(A) Landscaping, trees and plant material shall be planted in a growing condition according to accepted horticultural practices, and they shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition. The property owner shall replace during the next planting season any landscaping, trees and plant material found in a condition that does not fulfill the intent of these regulations.
(B) If a screening fence or wall is substituted for a required buffer, such fence or wall shall be maintained by the property owner in good condition throughout the period of the use of the lot. To the extent possible, existing trees, vegetation and unique site features shall be retained and protected. Existing healthy, mature trees, if properly located, shall be fully credited against the requirements of these regulations.
(C) (1) Trees planted in required buffer areas, including evergreens, shall have the following minimum sizes at planting:
Canopy trees | 6 to 8 feet height | 1.75-inch trunk diameter |
Medium trees | 4 to 6 feet height | 1.25-inch trunk diameter |
Small trees | 3 to 5 feet in height | 0.5-inch trunk diameter
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(2) Canopy trees shall reach a height of at least 35 feet. Medium trees shall reach an expected height of 25 to 35 feet at maturity. Small trees shall reach a height of ten to 25 feet.
(D) Shrubs and hedges shall be a minimum of one to two feet high immediately after planting.
(E) Ground cover may include any plant material that reaches an average height of not more than 12 inches. Alternative materials may be used in lieu of grass provided they present a finished appearance and provide reasonably complete coverage at the time of planting.
(F) Plants that restrict sight visibility at intersections of streets or driveways, such as tall shrubs or low branching trees, shall be avoided.
(G) Where lot size, shape, topography or existing structures or improvements render compliance unfeasible, the Zoning Enforcement Officer may modify these requirements provided the alternate proposal will afford a degree of landscaping, screening and buffering equal to or exceeding these requirements.
(Ord. passed 9-3-1986; Ord. passed 5-6-2008)