(A) Design standards — planting.
(1) All trees and shrubs required by this subchapter shall be selected from the list in the village's tree ordinance.
(2) Plant material shall be installed prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit or the commencement of a use. If such installation would not coincide with the optimal planting season, planting may be delayed after a conditional occupancy permit is issued conditioned on installation by the following November 1 or June 1, whichever date is first.
(3) The required trees and shrubs may be clustered or grouped in a natural arrangement within the buffer area.
(4) Tree species in the immediate proximity of overhead utilities shall have mature heights less than the height of the utilities.
(5) All trees shall be a minimum diameter of two inches caliper when planted, and all shrubs shall be a minimum container size of three gallons when planted, unless approved, or otherwise specified.
(6) Shrubs or fences adjacent to entry drives or where necessary visibility from a vehicle may be obstructed shall have a mature height of not more than 30 inches. Plantings along the street shall not obstruct the site distance of oncoming vehicles.
(B) Design standards — fences.
(1) (a) Decorative fences shall be at least 75% percent opaque and shall consist of:
1. Treated wood or naturally resistant wood such as redwood, cypress, or cedar;
2. Decorative split face concrete blocks;
3. Masonry;
4, Recycled material which replicates any of the above materials.
(b) All material shall be compatible with the materials and architectural treatment of the building and surrounding neighborhood.
(2) Any wall or fence more than 40 feet in length shall have a shrub or vine every 20 feet. A masonry or concrete wall shall have a significant design variation every 20 feet.
(3) Braces, supports or posts shall be located on the side of the property providing the screening.
(4) Fences shall not exceed ten feet in height.
(C) Standards for maintenance.
(1) Planting areas shall be kept free of trash, litter, and weeds.
(2) The owner shall maintain all trees adjacent to pedestrian and vehicular spaces. Trees shall be maintained so that the mature branching occurs a minimum of seven feet from the ground.
(3) The owner shall maintain all plant materials in such a manner as to preserve their functional and aesthetic integrity. The owner shall replace all plant materials that have died within one year.
(4) The owner shall keep fences in good repair. The owner shall replace rotting or missing fence panels or walls and all graffiti shall be removed. Such maintenance shall be conducted within one month of the occurrence causing the repair.
(5) In the event the owner fails to install or maintain a required landscaped or screening area, the Zoning Administrator shall notify the owner of action necessary to meet the requirements of this subchapter and a date when such action should be completed. If the owner has not complied by said date, the village shall have the right to go onto said property and maintain said buffer.
(Ord. 2020-O-3, passed 2-18-2020)