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 developer of the Wendy’s PUD shall provide open space and landscaping to meet the intent of the city’s open space requirements while preserving the ability to reasonably redevelop land within the Wendy’s PUD. Plaza and streetscape areas along with any areas associated with outdoor pedestrian use may be counted toward fulfilling the minimum open space requirement, however, no lot within the Wendy’s PUD shall contain more than eighty five percent (85%) impervious surface. In addition:
1. Streetscape plantings directly adjacent to a parcel can be counted toward the open space planting requirements for that parcel.
2. A twenty (20) square foot mass planting of perennial flowers or ornamental grasses may be substituted for three (3) shrubs.
3. No substitution for required trees is allowed.
4. The incorporation of evergreen vegetation is encouraged to provide winter substance within the landscape.
5. Vegetation required as part of the open space may be placed into off street parking areas.
B. Streetscaping: A landscaped edge with hardscape elements or “streetscape” shall be provided along Grand Avenue. These streetscapes are intended to provide desired green to the city, reinforce a district identity, 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 plans and shall include vegetation, furniture, and precast stone wall screening elements as shown in the plan. This streetscape shall be provided along Grand Avenue. Parking areas shall be screened to a minimum height of three feet (3') by the streetscaping. In recognizing the unique design and context of the development, an additional easement along Grand Avenue shall be established to provide area for district streetscape and to maintain utility corridors. The developer shall provide the necessary easements at the time of site plan approval.
C. Vegetation Placement: Understory trees are an acceptable replacement for overstory trees and upright evergreen trees 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 is discouraged due to the potential conflict between trees and the need to access the lines for repair. (Ord. 2469, 5-3-2021)