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Abingdon ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
APPENDIX B ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 18. SITE PLAN REVIEW
Section 18-9. - Historic district entrance corridor overlay district.
18-9-8. Design standards. All applications for certificates of appropriateness must satisfy the design standards contained in this section.
(a) Landscaping.
(1) Landscaping shall be used to soften the visual impact of development and enhance the appearance of the area.
(2) Landscaping shall be sufficient to soften the visual effects of parking lots, reduce the effective visual mass of large buildings, and provide screening between the development, the street and surrounding lots.
(3) Landscape buffers, shall be provided adjacent to public streets of sufficient size to permit street trees and plantings to be installed to reduce the visibility into parking lots.
(4) Landscaping shall be compatible with landscaping on adjacent properties.
(5) Landscaping shall be of a high quality and designed in a professional manner.
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(Ord. No. 1-2003, 4-7-03; Amd. Of 7-7-03; Ord. No. 2004-65, ?? 1, 2, 9-7-04; Ord. of 9-4-07(2))
Ashland ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
Chapter 21 ZONING*
Article IV. Residential, Restricted District R-1
Sec. 21-38. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(2-17-04, ? A2)
Article V. Residential, Limited District R-2
Sec. 21-46. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(2-17-04, ? A2)
Article VI. Residential, Medium District R-3
Sec. 21-54. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(2-17-04, ? A2)
Article VII. Residential, Medium-High District R-4
Sec. 21-65. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(11-24-98(3), ? 1; 6-12-01, ? 1; 2-17-04, ? A3)
Article VIII. Residential, Multi-family District R-5
Sec. 21-77. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(2-17-04, ? A3)
Article IX. Residential, Office District RO-1
Sec. 21-82.1. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(2-17-04, ? A2)
Ashland ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
Chapter 21 ZONING*
Article X. Central Business District B-1
Sec. 21-99.1. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(2-17-04, ? A3)
Article X-A. Central Business District B-1D
Sec. 21-99.3. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(9-16-14)
Article XI. Highway Commercial District B-2
Sec. 21-109. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(2-17-04, ? A3)
Article XII. Neighborhood Commercial District B-4
Sec. 21-117. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(2-17-04, ? A3)
Article XIII. Limited Industrial District M-1
Sec. 21-125.2. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(2-17-04, ? A3)
Ashland ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
Chapter 21 ZONING*
Article XIV. Higher Education District HE
Sec. 21-133.2. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(2-17-04, ? A2)
Ashland ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
Chapter 21 ZONING*
Article XVI. Planned Developments
Division 2. PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT PUD*
* State Law References: Planned unit development, Code of Virginia, ?? 15.1-430(s), 15.1-491(i).
Sec. 21-153. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(2-17-04, ? A3)
Division 3. PLANNED MOBILE HOME DISTRICT PMH
Sec. 21-168. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(2-17-04, ? A3)
Ashland ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
Chapter 21 ZONING*
ARTICLE III. Rural, Residential District RR-1
DIVISION 1. General Provisions*
Sec. 21-30. Landscape plan: landscaping, trees, buffers and screening.
A landscape plan shall be required and landscaping, trees, buffers, and screening shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(2-17-04, ? A2)
Ashland ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
Chapter 21 ZONING*
Article XIX. Off-Street Parking
Sec. 21-201. Landscaping, trees, buffers and screening.
Landscaping, trees, buffers and screening within and adjacent to off-street parking areas shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of article XXIII of this chapter.
(3-23-93, ? 1; 2-17-04, ? C2; 2-21-12)
Ashland ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
Chapter 21 ZONING*
ARTICLE XXIII. - LANDSCAPING
Sec. 21-238. Maintenance and replacement of required landscaping.
All required landscaping, trees, buffers and screening shall be maintained and replaced or supplemented as necessary to continue to comply with the standards set forth in this article. All structural features installed to satisfy the requirements of this article shall be maintained, repaired, replaced, painted or otherwise enhanced as necessary to continue to perform the function for which they are intended.
(2-17-04)
Blacksburg ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
APPENDIX A Ordinance
No. 1137 BLACKSBURG ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE V. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
DIVISION 1. SITE DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 5130 Information required
Every site development plan shall contain the following information. The information contained under the heading, "optional" may be required by the Administrator as appropriate based upon the planning and engineering issues posed by the project, in order to achieve the goals of this chapter [Appendix] [Appendix] and of the Town Code.
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(f) Screening, Landscaping, and Buffer Yards:
Mandatory:
(1) Location, type, size and height of all fencing, and screening, where required under the provisions of Article V, Division 3, Zoning Ordinance, Town Code.
(2) Location of required buffer yards.
(3) Location, type, height, and detail of any proposed retaining walls.
(4) A landscape planting chart showing the planting schedule, minimum size at planting, total canopy percentage, species, and total canopy coverage for the site.
(5) The outline of existing groupings of trees. Physically outstanding or specimen trees within the groups shall be shown if they are to be removed.
(6) All individual trees with a caliper of five (5) inches or more at a height of two (2) feet above the ground or ornamental trees over twelve (12) feet shall be shown on the plan and labeled as to whether they will be saved or removed.
(7) Where applicable, parking lot landscaping.
(8) A landscape design plan, based upon accepted professional design layouts and principles.
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(Ord. No. 1247, ? 19, 9-12-00; Ord. No. 1513, ? 1, 4-14-09)
Blacksburg ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
APPENDIX A Ordinance
No. 1137 BLACKSBURG ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE V. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
DIVISION 3. BUFFER YARDS AND SCREENING
Sec. 5310 Buffer yards?General standards.
(a) Buffer yards shall contain vegetative and/or architectural screening that achieves the purpose of the buffer yard, and which meets the requirements for screening, below. Trees used for screening purposes shall be suitable as defined in Section 5331.
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(i) Buffer yard dimensions and screening requirements shall be provided as detailed in the chart below:
(Ord. No. 1215, ? 32, 5-11-99; Ord. No. 1439, 4-10-07; Ord. No. 1680, ? 1, 5-14-13)
Sec. 5330 Screening?When required.
(a) Screening shall be provided within a buffer yard to ease the transition of one (1) land use or activity to another, to achieve the purposes of the buffer yard. Screening may be accomplished through architectural or vegetative materials.
(b) Screening shall be provided, in addition to the requirements listed above, for:
(1) All articles or materials being stored, maintained, repaired, processed, erected, fabricated, dismantled, or salvaged, such that the activity is not visible from surrounding properties or roads.
(2) Refuse storage and loading areas such that these activities are not visible from surrounding properties or roads.
(3) Rooftop and ground level mechanical equipment such that it is not visible from surrounding properties or roads.
(4) All trash dumpsters or containers used for recycling shall be screened so that it is not visible from surrounding properties or roads. At minimum, the dumpster or container shall be screened on three (3) sides with architectural screening supplemented by plantings. Screening shall be based upon the standards below and subject to the approval of the Administrator.
a. Four (4) foot tall architectural screening is acceptable when household style trash containers are used in place of dumpsters;
b. The requirement for supplemental plantings may be waived by the Administrator in cases where dumpsters or containers are added to an existing development. In determining whether to grant a waiver, the Administrator shall be guided by these standards: proximity of the facility to residential structures; efficacy of screening to mitigate any adverse effect of the use; and benefit of the screening relative to its cost.
(c) No screening is required within or adjacent to the University zoning district.
(d) When a site plan is submitted to modify or expand an existing building or site improvements, or accommodate a change in land use, screening requirements shall only be applied to those portions of the site that are directly affected by the proposed improvements, or change in land use, as determined by the Administrator.
(Ord. No. 1308, ? 63, 8-13-02)
Sec. 5331 Screening?General standards.
(a) Screening shall be continuous and in place at the time of occupancy. If vehicular or pedestrian access through the screen is necessary, the screening function shall be preserved.
(b) Screening may be architectural or vegetative, per the requirements below:
(1) Acceptable architectural screening materials include stockade fences, decorative masonry walls, brick walls, and earth berms, and other like materials approved by the Administrator.
(2) Architectural screening shall be at least four (4) feet in height, shall be supplemented with plantings, and shall be subject to the provisions of Blacksburg Town Code Section 21-304, "sight triangles established."
(3) Vegetative material shall be alive and in good health.
(4) Small evergreen trees shall be at least four (4) feet in height at planting and allowed to grow to at least six (6) feet in height. Large evergreen trees shall be at least six (6) feet in height at planting and allowed to grow to at least ten (10) feet in height. All required evergreen vegetation shall be maintained in good condition.
(5) Deciduous trees shall be at least one and one-half (1?) inches caliper or ten (10) feet to twelve (12) feet in height. They shall be supplemental and not deemed to be adequate screening in themselves.
(6) Acceptable vegetative plantings include any tree listing in the "recommended list of trees" for screening purposes; or yew, box honeysuckle or similar dense hedge.
(c) Screening design and development shall be compatible with the existing and proposed land use and the development character of the surrounding land and structures.
(d) Screening shall be of sufficient density and diversity to achieve the intent of this section. However, at the time of planting, the spacing of trees shall not exceed twelve (12) feet on center, and the planting pattern shall be staggered. Shrubbery shall be more closely-spaced. Specific exceptions to this requirement may be granted by the Administrator to encourage quality and creativity of design where the intent of this section is met.
(e) Existing vegetation within buffer yards shall be considered as a substitute for otherwise required landscaping or screening, if in the opinion of the Administrator, the type, size, and density of the existing vegetation complies with the standards and intent of this section.
(f) When a proposed buffer yard has a variation in elevation of greater than ten (10) vertical feet at any point, the required screening or landscaping within the yard shall be placed to maximize the effectiveness of the screening or landscaping, as determined by the Administrator.
(g) Trees planted to meet any of the screening requirements may also be used to meet any other landscaping requirement within this Article.
(h) Screening required by this section shall be applied equally to all similarly situated properties. Modifications to these standards may be granted in writing by the Administrator based on the existence of any of the following circumstances on the proposed building site, or surrounding properties:
(1) Natural land characteristics such as topography or existing vegetation on the proposed building site would achieve the same intent of this section.
(2) Innovative landscaping or architectural design is employed on the building site to achieve an equivalent screening or buffering effect.
(3) The required screening and landscaping would be ineffective at maturity due to the proposed topography of the site, and/or the location of the improvements on the site.
(4) The topography of adjacent and surrounding sites is such as to render required screening ineffective at maturity.
(Ord. No. 1247, ? 20, 9-12-00; Ord. No. 1680, ? 1, 5-14-13)
Blacksburg ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
APPENDIX A Ordinance
No. 1137 BLACKSBURG ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE V. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
DIVISION 4. LANDSCAPING
Sec. 5400 Landscaping?Purpose.
The preservation of existing trees and vegetation, as well as the planting of new trees and vegetation, can significantly add to the quality of the physical environment of the community. The regulations outlined herein are designed to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Town. Trees can provide the following benefits to the community:
(1) Provide buffers and screens against noise, air pollution, and unsightly and incompatible land uses;
(2) Reduce the hazards of flooding and aid in the control of erosion and storm water runoff. Trees also assist in the stabilization of soil and replenish groundwater supplies;
(3) Act to moderate extremes of temperature and provide shade;
(4) Absorb carbon dioxide and supply oxygen in our atmosphere, which is an essential ecological function in the preservation of human and animal life. Trees can provide a haven for birds which, in turn, assist in the control of insects;
(5) Aid in energy conservation;
(6) Are physiologically, psychologically, sociologically and aesthetically necessary counterpoints to the man-made urban setting.
Sec. 5410 Landscaping?When required.
The requirements of this division apply to any development for which a site development plan is required by Article V, Division 1, "Site Development Plans," section 5100.
Sec. 5420 Landscaping?General standards.
(a) Acceptable trees include, but are not limited to, those identified as suitable for the intended use in the "Recommended list of trees" figure below. Acceptable vegetative ground cover consists of shrubs and ground cover including grass. Using standards from recognized texts on the subject, the Administrator shall decide the appropriateness of any such trees and ground cover.
(b) Species of trees shall not be planted if the roots cause damage to public works, the branches are subject to a high incidence of breakage, and the fruit is considered a nuisance or high maintenance, as determined by the Administrator.
(c) The planting of trees shall be done in accordance with the standardized landscape specifications jointly adopted by the Virginia Nurserymen's Association, the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers and the Virginia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
(d) All trees shall be planted in good condition and meet "American Standard for Nursery Stock" (1990), ANSI Z60.1-1990, as may be amended.
(e) The developer shall plant, or install, as appropriate grass, tree grates, porous pavers, or similar pervious surfaces, which shall extend to twice the initial drip line of the newly planted tree. Minimum tree grate size shall be five square feet.
(f) Trees planted to meet any of the requirements below may also be used to meet any other screening or landscaping requirement within this Article.
Charlottesville City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 34 ZONING
ARTICLE II. OVERLAY DISTRICTS
DIVISION 3. ENTRANCE CORRIDOR OVERLAY DISTRICTS
Sec. 34-312. Application requirements.
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(c) Each application shall include a landscaping plan, for the uses described following below.
(1) For development subject to site plan review, such plan shall meet the requirements set forth below as well as those required within Article VII, section 34-867.
(2) For other applications, the landscaping plan shall consist of drawings, documents and information sufficient to allow the director to determine whether the following requirements are satisfied:
a. Uses to be screened: Parking lots, loading areas, refuse areas, storage areas, detention ponds and mechanical equipment shall be screened from view from the adjacent EC street.
B. Standards for screening: When required, screening shall consist of the following:
(i) A planting strip of vegetation or trees, an opaque wall, an opaque fence or a combination of these.
(ii) Where only vegetative screening is provided, such screening strip shall not be less than twenty (20) feet in depth and shall consist of a double staggered row of evergreen trees on fifteen-foot centers, a minimum of five (5) feet in height when planted, or a double staggered row of evergreen shrubs on five-foot centers, a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches in height when planted. Alternative methods of vegetative screening may be approved by the ERB or the director in connection with approval of a certificate of appropriateness.
(iii) Where a fence or wall is provided for screening, it shall be a minimum of six (6) feet in height with planting required at ten-foot intervals along such structure.
(3) Landscaping. All nonresidential uses, including parking lots and vehicular display areas, shall have all of the street frontage, exclusive of driveways and walkway connections, landscaped with trees and other varieties of plant material at least eighteen (18) inches in height at maturity. The tree varieties shall conform to those recommended in the city's list of approved plantings. All uses shall have the side and rear property edges defined with a fence, wall or curbed planting strip of trees and other plantings a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches in height at maturity.
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(9-15-03(3); 6-6-05(2); 7-16-12)
Charlottesville City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 34 ZONING
ARTICLE IX. GENERALLY APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
DIVISION 5. TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
Sec. 34-1077. Screening and landscaping.
(a) Landscaping shall be used to screen the view of freestanding communications facilities from adjacent public streets and public property, adjacent residentially-zoned property and adjacent residences. The minimum landscaping requirements shall be as follows:
(1) For facilities one hundred fifty (150) feet in height or less, at least one (1) row of evergreen shrubs capable of forming a continuous hedge at least five (5) feet in height within two (2) years of planting shall be spaced not more than five (5) feet apart within ten (10) feet of the perimeter of the required setback area.
(2) For towers more than one hundred fifty (150) feet in height, in addition to the requirements set forth in subsection (a)(1), above, at least one (1) row of deciduous trees, with a minimum caliper of two and one-half (2?) inches at the time of planting, and spaced not more than forty (40) feet apart, shall be provided within twenty (20) feet of the perimeter of the required setback area.
(3) All security fencing shall be screened from view.
(b) Landscaping materials shall consist of drought-resistant native species.
? Landscaping materials shall be maintained by the owner and operator of the support structure for the life of the installation.
(d) Existing vegetation on the site shall be preserved to the greatest practical extent. Existing vegetation, topography, walls and fences, etc., combined with shrubs or other features may be substituted for the required shrubs or trees, if the director of neighborhood development services or his designee finds that they achieve the same degree of screening as the required shrubs or trees.
(9-15-03(3); 7-16-12)
Sec. 34-1083. Permit processes.
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? Site plan applications. Each applicant requesting site plan review under this division shall submit the following information as part of the application:
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(2) A landscape plan to scale, indicating the size, spacing and type of plantings, and indicating existing significant vegetation to be removed, and vegetation proposed for planting to replace any lost vegetation; and a natural resources screening, based upon direct observation and/or generally available data sources, of the proposed support structure site; and information as to how the applicant will implement practical measures to avoid, minimize and/or mitigate (in that order of preference) potential adverse impacts.
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(9-15-03(3))
Charlottesville City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 34 ZONING
ARTICLE VIII. IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED FOR DEVELOPMENTS
DIVISION 2. LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
Sec. 34-861. Purpose.
The purpose of these landscaping and screening requirements is to provide for the installation, preservation and maintenance of plant materials intended to:
(1) Insure development consistent with the goals of the comprehensive plan related to natural resources and environmental and land use standards;
(2) Promote the public health, safety and welfare;
(3) Conserve energy by providing shade and wind breaks;
(4) Provide pervious area which helps to reduce surface water run-off;
(5) Improve air quality;
(6) Minimize noise, dust and glare;
(7) Promote traffic safety by controlling views and defining circulation patterns; and
(8) Protect and preserve the appearance, character and value of neighboring properties.
(9-15-03(3))
Charlottesville City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 34 ZONING
ARTICLE VIII. IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED FOR DEVELOPMENTS
DIVISION 2. LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
Sec. 34-862. Approved list of plantings.
The director shall, from time to time, promulgate a list of trees and other plant materials acceptable for use in meeting the landscaping requirements of this division ("list of approved plantings"). This list shall be maintained in the department of neighborhood development services and shall be available for inspection. All trees and other plant materials required by this article shall be selected from the current list of approved plantings.
(9-15-03(3); 7-16-12)
Sec. 34-863. Size of plantings.
(a) Except where otherwise provided, trees and plant materials required by the provisions of this article shall be of the following minimum sizes at the time of planting:
(1) Trees: Two-inch caliper.
(2) Shrubs: Eighteen (18) inches.
(b) For the purposes of this division, the term "caliper" refers to the diameter of a tree. Tree caliper shall be determined as follows:
(1) At a point six (6) inches above the root ball, at the time of planting (for trees planted or installed pursuant to a requirement of this article), and
(2) At a point twelve (12) inches above the ground, for existing trees.
(9-15-03(3))
Charlottesville City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 34 ZONING
ARTICLE VIII. IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED FOR DEVELOPMENTS
DIVISION 2. LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
Sec. 34-871. Screening?Generally.
(a) For the purposes of this section, the terms "screening" and "screen" shall be deemed synonymous with "buffering" and "buffer."
(b) When required by this chapter, screening shall consist of a planting strip, existing vegetation, a slightly opaque wall or fence, or combination thereof, to the reasonable satisfaction of the director. The following types and categories of screening shall apply throughout this chapter:
Screen 1 ("S-1"). The S-1 buffer/screen requires an open landscaping scheme, and is generally to be utilized between relatively similar land uses. Plantings allowed by the S-1 designation consist of the following (an applicant has the option of selecting the combination of plantings from among options "A", "B" and "C" within this screen-type):
Screen 2 ("S-2"). The S-2 buffer/screen requires a semi-opaque landscaping scheme, which should partially block views between adjacent properties. This type of screening is generally to be utilized between dissimilar land uses, and the plantings allowed by the S-2 designation consist of the following (an applicant has the option of selecting the combination of plantings from among options "A", "B" and "C" within a designated screen-type):
Screen 3 ("S-3"). The S-3 buffer/screen requires an opaque landscaping scheme, one that blocks views between two adjacent properties. This type of screening is for use between dissimilar land uses, where the maximum amount of visual shielding is desired. The plantings allowed by the S-3 designation consist of the following (an applicant has the option of selecting the combination of plantings from among options "A", "B" and "C" within a designated screen-type):
With the approval of the director, an opaque wall or fence may be utilized for, or as part of, a required S-3 screen. Where allowed, such wall or fence (including any gate(s) forming a portion of such structure) shall be at least six (6) feet tall, or an alternate height deemed necessary by the director to protect required sight distances along a public right-of-way.
(9-15-03(3))
Charlottesville City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 34 ZONING
ARTICLE VIII. IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED FOR DEVELOPMENTS
DIVISION 2. LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
Sec. 34-873. Parking lots?Screening and interior landscaping.
(a) [Defined.] For the purposes of this section the term "parking lot" shall mean and refer only to a parking lot containing twenty (20) or more spaces.
(b) Street buffer.
(1) A continuous landscaped buffer ten (10) feet in width shall be established between the edge of a parking lot and any adjacent public right-of-way. If right-of-way improvements are required within such frontage, then a continuous landscaped buffer having an average width of ten (10) feet may be provided. Where an existing parking lot is to be expanded, and the existing lot has a landscaped buffer adjacent to a right-of-way of less than ten (10) feet in width, but at least four (4) feet in width, then no additional buffer shall be required along such frontage.
(2) The required buffer shall consist of S-3 screen materials ("street plantings"), other than trees, but shall not include any plantings of a size or material that will obstruct any required sight distances. The landscaped buffer shall include at least three (3) street plantings for every fifteen (15) feet of frontage, spaced at intervals of not more than four (4) feet. All plantings shall have a minimum height of eighteen (18) inches when planted. Plantings shall be evenly spaced in a row, at intervals sufficient to allow for their healthy growth and development.
(3) Streetscape trees required by section 34-870 shall be planted within the ten-foot landscaped buffer, and shall be integrated with other street plantings. If this requirement cannot be satisfied due to sight distance requirements, utility easements or other conflicting requirements, then the required landscaped buffer area shall be enlarged to accommodate the trees. If enlargement of the buffer area requires the relocation of required parking spaces, then any additional required street plantings may be counted toward interior landscaping requirements.
(c) Adjacent property buffer.
(1) A continuous landscaped buffer at least five (5) feet in width shall be established between the edge of a parking lot and an adjacent property, where there is no intervening public right-of-way.
(2) The required buffer shall consist of S-2 screen materials. One (1) large tree and three (3) shrubs shall be planted for every fifteen (15) feet of length of the property line. Plants shall be evenly spaced in a row, at intervals sufficient to allow for their healthy growth and development.
