This chapter provides standards for landscaping of all new or redeveloped projects within the City. These standards do not apply to single family detached homes, except where new residential development abuts U.S Highway 89/91 or as may be otherwise required in Title 10 or Title 11. It is intended to ensure that the policies of the General Plan related to increasing the attractiveness of the City and enhancing neighborhood character includes appropriate landscaping.
The General Plan sets forth general requirements for the maintenance of community character and further establishes general requirements for growth and development that is consistent with the character of the City. The Land Use Regulations, of which this chapter is apart, establishes specific and detailed regulations that implement the purposes of the General Plan. Specifically, the General Plan states the following which guide the detailed regulations of this Chapter 10-39 Landscaping:
"Measures should be taken to preserve the open space that exists along the highway and in no case should commercial growth be allowed to continuously line the roadside... The land adjacent to entrance roadways to the city and Highway 89/91 should remain as scenic approaches... The views and vistas of Wellsville are critical to the quality image of the City... The gateways to Wellsviile are vital to the quality of the City. Efforts must continue to place priorities on city entrances that invite and that maintain rural qualities of the community. Large setbacks should be required along these roadways. The Planning Commission should require additional landscaping and other visual controls to ensure quality entrances to the City of Wellsville.”
The City recognizes the aesthetic, ecological, and economic value of landscaping and requires its use to:
A. Improve landscaping for the visual quality of the City.
B. Reduce the rate and volume of storm water runoff.
C. Promote compatibility between land uses and create buffer areas by reducing the visual, noise, and lighting impacts from adjoining properties.
D. Unify development within the Zoning Districts throughout the City.
E. Promote the retention of existing vegetation and restore natural communities through re-establishment of native plants.
F. Reduce the visual and audio impacts of automobile related infrastructure (parking lots, driveways and roads).
G. Promote healthy outdoor recreational activities.
H. Reduce greenhouse gases and the negative environmental impacts created from automobiles and development.
I. Use the landscape to compliment the built environment and achieve the principals and goals set forth in the General Plan and Land Use Regulations.
J. Promote water efficient landscaping that reduces the demand on City's water resources.
K. Reduces heat island effect.
(Ord. 2019-04, 10-16-2019)