(A) Purpose. The landscaping and screening regulations of this section establish minimum requirements for landscaping and screening. The regulations are intended to advance the general purposes of this ordinance and specifically to:
(1) Enhance quality of life for residents and visitors;
(2) Protect property values;
(3) Enhance the quality and appearance of new development;
(4) Mitigate possible adverse impacts of higher intensity land uses abutting lower intensity land uses;
(5) Promote the preservation, expansion, protection and proper maintenance of landscaping, including the wise use of water resources;
(6) Improve air quality;
(7) Protect water quality and reduce the negative impacts of stormwater runoff by reducing impervious surface area and providing vegetated areas that filter and retain greater amounts of stormwater on site;
(8) Moderate heat by providing shade;
(9) Reduce the impacts of noise and glare;
(10) Promote sustainable landscape practices including the use of non-invasive native and regionally adaptable plants; and
(11) Encourage the use of landscape architects licensed in the State of Illinois.
(B) Applicability. The landscaping and screening regulations of this article apply as set forth in the individual sections. In general, the regulations apply to new development that requires permitting or review by the county and significant expansion of existing uses and developments.
(C) Exemptions. The following are exempt from the landscaping and screening regulations of this article:
(1) Detached houses, townhouses and two-unit residential buildings, provided that new residential subdivisions must provide landscaping in accordance with Article 29 of the subdivision ordinance;
(2) Group care homes with no more than six residents;
(3) Public parks, forest preserves and other public open spaces, except for parking, loading and outdoor service areas; and
(4) Agricultural uses, except for public parking areas associated with such uses.
(Ord. effective 10-1-2012)