Landscaping must be provided in accordance with city code unless otherwise modified within this ordinance. Details regarding specific varieties, exact quantities, and the minimum size at time of planting shall be provided and approved as part of the site plan submittal and shall meet the general guidelines in respect to the minimum plant sizes traditionally applied to development within the city. The minimum vegetation quantities specified within this ordinance will need to be provided. The provision of additional vegetation above the minimum amount required may be necessary to fulfill the intent (i.e., visual mitigation/screening) of the required landscaping.
A. Open/Green Space: Due to the nature of the intended redevelopment in respect to existing development pattern, uses, and densities, the amount and locations of open space and green space/vegetation within the redevelopment area will vary. As a general rule, the maximum amount of "green" (open lawn areas and vegetation) should be provided within a site. To allow the most flexibility in planning, collectively, the development shall attempt to provide a minimum of twenty five percent (25%) open space; however, no less than fifteen percent (15%) open space or more than eighty five percent (85%) impervious surface will be allowed. Plaza and streetscape areas along with any areas associated with outdoor pedestrian use may be counted toward fulfilling the minimum open space requirement. Plazas and outdoor pedestrian use areas to be counted toward fulfilling minimum open space requirements may be paved (impervious) as long as the paving is part of a planned hardscape and softscape enhancement of the plaza or pedestrian area.
A minimum of two (2) trees and three (3) shrubs shall be provided for every three thousand (3,000) square feet of required open space which shall be based on twenty five percent (25%) of the site regardless of the actual amount provided. Of the required trees, fifty percent (50%) shall be of an overstory or evergreen variety unless otherwise done for design intent and specifically approved by the appropriate reviewing body. No substitution for required trees is allowed; however, a twenty (20) square foot mass planting of perennial flowers or ornamental grasses may be substituted for three (3) shrubs. The incorporation of evergreen vegetation is encouraged to provide winter substance within the landscape. Vegetation required as part of the open space may be placed into off street parking areas, streetscape areas or required buffers but is in addition to vegetation required of streetscape areas. With city council approval at the site plan application, the developer can defer installation of required plantings to accommodate changes for future cross access.
B. Streetscaping: A landscaped edge with hardscape elements or "streetscape" shall be provided along Grand Avenue and 4th Street between the intersection with Grand Avenue and the development entry drive aligned with Valhigh Road. These streetscapes are intended to provide desired green to the city, reinforce a district identity, provide visual screening of parking and other negative site elements, bring human scale to adjoining buildings and provide traffic calming benefits. The streetscape shall be accomplished in accordance with the Grand Avenue redevelopment plan streetscaping intent and shall include vegetation, furniture, and ornamental stone wall screening elements as illustrated in the redevelopment plan. Pedestrian elements such as patios and walkways may encroach into the streetscape area; however, no buildings or off street parking may.
A minimum ten foot (10') streetscape easement shall be provided parallel with and along all arterial and collector streets as indicated in exhibit B and as noted above to provide area for district streetscape, signage and to maintain utility corridors. Said easement shall be adjusted at the corners of intersecting streets if necessary to provide a full depth streetscape easement area around traffic signal equipment easements. The developer shall provide the necessary easements at the time of site plan approval.
Streetscape landscaping shall be placed within the streetscape easement of the property. Landscape vegetation and amenities such as pedestrian benches and ornamental wall stones shall be implemented within the streetscape area to provide screening of off street parking areas to a minimum height of three feet (3'). To aid in achieving this, a minimum of two (2) trees and ten (10) shrubs shall be required for every fifty (50) linear feet of streetscape distance. Of the required number of trees, a minimum of one- half (1/2) must be overstory in nature. No substitution of shrubs for required trees shall be allowed. Additionally, three (3) "ornamental wall stones" as illustrated in the Grand Avenue redevelopment plan shall be provided for every one hundred (100) linear feet of streetscape. It is recommended that the stones be clustered in groups of at least three (3) stones amongst and between groups of shrubs to provide mass and screening rather than be equally spaced along the streetscape length. With city council approval at the site plan application, the developer can defer installation of required streetscape elements or plantings to accommodate changes in interim or future access drives.
C. Screening Of Negative Site Elements: Electrical transformers, trash dumpsters, service areas and loading docks, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, generators, utility meters, and other mechanical equipment which is located on, besides or adjacent to any building or development shall be visually screened from views from adjacent roadways, pedestrian paths, and adjoining properties.
D. Vegetation Placement: Overstory trees and upright evergreen trees shall not be permitted within public utility easements. The presence of utility easements shall not provide a basis for noncompliance with landscaping provisions found within this ordinance and within any applicable codes. The placement of public utility easements within streetscapes and buffer parks is discouraged due to the potential conflict between trees and the need to access the lines for repair. (Ord. 2026, 4-21-2014)