(A) Landscaping is required to promote attractive development, to protect and preserve water quality, the appearance and character of the surrounding area, and to delineate and define vehicular and pedestrian passageways and open space within the development.
(B) Landscaping shall be provided throughout the development with ample trees and shrubs, in addition to groundcover, to provide shade and break up open areas. The developer shall include existing mature trees and natural plant materials in the design of the site to the greatest extent feasible. The preservation of native and existing plant materials is a cost-effective method of providing the required landscaping. All banks and open areas shall be grassed. The planting of new materials may be waived or modified by the Planning Commission where natural features, topography and natural vegetation serve the same purpose.
(C) (1) A vegetative buffer area of a minimum of 50 feet from all public road rights-of-way and property lines shall be maintained.
(2) This area shall be left in its natural state, provided that the existing vegetation serves the purpose of providing a visual screen or visual buffer and a physical separation of uses.
(3) The property shall not be graded, cleared or otherwise changed until the preliminary development plan has been approved and an evaluation made of the existing vegetation.
(4) Mature trees within this area may not be removed until this evaluation has occurred.
(5) The developer shall include existing mature trees and natural plant materials in the design of the buffer area to the greatest extent feasible.
(D) If the property has been clear-cut, graded, cleared or otherwise changed prior to land acquisition, the vegetative buffer shall be replanted and shall contain a combination of fences, walls, earthen berms and landscaping to serve the purpose of providing a visual screen or visual buffer and providing a physical separation of uses.
(1) All plant material installed shall be healthy and of the best quality.
(2) All plant material installed shall be balled and burlap-covered or container-grown.
(3) All trees shall be a minimum 1-1/2 inch caliper at breast height (5 feet) at installation.
(4) All dead or damaged plant materials shall be replaced for a 1-year period.
(Ord. 3 § 6.12, passed 9-14-1998) Penalty, see § 152.999