(3) If the edge of a parking lot abuts another parking lot on an adjacent property, and the other existing lot has a landscaped buffer area of at least four (4) feet wide, then no additional buffer shall be required.
(d) Interior parking lot landscaping.
(1) In addition to the other applicable requirements of this section, an area equal to five (5) percent of the gross area of a parking lot shall be landscaped with trees or shrubs ("interior landscaped area").
a. No interior landscaped area shall be less than one hundred forty-five (145) square feet, or have a width of less than nine (9) feet.
b. Paved storage areas serving a warehouse use may be excluded from the calculation of gross area of a parking lot.
c. Plantings immediately adjacent to (i.e., within fifteen (15) feet) a building shall not be counted toward interior landscaping.
d. Buffers required by the preceding paragraphs, shall not be counted toward interior landscaping requirements.
e. A landscaped island or other physical barrier shall separate parking areas from any entrance or exit to the parking lot.
(2) Interior landscaped areas shall consist of at least one (1) tree, and at least three (3) shrubs, per eight (8) parking spaces or portion thereof. Interior landscaped areas with an area of less than 300 square feet shall be planted with at least one (1) medium tree; those having an area of 300 square feet or more shall contain at least one (1) large tree, or two (2) medium trees.
(3) Interior landscaping shall be placed in reasonably dispersed planting islands. When screening is required along the frontage of public streets, the director shall determine if the street tree requirement has been met.
(e) Buffers shall be designed to filter runoff from paved surfaces.
(9-15-03(3))
Chesapeake City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 62 SOLID WASTE
ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL
Sec. 62-92. - Same?Setback, design and operational restrictions.
Unless otherwise stated herein, all solid waste management facilities shall comply with the following:
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(7) Screening.
a. Solid waste management facilities shall be adequately screened or buffered within required setbacks from all adjacent properties and public streets and rights-of-way. Buffering shall, at a minimum, meet the landscape requirements set forth in the city zoning ordinance. In the case of sanitary and debris landfills, a 50-foot natural buffer consisting of existing mature trees shall be preserved to screen the landfill from adjacent properties zoned or used for residential purposes. The location and adequacy of such natural buffers shall be determined by city council in the issuance of a conditional use permit, or by the director of development and permits, or designee, for lawfully existing landfills. Where natural buffers do not exist, or are deemed insufficient to protect adjacent residential properties, the landfill shall be screened from such properties with a 50-foot buffer along property lines, said buffer to be vegetated with no less than nine large trees (as defined in the Chesapeake Landscape Specification Manual), and 75 shrubs per 100 linear feet of buffer area. Such trees and shrubs shall be placed throughout the width of the buffer in a manner approved by the city council in the issuance of use permits or by the director of development and permits, or designee, for lawfully existing landfills. In cases where it is not physically possible to locate a newly established 50-foot buffer along property lines, a planting plan showing alternative locations for the buffer shall be submitted to city council for final determination. All required buffers, whether consisting of existing vegetation, newly planted vegetation, or combination approved by the city council or the director of development and permit, or designee, as the case may be, shall be preserved and maintained by the owner or operator of the landfill; provided that, however, the owner or operator shall not be held responsible for replacement of any portion of a buffer destroyed due to acquisition of land within the buffer by an entity having the power of eminent domain.
b. In addition to the requirements in subsection a. above, city council may impose further buffering requirements, whether consisting of existing natural or vegetation or newly planted vegetation, as a condition of the use permit or at any time during the operation of a solid waste management facility where city council finds that additional screening is necessary to protect surrounding properties from identified adverse impacts generated by the facility or the operation thereof. Such enhanced buffering shall not exceed a width of 50 feet, which shall be in addition to the buffer requirements set out in subsection a. above. The additional buffer area shall be placed in locations deemed appropriate by city council, and shall contain vegetation either preserved, newly planted, or both, consisting of nine large trees, (as defined in the Chesapeake Landscape Specification Manual), and 75 shrubs per 100 linear feet of buffer area. The required vegetation shall be located throughout the width of the buffer in a manner approved by city council and may, upon the direction of city council, be supplemented by a three-foot berm or six-foot fence. Such additional landscaping shall be preserved and maintained by the owner or operator of the solid waste management facility; provided that, however, the owner or operator shall not be held responsible for the replacement of any portion of a buffer destroyed due to the acquisition of land within the buffer by an entity having the power of eminent domain.
Danville ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
ARTICLE 16. APPENDIX: LANDSCAPE, SCREENING AND BUFFER YARD GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS
A. Purpose and Intent.
This appendix provides graphic guidelines for landscaping, screening and buffer yards for development projects within the City. It is intended to be employed by applicants as a companion to illustrate the landscape design requirements of Article 9 of this ordinance.
Where conflict exists between this appendix and Article 9, the article shall govern.
B. - Appendix Contents.
Parking Lot Landscaping Guidelines and Illustrations
A.4 Parking lot landscaping: general illustrative design concepts.
A.5 Parking lot landscaping: minimum requirements for parking lots.
A.6 Parking lot landscaping: landscape islands and medians in parking lots.
General Landscaping Guidelines and Illustrations
A.7 Residential subdivision landscaping: street tree design concepts.
A.8 Right-of-way edge buffer landscaping: edge buffers.
A.9 Buffer yards: landscape berms.
Examples of Canopy Requirements for Urban Land Uses
A.10 Illustrative canopy example: multi-family residential project.
A.11 Illustrative canopy example: retirement community project.
A.12 Illustrative canopy example: townhouse residential project.
A.13 Illustrative canopy example: waterfront mixed-use project.
A.14. Illustrative canopy example: downtown commercial project.
Transitional Buffer Yard Requirements
A.15 Transitional buffer yard requirements: Multi-family and Attached Residential Single Family Residential Districts (T-R, S-R, NT-R, OT-R and MHP-R) adjacent to a Multifamily Residential or Attached Residential District (A-R and M-R).
A.16 Transitional buffer yard requirements: Commercial Residential Districts (T-R, S-R, NT-R, OT-R and MHP-R) and adjacent to a Commercial District (N-C, CB-C, TW-C, HR-C, PS-C).
A.17 Transitional buffer yard requirements: Light Economic Development Residential District (T-R, S-R, NT-R, OT-R and MHP-R) adjacent to a Light Economic Development District LED-1).
A.18 Transitional buffer yard requirements: Manufacturing Residential District (T-R, S-R, NT-R, OT-R and MHP-R) adjacent to a Manufacturing District (M-1).
(Ord. No. 2004-02.04, Art. 16, 2-17-04)
Danville ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
Chapter 41 ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 9. LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING REGULATIONS
B. General Standards.
The following general standards shall apply to the planning, design, installation and maintenance of all landscape improvements, site plan improvements, urban design standards, screening and buffering measures, and related site development practices required by this section:
1. A landscape plan meeting the requirements of this article shall be required for all subdivision, site plan, and other development plan applications. Landscaping, screening, and buffering for any subdivision and site development activity shall be guided by this article as well as generally accepted landscape design principles.
2. Landscape design plans shall strive to maximize the preservation of existing trees and minimize the disruption of established landscape materials, employing preservation and protection criteria provided in the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Manual, the State's Urban Best Management Practices Handbook and NPDES permitting guidelines.
3. The quality and type of all new plant materials installed on a site shall be in accord with the specifications of the American Association of Nurserymen, provided that the transplanting of trees and shrubs may be done in accordance with accepted horticultural and forestry practices.
4. The property owner, developer and or successor in title to a given property shall be responsible for the perpetual maintenance as well as timely repair and replacement of all landscaping, buffers and screening as required by this article. A failure to adequately maintain landscape improvements in a healthy state and to keep such improvements free of litter, refuse and debris shall be deemed a violation of this ordinance. Landscape planting, maintenance and repair regulations also shall apply to all land in common open space, active recreational areas, or other lands not in lots in residential subdivisions. Property owners' documents shall incorporate such requirements.
5. Landscape plans to accompany any site plan or plat shall be prepared by the applicant, a qualified landscape designer, nurseryman or horticulturalist in association with a Professional Engineer or Architect of record (certifying the plan or plat) or shall be prepared and certified by a Certified Landscape Architect licensed to practice in the State of Virginia.
6. The landscaping and buffering standards hereinafter established provide minimum guidelines for landscape architecture of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential properties. Refer to the Appendix A of the Zoning Ordinance for graphic illustrations and design guidelines.
7. In addition to the provisions of this article, property which is situated within areas recognized by the Official Zoning Map as a H-PO, Historic Preservation Overlay District or a TC-O, Tourism Corridor Overlay District shall be subject to additional regulations as provided for in the individual zoning districts, supplemental regulations and design guidelines related thereto.
(Ord. No. 2004-02.04, Art. 9, ? B, 2-17-04)
Danville ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
Chapter 41 ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 9. LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING REGULATIONS
E. Transitional Screening and Buffer Yards.
1. Transitional screening and buffer yards shall be required between properties as designated by the Official Zoning Map for different land use categories. Screening and buffer yard requirements shall be imposed on the property of the more intensive zoning category. Buffer landscape yard geometry, plant types, plant quantities and related landscaping requirements between different land use categories shall be based on the screening and buffer yard standards in the Appendix of this ordinance.
2. Transitional screening shall be provided at the outer boundaries of a lot, except in locations where driveways, parking lots, utility easements and/or other openings are required. Where transitional screening and landscape buffer yards are required, evergreen trees and deciduous trees of size, type and canopy as approved by the Director of Planning or Planning Commission, shall be employed for screening purposes.
3. Understory and shrubs, in the recommended size and quantities described in the graphic design standards in the appendix, may be incorporated into the buffer yard at the option of the applicant. Landscape plans are encouraged to incorporate earth berms, where physiographically feasible, and other creative landscape features into transitional screening and buffer yard designs. See illustrative examples in the Appendix for recommended landscape materials and placement.
4. Buffer yards and transitional screening may not be used for the storage of materials, buildings, parking or loading areas for motor vehicles or equipment or signs. Sidewalks and pedestrian trails may be incorporated into buffer yards.
5. All outdoor storage and loading areas shall be screened from adjacent residential properties. An opaque screen with a minimum height of six (6) feet of landscape materials, architectural walls, opaque fencing or other opaque material shall be used.
6. Transitional screening may be waived or otherwise modified by the Planning Commission for any public use or utility when it can be demonstrated that such use has been specifically designed to minimize adverse impacts on adjacent properties.
7. No landscape materials or screening shall be installed which interfere with minimum transportation site distances. The landscape plan shall depict sight distance alignments and the location of sight easements in accord with transportation design standards.
8. Transitional screening requirements may be modified by the Director of Planning/Zoning Administrator in cases where it can be clearly demonstrated by the applicant that either (a) the alternative landscape design minimizes any adverse impact through a combination of architectural and landscaping techniques or (b) where the topography of the property is such that transitional screening would not be effective and other methods of screening provide equal and adequate design responses.
9. The applicant, or the applicant's certified landscape architect or qualified landscape designer shall consult with the Director of Planning/Zoning Administrator during the sketch plan and preliminary plat phase to determine the most appropriate buffer and screening design concepts, tree placement and suitable species of trees to be used for screening purposes.
10. The applicant, or the applicant's certified landscape architect or qualified landscape designer shall consult with the Director of Planning/Zoning Administrator during the sketch plan and preliminary plat phase to determine the most appropriate location for the buffer plantings. The Director of Planning/Zoning Administrator has the authority to ensure that the buffer shall be planted at the highest point on the subject property relative to the adjacent residential uses. In instances where grading allows a difference in elevation, buffer landscape planting shall be placed at the highest point where it can be feasibly planted.
(Ord. No. 2004-02.04, Art. 9, ? E, 2-17-04)
Danville ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
Chapter 41 ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 9. LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING REGULATIONS
A. Purpose and Intent.
The purpose of this section is to establish general standards and processes by which the Danville's Comprehensive Plan's goals and objectives for landscape architecture, urban and rural area site design, site buffering, and transitional screening will be implemented. Pursuant to the intent of preserving and promoting the health, safety and general welfare of the City, these regulations are promulgated in order to:
1. Facilitate the protection, replenishment and maintenance of the existing environment;
2. Conserve and protect the character of the City's sensitive environmental resources, open spaces, parks, and entrance corridors;
3. Preserve and enhance the aesthetic character of the City;
4. Protect and improve the quality of the City's natural rivers, streams, and wetlands;
5. Enhance erosion control practices through the creative use of plant materials;
6. Improve the relationship between adjacent properties via screening and buffering;
7. Preserve and enhance to quality of existing flood plains and stream valleys through improved landscaping and landscape maintenance;
8. Provide adequate tree canopy and vegetative cover for new development; and
9. Introduce and promote complementary landscaping to supplement site plan requirements, Best Management practices, and stormwater management improvements.
(Ord. No. 2004-02.04, Art. 9, ? A, 2-17-04)
Fairfax City City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 110 ZONING
Article III. ZONING DISTRICTS AND REGULATIONS
3.5 Specific Use Standards
3.5.2 Public, civic and institutional use standards
F. Nursery schools
2. Screening requirements
Privacy screening at least six feet tall shall be provided along play areas or parking lots abutting a residential lot. Such screening may be vegetative if it meets the height requirement. Play area may be required to be fenced or walled for the safety of the children attending. These requirements shall not be cons1d to permit fences or walls, which may be prohibited by other sections of this chapter.
H. Schools, elementary, middle or high
2. Screening requirements
Privacy screening at least six feet tall may be required along play areas or parking lots abutting a residential lot. Such screening may be vegetative if it meets the height requirement. Play area may be required to be fenced or walled for the safety of the children attending. These requirements shall not be cons1d to permit fences or walls, which may be prohibited by other sections of this chapter.
(10-1-16)
Fairfax City City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 110 ZONING
Article III. ZONING DISTRICTS AND REGULATIONS
3.5 Specific Use Standards
3.5.3 Commercial use standards
D. Bed and breakfasts
Bed and breakfasts shall comply with the following standards:
4. Off-street parking
(b) The parking lot shall be screened from residential properties adjacent to the parcel or parcels upon which the bed and breakfast is located by an opaque wooden, stone, brick or vegetative screen that meets or exceeds the requirements of ?4.5.5 for a transitional yard TY1 and approved by the zoning administrator.
(10-1-16)
Fairfax City City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 110 ZONING
Article IV. SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
4.5 LANDSCAPING
4.5.1 Purpose
The purposes of 4.5 are to encourage the planting and proper care of vegetation and trees throughout the city, to replenish tree stock, and to provide for appropriate screening. These actions are intended to contribute to the health, safety and welfare of the city by enhancing pedestrian facilities, decreasing flooding, soil erosion, air pollution and noise, and improving aesthetics in accordance with the comprehensive plan and the requirements of the public facilities manual. The transitional yard requirements and the screening requirements are intended to improve compatibility of uses by providing privacy and enhancing the aesthetic transition between uses.
4.5.2 Applicability
A. The landscaping regulations of 4.5 apply as set forth in the individual sections of these regulations.
B. Unless specifically exempt, all existing and proposed development for which site plan approval is required (see 6.8) shall meet the provisions of 4.5.
4.5.3 Exemptions
A. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the landscaping regulations of 4.5 do not apply to the expansion of individual single-family detached, single-family attached or duplexes dwellings.
B. Driving lanes may traverse required landscaping in a perpendicular alignment to provide the necessary ingress and egress to the parking lots.
4.5.4 General
A. What is to be landscaped
All areas that are not impervious (see 1.5.7) shall be landscaped in accordance with the requirements of 4.5.
B. Landscape plan required
A landscape plan shall be submitted in conjunction with required site plans (see 6.8) in accordance with the requirements of 4.5. A landscape architect or other qualified professional shall prepare all landscape plans.
4.5.5 Transitional yards
A. Applicability
The transitional yard regulations of 4.5.5 apply along interior property lines in those instances identified in this chapter and only to the following activities:
1. The construction or installation of any new principal building or use; and
2. The expansion of any existing principal building or principal use that results in an increase in gross floor area or site area improvements by more than five percent or 1,000 square feet, whichever is greater. In the case of expansions that trigger compliance with transitional yard requirements, transitional yard landscaping is required only in proportion to the degree of expansion. The zoning administrator is authorized to allow the transitional yard to be established adjacent to the area of expansion or to disperse transition yard landscaping along the entire site transition area.
B. Transitional yard defined
A transitional yard is a specified land area, located parallel to and within the outer perimeter of a lot or project and extending to the lot line, together with fencing or walls on the lot line, and planting and landscaping required on the land. A transitional yard is not intended to be commensurate with the term "yard" or ?setback.?
C. Transitional yard types
There are three types of required transitional yards that may occur on any given parcel (for the specific width and plant material for each transitional yard classification see 4.5.5.D).
1. District boundary transitional yards
The following table shall be used to determine the required transitional yard classification between adjacent districts.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
RL RM RH RT-6 RT RMF CL CO CR CU CG IL IH
RL -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
RM -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
RH -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
RT TY1 TY1 TY1 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
RMF TY2 TY2 TY2 TY2 TY2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
CL TY2 TY2 TY2 TY2 TY2 TY1 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
CO TY2 TY2 TY2 TY2 TY2 TY1 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
CR TY2 TY2 TY2 TY2 TY2 TY2 TY1 -- -- -- -- -- --
CU TY3 TY3 TY3 TY3 TY3 TY2 TY2 TY1 -- -- -- --
CG TY3 TY3 TY3 TY3 TY3 TY3 TY3 TY2 -- -- -- -- --
IL TY4 TY4 TY4 TY4 TY4 TY4 TY3 TY3 TY2 TY2 TY1 -- --
IH TY4 TY4 TY4 TY4 TY4 TY4 TY4 TY3 TY3 TY3 TY3 TY2 --
2. Project boundary transitional yards
Project boundary transitional yard requirements are established to mitigate the effect of planned developments on adjacent properties. The following shall be used to determine project boundary transitional yard requirements.
(a) No transitional yard is required where the width of the project?s perimeter singlefamily detached residential lots is equal to or greater than the minimum lot width of the adjoining single-family detached development or the minimum lot width required by the respective single-family detached zoning district that applies to any adjoining undeveloped parcel.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (a) above or unless modified by the city council in the approval of a master development plan, the following boundary transitional yards shall be provided along project boundaries in accordance with 4.5.5.D:
(1) PD-R: TY2 transitional yards
(2) PD-M: TY3 transitional yards
(3) PD-C: TY3 transitional yards
(4) PD-I: TY4 transitional yards
3. Use boundary transitional yards
(a) Where townhouse developments occur adjacent to single-family detached or duplex dwellings, TY1 transitional yards shall be provided in accordance with 4.5.5.D, below.
(b) Where multifamily developments occur adjacent to single-family detached, duplex or townhouse dwellings, TY2 transitional yards shall be provided in accordance with 4.5.5.D, below.
(c) Where commercial developments occur adjacent to single-family attached, singlefamily detached, duplex, townhouse, or multifamily dwellings, TY3 transitional yards shall be provided in accordance with 4.5.5.D, below.
(d) Where industrial developments occur adjacent to single-family attached, singlefamily detached, duplex, townhouse, or multifamily dwellings, TY4 transitional yards shall be provided in accordance with 4.5.5.D, below.
D. Transitional yard classifications
Four transitional yard classifications are established in recognition of the different contexts that may exist. They are as follows:
SPECIFICATIONS TY1 TY2 TY3 TY4
Minimum Transitional Yard Width [1] (feet) 7.5 10 15 30
Minimum Fence or Wall Height (feet) on Lot Line [2] 6 6 6 6
Minimum Trees (per 100 feet)
Canopy NA 3 4 4
Understory 4 3 4 5
Minimum Shrubs (per 100 feet) NA NA 4 5
[1] Yard widths calculated on the basis of average per 100 feet, provided that the yard width at any point may not be less than 50 percent of the minimums stated in the table. Required zoning district setbacks may be counted toward satisfying transitional yard widths.
[2] On or adjacent to the lot line. Additional understory trees or shrubs may be substituted for required fence or wall via alternative compliance (4.5.10).
E. Location of transitional yards
Transitional yards shall be located within the outer perimeter of a lot or parcel, parallel to and extending to the lot or parcel boundary line. Transitional yards shall not be located on any portion of an existing, dedicated or reserved public or private street or right-of-way.
F. Ownership of transitional yards
Transitional yards may remain in the ownership of the original applicant; they may be subjected to deed restrictions and subsequently be freely conveyed; or they may be transferred to any consenting grantees, such as the city, a land conservancy or land trust, or common interest community association (see 4.13). Any such conveyance shall guarantee the protection and maintenance of the transitional yard in accordance with the provisions of 4.5.
G. Landscape materials and design
Landscape materials used to satisfy the transitional yard requirements of 4.5.5 are subject to the regulations of 4.5.9.
4.5.6 Tree requirements
A. Tree canopy
The following 10-year minimum tree canopy requirements shall apply in the respective districts: (figure)
B. Street trees
In all general districts except the RL, RM, RH and CU districts, a minimum ten foot wide landscaped strip shall be provided along all streets. Street trees shall be required along all streets at the rate of one canopy tree for every 40 linear feet and spaced a maximum of 50 feet part.
1. All street trees shall be planted no less than three feet or more than 15 feet from the back of the curb or edge of pavement.
2. No tree shall be planted within a safe sight triangle (4.3.4) or closer than 10 feet from any fire hydrant.
C. Landscape materials and design
Landscape material used to satisfy the tree requirements of 4.5.6 are subject to the regulations of 4.5.9.
4.5.7 Parking lot landscaping
A. Applicability
1. 4.5.7 applies to:
(a) New on-site surface parking lots with more than 10 spaces; and
(b) The expansion of any existing surface parking lot if the expansion results in 10 or more new parking spaces, in which case the requirements of 4.5.7 apply only to the expanded area.
2. For purposes of 4.5.7, multiple platted lots contained on a single site plan and any separate parking lots connected with drive aisles are considered a single parking lot.
