§ 152.527 ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF COMPLIANCE.
   (A)   Alternative landscaping plans, plant materials or planting methods may be used where unreasonable or impractical situations would result from strict application of landscaping requirements or where necessary to protect existing . Such situations may result from streams, natural rock formations, topography, protected riparian locations, other physical conditions; or from configuration, utility or unusual site conditions. Alternative landscaping plans may propose different plant materials, methods and locations if the quality, effectiveness, durability and performance are equivalent to that required by this section. Sufficient evidence or proof shall be required with alternative landscaping plans to substantiate any claim that may be made regarding the proposed plans, materials or methods. Alternative plans shall be considered for approval as part of the normal site or plan approval process.
   (B)   A combination of natural , , walls, stones and berms may be utilized to achieve the requirements of this section provided that the following standards are met:
      (1)   Walls (a minimum of five feet in height), or an opaque (a minimum of five feet in height) may be used to reduce the width of a required   , excluding the streetscape bufferyard.
      (2)   Understory trees may be substituted for canopy trees if, in the opinion of the Town Planner upon conferring with the electrical utility provider, a conflict exists with overhead utility lines.
      (3)   Wall planters shall be constructed of masonry, stone or pressure treated lumber and shall have a minimum height of 30 inches. The minimum height of shrubs in wall planters shall be 12 inches. The effective planting space of the wall planter shall be four feet in width. The minimum height of trees in wall planters shall be six feet. The effective planting space of the wall planter shall be seven feet in width.
      (4)   Any berm utilized for screening purposes shall comply with the standards and requirements of § 152.530 Other Landscaping Requirements.
(Ord. 2005-O3, passed 3-15-2005) (Am. Ord. 2005-O8, passed 7-19-2005; Am. Ord. 2013-O15, passed 7-16-2013)