate growth.
C. Evergreens and Screening. Evergreens and fences should be incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site, particularly in those areas screening parking lots, storage or other similar features from dedicated public rights-of-way or property zoned for residential use.
D. Shade Trees. Required shade trees planted on private property shall have a minimum trunk size of two (2) inches in diameter upon installation, as measured six (6) inches above the established ground level.
E. Softening of Walls and Fences. Plant material should be placed intermittently against long expanses of building walls, fences, and other barriers to create a softening effect.
F. Foundation Planting. Foundation planting is required on all elevations of the main house for new residential construction projects. Such landscaping is intended to screen the building’s foundation. The majority of selected plants must be mostly at least two (2) feet tall, and of an amount and type that are subject to approval by the Zoning Administrator as part of the Landscape Plan.
F. Planting Beds. Planting beds should be mulched with bark chips, feather rocks, mulch, or similar materials.
G. Detention/Retention Basins and Ponds. Detention/retention basins and ponds shall be landscaped. Such landscaping should include shade and ornamental trees, evergreens, shrubbery, hedges, and/or other planting materials.
H. Irrigation. A permanent means of irrigating plant material shall be provided. A hose bib shall be provided within one hundred (100) feet of all landscape areas. Installation of an automatic underground sprinkling system is recommended but not required.
I. Energy Conservation. The following criteria is not required however, the City encourages such consideration.
1. Deciduous trees should be placed on the south and west sides of buildings to provide shade from the summer sun.
2. Evergreens and other plant materials should be concentrated on the north side of buildings to dissipate the effect of winter winds.
J. Preservation of Existing Plant Material and Trees. Existing plant material and trees should, wherever practical as determined by the Zoning Administrator, be incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site.
K. Berming. Earthen berms and existing topography should be, whenever determined practical by the Zoning Administrator, incorporated into the landscape treatment of a site, particularly when combined with plant material to facilitate screening.