B. Low impact development (LID)
Low impact development (LID) techniques that capitalize on and are consistent with natural resources and processes will be incorporated in parking lot landscaping whenever practicable, including but not limited to:
1. Rain catchment and harvesting for on-site irrigation purposes; and
2. Rain gardens (shallow depressions or swales) that slow storm runoff and reduce the impact of what is found in stormwater as it enters storm drainage control systems.
C. Perimeter
1. The perimeter of all parking lots with frontage on any portion of a public right-of way shall be screened by a continuous landscaped hedge, a wall, or fence supported by masonry piers. Perimeter screening shall be at least 30 inches in height at the time of installation, and any planted screening shall reach a minimum height of 36 inches within two years of planting.
2. The perimeter of all parking lots adjacent to residentially zoned property shall provide a transitional yard TY3 (See 4.5.5).
D. Interior
1. Interior islands
An interior landscaped island shall be provided for every ten spaces. Each island shall contain a minimum of 200 square feet with a minimum width of eight feet inside the curb and include a minimum of one canopy tree; provided that, where an island includes a sidewalk, such islands shall contain a minimum of 400 square feet with a minimum of 15 feet inside the curb. Planting islands shall be evenly distributed throughout the parking lot; with no parking space located more than 50 feet from a planting island. Interior islands may be consolidated or intervals may be expanded in order to preserve existing trees, where approved by the zoning administrator.
2. Terminal islands
All rows of spaces shall terminate in a curbed landscaped island. Each island shall conform to the specifications described in 4.5.7.D.1, above.
3. Median islands
A median island with a minimum width of eight feet inside the curb shall be sited between every six single parking rows. Median intervals may be expanded in order to preserve existing trees, where approved by the zoning administrator.
E. Parking structures
1. General
Parking lot interior landscaping requirements shall not apply to parking structures.
2. Perimeter landscaping
Structured parking above finished grade shall comply with building setback requirements. Landscaping for parking structures shall be provided in all yards pursuant to perimeter landscaping requirements for surface parking. However, where the location of such structure with respect to property boundary and adjacent structures will substantially inhibit the growth of the required trees, such trees may be located along another perimeter of the site in a manner approved by the zoning administrator.
F. Curbs and vehicle barriers
Landscaped areas in or abutting parking lots must be protected by concrete curbing, anchored wheel stops, or other durable barriers approved by the zoning administrator. Curbs protecting landscaped areas may be perforated, have gaps, or otherwise be designed to allow stormwater runoff to pass through them.
G. Landscape materials and design
Landscape material used to satisfy the parking lot landscaping requirements of 4.5.7 are subject to the regulations of 4.5.9.
4.5.8 Screening
A. Features to be screened
The following features must be screened from view of public rights-of-way, public open spaces and from lots used or zoned for residential purposes, as specified in 4.5.8.
1. Drive-through windows/facilities, subject to 4.5.8.B;
2. Ground-mounted mechanical equipment, subject to 4.5.8.C;
3. Outdoor storage of materials, supplies, vehicles and equipment, subject to 4.5.8.D;
4. Pick-up and drop-off containers and facilities, subject to 4.5.8.E;
5. Roof-mounted mechanical equipment, subject to 4.5.8.F; and
6. Trash receptacles and service areas, subject to 4.5.8.G.
B. Drive-through windows/facilities
Drive-through windows/facilities and lanes shall be subject to the following screening requirements:
1. Drive-through windows/facilities and lanes placed between the right-of-way and the associated building shall require landscape plantings installed and maintained along the entire length of the drive-through lane, located between the drive-through lane and the adjacent right-of-way.
2. Such screening shall be a compact evergreen hedge or other type of dense foliage. At the time of installation, such screening shall be at least 36 inches in height and shall reach a height of 48 inches within two years of planting.
C. Ground-mounted mechanical equipment
All ground-mounted mechanical equipment over 30 inches in height must be screened from view by a solid fence, solid wall, dense hedge, or combination of such features. The hedge, fence or wall must be tall enough to screen the equipment.
D. Outdoor storage of materials, supplies, vehicles and equipment
1. On nonresidential lots, all stored materials, supplies, merchandise, vehicles, commercial vehicles, boats (or similar), trailers, recreational vehicles, equipment, or other similar materials that are not on display for direct sale, rental or lease to the ultimate consumer or user must be screened by landscaping or solid fencing or wall, with a minimum height of six feet at the time of installation. (See also 4.10)
2. On residential lots, all stored materials, supplies, equipment, or other similar materials, including any vehicles, trailers, commercial vehicles, boats (or similar), recreational vehicles, or similar vehicles kept on an unsurfaced area, shall be located in the side or rear yard, screened from the view from the street and first story of any neighboring dwelling to the extent possible by landscaping or solid fencing or wall, and the total area for such outdoor storage shall not occupy more than 25 percent of the side and rear yards combined.
3. On residential lots, one commercial vehicle of a weight less than 9,000 pounds, one commercial trailer, or one noncommercial vehicle of a weight more than 9,000 pounds but less than 15,000 pounds may be kept in accordance with the provisions of City Code, Section 98-147(c). Screening shall not be required provided the vehicle or trailer is kept on a surfaced area.
4. On residential lots, boats (or similar) on trailers and noncommercial trailers may be kept without screening, provided the trailer is kept on a surfaced area.
5. On residential lots, screening shall not be required for firewood, outdoor furniture, portable grills, or similar items accessory to the residential use or for storage of materials and equipment related to a construction project for which a valid building permit is in effect and where the materials and equipment are maintained in an orderly condition and do not constitute a hazard.
E. Pick-up and drop-off containers and facilities
Pick-up and drop-off containers and facilities shall be screened from the first story window(s) of any neighboring dwellings by a solid fence, solid wall, dense hedge, or combination of such features. The hedge, fence or wall must be tall enough to screen the equipment.
F. Roof-mounted mechanical equipment
1. Roof-mounted mechanical equipment (e.g., air conditioning, heating, cooling, ventilation, exhaust and similar equipment, but not elevator shafts, solar panels, wind energy or similar renewable energy devices) over 30 inches in height must be screened from ground-level view at the property line in one of the following ways:
(a) A parapet wall;
(b) A solid screen, which shall be an integral part of the building?s architectural design; or
(c) An equipment setback from roof edges that is at least three feet in depth for each one foot of equipment height.
2. Fire safety access shall be provided.
G. Trash receptacles and service areas
1. Trash receptacles and service areas (e.g., recycling containers, grease barrels, medical waste bins) must be screened from view of streets and all abutting lots with a solid wall or opaque fence, with doors or gates, at least six feet in height.
2. Trash receptacles and service areas may be located in parking lot but shall not reduce applicable parking requirements.
3. Trash receptacles and service areas may not be located in the required front or side (street) yard.
H. Landscape materials and design
Landscape material used to satisfy the screening requirements of 4.5.8 are subject to the regulations of 4.5.9.
4.5.9 Landscape material and design
A. Landscaping within required landscaped areas
Required landscaped areas must be covered with biodegradable mulch and/or ground cover plants.
B. Plant types
There are three plant types referred to in this section, and all shall require the use of locallyadapted plants. They include canopy trees, understory trees and shrubs, defined as follows:
1. Canopy trees
Large deciduous shade trees with a mature height of 30 feet or greater and a mature spread of 30 feet or greater, with a mature height of 20 feet or greater.
2. Understory trees
(a) Small deciduous trees or large deciduous shrubs with a mature height of 10 to 30 feet, except under overhead utilities, where lower heights at maturity may be required; or
(b) Trees or large shrubs at least 10 feet tall at maturity that usually have green foliage throughout all seasons of the year.
3. Shrubs
Prostrate or upright woody plants, either evergreen or deciduous, with a mature height usually less than 10 feet. Evergreen shrubs usually have green foliage throughout all seasons of the year.
C. Required fencing and walls
Fencing and walls used for required screening and in transitional yards shall:
1. Be constructed of high quality materials, such as decorative blocks, brick, stone, treated wood, or composite wood-like material complementary to the principal structure; Chain-link fences and barbed wire or concertina wire shall not be utilized for screening purposes;
2. Breaks in the fence or wall may be provided for pedestrian connections to adjacent properties; and
3. The maximum length of a continuous, unbroken and uninterrupted fence or wall plane shall be 100 feet; visual relief shall be provided at intervals not exceeding 100 feet through the use of masonry columns at reasonable intervals.
D. Existing trees and vegetation
Existing non-invasive trees and shrubs count toward satisfying the landscaping regulations of 4.5 if they are located within the subject area and they comply with the plant height and size requirements of 4.5.9.
1. Tree management plan
A tree management plan shall be required prior to the removal or destruction of existing trees that are at least five inches in diameter measured at breast height (DBH), including the following information, except as deemed necessary by the zoning administrator:
(a) The location, size, condition and species of all trees which are at least five inches in diameter to be preserved or removed;
(b) The location, size and species of all trees to be preserved or removed;
(c) Specifications for the removal of trees and protection of trees during construction;
(d) Proposed grade changes or other potentially injurious work adjacent to trees designated for preservation with specifications for maintaining ground drainage and aeration around such trees;
(e) The location, size and species of all trees to be planted; and
(f) Such other information that the zoning administrator deems essential.
2. Tree protection during construction
(a) Existing trees specified on the landscape plan to remain on the site shall be protected from vehicular movement and material storage over their root spaces during construction. An undisturbed area with a porous surface shall be reserved around a tree, based on the drip line or as specified by an arborist or landscape architect.
(b) A temporary tree protection fence shall be installed along the drip line.
3. Tree removal
(a) Diseased trees or trees weakened by age, storm, fire or other injury may be removed in accordance with this 4.5.9.D.3. Trees that are damaging or can be reasonably expected to damage buildings, streets, sidewalks or other infrastructure may be removed, subject to verification of site conditions by the zoning administrator. All other tree removal should be based on a consideration of the following:
(1) The effect of the proposed tree removal upon the stabilization of soil, lakes, ponds, streams and rivers;
(2) The intended use of the property and feasible alternatives which would preserve existing trees;
(3) The existing topography, proposed changes in the topography and proposed landscaping;
(4) The hardship imposed or the reasonable use denied to the applicant as a result of permit denial;
(5) Historical value of the trees;
(6) Good horticultural and forestry practices;
(7) The effect of the proposed tree removal on the deadening and absorption of sound;
(8) The likelihood that the proposed action will adversely affect the control of flooding or soil erosion;
(9) The impact of such action on surrounding property or persons; and
(10) The consistency of the proposed action with the purpose of 4.5.1.
(b) Trees that are approved by the zoning administrator for removal shall be replaced with new trees or large shrubs on the same property and in the same general location.
4.5.10 Alternative compliance
In order to encourage creativity in landscape and screening design and to allow for flexibility in addressing atypical, site-specific development/redevelopment challenges, the zoning administrator is authorized to approve alternative compliance landscape plans subject to the following findings:
A. The approved administrative alternate meets the intent of the landscaping regulations;
B. The approved administrative alternate complies with the comprehensive plan and adopted city plans; and
C. The approved administrative alternate is considered equal to or better than the standard.
(10-1-16)
Falls Church City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 48 ZONING
ARTICLE V. SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS
DIVISION 5. MIXED-USE REDEVELOPMENT (MUR) REGULATIONS
Sec. 48-1080. - General requirements.
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(h) Landscaping and open space requirements. Section 48-940 does not apply to MUR applications. The remainder of division 2 of this article is applicable.
(1) All MUR site plan applications must contain a landscaping plan. A minimum of 15 percent of the gross site area must be landscaped open space. The term "landscaped open space" is defined in section 48-2. This 15 percent may include up to five feet of landscaped perimeter setback areas. A five-foot landscaped open space area, as defined in section 48-2, must be included on all MUR application area perimeter streets as part of the 14- to 20-foot required perimeter setback. MUR application area perimeters that are not bounded by street frontage and abut properties outside of the MUR application area must comply with the site screening requirements of this section. Five percent of the interior of all surface parking facilities must be landscaped. The internal area of a parking facility is defined by the perimeter of the curbs or edge of paving. This five percent of interior surface parking areas may also be included within the 15 percent gross site area requirement. Structured parking facilities must include a minimum of two percent of landscaped area on the top decks, with the remaining three percent to be planted adjacent to the ground level of the parking structure. Rear townhouse yards cannot be applied to the 15 percent landscaped open space requirement. The following standards also apply to the 15 percent gross site area landscaped open space requirements:
a. The five percent landscaping requirement for the interior of surface parking areas must be in the form of islands which must include a mixture of shade trees, shrubs, groundcover, and perennials to maximize shade potential and visual buffers. Each island must contain a minimum of one canopy tree and 150 square feet.
B. Best management practices shall be employed in establishing stormwater management techniques, as described in the Falls Church Watershed Management Plan, section 4.0.
c. The two percent landscaping requirement for the top decks of structured parking facilities should include three-foot perimeter planters at certain locations and corner planters with shade trees. The majority of the remaining three percent of landscaping adjacent to the ground level of the structure should be comprised of evergreen screening with the capacity to grow to a minimum of eight feet in height.
D. Landscaping within the required perimeter setback area shall include street-type shade trees, measuring from two to 2? inches in caliper, planted at intervals of 30 to 40 feet. In addition, a combination of large shrubs, small shrubs, and groundcover (not to include turf grass) arranged formally or informally, that will cover the entire area at maturity, shall be required. Groundcover shall not comprise more than 15 percent of the site screen area. Large shrubs shall measure at least 30 inches in height at the time of planting and reach a minimum mature height of 3? feet. Small shrubs shall measure at least 18 inches in height at the time of planting and reach a maximum of 3? feet at maturity. Enough large shrubs must be planted to maintain a visual buffer the length of the setback area, if a MUR area perimeter is adjacent to an adjoining property and is not separated by a street, subsection (h)(2) of this section will govern the requirements for that section of the perimeter.
E. All plant materials must be inspected by the city arborist prior to planting and shall meet the city's approved plant list and commercial site planting requirements. Installation may be spot checked by the city arborist.
F. Landscaped open space shall be consolidated into useable areas when possible.
(2) Site screening is required between adjoining uses and development not separated by a street at a MUR application area perimeter. All MUR site plan applications must adhere to the following site screening requirements to provide a visual buffer between adjoining uses. These requirements apply only to perimeter boundaries of any MUR application and not to district separations that are interior to a MUR application area. Site screening requirements vary depending on the intensity of both the district in which a use is proposed and its neighboring district.
A. Site screening requirement A. A ten-foot wide landscaped planting strip shall include street-type shade trees, measuring from two to 2? inches in caliper, planted at intervals of 30 to 40 feet. In addition, a combination of large shrubs, small shrubs, and groundcover (not to include turf grass), arranged formally or informally, that will cover the entire area at maturity shall be required. Groundcover shall not comprise more than 15 percent of the site screen area. Large shrubs shall measure at least 30 inches in height at the time of planting and reach a minimum mature height of 3? feet. Small shrubs shall measure at least 18 inches in height at the time of planting and reach a maximum of 3? feet at maturity. Enough large shrubs must be planted to maintain a visual buffer the length of the site screen area. All species must be approved by the city arborist.
B. Site screening requirement B. A ten-foot wide landscaped planting strip shall include street-type shade trees, measuring from two to 2? inches in caliper, planted at intervals of 30 to 40 feet. In addition, a combination of large shrubs, small shrubs, and groundcover (not to include turf grass), arranged formally or informally, that will cover the entire area at maturity shall be required. Groundcover shall not comprise more than 15 percent of the site screen area. Large shrubs shall measure at least 30 inches in height at the time of planting and reach a minimum mature height of 3? feet. Small shrubs shall measure at least 18 inches in height at the time of planting and reach a maximum of 3? feet at maturity. Enough large shrubs must be planted to maintain a visual buffer the length of the site screen area. In addition to this vegetation, a screening element of at least six feet in height must be created to consist of either a masonry wall, a combined three foot high earthen berm with the required landscaping located atop the berm, or a solid wood fence. All species must be approved by the city arborist.
C. Site screening requirement C.
1. A seven-foot-wide landscaped planting strip shall include evergreen trees planted at intervals of six to ten feet, measuring a minimum of six feet in height at the time of planting and reaching a minimum height of 12 feet at maturity. In addition to this vegetation, a screening element of at least six feet in height must be created to consist of either a masonry wall or a solid wood fence. All species must be approved by the city arborist.
2. Requirements A, B, and C are standards for the size and site screening area and the density and type of landscaping/planting. The developer may substitute a higher site screening requirement, requirement C being higher than B, and B being higher than A. In certain situations, as designated in the table in this subsection, either site screening requirement B or C may be used. Existing trees and other vegetation may be used for site screening, if they are healthy and are approved as part of the landscaping plan by the city arborist. All site screening required by this section must be installed prior to the occupancy of the use. Where compliance with this regulation is not possible because of seasonal planting limitations, the city arborist shall grant an appropriate delay.
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The preexisting commercial structures within a MUR application area shall not be basis for receiving residential building permits prior to the footer inspections for all commercial structures shown on the approved site plan.
(Code 1982, ? 38-34(a)(2); Ord. No. 1636, 3-8-1999; Ord. No. 1670, 3-13-2000; Ord. No. 1671, 4-10-2000)
Falls Church City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 48 ZONING
ARTICLE V. SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS
DIVISION 8. LANDSCAPING
Sec. 48-1184. Design criteria.
(a) Preparation. Landscape plans shall be prepared by a landscape architect, landscape designer, certified arborist or Virginia Certified Nurseryman (VCN).
(1) Vegetation should be chosen from the Recommended List of Trees and Shrubs to Plant in the City of Falls Church. The applicant may propose the use of vegetation or designs that fulfill the intent of this section, with the approval of the city arborist.
(2) Required vegetation in screening landscape planting strips, landscaping in interior parking lot areas and buffers shall be distributed over their entire lengths and widths.
(3) Vegetation may be arranged symmetrically (formal) or asymmetrically (informal) and shall be grouped to form plant clusters. Informal groupings that reflect the natural character of the region are encouraged.
(b) Diversity and variety. To increase the diversity of the age and species in the urban forest, consideration shall be given to save mature trees and to plant trees on sites where the tree population is over maturing. Also, to allow for a variety of interest in form, color and height to reduce the opportunity for pest and disease population increase, the following chart shall be used to select the appropriate number of species:
Plant Diversity Chart
Number of Plant Materials / Min. Number of Species / Max. of any one Species (%)
- 0 - 5 / 1 / 100
- 6 - 15 / 2 / 50
-16 - 30 / 3 / 40
- 31 - 50 / 4 / 30
- 50+ / 6 / 20
(c) Location, dimension and spacing. The location, dimension and spacing of required plantings shall be adequate for their proper growth and maintenance, taking into consideration the sizes of such plantings at maturity and the present and future environmental requirements, such as wind, soil, moisture and sunlight.
(d) City parkland or other ecologically sensitive areas. Where the required plantings abut city parkland or other ecologically sensitive areas, vegetation shall be noninvasive and be selected from indigenous trees, shrubs and perennials. This is to restrict the introduction of invasive plant species; vegetation shall be determined by the city arborist.
(e) Foundation plantings. To soften the edge of the building in the landscape, a five-foot-wide planting area may be required in instances where the proposed building is not abutting the public right-of-way, sidewalks or parking lot. Vegetation should achieve a minimum of 3? feet to five feet in height.
(f) Street trees. Street trees shall be required when they abut or lie within a proposed subdivision or development and/or redevelopment along all proposed public and private streets.
(1) Where there is no public right-of-way, a perpetual easement for street tree planting and maintenance may be requested of the developer and recorded on the development plan.
(2) Trees placed in the public right-of-way shall become the responsibility of the city to maintain and replace.
(3) Tree canopy coverage provided by street trees planted in conjunction with residentially zoned R1-A or R1-B lots may be credited towards the lot's minimum canopy coverage requirements.
(g) Off-street parking structures. Off-street parking structures shall conform to all applicable provisions of article V, division 6 of this chapter, pertaining to yard requirements. Landscaping shall be provided and maintained in all yards. Suitable facades shall be provided as part of the structure. Landscaping requirements shall not apply to parking spaces within such structures. A wall at least 3? feet in height shall surround any parking which is on top of a structure, and suitable plantings shall be provided to buffer the view of such parking from nearby properties and rights-of-way.
(h) Landscape borders. All landscaped areas adjacent to any vehicular travel way, parking space or other vehicular use area shall be bordered by a six-inch concrete header curb. Wheel stops or other appropriate devices may be substituted when the department of public works determines that such alternative devices are needed for drainage purposes.
(i) Sight distance for landscaping adjacent to points of access. Plantings shall be selected and located so they do not contribute to conditions that may be hazardous to public safety. Such locations include, but are not limited to, public street rights-of-way, underground and aboveground utilities.
(j) Accessway interacting with public right-of way. When an accessway intersects a public right-of-way, all landscaping within the triangular areas described in this subsection shall provide unobstructed horizontal visibility between three feet and six feet above pavement level. Tree trunks may be permitted in these areas provided they do not constitute a traffic hazard. The triangular areas referred to in this subsection are formed by each side of the accessway and public right-of-way line, with each side being ten feet in length from the point of intersection, and the third side being a line connecting the ends of the two other sides.
(k) Landscaping adjustments after installation. In the event that the landscaping materials approved by the planning commission cannot be installed due to unavailability, or if the installed varieties fail, substitute materials may be installed, provided they are approved by the city arborist.
(l) Exceptions. The planning commission may waive or modify the requirements of this section where adjacent properties are developed under a unified site plan or where the strict interpretation of these provisions would reduce the usable area of a site to a point that would preclude a reasonable use. In such instances, special landscaping and/or architectural techniques may be required in lieu of the requirements of this subsection. The planning commission may also attach conditions to any such waiver or modification to ensure that the results of the waiver of modification shall be in accord with the purposes and intent of this subsection.
(Code 1982, ? 38-30(f); Ord. No. 1766, 9-13-2004)
Fredericksburg City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 72. Unified Development Ordinance
[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Fredericksburg 10-8-2013 by Ord. No. 13-16; recodified 12-12-2013. Amendments noted where applicable.]
SECTION 72-55. Landscaping
Sec. 72-55.5. Screening.
