It is the desire of the city to encourage development, which is environmentally sensitive and aesthetically pleasing. To assist in these objectives, a minimum standard for landscaping is prescribed.
(A) Within any zoning district, at least 90% of the required front yard setback, including the parkway and 50% of the rear yard, shall be landscaped and maintained with living ground cover except for the portion of the front or rear yard necessary for hard surfaced driveways and parking (§ 155.072).
(B) Within the R-1, R-2, R-3, GB, CB, NC, GI, and HI districts, 1 tree per 50 feet of frontage is required. A minimum of 1 tree must be planted in the front yard. No more than 50% of the required trees may be planted in the parkway. No more than 25% of the required trees may be deciduous ornamental, evergreen, or coniferous trees. Exception: If parking facilities or buildings utilize zero setbacks as permitted by ordinance, 1 tree per 50 feet of frontage shall be required within the parkway, subject to approval by the Zoning Administrator.
(C) Each existing tree of at least 1 3/4-inch caliper in size shall count toward the tree requirement.
(D) Only permitted, deciduous shade trees may be planted in the street right-of-way.
(E) Where feasible, landscape areas must be capable of providing a substantially full expanse of foliage within 3 years after planting. All deciduous trees shall be 1 3/4-inch caliper and all deciduous ornamental shall be 1 1/4-inch caliper. Berms or other landscaping techniques may be used for all or part of the 6 foot screening if they have a maximum grade of 3 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical and sodded or planted with other acceptable living ground cover.
(F) A fence, wall, or shrubbery 6 feet in height and of a character necessary for adequate screening shall be installed or planted when a commercial use is located adjacent to residentially used property or across the right-of-way from residentially used property (unless the right-of-way is an arterial street). Berms or other landscaping techniques may be used for all or part of the 6 foot screening if they have a maximum grade of 3 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical and sodded or planted with other acceptable living ground cover.
(G) A setback of at least 5 feet shall be provided between a commercial parking lot and residentially zoned property. If proper screening is provided, the setback may be 2 feet.
(H) When property is adjacent to or within 150 feet of residentially used or zoned property, the following lighting standards apply:
(1) The maximum light level shall be no greater than 3 foot candles field measured at the property line (ground level);
(2) The maximum height of light luminaries shall be 25 feet above the ground;
(3) Canopy luminaries and other on-site lighting with luminaries greater than 2000 lumens shall include a 90-degree cut-off type, deflector, refractor, or forward throw light fixture;
(4) The maximum number of canopy luminaries shall be determined by the following industry standard:
Canopy length (in feet) x canopy width (in feet) x 3 = Maximum No. of Luminaries lamp wattage
(5) All other light luminaries shall have a maximum height of 38 feet above the ground. Submittal of photometric plans shall be required with all site plan checks for building projects on property with lighted parking lots or lighted canopies; and
(6) The following structures or uses are exempt from these lighting standards: public recreation facilities, parks, pedestrian walkways, illuminated flags or statues, airport runways, telecommunication towers, broadcast towers, and historic period lighting.
(I) Special requirements for electrical substations. A fence 7 feet in height shall encompass the electrical substation. An opaque screen shall be provided for any side abutting a residential zone.
(Ord. 1189, passed 7-7-2008; Am. Ord. 1342, passed 5-16-2016; Am. Ord. 1343, passed 7-5-2016; Am. Ord. 1409, passed 12-2-2019)