(A) Purpose. The purpose of landscaping street frontages and perimeters is to soften the visual impact of development from public view and adjacent property and to enhance the appearance of the town.
(B) Trees, shrubs, grass and ground cover. Shrubs must be selected to provide visual interest, and screen fewer desirable elements of the project. The species used must take into consideration the site's growing conditions and existing vegetation types. While a variety of species is desirable for texture and color, emphasis must be given to overall order and continuity of the landscape plan. Seasonal availability and planting time period also need to be considered. The number of plants will be determined by the scope of the project and the function of the landscaping. A variety of sizes is desirable to create a "layered" appearance for visual interest and a sense of depth. Placement of shrubs must also take into account the location of existing mature trees so as not to damage tree roots. Proper spacing and location are required to allow for plants to reach their mature size and natural shape while avoiding excessive or unnatural pruning. All landscaping (trees, shrubs, grass and ground cover) are to be submitted and subject to the South Congaree Architectural Review Board's approval.
(C) Landscape plan required.
(1) Landscaping, planting of new vegetation, is to be used to supplement the existing vegetation and provide for a harmonious setting for the site's structures, parking areas or other construction. The landscape will contain four basic elements:
(a) Trees;
(b) Shrubs;
(c) Groundcovers; and
(d) Buffers.
(2) It requires landscaping between dissimilar land uses, along public rights-of-way, and within and around parking areas. A minimum overall tree coverage based on tree diameter is required, which may be met with existing and/or new trees. Screening for loading, trash collection, display areas, and utility areas is required. Landscape plans are required for all new development and certain renovations and expansions.
(D) (1) Required design elements.
(a) Parcel(s) that adjoin or front all proposed, future, private and public streets shall have a minimum street frontage depth of ten (10) feet. Measurements shall begin at the property line and extend toward the interior of the parcel(s).
(b) Large broad-leaved canopy trees shall average at least one tree per 35 feet or portion thereof. Placement shall be within 20 feet of the street frontage property line.
(c) Perimeter (sides and rear) landscape areas shall be a minimum of five (5) feet wide and are required when the surface parking lot can be viewed by adjoining property or street right-of-way.
(d) The street frontage, perimeter and perimeter landscape zones shall be reserved for landscaping materials only and landscaping shall be planted over the entire landscape zone.
(2) Plans are to be submitted and subject to the South Congaree Architectural Review Board's approval.
(Ord. 2019-10, passed 12-10-2019)