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C. Screening methods. The following items are permitted for use as screening materials. Alternative screening materials that are not listed may be used if it is determined they are comparable to these screening materials.
(1) Vegetative materials that meet the minimum vegetative screening requirements for a Type D buffer (see Table 72-55.4C, Buffer Types) and the size standards of ? 72-55.1C(1), New plantings;
(2) An earthen berm that is at least two feet in height, covered with grass, and planted with other landscaping materials consistent with the function of and requirements for a Type D buffer (see Table 72-55.4C, Buffer Types; provided, however, that a berm shall not be used in the CD District or if it will replace existing trees;
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Hampton City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 24 OFFENSES?MISCELLANEOUS
Sec. 24-39. Open storage of inoperable vehicles on property zoned for residential purposes.
(a) For purposes of this section, the term "shielded or screened from view" means completely precluding visibility of the subject vehicle by someone standing at ground level from outside of the property on which the vehicle is located by placing the vehicle within an area completely enclosed by any combination of the following: (1) a solid, rigid, six-foot opaque fence composed of standard fencing materials; and/or (2) a landscape arrangement of non-deciduous trees or shrubs, sufficient in height, spacing, density and circumference; and/or (3) a permanent structure.
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Cross reference? Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, ? 1-11; junk dealers, Ch. 27.
State Law reference? Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, ? 15.2-904.
Hampton ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
ZONING ORDINANCE
Chapter 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE II. REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO MANY OR ALL ZONING DISTRICTS
Sec. 1-18. Fence and wall regulations.
(1) In any R, MD, or RT district, a fence, screen, or wall, or a hedge or thick growth of shrubs or trees may be located and maintained in required yards provided that the height of any such permitted feature not exceed six (6) feet in side or rear yards, and four (4) feet in front yards, or such lesser height as may be prescribed by law. This provision shall not be interpreted to prohibit the erection of an open-mesh type fence enclosing any school or playground site, or landscape features such as trees, shrubs, flowers, or plants, provided they do not produce a hedge effect contrary to the provisions of this section. The use of electrified fences is prohibited except as set forth in section 24-40 of the Hampton City Code.
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(3) A fence, screen, wall, hedge, or thick growth of shrubs or trees may be located in any zoning district on vacant property owned by the City of Hampton or a political subdivision of the commonwealth.
Harrisonburg City Code View whole ordinance
Title 10 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 3. ZONING
ARTICLE J.2. R-3 MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
This article will be effective August 14, 2010. To develop under the previous R-3, Multiple Dwelling Residential District, Comprehensive Site Plans must be approved before August 14, 2010.
(Ord. of 8-14-07)
Sec. 10-3-48.6. Other regulations.
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(b) Off-street parking regulations for all buildings and uses permitted in this district are governed by article G. When an off-street parking lot containing five (5) or more spaces is to be constructed within an established single family detached or duplex neighborhood, such parking lot(s) shall not be located between principal buildings and a public street, unless the parcel has multiple public street frontages, and shall be screened from the public street(s) by principal buildings or by landscaping or walls. When an off-street parking garage containing five (5) or more spaces is to be constructed within an established single family detached or duplex neighborhood, such parking garage shall be located to the rear or side of principal buildings and screened from the public street(s) by principal buildings or by landscaping or walls. The parking garage cannot be located between principal buildings and public streets. Where such parking lots/garages abut single-family detached or duplex lots, they shall be screened from such lots by landscaping, fences, or walls. An adequate screen shall be a minimum five-foot wide buffer area containing the following:
- Screen Abutting Street: 4-foot high masonry wall or Evergreen hedge of 4-foot high (ultimate height) shrubs or trees planted a minimum of 5 feet on center so as to form a dense screen
- Screen Abutting Adjacent Lot: 6-foot high masonry wall or solid wood fence or Evergreen hedge of 6-foot high (ultimate height) shrubs or trees planted a minimum of 5 feet on center so as to form a dense screen
An established single-family detached or duplex neighborhood is defined as one (1) meeting at least one (1) of the following conditions:
(1) A single-family house or duplex is located on at least one (1) side, not rear, of the lot containing the parking lot/garage, or
(2) At least fifty (50) percent of the lots along both sides of the street within the same block as the parking lot/garage are occupied by single-family houses or duplexes.
(c) More than one (1) principal building may be constructed upon an unsubdivided parcel of land as density allows. The open space between each building as measured at the closest point between building walls shall not be less than thirty (30) feet. The minimum separation between buildings may be superseded by building regulations. The front fa?ade of each principal building shall face a dedicated public street or the limits of a private parking unit (as defined) and no building shall have the rear fa?ade facing a dedicated public street, unless the parcel has multiple public street frontages where rear fa?ades may front one (1) public street.
(d) Proposed building projects as permitted in this district, which rely on private refuse collection, shall provide a designated point of collection with appropriate facilities. Said facilities shall be screened and shall meet the requirements for accessory buildings per section 10-3-114.
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(Ord. of 8-14-07; Ord. of 3-22-11(2); Ord. of 1-14-14(5))
Luray Town Code View whole ordinance
APPENDIX A ZONING
ARTICLE IV. DISTRICT REGULATIONS
409. Planned Neighborhood Development District [PND].
409.10. Development review?PND. Within one year of approval of a master land use plan for development of a planned neighborhood, prior to the approval of building permits, the applicant shall prepare and submit for review and approval an engineered development plan, along with the fee as established in the approved schedule of fees. The applicant may petition the town council for an extension of time for submission of a development plan, provided such extension is requested at least 20 days prior to the expiration of the one-year period. The town council may grant an extension upon demonstration of good cause for up to one year.
A. Development plan. A development plan shall be submitted for all proposed commercial, residential, community facility, institutional, or multifamily residential development within a planned neighborhood development. The development plan shall be drawn to scale and shall be accompanied by a narrative, as appropriate. The development plan shall comply with the provisions of appendix A section 515 of the Code of Luray, Virginia, unless otherwise provided for herein, and the following:
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3. A landscape plan prepared by a certified landscape architect shall be submitted with each site development plan application. The development plan shall identify proposed trees, shrubs, ground cover, natural features such as rock outcroppings, other landscaping elements and planting details. When existing natural growth is proposed to remain, the applicant shall include in the plans a description of the landscaping to be retained, a statement from a certified arborist that the material is desirable and healthy, and the proposed methods to protect the retained trees and growth during and after construction.
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5. Calculation of the percentage of land area covered by the various land uses, including landscaped areas.
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409.11. Definitions?PND.
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G. Open space. Common space generally intended for passive recreation and not improved with a building, structure, vehicular travel lane, driveway, street, sidewalk, or parking area. Open space may include pedestrian ways, bike paths, trails interconnecting open space areas; undisturbed natural areas, woodlands, preservation areas; community facilities; landscaped grounds, buffers; playgrounds and tot lots; swimming and boating areas. Open space shall not include yards within individual residential lots, yards less than 30 feet wide between buildings, lands occupied by tennis courts, golf courses, and buildings.
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409.12. Evaluation criteria?PND. Application for rezoning to a planned neighborhood development district shall specifically demonstrate achievement of the following objectives. Each proposed planned neighborhood development will be evaluated on the extent to which these objectives are achieved:
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E. Efficiently utilizes land to protect and preserve natural features such as trees, streams, and topographic features.
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409.17. Off-street parking?PND.
A. The number, design, location and construction of parking lots, bays, spaces and drives shall conform to the applicable requirements of appendix A, sections 506 and 507 of the zoning ordinance.
1. Parking areas shall be planted with trees a minimum of two inches in caliper measured six inches above ground level, so that there is at least one tree per ten parking spaces within the parking lot. Such trees must be protected by curbing or other means against damage by vehicles. A minimum planting area, equivalent to 162 square feet per tree, shall be provided.
2. Parking areas shall have a landscaped island at each end of each row of vehicle spaces. No more than 15 spaces shall be laid out without an intermediate landscape island. Such planting islands shall be not less than ten feet wide in the direction parallel to the row and not less than 20 feet long in the direction perpendicular to the row. Each such island shall have a suitable poured-in-place concrete curb, or approved equal, and shall be planted with grass or ground cover. All hydrants shall be located in such islands.
409.18. Landscaping and screening?PND.
A. Screening of uses. Commercial, institutional, and community uses shall be screened from residential uses within and abutting the planned neighborhood development by a bufferyard 20 feet in width containing a minimum of three canopy trees, six understory trees, and nine shrubs per 100 feet of length (or an amount creating an equivalent effect and approved with the landscape plan) along the perimeter of the lot line abutting a residential use.
B. Screening along public roadways. Uses within a planned neighborhood development which abut an arterial street as defined in appendix B, section 502 shall be screened by a bufferyard of 20 feet in width containing a minimum of three canopy trees, six understory trees and nine shrubs per 100 feet of frontage (or an amount creating an equivalent effect and approved with the landscape plan). Canopy trees shall be deciduous shade trees planted with a minimum of two and one-half inches in caliper at six inches above the ground with a mature height of at least 35 feet. Understory trees shall be deciduous shade or fruit trees planted at minimum one and ? inch in caliper at six inches above the ground with a mature height of at least 12 feet.
C. Existing vegetation. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, existing vegetation shall be retained and maintained to the extent feasible in order to permit existing vegetation to fulfill or contribute to buffer and screening requirements. In lieu of strict compliance with the above bufferyard requirements, a developer may submit a detailed landscaping plan that will afford a degree of buffering and screening comparable to that provided by these regulations in making use of existing and new vegetation. For developments utilizing more than ten percent existing vegetation as a density bonus credit, a certified arborist shall provide a detailed description of the existing vegetation with notation of specimen trees, to certify compliance. The arborist report shall be accompanied by the proposed measures for ensuring preservation during and after construction in accordance with the preservation criteria stated in the Town of Luray Landscape Preservation and Planting Guide.
D. Screening of refuse collection facilities. Uses, except single-family homes within a planned neighborhood development shall provide secure, safe, and sanitary facilities for the storage and pickup of refuse. Such facilities shall be convenient to collection and shall be appropriate to the type and size of use being served. All refuse storage facilities shall be screened on three sides by a solid wooden fence or masonry wall and a tight evergreen hedge. The fourth side shall be angled to minimize the view of the refuse collection facility or shall be screened by an opaque gate made of durable materials. The screening shall be of sufficient height and design to effectively screen the facility from the view from nearby residential uses, streets, adjacent properties, and recreational facilities.
409.19. Density bonuses?PND. Residential density bonuses up to a density of 6.0 dwelling units per acre dedicated to uses other than the commercial uses set forth in appendix A, 409.21(B) and ? may be approved and granted at the discretion of the town council upon a finding that a proposed density bonus promotes the purposes of the planned neighborhood development and provides additional public benefit. Each of the following amenities and any other amenities or proffered conditions will be evaluated by the town planning commission and town council and used in negotiations with the applicant:
A. Dedicated open space. In exchange for increasing the dedicated natural open space beyond the required 25 percent, the project may qualify for a density bonus, provided the natural open space is increased by a minimum of five percent of the developable acreage. A bonus shall not be permitted for preservation areas or without sufficient justification of demonstrated benefit to the town. Priority shall be given to protecting existing stands of mature trees.
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(Res. No. 2006-02-04, ? 1, 2-13-2006)
Martinsville ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
APPENDIX B ZONING ORDINANCE
SECTION XIV: LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
A. Purpose and goals.
The purpose shall be to provide landscaping and buffering guidelines for developers and builders to follow in the design, installation, and maintenance of proposed high density residential, commercial and industrial development projects.
The goal shall be to promote quality landscaping design throughout the city while integrating various elements of site design, preserving and enhancing the particular identity of the site, and creating a pleasing site character.
Landscaping may include plant materials such as trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials, and annuals, and other materials such as rocks, water, sculpture, art, walls, fences, paving materials, and street furniture.
B. Applicability and exemptions.
1. Applicability: These requirements shall apply to:
a. New principal building or use. Principal buildings or open spaces of land constructed, reconstructed, or established after the adoption of this ordinance.
b. Changes in use which result in higher intensity use that may be deemed incompatible with abutting property or properties.
c. Expansions. All expansions of buildings, parking areas, or open uses of land, except the first five hundred (500) square feet of expansion.
2. Exemptions: These requirements shall not apply to:
a. Existing and proposed single-family detached dwellings or two-family dwellings on their own lots.
b. Property lines abutting railroad rights-of-way and utility easements in excess of sixty (60) feet in width.
c. Property lines abutting dedicated street right-of-way which has remained open for a period of at least fifteen (15) years.
C. Landscape plan.
A landscape plan shall be submitted with each site plan application, unless the zoning administrator determines the project is of a minor nature or would cause minimum impact on surrounding private or public facilities. The administrator may waive any or all of the landscape plan requirements.
The plan shall identify:
1. Existing and proposed trees.
2. Shrubs and ground covers.
3. Natural features such as rock outcroppings.
4. Landscaping elements.
5. Location of proposed plantings.
6. Construction details.
7. Where existing plantings are to be retained
8. Proposed methods of protecting existing plantings during construction.
D. Site protection and general planting requirements.
1. Topsoil preservation. Topsoil moved during the course of construction shall be redistributed on all re-graded surfaces so as to provide at least four (4) inches of even cover to all disturbed areas of the development and shall be stabilized by seeding and planting.
2. Removal of debris. All stumps and other tree parts, litter, brush, weeds, excess or scrap building materials or other debris shall be removed from the site within thirty (30) days of notification by the zoning administrator and disposed of in accordance with the law. No tree stumps, or portions of tree trunks or limbs shall be buried anywhere in the development. All dead or dying trees, standing or fallen, shall be removed from the site within thirty (30) days of notification by the zoning administrator. If trees or limbs are reduced to chips, they may be used as mulch in landscaped areas, subject to approval by the administrator.
3. Protection of existing plantings. Maximum effort should be made to save fine specimens. No material or temporary soil deposits shall be placed within four (4) feet of shrubs or ten (10) feet of trees designated on the landscape plan to be retained. Protective barriers or tree wells shall be installed around each plant and/or group of plants that are to remain on the site. Barriers shall not be supported by the plants they are protecting, but shall be self supporting. They shall be a minimum of four (4) feet high and constructed of a durable material that will last until construction is completed. Snow fences and silt fences are examples of acceptable barriers.
4. Slope plantings. Landscaping of all cuts and fills and/or terraces shall be sufficient to prevent erosion, and all roadway slopes steeper than one foot vertically to three (3) feet horizontally shall be planted with ground cover appropriate for the purpose and the soil conditions, water availability and environment.
5. Additional landscaping. In high density residential developments, besides the screening and street trees required, additional plantings or landscaping elements may be required where necessary for privacy, or other reasons in accordance with the landscape plan approved by the planning commission and taking into consideration cost restraints. In nonresidential developments, all areas of the site not occupied by buildings and required improvements shall be landscaped by the planting of grass or other ground cover, shrubs, and trees as part of the landscape plan approved by the planning commission.
6. Planting specifications. Deciduous trees shall have at least a two-inch caliper at planting. Size of evergreens and shrubs shall be allowed to vary depending on setting and type of shrub. Only nursery grown plant materials shall be acceptable, and all trees, shrubs, and ground covers shall be planted according to accepted horticultural standards. Dead and dying plants shall be removed from the site within thirty (30) days of notification by the zoning administrator and shall be replaced by the developer during the following planting season.
7. Plant species. The plant species selected should be hardy for this climactic zone and growing season and appropriate in terms of function and size.
E. Shade trees.
1. Location. Shade trees shall be installed in accordance with the approved landscape plan. Trees shall be either massed or spaced evenly as design and/or topographic considerations may determine.
When trees are planted at predetermined intervals along streets, spacing shall depend on tree size, as follows.
When the spacing interval exceeds forty (40) feet, small ornamental trees can be placed between the larger trees. If a street canopy effect is desired, trees may be planted closer together following the recommendations of a landscape professional. The trees shall be planted so as not to interfere with utilities, roadways, sidewalks, sight easements, or street lights. Tree location, landscaping design, and spacing plan shall be approved by the planning commission as part of the landscape plan.
2. Tree type. Tree type may vary depending on overall effect desired, but as a general rule, all trees on a street shall be the same kind except to achieve special effects. Selection of tree type shall be approved by the planning commission.
3. Planting specifications. All trees shall have a caliper of two (2) inches and be nursery grown, of substantially uniform size and shape, and have straight trunks. Trees shall be properly planted and staked and provision made by the applicant for regular watering and maintenance until they are established. Dead and dying trees shall be removed from the site within thirty (30) days of notification by the zoning administrator and shall be replaced by the applicant during the next planting season.
F. Buffering.
1. Function and materials. Buffering shall provide a year round visual screen in order to minimize adverse impacts. It may consist of fencing, evergreens, berms, rocks, boulders, mounds, or combinations thereof to achieve the same objectives.
2. When required. Every development shall provide sufficient buffering when topographical or other barriers do not provide reasonable screening and when the planning commission determines that there is a need (1) to shield neighboring properties from any adverse external effects of a development; or (2) to shield the development from negative impacts of adjacent uses such as streets or railroads. In high density residential developments, when building design and siting do not provide privacy, the planning commission may require landscaping, fences, or walls to screen dwelling units for privacy. Buffers shall be measured from side and rear property lines, excluding driveways.
3. Amount required.
a. Where a professional or business zoned development abuts a residential zoning district, a natural buffer strip twenty-five (25) feet in width shall be required. Where site considerations do not allow a natural buffer of twenty-five (25) feet width, a solid privacy fence or wall may be substituted for all or a portion of that buffer, as determined by the zoning administrator.
b. Where a commercial zoned development abuts a residential zoning district, a natural buffer strip of fifty (50) feet in width shall be required. Where site considerations do not allow a natural buffer of fifty (50) feet width, a solid privacy fence or wall and twenty-five (25) feet natural buffer strip may substitute.
c. Where an industrial zoned development abuts a residential zoning district, a natural buffer strip of one hundred (100) feet in width shall be required. Where site considerations do not allow a natural buffer of one hundred (100) feet width, a solid privacy fence or wall and fifty (50) feet natural buffer strip may substitute.
d. Parking lots, garbage collection and utility areas, and loading and unloading areas shall be screened around their perimeters by a buffer strip a minimum of five (5) feet width or privacy fence or wall, as determined by the zoning administrator.
e. Where residential subdivisions abut higher order streets (collectors or arterials), adjacent lots shall front on lower order streets, and a landscaped buffer area shall be provided along the property line abutting the road. The buffer strip shall be a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet wide or wider where necessary for the health and safety of the residents. It shall include both trees and shrubs.
4. Design. Arrangement of plantings in buffers shall provide maximum protection to adjacent properties and avoid damage to existing plant material. Possible arrangements include planting in parallel, serpentine, and broken rows. If planted berms are used, the minimum top width shall be four (4) feet, and the maximum side slope shall be 2:1.
5. Planting specifications. Plant materials should be sufficiently large and planted in such a fashion that a year-round screen at least eight (8) feet in height shall be produced within one growing season. All plantings shall be installed according to accepted horticultural standards.
6. Maintenance. Plantings shall be watered regularly and in a manner appropriate for the specific plant species through the first growing season, and dead and dying plants shall be removed within thirty (30) days of notification by the zoning administrator and shall be replaced by the property owner during the next planting season. No buildings, structures, storage of materials, or parking shall be permitted within the buffer area; buffer areas shall be maintained and kept free of all debris, rubbish, weeds, and tall grass.
G. Parking lot standards.
1. Amount. In parking lots the interior parking area shall be landscaped with plantings of one tree for each ten (10) parking spaces. Parking lot street frontage screening and perimeter screening shall be a minimum of five (5) feet wide. Planting required within the parking is exclusive of other planting requirements, such as shade trees planted along the street.
2. Location. The landscaping should be located in protected areas, such as along walkways, in center islands, at the end of bays, or between parking stalls. All landscaping in parking areas and on street frontage shall be placed so that it will not obstruct sight distance.
3. Plant type. A mixture of hardy flowering and/or decorative evergreen and deciduous trees may be planted. The evergreens should be used along the perimeter of the lot for screening, and the deciduous trees for shade within the lot. The area between the trees shall be mulched, planted with shrubs or ground cover, or covered with paving materials. Any area that will extend under the overhang of vehicles shall be mulched or covered with paving material.
K. General requirements and minimum standards.
1. All required landscaping shall be installed prior to the issuance of a permanent certificate of occupancy.
2. There shall be a minimum street frontage planting strip of five (5) feet in width across the entire lot frontage. This may be a combination of scrubs, trees, grass, and varied landscaping elements. There shall be a minimum of one medium sized shade tree required per each forty (40) feet of lot frontage. All shade trees shall be a minimum of two-inch caliper at time of planting.
3. Existing trees preserved on the site may be used to satisfy the requirements for landscaping. Any tree used to meet the requirements of this ordinance must be at least three (3) inch caliper, in healthy condition, and be protected from construction activity.
4. The owner of the property upon which the required landscaping or buffering is installed shall be responsible for perpetual maintenance and replacement. If any required tree, shrub, or other landscaping element shall die or be removed after issuance of the certificate of occupancy, the developer, his or her successors or assigns, shall replace each by the end of the next planting season with trees or shrubs of like character.
5. Species of trees shall not be planted if the roots cause damage to public works, the branches are subject to high incidence of breakage, and the fruit is considered a nuisance or high maintenance as determined by the director of public works.
6. Landscaping shall not obstruct the view of motorists using any street, private driveway, parking isles, or the approach to any street intersection so as to constitute a traffic hazard or a condition dangerous to the public safety. Whenever the enforcement of the provisions of this ordinance may be deemed a traffic hazard, the zoning administrator may waive any or all requirements.
L. Suggested trees and shrubs.
1. Street and shade trees: Green Ash, Red Maple, Norway Maple, Sugar Maple, Red Oak, Willow Oak, Japanese Pagoda Tree, Silver Linden, Zelkova, Yellowwood, Bald Cypress.
2. Ornamental or flowering trees: Amur Maple, Dogwood (Kousa), Washington Hawthorn, Plum, Serviceberry, Redbud, Callery Pear, Crepe Myrtle, Gingko Tree, Crab Apple.
