The following identifies the minimum landscape and screening standard requirements for all developments.
(a) Installation Timing. All plantings and landscaping shall be required to be installed prior to occupancy of the principal building or use. The Village Administrator shall have the authority to provide for an extension of six (6) months to plant any landscaping after occupancy due to weather conditions being prohibitive for the planting of plant materials. Failure to install by such timeline shall be considered a violation of this code.
(b) Plant Materials.
(1) All plant material shall be sound, healthy, live plants installed and maintained in accordance with acceptable nursery industry procedures.
(2) Shrubs shall be installed at a minimum height of two (2) feet.
(3) Trees.
A. Evergreen trees shall be installed at a minimum height of six (6) feet.
B. Shade (deciduous or canopy) trees shall be installed at a minimum caliper of two (2) inches as measured at the diameter at breast height (DBH).
C. Ornamental trees shall be installed at a minimum caliper of one and one-half (1½) inches at DBH.
D. Trees that drop fruits, berries, or seeds shall be prohibited from use as part of any landscaping requirement where the tree or its canopy will hang over vehicular use areas, sidewalks, or other paved areas.
E. Invasive species identified in OAC 901:5-30-01 shall be prohibited.
F. Trees should be pollution resistant.
G. For developments that require over twenty (20) trees, there shall be diversity in plant choices to help curtail the spread of disease or insect infestation in a plant species.
(4) Any trees, shrubs, or landscaping materials used to meet the standards of this chapter shall be required to meet the height and size standards of this section. Any trees, shrubs, or landscaping materials incorporated onto a site that exceeds the amount required by this chapter may be of any size.
(c) Accessways. Necessary accessways shall be permitted to traverse required landscaping and screening areas. The width of such accessways shall not be subtracted from the linear dimensions used to determine the minimum number of trees and shrubs required in this chapter.
(d) Fencing and Walls.
(1) All fencing or walls used for screening purposes shall not exceed the height of fences and walls allowed in Section 1113.05 and shall be 100 percent in opacity.
(3) All fences used to meet the landscaping requirements of this chapter shall extend two (2) inches above the ground grade.
(4) Materials and colors used for walls shall be similar or complementary to the principal building on the lot.
(e) Location.
(1) No trees shall be planted directly over any storm or sanitary sewers.
(2) All required landscaping and screening materials shall be installed on the subject property requiring the landscaping and screening.
(3) Perimeter landscaping and/or landscaped areas used for screening shall have a minimum width of five (5) feet.
(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)