(a) Landscaping. Landscaping as stated below shall be required for all single-family, multifamily and Planned Unit Residential Development (PURD) prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Extensions of up to ninety days may be granted to take advantage of optimal planting conditions. Individually or custom constructed residences shall provide landscaping within ninety days after the certificate of temporary occupancy is issued.
(b) PURD and Subdivision Perimeter Landscaping.
(1) Perimeter Plant Material. Perimeter plant material shall be provided on the perimeter of subdivision development when adjacent to a public or private street as follows:
A. A buffer area shall be provided adjacent to the road or right-of-way. The width of the buffer area is at the discretion of the Landscape Architect to meet the objective of the buffer. Placement of material should avoid conflicts with drainage and utility easements.
B. Street trees shall be provided at a minimum rate of four trees per 100 linear feet of subdivision perimeter.
C. Small and medium shrubs shall be provided at a minimum rate of ten per 100 linear feet of perimeter planting. Plantings shall include an equal mix of deciduous and evergreen material, and species grouped in clusters to create a natural appearance.
D. The required number of trees and shrubs shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
(2) Perimeter Fences/Walls/Mounds. One of the following buffering options shall be required in addition to the plant material (reference Section 726.05).
A. Decorative perimeter fences/walls combined with plant material. Fencing/walls must be provided by the developer and located within the boundary of the subject property. Material shall complement that of the proposed development and is subject to review by the Architectural Review Board. Landscaping shall be placed on the right-of-way side of the fence/wall.
B. Earthen mounds combined with plant material, and may be combined with fences or walls. Mounds shall be located within the boundary of the subject property. Mounds shall be a minimum of three feet in height. Maximum side slope shall not exceed a three to one (3:1) ratio. Continuous mounds are not permitted.
(c) Individual Residential Lots. The minimum landscape package for front and side yards shall be consistent with Section 771.50, Schedule 2 and the following:
(1) Minimum number of shrubs is the total required for the side and front yard combined.
(2) Existing trees in the front yard may satisfy the minimum landscaping requirements. For an existing tree to qualify, it must have a minimum caliper size of two inches measured six inches above the root flare and be alive and intact upon completion of construction and final lot grading.
(3) Proper planning shall ensure that the drip line diameter of trees at maturity shall not encroach upon adjacent lots.
(4) Plant material shall be placed outside of the visibility triangle on comer lots (Section 771.10 (c)). A clear visibility zone between thirty-six inches and eight feet in height shall be maintained by the property owner.
(Ord. 41-10. Passed 9-26-11.)