3. Evergreen or flowering shrubs: English Yew, Japanese Yew, Azalea, Chinese Holly, Rhododendren, Abelia, Cotoneaster, Forsythia, Viburnum, Winged Euonymus, Flowering Quince, Shadbow.
4. Buffering/screening: Austrian Pine, Norway Spruce, American Holly, Arborvitae, Foster Holly, White Pine.
Middleburg ZONING ORDINANCE View whole ordinance
MIDDLEBURG ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE XV. BUFFERING, SCREENING AND TREES
Section 208: Applicability
This article shall apply to all site plan and subdivision applications approved after the effective date of this ordinance. This article applies to the construction of any parking lot containing more than five parking spaces. This article shall apply to the enlargement of any parking lot resulting in more than five spaces but not to the resurfacing of an existing lot.
(Amended 02/10/05)
Part I. Buffering and Screening
Section 209: Purpose
(a) Minimal buffering and screening can provide an impression of separation of spaces and more extensive screening can shield entirely one use from another;
(b) Buffering and screening can provide a greater sense of privacy from visual or physical intrusion varying with the intensity of the screening;
? Buffering and screening can protect and enhance property values; and
(d) Buffering and screening protect the general health, safety and welfare of the town and its residents.
Section 210: General Buffering and Screening Standards
Every development shall provide sufficient buffering and screening so that neighboring properties are screened from any adverse effects of the development and the development is screened from any adverse effects of adjacent uses such as streets.
Section 211: Compliance with Buffering and Screening Standards
(a) The following buffer yards shall be provided between various uses:
(1) Commercial adjacent to residential: 15 feet
(2) Commercial adjacent to institutional: 10 feet
(3) Commercial adjacent to agricultural conservancy: 15 feet
(4) Multi-family residential next to single family, duplex, townhouses or commercial: 20 feet
(5) Residential adjacent to agricultural conservancy: 15 feet
(6) Institutional adjacent to residential: 15 feet
(7) Institutional adjacent to commercial: 10 feet
(8) Institutional adjacent to agricultural conservancy: 15 feet
A solid wall or fence at least six (6) feet in height may be used to reduce the required buffer yard by 50 percent, if the remaining yard can be effectively planted. (Amended 02/10/05)
(b) Buffer yards shall contain sufficient trees and shrubs to provide an opaque screen between uses. An opaque screen is intended to exclude all visual contact between uses and to create a strong impression of separation. In general, small trees planted at a rate of 1 tree per 30 feet or large canopy trees planted at a rate of 1 tree per 40 feet and 1 evergreen tree planted at a rate of 1 tree per 20 feet shall be deemed to meet the requirements of this section. Evergreen shrubs planted at a rate of 3 shrubs per 10 feet in buffer yards of 10 feet and doubled in buffer yards of 25 feet shall be deemed to meet the requirements of this section. Plants should be placed to achieve maximum screening from intensive use areas of adjoining properties. Existing vegetation, such as hedgerows and trees, may be used to satisfy the requirements of this Section.
? No required buffer yard shall exceed 10 percent of the lot area of the subject property, but in no instance shall the buffer yard be less than five feet.
Section 212: Flexibility in Administration Required
(a) The council recognizes that the buffering and screening requirements of this article cannot address every situation because of the wide variety of developments and the relationships between them. The council may permit deviations from the presumptive requirements of Section 211 whenever such deviations meet or exceed the standards contained in Section 210.
(b) Whenever the council allows or requires a deviation from the requirements of Section 211, it shall include the screening requirement on the zoning permit along with the reasons for allowing or requiring the deviation.
Newport News City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 45 ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE V. GENERAL REGULATIONS
Sec. 45-523. Communication tower/antenna.
The purpose of this section is to describe minimum standards for tower/antenna construction and siting in order to minimize adverse visual effects and traffic distraction, by careful design, siting and vegetative screening and to maximize the use of any new or existing transmission tower to avoid proliferation of towers throughout the community.
(1) Communication tower/antenna are permitted in accordance with Article IV, section 45-402. Any applicable information or siting requirements detailed below may be required for administrative review.
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d. Screening requirements are as follows:
1. For towers/antennas, one (1) row of evergreen trees at least eight (8) feet in height shall be planted and maintained on ten (10) foot centers completely surrounding the tower/antenna and equipment building compound, excluding entrances. Where existing trees abut the compound but are located within the lease area, such trees shall be maintained and the evergreen trees shall be used as infill to achieve minimum spacing.
2. In lieu of the above requirements, in special cases, including stealth applications, the applicant may prepare an alternate landscape plan and specifications for landscape and screening, including plantings, fences, walls, buildings, topography, etc. to screen the tower/antenna. The plan may deviate from the requirements set out in [subsection] c.1. above, provided that the director of planning determines that the alternative arrangement provides the same degree of screening. Stealth applications may include flag poles, light poles, simulated trees, and other similar applications where the tower/antenna is disguised to blend into its surroundings.
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(Ord. No. 5028-97, ? 1; Ord. No. 5175-98; Ord. No. 5701-01; Ord. No. 6453-08; Ord. No. 6672-10; Ord. No. 7220-15)
Newport News City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 45 ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE XXX. OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REGULATIONS
Sec. 45-3002. Screening and lighting.
Surface lots when abutting any residential use shall be screened by privacy fencing no less than six (6) feet in height, or a seven-foot wide treed buffer planted with evergreen trees at a minimum height of eight (8) feet and no more than ten (10) feet apart, as provided in Chapter 33.02 of the City Code, except where buffer areas are required by Article XXVIII, of this chapter. Such fencing shall be designed to be architecturally compatible with, and not detract from, the surrounding neighborhood and shall be erected in a manner as to provide adequate air and light and to not obstruct clear sight vision for traffic safety purposes. The board of zoning appeals may grant a special exception for the reduction or elimination of the fencing or treed buffer, subject to the conditions prescribed in Article XXXII, section 45-3204. Where lighting is required by this or any other ordinance of the city, it shall be erected and shielded in a manner as to direct lighting inward to the property being developed and prevent glare to adjacent properties or vehicular public rights-of-way.
(Ord. No. 5028-97, ? 1; Ord. No. 5204-98)
Sec. 45-3004.1. Requirements and procedures for parking increases.
The zoning administrator shall allow an increase of no more than thirty (30) percent of the number of on-premises parking spaces required or permitted for uses listed in section 45-3004(d)(3), (d)(5) and (d)(8) subject to the following:
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(2) Applications for parking space increases shall meet the following criteria:
a. The applicant shall demonstrate that the use will generate a greater need for parking spaces than is provided in this ordinance.
B. The applicant shall prepare a parking increase landscaping plan for the premises. This plan shall not reduce other landscaping prescribed for the premises but shall provide a landscaped buffer ten (10) feet in width around the perimeter of the paved area designated for parking. This buffer shall contain one (1) tree and two (2) shrubs for every four hundred (400) square feet of the buffer area less access ways into the parking area. The landscaping plan shall be approved by the director of planning and development prior to the zoning administrator's approval of the parking space increase application.
(Ord. No. 5751-02; Ord. No. 6417-07, ? 1)
Norfolk ZONING ORDINANCES View whole ordinance
APPENDIX A ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE III. REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL ZONING DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 17: LANDSCAPE PLANTINGS AND BUFFERS
17-4 Landscape requirements for buildings and yards.
Landscape requirements for building lots and yards shall be as follow:
17-4.1? Percentage of open space. At least ten (10) percent of the lot exclusive of parking areas, driveways and sidewalks, shall be open space. For purposes of this chapter, open space shall include required and optional plant materials as well as open areas covered with grass and/or ground cover.
17-4.2? Yard landscape planting requirement. For each twenty-five (25) feet of lot width, or portion thereof, there shall be at least one (1) tree planted in required front yards and corner side yards adjacent to a public street. No less than twenty-five (25) percent and no more than fifty (50) percent of trees shall be evergreen for the frontage requirement. With the approval of the department of neighborhood and leisure services, these required frontage trees may be planted on side and/or back yards, in order to provide greater design flexibility based on landscape requirements.
(Ord. No. 43,751, ? 8(Exh. G), 3-2-10)
17-4.3 ?Facades. All facades fronting on a public street or other public space shall have continuous foundation planting except where precluded by access to parking spaces located under the building or by building entrances. In the case of additions to existing structures, the facades of both the addition and the existing structure shall be planted with continuous foundation planting. Front facades of buildings located on flag lots shall also have continuous foundation planting.
17-4.4? Trash containers. Trash containers shall be shielded from view by opaque masonry or concrete walls (exclusive of that area needed for accessibility for trash removal) designed to be compatible with the principal building that it serves. Where accessibility is necessary and the trash container is visible from any public right-of-way or residential zoning district, an opaque gate shall be provided. All walls and gates shall be a minimum of six (6) feet in height. Where such walls are visible from any public right-of-way or residential zoning district, there shall be sufficient planting of evergreen shrubs along the exposed wall to give the effect of a continuous landscape planting. Evergreen shrubs shall have a minimum height of thirty-six (36) inches at time of installation.
17-4.5? Loading berth. In addition to the requirements of 15-6.1(a), where a loading berth is screened by a concrete or masonry wall, a planting space of four (4) foot minimum width along the expanse of the wall shall be required to create the effect of continuous planting. Evergreen plants which are expected to reach a height of six (6) feet or greater within three (3) growing seasons based on the latest edition of Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, by Michael A. Dirr, published by Stipes Publishing, L.L.C., Champaign, Illinois, shall be planted in the planting space. Plants shall be a minimum of thirty-six (36) inches at the time of installation.
(Ord. No. 42,529, ? 1(Exh. A), 1-30-07)
Norfolk ZONING ORDINANCES View whole ordinance
APPENDIX A ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE III. REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL ZONING DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 17: LANDSCAPE PLANTINGS AND BUFFERS
17-5 Landscape requirements, parking lots.
The intent of the planting requirements is to provide shade and screening for the parking area. Landscape requirements for parking lots shall be as follow:
17-5.1? Interior planting requirement. Any parking lot of ten (10) or more spaces shall be provided with ten (10) percent interior landscape planting area. Such interior landscape planting area shall be in addition to any perimeter landscape planting area required by section 17-5.3.
17-5.2 ?Landscape islands. Provide one (1) tree per 144 square feet of required interior landscape planting area. No island shall be less than sixteen (16) feet by eighteen (18) feet in size and must be spaced to provide an even distribution of shade. Linear islands are encouraged to provide continuous landscape planting areas and reduce pedestrian conflicts. If linear islands are included in the design, they shall have a minimum width of eight (8) to twelve (12) feet and one (1) tree per twenty-five (25) linear feet. The species selected should be capable of providing shade at maturity. Shrubbery, hedges and other plant materials may be used to complement the tree, but shall not be used in locations where they would be subject to damage by car overhangs or the opening of car doors.
17-5.3 Perimeter landscape planting areas. Any parking lot of four (4) or more spaces shall be required to provide perimeter landscape planting areas as follow:
(a) Where the parking lot perimeter is adjacent to an abutting zoning lot:
(1) A landscape planting area at least six (6) feet in width shall be located between the parking lot or any associated paved surfaces, and abutting property lines. Such planting area may be located within the buffer area required by section 17-8, below.
(2) At least one tree for each twenty-five (25) linear feet, or portion thereof, shall be planted in the landscape planting area.
(3) Fences and walls.
1. In addition to the required trees mentioned above, where a parking lot abuts an area which is zoned residential, there shall be a fence, wall, hedge, or other durable evergreen landscape barrier planted or installed to ensure adequate screening for the entire length of the parking lot along the abutting property line(s) behind the required front yard of such parking lot. The height of such evergreen landscape barrier shall be no less than four (4) feet at time of installation. The height of any fence or wall shall be between four (4) and six (6) feet in height in one-family residential and historic zoning districts and between six (6) feet and eight (8) feet in height in all other districts.
2. The finished side of any fence shall face the exterior of the property. If fence posts or supports are visible only from one side, then the opposite side shall be the finished side.
3. Any wall shall be constructed of one or more of the following materials: stucco over concrete block, exposed aggregate concrete, brick, stone, or architectural block. Other materials may be permitted with the approval of the Planning Director or his authorized designee whenever such other materials provide a similar level of opacity as the materials listed herein and are compatible with the architecture of the surrounding development. Under no circumstances shall walls constructed of plain concrete cinder block be permitted.
4. Where a nonliving barrier is constructed, there shall be at least one shrub for each three feet of nonliving barrier. Such shrubs shall be located between the barrier and the parking lot and may be planted in clusters if appropriate.
5. Specifications of any fences or walls shall be detailed on the landscape plans.
(b) Where the perimeter is adjacent to a public right-of-way:
(1) A landscape planting area a minimum of ten (10) feet in depth (exclusive of sidewalks or other walkways) shall be located between the parking lot and the property line. In corner side yards in the C-1 and C-2 Districts, the landscape planting area shall be a minimum of five (5) feet.
(2) At least one (1) tree for each twenty-five (25) linear feet, or portion thereof, of the landscape planting area shall be planted within the landscape planting area; provided, however, that up to fifty (50) percent of the required trees may be placed elsewhere on the lot on recommendation of the department of neighborhood and leisure services in order to achieve a better landscape effect. Such trees shall be in addition to those required by section 17-4.2.
(3) A landscape planting shall extend the entire length of the planting strip to screen the parking lot from the public right-of-way. This planting shall consist of evergreen shrubs; however, some deciduous shrubs and/or perennials may be accepted when their usage fulfills the screening requirement and enhances the aesthetic quality of the planting design, subject to the approval of the department of neighborhood and leisure services.
(4) Shrubs specified to screen the parking area shall have a growth habit conducive to attaining a minimum height of thirty (30) inches within three (3) growing seasons. The latest edition of Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, by Michael A. Dirr, published by Stipes Publishing, L.L.C., Champaign, Illinois shall be the reference in determining growth habit.
(5) Shrubs specified to screen the parking area shall be a minimum of eighteen (18) inches in height at time of installation.
(6) A non-living, opaque screen may be used in combination with or in replacement of an ornamental planting. Non-living screening may be a berm or a low wall. The minimum height of a non-living screen shall be thirty (30) inches, measured from the top of the curb of the nearest adjacent parking area to the top of the berm or low wall, excluding columns or posts.
(7) A non-living, non-opaque fence many be used in combination with ornamental plantings. These plantings shall meet the intent of the screening requirement in section 17-5.3(b)(3)?(5).
(8) To ensure that landscape materials do not constitute a driving hazard, sight distance triangles as defined in Article 1, Chapter 2, shall be established at driveways and street intersections.
(Ord. No. 42,529, ? 1(Exh. A), 1-30-07; Ord. No. 44,367, ? 5(Exh. E), 9-13-11)
17-6 Landscape requirements, parking garages.
Landscape requirements for parking garages, including parking areas beneath occupied structures, shall be as follow:
17-6.1 ?Facades. All facades fronting on a public street or other public space shall have continuous foundation planting except where precluded by access to parking spaces located within or under the building or by building entrances. Visible parking areas beneath occupied structures shall be screened according to the requirements in 17-5.3(b).
17-6.2 ?Trees. For each twenty-five (25) feet of lot width, or portion thereof, there shall be at least one tree planted adjacent to a developed street. With the approval of the department of neighborhood and leisure services, frontage trees may be planted in side yards or tree belts.
(Ord. No. 42,529, ? 1(Exh. A), 1-30-07)
17-7 Landscape requirement, automobile sales and service.
Landscape requirements for automobile sales and service uses shall be as follow:
17-7.1 ?Buffer yards. There shall be a buffer yard minimally ten feet in width adjacent to all rights-of-way. Parking or storing of vehicles in buffer yards is prohibited.
17-7.2 ?Trees. At least one tree for each twenty-five (25) linear feet or portion thereof shall be planted in the landscape strip; provided, however, up to fifty (50) percent of the required trees may be placed elsewhere on the lot on recommendation of the department of neighborhood and leisure services in order to achieve a better landscape effect.
17-7.3 ?Shrubs. In addition to the required trees mentioned above, perimeter plantings within the buffer yard shall be required and shall conform to 17-5.3(b). With the approval of the department of neighborhood and leisure services, clustering of shrubs will be permitted in order to provide greater design flexibility based on landscape requirements.
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(Ord. No. 42,529, ? 1(Exh. A), 1-30-07)
Norfolk ZONING ORDINANCES View whole ordinance
APPENDIX A ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE V. AMENDMENTS AND SPECIAL APPROVALS
CHAPTER 25: SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS
25-10 Special standards and regulations pertaining to certain types of special exception uses.
In addition to the general standards and considerations contained in section 25-9 which apply to all special exception uses, the following standards and regulations shall apply to the particular uses listed below:
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25-10.5?Communication tower:
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(f) Screening requirements:
(1) At least one row of shrubs capable of forming a continuous hedge at least five (5) feet in height shall be provided at the base of the tower, with individual plantings spaced not more than five (5) feet apart, and at least one row of trees spaced not more than twenty-five (25) feet apart shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 17, Landscaping and Buffers.
(2) For accessory buildings and structures, landscaping shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 17, Landscaping and Buffers.
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25-10.8?Commercial drive-through facility:
(a) Site plan required. A site plan shall be submitted and approved for all proposed commercial drive-through facilities in accordance with the procedures and requirements of Article V, Chapter 26 of the Zoning Ordinance. In addition to the landscape requirements of Article III, Chapter 17, the site plan shall illustrate compliance with the following requirements if the proposed commercial drive-through facility is located within fifty (50) feet of a street and is situated between a building and such street:
(1) A landscape planting area at least three (3) feet in width is provided along the perimeter of those property lines that face the commercial drive-through facility;
(2) Canopy trees (or understory trees if overhead power lines would interfere with canopy trees) are provided at a rate of one (1) two and one-half-inch (2?) caliper tree for every forty (40) linear feet of street frontage; and
(3) Shrubs are planted at a rate of one (1) fifteen-inch-high shrub for every three (3) linear feet of roadway frontage, excluding driveways. Except within sight distance triangles, such shrubs shall be of a species expected to reach a minimum height of thirty (30) inches and a minimum spread of thirty (30) inches within three (3) to five (5) years of planting and a minimum of sixty (60) percent of all shrubs used shall be evergreens.
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(Ord. No. 37,411, ? 2, 10-12-93; Ord. No. 38,217A, ? 4, 12-12-95; Ord. No. 38,766, ? 1, 5-27-97; Ord. No. 38,880, ? 2, 8-26-97; Ord. No. 39,028, ? 7, 1-27-98; Ord. No. 39,085, ? 1, 3-24-98; Ord. No. 40,238, ? 1, 3-6-01; Ord. No. 40,664, ? 2(Exh. A), 4-9-02; Ord. No. 42,404, ? 2(Exh. B), 9-19-06; Ord. No. 42,785, ? 1(Exh. A), 8-21-07; Ord. No. 43,511, ? 4(Exh. D), 7-14-09; Ord. No. 43,655, ? 3(Exh. D), 11-17-09; Ord. No. 43,928, ? 1(Exh. A), 7-22-10; Ord. No. 43,939, ? 1(Exh. A), 8-17-10; Ord. No. 44,200, ? 7(Exh. G), 4-12-11; Ord. No. 44,367, ? 7(Exh. G), 9-13-11; Ord. No. 44,705, ? 1(Exh. A), 6-12-12; Ord. No. 44,851, ? 1(Exh. A), 10-9-12; Ord. No. 45,052, ? 3(Exh. C), 4-9-13; Ord. No. 45,184, ? 13(Exh. M), 7-23-13; Ord. No. 45,260, ? 2(Exh. B), 10-8-13; Ord. No. 45,424, ? 3, 2-11-14; Ord. No. 45,457, ? 13(Exh. M), 2-25-14, eff. 4-1-14; Ord. No. 45,496, ?? 5(Exh. D), 6(Exh. E), 7, 8(Exh. F), 3-25-14; Ord. No. 45,523, ? 5(Exh. D), 4-22-14; Ord. No. 45,747, ? 5(Exh. E), 10-28-14; Ord. No. 45,768, ? 1(Exh. A), 2, 11-25-14)
Portsmouth ZONING ORDINANCES View whole ordinance
ZONING ORDINANCES
ARTICLE 40.1-5: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
40.1-5.2 LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
(A) Section Organization
These landscaping standards are organized into eight main sub-sections:
(1) Section 40.1-5.2(B), Purpose and Intent, sets out the purpose and intent for the standards;
(2) Section 40.1-5.2(C), General Requirements for Landscaping, includes the applicability provisions, requirements for landscaping plans, and standards for new plantings;
(3) Section 40.1-5.2(D), Vehicular Use Area Landscaping, includes the standards for landscaping around the perimeter and within vehicular use areas;
(4) Section 40.1-5.2(E), Perimeter Buffers, includes the landscaping buffer standards applied to the edges of some base zoning districts;
(5) Section 40.1-5.2(F), Screening, includes the screening requirements for site features like refuse, loading, and service areas;
(6) Section 40.1-5.2(G), Site Landscaping, includes the standards for foundation plantings around some buildings;
(7) Section 40.1-5.2(H), Alternative Landscaping Plan, includes the procedures and standards for review of alternative landscaping plans; and
(8) Section 40.1-5.2(I), Other Landscaping Standards, includes the other standards for landscaping installation, timing, maintenance, monitoring for compliance, and incentives.
(B) Purpose and Intent It is the purpose of this section to promote and protect the public health, safety and general welfare by providing for the planting, maintenance, and preservation of trees, shrubs, and other plants within the city. The intent of this section is to promote this purpose by:
(1) Ensuring and encouraging the planting, maintenance, restoration and survival of trees, shrubs, and groundcover;
(2) Ensuring the protection of community residents and visitors from personal injury and property damage, and the protection of the city from property damage, caused or threatened by the improper planting, maintenance or removal of trees, shrubs, or other plants;
(3) Mitigating against erosion and sedimentation;
(4) Reducing stormwater runoff and the costs associated therewith;
(5) Preserving and protecting the water table and surface waters;
(6) Reducing audible noise from automobiles and land uses;
(7) Restoring soils and land denuded as a result of construction or grading;
(8) Increasing the tree canopy to provide shade and moderate the effect of urban heat islands;
(9) Limiting glare created by exterior lighting;
(10) Reducing visual pollution from the urban environment and increasing privacy between incompatible uses;
(11) Protecting and enhancing property values and aesthetic qualities;
(12) Helping to differentiate streets and other areas of the public realm from private lands;
(13) Providing additional improvements to air quality through the carbon dioxide uptake process provided by trees and landscaping; and
(14) Providing visual screening, where appropriate.
