1. Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to improve the aesthetic appeal of parking lots, minimize impervious surface coverage, and create functional green space that reduces the heat island effect and facilitates stormwater management.
2. Tree Canopy Coverage. Tree plantings shall be located within perimeter yards and interior landscape islands such that shade canopy is provided for a minimum of 40% of the parking area hardscape, including all parking spaces, travel lanes, and other impervious areas not exempted by this Section. Refer to Figure 156.09.E-A. Tree Canopy Coverage.
a. Calculation. Coverage credit for each tree shall be calculated using the projected full canopy width at maturity. Coverage credit for trees planted in perimeter landscape or buffer yards shall be credited in the amount that such plantings cover the parking area hardscape. Refer to South Elgin Tree Species List for canopy coverage estimates.
b. Loading Areas. Designated loading areas shall not be included in the total hardscape amount for the purpose of this requirement.
c. Solar Energy Collection Systems. Any portion of this requirement may be met through installation of solar energy systems that provide shade to the parking area, with the approval of the Zoning Administrator, and in compliance with this Ordinance.
d. Modification of Requirements. The Zoning Administrator may modify shading requirements for sites located under power lines or other obstructions that prohibit strict compliance, and grant credit for new off-site trees provided in lieu of required on-site plantings, where appropriate.
3. Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape. Refer to Figure 156.09.E-B. Location of Landscape Requirements and Figure 156.09.E-C. Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape.
a. Applicability. The requirements of this Section apply to properties in all zoning districts on which a parking lot is located adjacent to the front or corner side lot line, and to other uses as established in Section 156.07 (Uses).
b. Landscape Requirements.
(1) Location. The parking lot perimeter landscape shall be located directly adjacent to the front or corner side lot line.
(2) Minimum Parking Lot Perimeter Landscape. A parking lot perimeter landscape with a minimum depth of eight feet is required along the length of the parking lot that abuts the front or corner side lot line, excluding any driveways.
(3) Landscape Elements. The parking lot perimeter landscape shall meet all standards of § 156.09.C (Design, Installation, and Maintenance) and include all of the following:
i. A continuous hedge comprised of individual small shrubs of an appropriate species that are adaptable to being grown as a hedge, with a minimum width of 24 inches, spaced 36 inches on center, and maximum height at maturity of 30 to 42 inches.
ii. One large shade tree per 30 linear feet or one medium shade tree per 25 linear feet of perimeter area, or any combination thereof. Trees may be spaced evenly or grouped.
iii. A minimum volume of 1,000 cubic feet of structural soil is required per large shade tree, or 750 cubic feet per medium shade tree, to accommodate subsurface root expansion. Whenever possible, tree plantings should be located to connect subsurface root spaces. A minimum soil depth of 36 inches and minimum planting bed width of six feet is required for all tree planting areas, per § 156.09.C.1.b (Soil Requirements).
iv. Any portion of the parking lot perimeter landscape not covered by hedges and trees shall be planted with turf, clump or no-mow grasses, other perennial groundcover, or mulched.
(4) Fence. Fencing may be installed to further screen the parking lot from view of the street and shall be subject to the following.
i. he fence shall be located a minimum of two feet from the back of the parking lot curb to allow for vehicle overhang. The required parking lot perimeter landscape shall be located between the fence and sidewalk to provide visual interest from the street.
ii. The fence shall be a minimum height of three feet and maximum height of four feet.
iii. A paved opening with a minimum width of three feet shall be provided at least every 50 feet to allow pedestrian access to the parking lot.
iv. Ornamental metal, masonry, and wood are permitted materials. Chain link is prohibited.
4. Parking Lot Interior Landscape. Refer to Figure 156.09.E-D. Parking Lot Interior Landscape and Figure 156.09.E-B. Location of Landscape Requirements.
a. Landscape Island Requirements.
(1) Spacing. One landscape island shall be provided for every ten contiguous parking spaces. All rows of parking shall be terminated by a landscape island or landscape area.
(2) Size. For a single parking row, the landscape island shall have a minimum length equal to the length of the adjacent parking stall and a minimum area of 100 square feet. When double rows of parking are provided, the required landscape islands shall have a minimum length equal to the total length of the adjacent parking stalls and a minimum area of 200 square feet.
(3) Alternate Configuration. In conjunction with landscape plan approval, the Zoning Administrator may permit a different configuration of landscape islands and landscape areas to allow for more efficient site design or permit larger landscape areas that support tree health or stormwater management objectives. However, the overall area and number of plantings required for landscape islands pursuant to this Section shall be met.
(4) Trees. A minimum of one shade tree shall be provided per landscape island. Landscape islands provided for double rows of parking shall include a minimum of two shade trees.
(5) Structural Soil. A minimum volume of 1,000 cubic feet of structural soil is required per large shade tree, or 750 cubic feet per medium shade tree, to accommodate subsurface root expansion. Whenever possible, tree plantings should be located to connect subsurface root spaces. A minimum soil depth of 36 inches and minimum planting bed width of six feet is required for all tree planting areas, per § 156.09.C.1.b (Soil Requirements).
(6) Groundcover. A minimum of 80% of each landscape island shall be planted with turf or other live groundcover, perennials, or ornamental or native grasses. Shrubs shall not be permitted in landscape islands.
(7) Curbing. Landscape islands shall be protected with concrete curbing, have a minimum height of six inches as measured from the parking lot surface. Curbing may contain inlets to accept drainage, unless it is determined by the Zoning Administrator that inlets would result in greater runoff volume inflow than could be supported by the landscape island. Wheel stops and other alternate landscape protections may be approved by the Zoning Administrator to facilitate certain stormwater management facilities. Refer to Figure 156.09.E-E. Curb Inlet Design.