(C) General Requirements for Landscaping
(1) Applicability of Landscaping Standards
(a) General Except where exempted by Section 40.1-5.2(C)(1)(c), Exemptions, these standards shall apply to all development in the city.
(b) Review for Compliance Review for compliance with the standards of this section shall occur during review of a Development Plan (Section 40.1-2.3 (C) & (D)), Preliminary Subdivision Plat (Chapter 33.1 of the City Code), Master Plan associated with an Amendment to the Zoning Map to establish a new AC district (Section 40.1-3.5(B)), or Zoning Compliance Permit (Section 40.1-2.3(F)), as appropriate.
(c) Exemptions Development in the D1 and D2 districts in addition to the general requirements applicable to all landscaping and screening set forth in this article, shall comply with the regulations of the sections found in Appendix sections 1 and 2 where they apply. The more restrictive regulations shall apply in cases of conflict.
(d) Landscape Plan
(i) To ensure compliance with the standards of this section, a landscape plan demonstrating how landscaping will be planted on a development site shall be included as a part of any application an Development Plan (Section 40.1-2.3(C) & (D)), Preliminary Subdivision Plat (Chapter 33.1 of the City Code), Master Plan associated with an Amendment to the Zoning Map to establish a new AC district (Section 40.1-3.5(B)), or Zoning Compliance Permit (Section 40.1-2.3(F)), as appropriate.
(ii) New developments not required to provide landscaping (e.g., new single-family detached residential development adjacent to existing single-family detached residential development) are exempt from the requirement to provide a landscape plan.
(2) Planting Standards Plantings provided in accordance with this section shall comply with the following standards:
(a) Deciduous and evergreen canopy or shade trees shall be a minimum of two inches in caliper at the time of planting, as determined in the American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1-2004, as amended, and shall be a minimum of eight feet in height above ground level at the time of planting.
(b) Understory, small maturing, or ornamental trees shall have a caliper of one-and-one-half inches at time of planting, as determined in the American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1-2004, as amended, and shall be a minimum of six feet in height above ground level at the time of planting.
(c) Deciduous or evergreen shrubs shall be upright in nature and be a minimum of 24 inches in height at the time of planting.
(d) In cases where an aggregate caliper inch (ACI) requirement is utilized to derive a required amount of vegetation, and the ACI figure includes a fraction, an applicant may:
(i) Utilize a tree or trees with a caliper inch measurement exceeding the minimum size at time of planting standard of this subsection in order to meet the required ACI; or
(ii) Round the ACI figure upwards until the figure corresponds with a whole number of trees meeting the minimum size at time of planting standard.
When trees exceeding the minimum size at time of planting standard are proposed, the minimum calipers of such trees shall be clearly noted on the Master Plan, Development Plan, or Preliminary Subdivision Plat, as appropriate.
(e) In cases where application of the requirements in this subsection result in a fraction in the number of shrubs to be provided, the minimum number of shrubs or trees to be provided shall be rounded upwards to the next highest whole number.
(f) All landscape plant materials shall conform to the latest version of the American Standard of Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1, as amended). Plant material shall be of standard quality or better, 1 to name and type of species or variety.
(g) The use of native, drought tolerant vegetation is encouraged to reduce dependency upon irrigation.
(h) To curtail the spread of disease or insect infestation in a plant species, new tree plantings shall comply with the following standards:
(i) When fewer than 20 trees are required on a site, at least two different species shall be utilized, in roughly equal proportions.
(ii) When more than 20 but fewer than 40 trees are required to be planted on site, at least three different species shall be utilized, in roughly equal proportions.
(iii) When 40 or more trees are required on a site, at least four different species shall be utilized, in roughly equal proportions.
(iv) Nothing in this subsection shall be cons1d so as to prevent the utilization of a larger number of different species than specified above.
(i) All planting materials shall correspond to the city?s approved plant materials, unless alternative materials are proposed as part of an alternative landscape plan (See Section 40.1-5.2(H), Alternative Landscape Plan).
(3) Existing Vegetation Existing healthy, well-formed canopy and understory trees as well as healthy shrubs shall be credited toward the requirements of this section, provided the vegetation meets the minimum size standards of this Ordinance, and is protected before and during development of the site in accordance with Section 40.1-5.3(B), Tree Protection During Construction, and maintained thereafter in a healthy growing condition.
(4) Stabilization All required landscape planting areas shall be stabilized and maintained with lawn, ground covers, mulches, or other approved materials to prevent soil erosion and allow rainwater infiltration.
(5) Berms
All berms shall comply with the following design standards:
(a) The slope of all berms shall not exceed a two-to-one (2:1) ratio (horizontal to vertical), shall have a top width at least one-half the berm height, and a maximum height of four feet above the toe of the berm.
(b) All berms, regardless of size, shall be stabilized with a ground cover or other suitable vegetation.
(c) Berms proposed to be placed along street right-of-way shall be designed and constructed to provide adequate sight distances at intersections and shall not impair safe operation of vehicles.
(d) Berms shall in no case damage the roots or trunks of existing healthy vegetation designated to be preserved.
(6) Easements Nothing except groundcover shall be planted or installed within any underground or overhead utility, drainage, gas easement, or within five feet of a fire protection system without the consent of the utility provider, easement holder, or the city, as appropriate.
(D) Vehicular Use Area Landscaping Except where exempted by Section 40.1-5.2(D)(1), Exemptions, all vehicular use areas shall include landscaping both within the interior of the vehicular use area and around its perimeter, as a means of mitigating the parking area?s microclimate and visual impacts.
(1) Exemptions The following uses shall be exempt from the requirements to provide vehicular use area landscaping:
(a) Single-family detached residential development;
(b) Two- to four-family dwellings; and
(c) Off-street surface vehicular use areas with four or fewer spaces.
(2) Interior Landscaping Standards
All vehicular use areas shall provide and maintain landscaped planting areas within the interior of the vehicular use area in accordance with the standards in this subsection. These standards shall not apply to parking structures or vehicle display areas.
(a) Configuration
Interior planting areas shall be designed in accordance with the following standards:
(i) Islands shall be located at the end of parking bays and have a minimum size of 153 square feet for single loaded parking bays, and a minimum size of 306 square feet for double loaded bays.
(ii) Off-street surface parking areas with 100 or more spaces shall be organized into a series of modules of 15,000 square feet or less per module, and be visually separated by eleven-foot-wide continuous landscaped islands containing pedestrian pathways located at least every six parking bays (see Figure 40.1-5.1(D)(2): Interior Planting Configuration).
(iii) No single row of parking spaces shall exceed 12 spaces without including an island.
(iv) Landscaped planting areas shall be distributed throughout the parking area for the purpose of heat abatement.
(v) Driveway and primary drive aisle medians shall have a minimum width of four feet for medians with shrubs and six feet for medians with shrubs and understory trees.
(vi) Each interior planting island shall contain at least one canopy or understory tree per every 153 square feet, or portion thereof, of the total landscape island area.
(vii) Shrubs shall be planted within landscaping islands at a minimum rate necessary to ensure that at least 25 percent of the total land area occupied by landscaping islands is planted with shrubs.
(b) Screened Backfill
Soil utilized in vehicular use area islands, driveway medians, and other areas internal to a vehicular use area shall be screened prior to deposition in planting areas.
(c) Protection of Planting Areas
All planting areas shall be protected from vehicle damage by the installation of curbing, wheel stops, or other comparable methods. This standard shall not prohibit the use of planting areas as on-site stormwater management devices.
(3) Perimeter Landscaping Standards
Where a vehicular use area serving a use subject to these standards abuts a street right-of-way, vacant land, or any other development (except another vehicular use area), perimeter landscaping strips shall be provided and maintained between the vehicle use area and the abutting right-of-way or property line in accordance with the following standards.
(a) Location
(i) Perimeter landscaping strips shall be located on the same land where the vehicular use area is located, and shall be placed to assure visibility and safety of pedestrians on the public street, as well as those within the vehicular use area.
(ii) Perimeter landscaping strips may not be placed within future street rights-of-way as identified in the Master Transportation Plan.
(b) Minimum Width
When a vehicular use area is located within 50 feet of a street right-of-way, the perimeter landscaping shall be located within a planting strip at least ten feet wide. In all other instances, the strip shall be the minimum width necessary to assure required landscaping is not damaged by vehicles or other on-site activity. In no instance shall the strip be less than three feet wide.
(c) Continuous, Opaque Visual Screen Required
Perimeter landscaping for vehicular use areas shall form a continuous, opaque visual screen, excluding required sight clearances at driveways. The perimeter landscaping strip shall meet all city, state, and federal highway sight distance standards.
(d) Protection of Landscaping Strip
The perimeter landscaping strip shall be protected from vehicular damage by the installation of curbing, wheel stops, extra width in the landscaping strip, or other method approved by the Planning Director. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the configuration of vehicular use area landscaping as a stormwater management device.
(e) Required Materials
(i) In cases where the visual screen is comprised of vegetation, evergreen shrubs shall be used to form the continuous, opaque visual screen in the perimeter landscaping strip.
(ii) A decorative fence or wall with a minimum transparency of 50 percent or more may be substituted for the evergreen shrubs (see Figure 40.1-5.1(D)(2): Alternative Perimeter Screening). In no instance shall chain link fencing qualify as decorative fencing for the purpose of providing vehicular use area landscaping.
(iii) In addition to the evergreen shrub requirements, each perimeter landscaping strip shall include at least eight aggregate caliper inches (ACI) of canopy trees per 100 linear feet of landscaping strip. Understory trees may be used beneath overhead utilities.
(f) Minimum Height
(i) Shrubs associated with the perimeter landscaping shall be maintained at a minimum height of at least three feet above the surface elevation of the adjacent vehicular use area pavement within four years of planting.
(ii) Fences or walls used in-lieu of shrubs shall maintain a height of 48 inches above the adjacent grade, except where there is a requirement for a lower height because the fence or wall is located within a sight triangle.
(g) Adjacent to Perimeter Buffers Perimeter landscape strips associated with a vehicle use area may be credited towards perimeter buffer standards (See Section 40.1-5.2(E), Perimeter Buffers), provided the minimum buffer standards of this section are met.
(h) Adjacent to Off-Street Surface Parking on Other Lots Where two or more off-street surface vehicular use areas are located adjacent to one another, but upon different lots, no perimeter landscaping strip shall be required between the two vehicular use areas.
(i) Stormwater Management Generally
(i) The location of Stormwater retention and detention ponds shall be in accordance with this section for all development, except single family lots. Slight swales used to channel water to another portion of the lot or bio-retention swales, filters and basins are not regulated by this section.
(ii) Only Stormwater retention and detention facilities below ground shall be located in between the building and any street.
(iii) Stormwater retention ponds not designed and landscaped as a site amenity shall be fully screened from off-site views.
(iv) Landscape plantings may be used to increase infiltration and decrease runoff. Alternative designs, such as landscaping islands configured with a lower grade than adjacent parking, or rain gardens are encouraged.
(4) Incentives
The total aggregate caliper inch requirements for canopy and understory trees in this subsection may be reduced by five percent when:
(a) At least 65 percent of the provided parking is located to the side or rear of the building;
(b) At least 30 percent of the total required parking is subject to a shared parking agreement (See Section 40.1-5.1(J)(2), Shared Parking; and
(c) When pervious parking surfacing is used for 20 percent or more of the total vehicular use area. Nothing shall prohibit the combination of these incentives or the resulting cumulative reduction in the amount of required tree ACI.
(E) Perimeter Buffers
(1) Purpose and Intent
Perimeter landscape buffers are intended to mitigate potential negative effects of different contiguous uses.
(2) Applicability
Except for single-family detached residential uses and uses in the D1 and D2 districts, all development shall provide a perimeter landscape buffer to separate it from uses in a different use classification in accordance with Table 40.1-5.2(E)(3), Buffer Types, and Table 40.1-5.2(E)(4), Buffer Type Application.
(3) Types of Buffers
Table 40.1-5.2(E)(3), Buffer Types, describes four different buffering types in terms of their function, opacity, width, and planting requirements. Where a particular buffer type is required in Table 40.1-5.2(E)(4), Buffer Type Application, the requirement may be met with the combination of minimum buffer width and minimum screening requirements specified under either Option 1 or Option 2. Where an option utilizing a fence or wall is selected, the fence or wall shall comply with the standards of Section 40.1-5.10, Fences and Walls.
(4) Buffer Type Application
Table 40.1-5.2(E)(4), Buffer Type Application, specifies the type of perimeter landscape buffer that new development shall provide between it and adjacent property, based on the zoning district of the development site and that of the adjacent property. The buffer type is indicated by a letter corresponding to one of the four buffer types depicted in Table 40.1-5.2(E)(3), Buffer Types.
(5) Location of Buffers
(a) Perimeter buffers required by this section shall be located only along the outer perimeter of the parcel where it abuts another parcel, and shall extend to the parcel boundary line or right-of-way line.
(b) Perimeter buffers are not required along lot lines abutting streets, except as needed to screen outdoor industrial operations or storage on lots in an industrial district. Industrial uses with outdoor operations or storage components shall include perimeter buffers as necessary to screen outdoor use areas from off-site views.
(c) A perimeter buffer may be located along shared access easements between parcels in nonresidential developments.
(6) Responsibility for Buffer Installation
Where a developing parcel is adjacent to an existing use and a perimeter buffer is required in accordance with this section, the developing parcel shall provide the full perimeter buffer required adjacent to the existing use in accordance with Table 40.1-5.2(E)(3) Buffer Types, and Table 40.1-5.2(E)(4), Buffer Type Application, unless a portion or all of a perimeter buffer that complies with the standards of this section already exists between the lots. Where all or part of a perimeter buffer exists, but the buffer does not fully comply with the standards of this section, the developing parcel shall be responsible for providing all the additional planting material necessary to meet the standards of this section.
(7) Development within Required Buffers
(a) The required buffer shall not contain any development, impervious surfaces, or site features (except fences or walls) that do not function to meet the standards of this section or that require removal of existing vegetation, unless otherwise permitted in this Ordinance.
(b) Sidewalks, trails, and other elements associated with passive recreation may be placed in perimeter buffers if all required landscaping is provided and damage to existing vegetation is minimized to the maximum extent practicable.
(c) Overhead and underground utilities required or allowed by the city are permitted to cross a required buffer in a perpendicular fashion, but shall minimize the impact to vegetation to the maximum extent practicable. Where required landscaping material is damaged or removed due to utility activity within a required buffer, the landowner shall be responsible for replanting all damaged or removed vegetation necessary to ensure the buffer meets the standards in this Ordinance.
(8) Sight Triangles
No fencing, berms, walls, or other landscaping features may exceed 36 inches above grade within required sight triangles for streets, alleys, or driveways(See Section 4.1-8.2(C)(4).
(9) Credit for Existing Vegetation
Existing vegetation meeting the size standards of Section 40.1-5.2(C)(2), Planting Standards, located within the perimeter buffer area may be preserved and credited toward the perimeter buffer standards.
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(G) Site Landscaping
(1) Purpose and Intent Site landscaping material is intended to soften the visual impact of building foundations and provide for the even dispersal of trees across a development site.
(2) Distinguished from Other Required Landscaping Site landscaping, for the purpose of this section, is landscaping that is not:
(a) Required vehicular use area landscaping;
(b) Located within a required perimeter buffer strip; or
(c) Required screening.
(3) Site Landscaping Standards
Except for single-family detached residential and two- to four-family dwellings, site landscaping shall be required for all development, and shall be supplied in the amounts identified in Table 40.1-5.2(G)(3), Required Site Landscaping Plantings. Site landscaping shall meet the minimum size standards for new planting specified in Section 40.1-5.2(C)(2), Planting Standards.
(4) Shrub Placement
Required shrubs shall be placed around the building perimeter, a minimum of three feet from the building, with emphasis placed on building foundations visible from the public right-of-way. Required shrubs may be planted up to 15 feet from the building provided there is a sidewalk located between the planting area and the building wall. (5) Tree Placement
Trees serving as site landscaping shall be dispersed across a site in accordance with good planting practice and the following priority listing:
(a) In yards between a building fa?ade and a street right-of-way where no vehicular use area landscaping is required;
(b) Between a building and an adjacent lot with an existing use that provides more than 50 percent of the vegetative material associated with a required perimeter buffer;
(c) Between a building fa?ade and an abutting lot with the same or a more intense zoning district classification (where no perimeter buffering is required);
(d) Within open-space set-aside areas with no existing or reforested trees;
(e) Adjacent to on-site areas of pedestrian or vehicular circulation where no other vegetative material is required (e.g., drive-throughs or stacking lanes); or
(f) Other areas near accessory structures or accessory uses.
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Richmond City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 30 ZONING
ARTICLE VII. OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
DIVISION 2.1. OFF-STREET PARKING IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS AND LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
Sec. 30-710.10. Intent.
The intent of this division is to facilitate the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community; to conserve and protect natural resources, including air and water quality; to protect and enhance property values; and to promote public safety by providing internal landscaping, perimeter buffer, tree coverage and other improvement standards for the development and maintenance of parking areas and parking lots in the City.
(Code 1993, ? 32-710.10; Code 2004, ? 114-710.10)
Sec. 30-710.12. Improvement of parking areas and parking lots.
Parking areas and parking lots containing five or more parking spaces shall be improved and maintained in accordance with the following:
(1) Screening along interior lot lines in certain cases. Whenever a parking area or parking lot abuts or is situated within 50 feet of property in an R, RO, HO or I district, unless separated therefrom by an alley providing access to such parking area or parking lot, the parking area or parking lot shall be effectively screened from view from such property by evergreen vegetative material not less than 3? feet in height at the time of installation or by an opaque structural fence or wall not less than four feet in height, provided that such parking area or parking lot need not be screened from an adjacent parking area or parking lot containing five or more parking spaces or from an adjacent loading area. Evergreen vegetative material intended to satisfy this subsection shall be planted at such intervals that will result in a continuous visual screen within one year of planting.
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(Code 1993, ? 32-710.12; Code 2004, ? 114-710.12; Ord. No. 2011-33-53, ? 1, 3-28-2011)
Sec. 30-710.13. Perimeter buffers: landscaping requirements.
Except as provided in Subsection (3) of this section, parking areas and parking lots containing five or more parking spaces shall be improved and maintained with landscaping in accordance with the requirements of this section as follows:
(1) Treatment of required landscaped buffers. Treatment of required landscaped buffers shall be in accordance with the following:
a. Required landscaped buffers shall be provided with vegetative ground cover, trees, shrubs, other plant material, or any combination thereof, except where more specific requirements are set forth in Subsection (2) of this section. Mulch ground cover may be provided as a border or supplement to other vegetation in a required landscaped buffer. Pedestrian walkways incidental to landscaped buffers may be incorporated within such buffers when the other requirements of this Subsection (1)a are met.
b. All required landscaped buffers shall be protected from encroachment by motor vehicles by installation of curbs, wheel stops or other features which separate the landscaped buffer from areas improved for vehicle parking or circulation.
(2) Landscaped buffers along streets. Landscaped buffers as set forth in Subsections (2)a through (2)d of this section shall be installed and maintained between all areas devoted to parking and all adjacent street lines, provided that approved driveways enabling access to abutting streets may extend through such buffers.
a. Zoning districts and permitted buffer alternatives. The following table specifies the buffer and buffer alternatives that satisfy the landscaped buffer requirement in each zoning district. Where more than one buffer alternative is listed for a zoning district, any of the listed alternatives may be provided to satisfy the buffer requirement in that district:
b. Description of buffer alternatives. The depth of and improvements required within each buffer alternative are as follows. In all cases, buffer alternatives are minimum requirements, and greater buffer depth, additional landscaping or additional fence or wall improvements may be provided:
1. Buffer "A," as shown below, shall have a depth of not less than the minimum yard requirement applicable along each street frontage of the property, but in no case less than five feet, and shall include an evergreen vegetative screen not less than 3? feet in height at the time of installation placed along the setback line of the parking area. Evergreen vegetative material intended to satisfy this requirement shall be planted at such intervals that will result in a continuous visual screen within one year of planting.
2. Buffer "B," as shown below, shall have a depth of not less than the minimum yard requirement applicable along each street frontage of the property, but in no case less than five feet, and shall include an opaque structural fence or wall not less than four feet in height placed along the setback line of the parking area and shall include shrubs located adjacent to such fence at a rate of not less than ten for each 50 linear feet or major fraction thereof of buffer along each street frontage.
3. Buffer "C," as shown below, shall have a depth of not less than the minimum yard requirement applicable along each street frontage of the property, but in no case less than five feet, and shall include a decorative fence or wall not less than 3? feet in height placed along the setback line of the parking area and shall include trees and shrubs located adjacent to such fence at a rate of not less than one tree and four shrubs for each 50 linear feet or major fraction thereof of buffer along each street frontage.
4. Buffer "D," as shown below, shall have a depth of not less than 25 feet and shall consist of an earthen berm not less than three feet in height with slopes not greater than three feet horizontal for each one foot vertical and shall include trees and shrubs located on the top or street side of such berm at a rate of not less than one tree and four shrubs for each 50 linear feet or major fraction thereof of buffer along each street frontage.
5. Buffer "E," as shown below, shall have a depth of not less than the minimum yard requirement applicable along each street frontage of the property and shall include trees and shrubs at a rate of not less than one tree and four shrubs for each 40 linear feet or major fraction thereof of buffer along each street frontage. In any case where the applicable yard requirement along a street is five feet or less, the trees and shrubs required for buffer "E" may be substituted with the improvements specified for buffer "H," "I," or "J," provided that the applicable yard requirement is met.
6. Buffer "F," as shown below, shall have a depth of not less than 15 feet and shall include trees and shrubs at a rate of not less than one tree and four shrubs for each 50 linear feet or major fraction thereof of buffer along each street frontage.
7. Buffer "G," as shown below, shall have a depth of not less than ten feet and shall include trees and shrubs at a rate of not less than one tree and four shrubs for each 40 linear feet or major fraction thereof of buffer along each street frontage.
8. Buffer "H," as shown below, shall have a depth of not less than five feet and shall include a decorative fence or wall not less than 3? feet in height and shrubs at a rate of not less four shrubs for each 50 linear feet or major fraction thereof of buffer along each street frontage.
9. Buffer "I," as shown below, shall have a depth of not less than two feet and shall include a decorative fence or wall not less than 3? feet in height and vegetative ground cover, shrubs or other plant material.
10. Buffer "J," as shown below, shall consist of a decorative fence or wall not less than 3? feet in height located at the edge of the area devoted to parking.
11. Buffer "K," as shown below, shall have a depth of not less than five feet and shall include vegetative ground cover, shrubs or other plant material.
c. Tree and shrub standards. Standards for trees and shrubs shall be as follows:
1. Trees to be credited toward buffer requirements shall be deciduous trees having a caliper of not less than 2? inches at the time of installation measured six inches above the ground or evergreen trees having a height of not less than six feet at the time of installation. Healthy existing trees to be retained within a buffer area may be credited toward buffer requirements when such trees are shown on approved plans and are adequately protected during construction.
2. Trees to be credited toward buffer requirements shall be distributed as equally as practical throughout the length of the buffer, with consideration for the species of trees, topography, location of driveways and utilities and other physical conditions.
3. Shrubs to be credited toward buffer requirements shall be evergreen shrubs not less than two feet in height at the time of installation. Shrubs may be grouped in a manner appropriate to the species and need not be distributed equally throughout the length of the buffer.
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(3) Landscaped buffers along interior lot lines. In addition to the screening requirements set forth in Section 30-710.12, parking areas and parking lots containing 30 or more parking spaces and parking areas containing five or more parking spaces serving uses with drive-up facilities or facilities for dispensing motor fuels shall be provided with landscaped buffers of not less than five feet in depth installed and maintained between all areas devoted to parking and all lot lines other than street lines, provided that approved driveways connecting properties or enabling access to abutting alleys may extend through such buffers.
(Code 1993, ? 32-710.13; Code 2004, ? 114-710.13; Ord. No. 2004-180-167, ? 1, 6-28-2004; Ord. No. 2006-168-189, ? 2, 7-10-2006; Ord. No. 2008-2-55, ? 2, 3-24-2008; Ord. No. 2009-221-2010-9, ? 1, 1-25-2010; Ord. No. 2010-19-31, ? 3, 2-22-2010)
Richmond City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 30 ZONING
ARTICLE VII. OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
DIVISION 2.1. OFF-STREET PARKING IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS AND LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
Sec. 30-710.14. Internal landscaping requirements.
Landscaped islands meeting the requirements of this section shall be provided within all parking areas and parking lots containing 30 or more parking spaces and within parking areas containing five or more parking spaces serving uses with drive-up facilities or facilities for dispensing motor fuels.
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(4) Improvement of required landscaped islands.
a. Each required landscaped island shall contain not less than one deciduous tree having a caliper of not less than 2? inches at the time of installation measured six inches above the ground.
b. In addition to required trees, landscaped islands shall be provided with vegetative ground cover, shrubs, other plant material, or any combination thereof. All portions of required landscaped islands not provided with vegetative ground cover or other plant material shall be mulched.
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(Code 1993, ? 32-710.14; Code 2004, ? 114-710.14; Ord. No. 2004-180-167, ? 1, 6-28-2004)
Sec. 30-710.15. Tree coverage requirements.
Parking areas and parking lots containing 30 or more parking spaces and parking areas containing five or more parking spaces serving uses with drive-up facilities or facilities for dispensing motor fuels shall be improved and maintained with trees in accordance with the requirements of this section.
(1) Determining projected tree coverage. Projected tree coverage shall be determined in accordance with the City of Richmond Tree Canopy Chart which shall be adopted by resolution of the Planning Commission. Other tree species and larger trees not shown on the tree canopy chart may be given credit toward the tree coverage requirement when supporting data adequate to determine coverage is submitted to and accepted by the Zoning Administrator.
(2) Minimum projected tree coverage. Trees shall be planted or existing trees shall be retained so as to provide a projected tree coverage at ten years from the date of plan approval as determined by the following formulas:
a. A parking area serving a use other than a use with drive-up facilities or facilities for dispensing motor fuels, or a parking lot, shall have a projected tree coverage area equivalent to not less than 30 square feet for each parking space contained in the parking area or parking lot.
b. A parking area serving a use with drive-up facilities or facilities for dispensing motor fuels shall have a projected tree coverage area equivalent to not less than 40 square feet for each parking space contained in the parking area.
(3) Minimum tree sizes. Trees to be credited toward the tree coverage requirement shall meet the following standards at the time of installation:
a. Deciduous trees shall have a caliper of not less than 2? inches measured six inches above the ground.
b. Evergreen trees shall be not less than six feet in height.
(4) Location of trees to be credited. As shown below, trees to be credited toward the tree coverage requirement may be located:
a. Within landscaped islands meeting the requirements of Section 32-710.14; or
b. Between the area devoted to parking and a building on the same site, or between the area devoted to parking and a side or rear property line, provided such trees are located within ten feet of the area devoted to parking; or
c. Within that portion of a perimeter buffer lying within ten feet of the area devoted to parking, provided that trees required to meet perimeter buffer requirements shall not be credited toward the tree coverage requirement.
(5) Retention of existing trees. Healthy existing trees to be retained may be credited toward the tree coverage requirement when such trees are located as specified in Subsection (4) of this section, are shown on approved plans, and are adequately protected during construction.
(Code 1993, ? 32-710.15; Code 2004, ? 114-710.15; Ord. No. 2004-180-167, ? 1, 6-28-2004)
Sec. 30-710.16. Maintenance.
The owner of the property shall be responsible for maintenance, repair and replacement of landscaping materials and other improvements required by this division in such manner that the requirements of this division continue to be met.
(Code 1993, ? 32-710.16; Code 2004, ? 114-710.16)
Roanoke City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 36.2 ZONING
ARTICLE 6. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
DIVISION 4. LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
Sec. 36.2-642. General landscaping and screening standards.
(a) General requirements.
(1) All portions of a lot which are not included in the calculation of impervious surface ratio shall be landscaped. Landscaping shall include plant materials as may be required by this division as well as open areas covered with grass or other vegetative groundcover.
(2) Landscaping within a sight distance triangle shall not include any evergreen tree and, furthermore, shall not include shrubs or ground cover exceeding thirty (30) inches in height above the graded ground level.
(3) When a determination of the number of required trees or shrubs, as set forth in this division, results in a fraction, any fraction shall be counted as one (1) tree or shrub.
(4) If the development of any portion of a lot includes the creation of a slope of two to one (2:1), horizontal to vertical, or greater, such slope shall be planted with vegetative cover, subject to determination of the Zoning Administrator that the methods of planting will hold the soil in place and that the proposed vegetative cover and rate of planting will ensure stabilization of the slope.
(b) Planting materials. Where landscaping is required by this division, the following standards shall apply:
(1) All trees required by this division shall be selected from the approved tree list in Table 642-1 and shall meet the applicable minimum height and caliper at the time of planting and suitability requirements as set forth in Table 642-1, unless otherwise provided for in this division. The Zoning Administrator may approve the use of trees not set forth in Table 642-1 to meet the minimum tree requirements of this division, subject to the Zoning Administrator's determination that the height, caliper, canopy, and suitability characteristics of such alternative trees are consistent with the intent and standards of this division. The resource for such determination shall be based on the published reference text, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, fifth edition, 1998, by Michael A. Dirr.
(2) Where evergreen or deciduous shrubs are required by this division, such shrubs shall have a minimum height of eighteen (18) inches at the time of planting.
(3) Existing vegetation which meets the standards prescribed by this division, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, may be preserved and may be used to meet some or all of the landscaping requirements.
(4) All required landscaping materials shall meet the specifications and standards of the American Association of Nurserymen.
(5) Where the planting of trees which have a height at twenty-year maturity which would interfere with overhead utility lines, the Zoning Administrator may, as a part of development plan approval, permit the substitution of trees with a lesser height at maturity, provided the substitute trees shall be provided at a rate that will result in the same amount of total tree canopy.
(c) Screening. Where screening is required by this division, the following standards shall apply:
(1) Screening shall be visually opaque and constructed of a durable material.
(2) Screening shall be maintained by the owner of the property so as to meet the requirements of this division.
(3) Acceptable screening materials shall include stockade fences, decorative masonry walls, brick walls, and earth berms. The Zoning Administrator may approve alternative materials where their characteristics and design meet the intent and standards of this division.
(d) Landscape plan. For development plans subject to the requirements of this division, the following landscaping information shall be required as part of development plan approval:
(1) For a basic development plan, the landscaping information as set forth in Section B-1, Appendix B, shall be submitted; or
(2) For a comprehensive development plan, a Landscape Plan as set forth in Section B-3, Appendix B, shall be submitted.
(e) Installation. The installation of required tree canopies, landscaping, buffering, and screening shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Only healthy planting materials shall be used for required plantings.
(2) The planting of trees shall be done in accordance with either the standardized landscape specifications jointly adopted by the Virginia Nurserymen's Association, the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers, and the Virginia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, or the road and bridge specifications of the Virginia Department of Transportation.
(3) No temporary Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued until either the required landscaping is completed in accordance with an approved development plan or the property owner or developer provides a guarantee in a form acceptable to the City Attorney that ensures installation.
(A) A guarantee for required landscaping shall be an amount equal to one hundred ten (110) percent of the cost of the plants, related materials, and installation.
(B) All required landscaping shall be installed, inspected, and approved within three (3) months of acceptance of the guarantee.
(C) During any water emergency declared by the governing body in which the use of water is restricted, the Zoning Administrator may permit the delayed installation of required trees, plants, or screening materials. In this event, the property owner shall be required to maintain the guarantee. After a declaration of water emergency ends, the property owner shall install the required plants within thirty (30) days.
(4) No permanent Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued until the required landscaping is completed in accordance with an approved development plan.
(f) Maintenance. After approval by the Zoning Administrator that all landscaping required by this chapter is complete and in healthy condition, the property owner shall be responsible for the ongoing protection and maintenance of all required landscaping in a manner that complies with the requirements of this chapter and in conformance with the approved development plan. Where necessary to comply with the requirements of this chapter and the approved development plan, dead or damaged landscaping materials shall be replaced by the property owner within six (6) months of notification by the City.
(g) Modification of landscaping requirements. The Zoning Administrator may approve in writing a development plan subject to, in whole or in part, alternative landscaping, screening, or buffer yard standards if the Zoning Administrator finds that any of the following circumstances exist on the proposed development site, or surrounding properties, provided any such alternative plan shall provide the equivalent quantity of required vegetative material and shall have no additional adverse visual impact on adjacent properties or public areas or otherwise be inconsistent with the stated purposes of this division:
(1) Natural land characteristics, such as topography or existing vegetation, on the proposed development site would achieve the same intent of this division;
(2) Innovative landscaping or architectural design is employed on the development site to achieve an equivalent tree canopy, landscaping, screening, or buffering effect;
(3) The screening and landscaping for a required buffer would be ineffective because of the proposed topography of the site or the location of the improvements on the site; or
(4) The topography of adjacent and surrounding sites would render required screening ineffective.
(Ord. No. 37633, ? 14, 11-20-06; Ord. No. 37984, ? 6, 12-17-07; Ord. No. 38423, ? 1, 4-20-09; Ord. No. 39495, ? 1, 9-4-12)
Roanoke City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 36.2 ZONING
ARTICLE 6. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
DIVISION 4. LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
Sec. 36.2-646. - Fa?ade planting.
Structures containing single-family, two-family, townhouse or rowhouse, or multifamily dwelling units shall be subject to the following landscaping requirements:
(a) A minimum of one (1) deciduous or evergreen shrub for each four (4) linear feet of building foundation that fronts on a street shall be planted in the area between the street right-of-way and the principal building.
(b) For through lots, the regulations of this section shall apply only to the fa?ade of the building that contains the principal entrance(s) to the structure.
(Ord. No. 37633, ? 14, 11-20-06; Ord. No. 37984, ? 6, 12-17-07)
Sec. 36.2-647. - Buffering and screening.
(a) Buffering or screening shall be provided for certain activities and uses as specified in Table 647-1 except for parking areas which is contained in Section 36.2-648. The required buffering and screening materials shall be provided in accordance with Section 36.2-649.
(b) Except where specified otherwise, buffering and screening shall be installed in side and rear yards behind the building line of the lot being developed such that it reduces the visual impact of the structures, activities, or uses on abutting properties and public rights-of-way, as applicable, considering sight lines from those abutting properties and public rights-of-way, as applicable.
(c) For purposes of this section, abutting lots shall not include lots separated by a right-of-way containing a street, river or creek, or railroad line. Lots that would abut if not for their separation by an alley shall be considered abutting lots for purposes of this section and shall be subject to these buffering and screening requirements.
(Ord. No. 37984, ? 6, 12-17-07; Ord. No. 38423, ? 1, 4-20-09; Ord. No. 38424, ? 1, 4-20-09; Ord. No. 39495, ? 1, 9-4-12; Ord. No. 40088, ? 1, 10-20-14)
Sec. 36.2-649. Standards for buffering, screening, and parking area landscaping materials.
Materials used to meet requirements of Sections 36.2-647 and 36.2-648 shall meet the standards of Table 649-1.
(Ord. No. 37984, ? 6, 12-17-07; Ord. No. 38423, ? 1, 4-20-09; Ord. No. 39495, ? 1, 9-4-12; Ord. No. 40088, ? 1, 10-20-14)
Salem City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 106 ZONING
ARTICLE IV. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Sec. 106-402. Buffer yards, screening and landscaping.
(A) It is the intent of these provisions to promote the public health, safety and welfare by reducing common conflicts associated with incompatible abutting land uses. It is also the intent of these provisions to promote the protection of the natural environment through plantings that absorb gaseous emissions and improve air and water quality. To the ends, these requirements seek to ease transition among different uses by reducing noise, glare, dust and overcrowding, redirecting emissions, confining litter, maintaining property values, protecting neighborhood character, promoting visual harmony, restricting passage, promoting peaceful enjoyment and privacy and enhancing the natural environment. Further, the requirements seek to encourage innovation in landscape and architectural design.
(Ord. of 3-14-05(2))
Salem City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 106 ZONING
ARTICLE IV. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Sec. 106-402.19. Modifications.
(A) The requirements of this section shall be applied equally to all similarly classified and situated properties but may be modified or waived by the administrator where the intent of this section is preserved and where the proposed developments of new use meets any of the following guidelines:
1. Natural land characteristics and/or existing vegetation would achieve the same intent of this section, provided such natural features are maintained and not modified by the development or use of the site;
2. Innovative landscape design, staggering of planting, screenings or architectural design would achieve the intent of this section;
3. The amount of required buffer yard would occupy more than ten percent of the total lot, parcel of land or development site, and proportional increases of planting and screening are added which are determined by the administrator to offset any reductions of the required buffer yard; or
4. The subject uses are separated by an alley, public utility right-of-way, water body or other physical separation. In such case, the width of the separating feature may replace the buffer yard requirements on a foot-for-foot basis, provided the intent of the applicable screening and planting requirements is met. Where such separating feature is wider than the applicable buffer year requirements, one row of the applicable planting requirements may be waived for every five feet of separation in excess of the required buffer yard; provided, however, that a minimum of one row of plantings or screening may be required.
5. When property lines abut an adjacent jurisdiction, the administrator shall determine the specific screening and buffering requirements along the property lines after consideration of the zoning designation and or land use of the adjacent property. Requirements shall not exceed those that would be required for similarly situated property within the city.
6. If site characteristics do not permit the compliance with these parking lot landscaping regulations and the requirements of section 106-404 (Off-Street Parking), then the administrator shall, after consultation with the city horticulturist, have the authority to determine which standards shall take precedent on the site.
7. The location and design of any required landscaped area may be modified by the administrator to achieve local stormwater management water quality objectives.
(Ord. of 3-14-05(2))
Sec. 106-402.21. Conflicting requirements.
(A) When buffering, screening or planting requirements are required by a conditional rezoning, or a special exception permit approved after the effective date of this chapter, and said requirements are in conflict with the requirements contained herein, the more restrictive requirements shall apply.
(Ord. of 3-14-05(2))
Sec. 106-402.23. Nonconforming uses and sites.
(A) Any lot or parcel of land having a lawful use that does not conform with the buffering, screening and landscaping provisions for this section shall be required to comply with these provisions if:
1. The lawful use is discontinued for more than two years; or
2. The lawful use is replaced in whole or in part by a higher intensity use type, i.e., commercial to industrial;
3. The associated building or structure containing the lawful use is removed; or
4. The associated building or structure containing the lawful use is enlarged, extended, reconstructed or structurally altered to the extent that costs exceed 25 percent of the building's or structure's fair market value prior to any improvement. For purpose of this section, all costs incurred from enlargement, extension, reconstruction or structural alteration of such structure during a three-year period shall be included in determining whether the costs of such improvements exceed 25 percent of the fair market value.
(Ord. of 3-14-05(2))
Salem City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 106 ZONING
ARTICLE IV. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Sec. 106-402.5. Standards for buffer yard planting and screening.
(A) Planting required by this section shall be provided in accordance with the following standards:
1. Where required, all evergreen shrubs shall have a height of at least 24 inches at the time of planting and an ultimate height of six feet or more. One such shrub shall be planted for each three linear feet of buffer yard. Some evergreen shrubs that meet these standards are various types of hollies, yews, and junipers.
2. Where required, each small evergreen tree shall have a height of at least four feet at time of planting and an ultimate height of 15 feet or greater. One such tree shall be planted for each five linear feet of buffer yard. Some small evergreen trees that meet these standards are various types of pines, hollies, upright arborvitae and junipers.
3. Where required, each large evergreen tree shall have a height of at least six feet at the time of planting and an ultimate height of 50 feet or greater. One such tree shall be planted for each 15 linear feet of buffer yard. Some large evergreen trees that meet these standards are various types of pines, firs and hemlocks.
4. Existing evergreen trees and shrubs which meet the requirements of this section may be counted as contributing to total planting requirements.
5. All portions of buffer yard areas not containing plantings shall be seeded with lawn grass of other approved vegetative ground cover.
(B) Screening required by this section shall be provided in accordance with the following standards:
1. Screening shall be visually opaque and shall be constructed of a durable material. It shall be installed within the required buffer yard, and shall be continuously maintained.
2. Acceptable screening materials shall include stockade fences, decorative masonry walls, brick walls, and earth berms. Alternate materials may be approved, if in the opinion of the administrator, their characteristic and design meet the intent and standards of this section.
(Ord. of 3-14-05(2))
Salem City Code View whole ordinance
Chapter 106 ZONING
ARTICLE IV. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Sec. 106-402.7. Perimeter landscaping standards for parking lots.
(A) When a new, expanded, or reconfigured parking area is required or proposed adjacent to a public street rights-of-way, a landscaped planting strip shall be established between the parking area and the adjacent street rights-of-way. This required landscaped planting strip shall have a minimum width of eight feet, if the depth of any portion of the parking area is 60 feet or less when measured at a right angle to the street rights-of-way. The width of the required landscaped planting strip shall be increased by one foot for each additional five foot depth of parking area provided. No required landscaped planting strip shall be required to exceed a width of 50 feet.
(B) Within the required landscaped planting area, one deciduous tree shall be planted for each 320 square feet of landscaped area. All shade trees shall have a minimum caliper of two inches dbh at the time of planting and trained to a central leader. Lower limbs shall be removed to a clear trunk height of six foot as tree growth allows. Smaller ornamental/flowering trees may be used with the permission of the administrator. When used, these trees may retain their lower limbs, but must be planted with consideration of visibility and traffic flow.
(C) When buffer yards as specified in this section are not required, an eight foot wide landscaped planting strip shall be provided between all parking areas and adjacent properties. Within the required landscaped planting area, one deciduous tree shall be planted for each 160 square feet of landscaped area. All shade trees shall have a minimum caliper of two inches dbh at the time of planting and trained to a central leader. Lower limbs shall be removed to a clear trunk height of six foot as tree growth allows. Smaller ornamental/flowering trees may be used with the permission of the administrator. When used, these trees may retain their lower limbs, but must be planted with consideration of visibility and traffic flow.
(Ord. of 3-14-05(2))
Staunton City Code View whole ordinance
Title 18 ZONING
Chapter 18.175 LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
18.175.030 Requirements and applicability.
(1) Landscaping Plan. Except as provided herein, a landscaping plan shall be submitted for review and approval with respect to all land use and development activities, to be commenced after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. ?Land use and development activities,? as used herein, shall mean those activities that require a building permit therefor or the creation of new parking areas or the enlargement of existing parking areas by more than four additional parking spaces (cumulative over a four-year period).
(2) Screening Plan. Except as provided herein, a screening plan shall be submitted for review and approval with respect to all land use and development activities within business, professional and industrial districts, designed to screen the uses of the most intensive use district from the adjoining least intensive use district and public streets.
(3) Exceptions. The requirements hereunder do not apply to:
(a) Individually developed single-family residences;
(b) Additions to or accessory buildings of single-family residences;
(c) Any alteration or reconstruction of buildings situated in the historic conservation district;
(d) Any construction necessitated by the destruction by fire, calamity, storm or other accidental means of less than 50 percent of pre-existing improvements;
(e) Interior and fa?ade improvements made to a structure not requiring any exterior enlargement thereof.
(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, a landscaping plan is required for the development of a residential subdivision.
(Zoning ordinance Art. 5, ? 15)
18.175.040 Procedure and administration.
(1) The plans required to be submitted hereunder shall be submitted by the owner and the developer of the particular property involved to the director of planning for the city. Said director shall be responsible for the receipt and processing of such applications and shall have the authority to approve or disapprove such plans. Said director is hereby designated as the agent of the city for such purposes. If the director disapproved the plan, the director shall promptly notify the applicant and set forth the reasons why the plan was disapproved and, if necessary, suggestions as to corrections.
(2) Any applicant aggrieved by a decision of the agent may appeal such decision to the planning commission for the city of Staunton in writing within 30 days of the decision in question. The planning commission shall schedule such appeal for hearing at its next regularly scheduled meeting to be held at least 14 days after such appeal is noted. The planning commission shall render its judgment on the date the appeal is heard, unless by the agreement of all parties, the decision can be delayed.
(3) Any applicant who is aggrieved by the judgment of the planning commission may appeal such judgment to the council for the city of Staunton in writing within 30 days of the judgment rendered. Such appeal shall be heard by the city council at its next regularly scheduled meeting to be held at least 14 days after such appeal is noted. The city council shall render its judgment on the date the appeal is heard, unless, by agreement of all parties, the decision can be delayed.
(4) All appeals set forth above shall be filed with the agent and shall set forth the grounds upon which the petitioner is aggrieved. The agent shall promptly schedule such matter to be heard with the planning commission and/or the city council, as the case may be.
(5) Nothing herein shall deprive an aggrieved party from seeking a variance or other determination with respect hereto from the board of zoning appeals of the city of Staunton as permitted by local and state law.
(Zoning ordinance Art. 5, ? 15)
18.175.050 Plan contents.
The department of planning for the city of Staunton will assist those required to submit plans hereunder upon request. The landscape and/or screening plan should provide information such as:
(1) The location, size, and type of all proposed plant materials and screening measures.
(2) Existing trees with a caliper of six inches or greater, or wooded areas must be identified and considered for preservation.
(3) Existing landscaping features on the site to be retained.
(4) Location of utilities, including watering facilities for plantings on the site and drainage patterns.
(5) A plan of maintenance.
(Zoning ordinance Art. 5, ? 15)
18.175.060 Standards.
(1) The following minimum landscaping standards shall apply:
Landscaping shall consist of at least a five feet wide landscaped area, along the street right-of-way, in business and professional districts and at least a 10 feet wide landscaped area, along the street right-of-way, in the industrial districts. These areas are exclusive of the area required for sidewalks, public street rights-ofway, or parking. Utility easements can be used with the permission of the city.
(2) The following minimum screening standards shall apply:
Screening shall consist of a planting strip, existing vegetation, a slightly opaque wall or fence, or combination thereof, to the reasonable satisfaction of the agent. Where only vegetative screening is provided, such screening strip shall not be less than five feet wide in the business and professional districts and 10 feet wide in the industrial districts. Vegetative screening may consist of a double staggered row of evergreen trees planted 15 feet on center, or a double staggered row of evergreen shrubs planted 10 feet on center. Alternate methods of vegetative screening may be approved by the agent. Where a fence or a wall is provided, it shall be a minimum of six feet in height and plantings shall be required at intervals along such fence or wall.
(3) The following minimum street tree standards shall apply:
(a) Street trees shall be required along existing or proposed public streets and shall be planted with even spacing, or as otherwise required by the agent, adjacent to the public street right-of-way. One street tree shall be required for every 50 feet of road frontage, or portion thereof, if the street abutment is 20 feet or more in length, except as exempted in subsection (4) of this section. These trees should have a clear trunk height of at least six feet. The agent may waive these requirements in certain cases where site conditions warrant an alternate solution.
(b) Streets with posted speeds of over 35 mph shall have minor trees only planted along the right-of-way. Streets with posted speeds of less than 35 mph may have major or minor trees planted along the rightof-way.
? In the event that trees are desired along walkways adjacent to traffic flow, no tree shall be planted closer than 35 feet of any street corner, measured from the point of nearest intersecting curbs or curblines or pavement lines. No street tree shall be planted closer than 10 feet to any fire hydrant.
(d) No trees other than those species listed as 30 feet or less in height at maturity may be planted under or within 10 lateral feet to any overhead utility wire, or over or within five lateral feet of any underground water line, sewer line, transmission line, or other utility.
(4) The following landscaping requirements for new parking areas consisting of five spaces or more shall apply:
(a) Street Trees. Street trees shall be planted in accordance with subsection (3) of this section. The trees shall be planted between the street right-of-way and the parking area within the landscape setback. If this requirement creates a hardship by causing the relocation of required parking spaces, then the additional planting area may be counted toward the interior landscaping requirement.
(b) Interior Landscaping. An area equal to five percent of the parking and patron vehicular circulation area, as measured by the outside boundaries thereof, shall be landscaped to include trees and shrubs. Such landscaping shall be fairly uniformly dispersed throughout the vehicular parking and circulation area. At least one minor shade tree is required for each 10 parking spaces or portion thereof. Shrub plantings, except to the extent that they exceed five feet in width, adjacent to a building shall not be counted as interior landscaping. The requirements of subsections (4)(a), Street Trees, and (4)?, Additional Planting Along Public Streets, of this section and screening of parking lots are to be excluded as a part of the five percent interior landscaping requirement.
? Additional Plantings Along Public Streets. When a parking lot is located such that the parked cars will be visible from a public street, then additional landscaping of low street shrubs may be required between the street and the parking lot. Shrubs shall be in a single row planted five feet on center. All shrub plantings along entrances, exits, and intersections shall be kept below two and one-half feet so that visibility will not be impaired. Alternate methods of landscaping designed to minimize the visual impact of the parking lot may be approved by the agent.
(d) Wheel stops, curbing, or other barriers shall be provided to prevent damage to landscaping by vehicles. Where necessary, trees shall be walled or otherwise protected against change of grade. All pervious areas of the site shall be permanently protected from soil erosion with grass, ground covers, low shrubs, or mulch material. Special attention should be given to using plants that are drought tolerant.
(Zoning ordinance Art. 5, ? 15)
18.175.070 Exceptions.
In lieu of planting new materials, existing trees and vegetation may satisfy landscaping and screening requirements, subject to the agent?s approval. The landscaping plan shall indicate the trees to be saved, limits of clearing, location and type of protective fencing, grade changes requiring tree wells, or walls and trenching.
Upon review of the site and/or site plan, the agent, or the reviewing authority, may reduce or suspend any of the requirements of this chapter, if the site presents special circumstances whereby the strict compliance of this chapter will produce an undue hardship or if the spirit of the chapter has been met and deviation has been deemed to be in the best interest of the city.
(Zoning ordinance Art. 5, ? 15)
18.175.080 Approval period and revisions.
(1) All landscaping shall be planted and maintained according to established planting and maintenance procedures using good quality plant materials. The required plant materials may be chosen from a recommended species list provided by the agent. Plant materials not listed may be substituted for suggested plant material if such substitution is expressly approved by the agent.
(2) Approval of landscaping and screening plan under the provisions of this chapter is valid for a period of one year; however, if said plan is part of approved site plan in accordance with this title or an approved subdivision plan, then approval is extended for same period as the site or subdivision plan.
(3) Requested changes or revisions to approved landscaping and screening plans may be authorized in writing by the agent as long as said revisions do not, in the agent?s opinion, substantially affect terms of the original approval. Otherwise, the agent may require a new plan be prepared and submitted for review in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(4) All landscaping and screening required by this chapter shall be installed at the cost of the developer or property owner. The owner shall be responsible for maintaining all landscaping in good condition so as to present a healthy, neat appearance and shall be kept free from refuse and debris.
(5) All landscaping and screening features shown on the approved plan must be adequately maintained and kept in effect in order for approved plan to remain valid and not become a zoning violation of this title.
(Zoning ordinance Art. 5, ? 15)
18.175.090 Plans required prior to issuance of building permit.
No building permit shall be issued by the city until the applicant therefor exhibits to the building inspector the approved plans required by this chapter.
(Zoning ordinance Art. 5, ? 15)
18.175.100 Occupancy permit.
The building inspector for the city shall not issue an occupancy permit for such development until the landscaping and/or screening required hereunder has been completed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, the building inspector may issue a temporary occupancy permit with respect to the development, if, in the opinion of the building inspector, said landscaping and/or screening has been delayed for reasons beyond the control of the developer, such as weather and other causes.
(Zoning ordinance Art. 5, ? 15)
Suffolk Development Ordinance View whole ordinance
Unified Development Ordinance
ARTICLE 6 DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS
SEC. 31-603. LANDSCAPING STANDARDS.
(a) PURPOSE. The purpose of the landscaping standards is to provide visual enhancement of the City; to protect and promote the appearance, character and economic value of property; to reduce visibility of paved areas and other unsightly views from adjacent properties and public lands; to moderate climatic effects; to minimize noise and glare; to enhance public safety by defining spaces to influence traffic movement; to reduce storm water runoff, and to provide visual transition between neighboring properties.
(b) APPLICABILITY. This Section shall apply to all new major residential subdivisions, and commercial, office and industrial subdivisions and site plans. The developer shall submit a landscape plan to the Director of Planning as precedent to final site plan approval as outlined in Section 31-307 of this Ordinance. However, any development containing eighty percent (80%) or more impervious area shall include a landscape plan at the time of initial site plan submittal. In addition to the above, a sign landscape plan, which complies with this Ordinance, Section 31-714, signs, and Section 31-412(h), if applicable, shall be required.
(c) GENERAL LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS. The following shall apply to all Sections of the landscaping provisions of this Ordinance.
(1) TYPE. Plant materials shall be selected from the approved plant list set forth as Appendix C herein, which plant list is hereby by incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety in this Section. All modifications shall be approved by the Director in accord with the Waivers and Modifications Section of this Ordinance. For developments containing 300 trees or greater, no more than thirty percent (30%) of the required new planting shall consist of one family type and shall be interspersed; not more than twenty percent (20%) of the required new plantings shall consist of the same genus type and shall be interspersed, and not more than ten percent (10%) of the required new plantings shall consist of the same species type and shall be interspersed.
(2) CONDITION. All plant materials shall conform to the standards of the American Nursery and Landscape Association ("ANLA") (formerly the American Association of Nurserymen), The American Standard For Nursery Stock, (1996), which document is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein. Said document may be obtained by contacting ANLA at 1250 I Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20005 (202/789-2900). Plants shall be healthy, vigorous, well rooted and free of defects, decay, disease or infestations. After implementation, all required plant material shall be maintained by the property owner. All dead, dying or diseased plant material shall be replaced by the property owner.
(3) BONDING. Prior to the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy, the applicant shall provide a maintenance bond. The maintenance bond shall be in the amount of one-third (1/3 of the value of the required landscaping, and shall be held for a period of 12 months following the date of Certificate of Occupancy issuance. A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued until the required landscaping is planted and completed in accordance with the approved landscape plan. If planting cannot occur due to seasonal constraints, the Planning Director may accept a performance surety in lieu of installation of plantings. The performance surety may be submitted in the form of a performance bond irrevocable letter of credit, certified check, cash escrow or other surety acceptable to the City attorney as to format and manner of execution. This surety shall include the full cost of plant materials and installation costs such as, but not limited to, soil treatment, labor, and/or guying costs. Should the Planning Director accept performance surety in lieu of any or all plantings, all required landscaping shall be installed and approved by the following planting season.
(4) PLANTING STANDARDS. The planting of materials shall conform to the standardized landscape specifications as identified in the "Guidelines for Landscape Planting in the City of Suffolk, Virginia" or in the standards of the most recent edition of the American Nursery and Landscape Association ("ANLA") (formerly the American Association of Nurserymen), The American Standard For Nursery Stock, (1996), which document is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein (said document may be obtained by contacting ANLA at 1250 I Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20005 (202/789-2900), and the "Standardized Landscape Specification for the State of Virginia" by the Virginia Nurserymen's Association. All trees shall have tops which display a natural growing shape or condition. Trunks shall be healthy and free of defects or mutations such as, but not limited to, over guying.
(5) PROTECTION STANDARDS.
A. Landscaped areas shall be protected from vehicular encroachment by planter islands such as, but not limited to, 8?? 8? new treated timbers, concrete curb stops, and curb/gutter or as approved by the Director. Planting islands shall contain a minimum of one hundred (100) square feet for each tree and a minimum of ten (10) square feet for each shrub. The Director may consider the advice of the City Engineer, Department of Public Works, Department of Public Utilities, Virginia Department of Transportation, and any other agencies in determining the final design of planter islands.
B. Unless other requirements of this Ordinance are greater, all new trees shall be mulched within a minimum two and one-half-foot (2??) radius planting area. All shrubs shall be mulched within a one-half-foot area of the plant. Mulching shall consist of a minimum depth of two (2) inches and shall be completed within two (2) days of planting or at final inspection. Acceptable mulching materials are listed in the "Guidelines for Landscape Planting in the City of Suffolk, Virginia."
(6) VISIBILITY. The landscape plan shall identify a visibility triangle at all intersections including parking access aisles and roads. No trees, shrubs or other materials shall be placed where this will impede visibility above 2? feet within the visibility triangle or as required by the Virginia Department of Transportation or by the City of Suffolk Public Works Department. The Director of Planning shall consider the comments from other agencies prior to final approval of the landscape plan.
(d) MINIMUM PLANT SPECIFICATIONS.
(1) PRESERVATION OF EXISTING TREES. Preservation of existing trees and shrubs shall be maximized to provide for continuity and improved buffering ability. Effort shall be made to preserve all existing trees within twenty (20) feet of existing water bodies such as lakes, streams and wetlands. Except for tree canopy requirements, trees retained for compliance with this Ordinance shall not be less than six (6) feet in height, shall be noted on the landscape plan, and shall comply with the following:
A. Prior to landscape plan approval, the property owner shall sign a statement stating protective measures to be taken and agreement to replacement of the trees should any removal or death occur during and/or after construction;
B. The landscape plan shall identify the protection area and method of protection for retained trees. The minimum radius of protection area shall be determined by multiplying the tree diameter at breast height in inches by one foot or by delineation of the drip line of the tree, whichever is greater;
C. The protection area shall be identified during construction with high visibility fencing and/or chain link fencing. There shall be no encroachment including, but not limited to, earth disturbing activities such as grading and/or stockpiling of soil or materialswithin this area;
D. Any vegetation removed before, during or after construction shall be replaced with newly planted vegetation which meets the minimum requirements outlined in this Ordinance.
(2) NEW TREES. Required tree plantings shall conform to the following minimum standards with caliper measurements taken six inches above grade. At time of planting:
A. Large street trees shall measure a minimum of 1?- to 2-inch caliper;
B. Medium street trees shall measure a minimum of one- to 1?-inch caliper;
C. Screening trees shall measure a minimum of 4? to six feet in height.
(3) NEW SHRUBS.
A. Streetscape shrubs shall be container grown in not less than three gallons and shall not be less than 24 inches in height at time of planting and shall not be pruned to less than 24 inches in height.
B. Screening shrubs shall not be less than 30 inches at time of planting and shall not be pruned to less than five (5) feet in height.
(e) TREE CANOPY. Canopy calculations for new plantings shall be calculated from the official tree canopy maintained in the City of Suffolk Department of Planning. All new and existing vegetation applied to canopy requirements shall comply with the plant specifications and standards of this Ordinance
(1) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS. The landscape plan shall include the planting and/or replacement of trees on site to the extent that, after ten years from the date of planting, tree canopies shall be at least:
A. Ten percent (10%) tree canopy for a site zoned office, business or industrial;
B. Ten percent (10%) tree canopy for a residential site zoned twenty (20) or more units per acre;
C. Fifteen percent (15%) tree canopy for a residential site zoned more than ten, but less than twenty units per acre; and
D. Twenty percent (20%) tree canopy for a residential site zoned ten (10) units or less per acre.
(2) EXISTING VEGETATION.
A. Existing plant material exceeding five feet in height may be applied toward tree canopy or tree cover requirements. Preserved trees shall conform to the plant specifications and standards of this Ordinance except for size.
B. Credit shall be calculated by multiplying 1.25 times the undisturbed wooded area.
C. Effort shall be made to preserve all existing vegetation within twenty (20) feet of existing water bodies, such as but not limited to lakes, streams and wetlands or as required by the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Overlay District.
(3) EXEMPTIONS. The following land area shall be exempt from the area to be calculated:
A. Areas devoid of plant material exceeding five (5) feet in height;
B. Dedicated school sites or other publicly dedicated lands;
C. Playing fields and other non-wooded recreation area;
D. Wetlands areas.
(f) SCREENING.
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(2) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.
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B. Where only vegetation is used, screening shall consist of a double staggered row of evergreen trees spaced 20 feet on center, or a triple staggered row of evergreen screening shrubs spaced ten feet on center.
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(3) REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFICE, BUSINESS OR INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS ADJACENT TO A RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.
A. Where only vegetation is used, screening shall consist of a double staggered row of evergreen screening trees spaced twenty (20) feet on center, or a triple staggered row of evergreen screening shrubs spaced ten (10) feet on center.
B. In addition to the above, office, business or industrial uses, such as, but not limited to, loading docks, parking areas and the like, which, in the opinion of the Director of Planning and Community Development are objectionable, abut a residential district, berming shall be required.
(i) Requirements for residential districts:
a. Where RU, RC, RM, RLM or RL residential districts, as defined in Article 4, abut A, RR or RE districts, additional landscaping shall be required.
b. Landscaping shall consist of a 15-foot screening strip of either a single row of screening trees spaced 20 feet on center or a single row of screening shrubs spaced ten feet on center.
(4) REQUIREMENTS FOR SUPERSTORES AND BIG BOX RETAIL USES. Retail uses subject to Section 31-715 of this Ordinance shall comply with the following standards:
A. LANDSCAPING.
(i) PERIPHERAL. A 30-foot wide landscaped buffer shall be provided along the front property line and along all abutting arterial roadways with breaks for approved access points. A minimum 15-foot wide landscape buffer shall be planted along all other property lines and along all internal roadways. No parking is permitted within these required buffer area or landscape areas.
(ii) BUILDING FACADE. The minimum setback for any building facade shall be 35 feet. Where the facade faces adjacent residential uses, an earthen berm, no less than six feet in height, containing at minimum, evergreen trees planted at intervals of 20 feet on center, or in clusters or clumps and shrubbery, shall be provided.
(iii) PARKING LOT. A minimum of ten percent (10%) of the parking area shall be landscaped. Landscaped areas shall be dispersed throughout the parking lot. Landscaped areas shall be protected by raised curbs and shall be a minimum of 200 square feet in size, except that ten percent of the planting areas may contain a minimum of 100 square feet. Where used, parking lot islands between parallel parking rows shall be a minimum of nine (9) feet in width and shall run the length of the parking aisle capped at each end by the termination of the island. In all cases parking aisles shall be landscaped at each end. For other types of parking configurations, landscaping, screening and buffer yard standards shall prevail.
(iv) REQUIRED PLANTINGS.
a. STREET TREE SPACING. Trees shall be planted on 30-foot centers. For variety, trees may be occasionally grouped to accent an area.
b. NUMBERS OF TREES AND SHRUBS PER 100 SQUARE FEET. Trees and shrubs shall be provided consistent with the landscaping standards of this Ordinance.
c. GROUND COVER AREAS. All areas shall be planted at a minimum with turf or grass. Ground covering such as ivy or similar material shall be used to accent planting areas.
(5) EXEMPTIONS.
A. Principal agricultural uses shall be exempt from screening requirements, with the exception of uses such as sawmills and feedlots and other uses which, in the opinion of the Director of Planning and Community Development, are objectionable.
(g) STREETSCAPE LANDSCAPING.
(1) APPLICABILITY. In addition to the above, all developments with five (5) or more parking spaces and/or subject to site plan review shall provide streetscape landscaping. The requirements of this Section shall apply to all expansions, reuse and/or modifications of existing development. Should existing site conditions and/or existing development of the property limit applicability of this Section, the developer may submit a Waiver or Modification request in accordance with the Waivers and Modifications Section of this Ordinance.
(2) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.
A. At minimum, a continuous ten-foot (10?) wide Streetscape planting strip, exclusive of easements, shall be located in areas adjacent to an existing or proposed public road provided, however, that a lower width may be permitted by the street improvement standards, Section 31-612(c)(3) (Street Patterns) in order to balance median and sidewalk widths. Up to five (5) feet of this planting strip may be devoted to sidewalk. The planting strip shall be located generally parallel to the existing or proposed road and shall not be located in areas identified for road widening, road projects, drainage areas, BMP areas or other public improvement projects. Minor encroachments in the planting strip by drainage easements may be approved by the Director of Planning and Community Development.
B. Street trees shall be required to be planted within the ten-foot planting strip. One large street tree shall be required every 50 feet or fraction thereof, or, one medium street tree shall be required every 25 feet or fraction thereof. Street trees shall be planted in an even, linear spacing. If minor shifts to the linear spacing are required due to the location of existing infrastructure, development or required sight distance, these shifts may be approved by the Director of Planning.
C. A single row of streetscape shrubs, planted three feet on center, shall be placed within the ten foot planting strip. Effort shall be made to locate this vegetation so to provide most effective screening of parking areas. Berms, three feet in height and a maximum 2:1 slope, may replace streetscape shrubs to a maximum of 50 percent.
Virginia Beach City Code View whole ordinance
APPENDIX A ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO ALL DISTRICTS
G. LANDSCAPE SCREENING AND BUFFERING
Sec. 272. Categories of landscape screening types.
(a) For purposes of this section, there shall be eight (8) categories of screening to be employed as specified in district regulations to satisfy the screening and buffering requirements of proposed uses of higher intensity to those existing of lower intensity.
(b) Existing screening materials. When a lot is to be developed such that screening is required and where that lot abuts an existing hedge, wall or other durable landscape barrier on an abutting property, the existing structure or hedge may be used to satisfy the screening requirements of this section, provided that the existing structure meets the minimum standards set forth herein and protection against vehicular encroachment is provided. However, the burden to provide the necessary screening remains with the use to be screened and is a continuing obligation which runs with the land so long as the original relationship exists.
Sec. 273. Provisions of acceptable alternatives.
Amy person who may be required to install screening in conjunction with land development and who believes that by virtue of special consideration of site design, topography, unique relationships to other properties or existing natural vegetation, the application of the specific standards are ineffective in fulfilling the requirements of this section, may submit to the planning director a specific plan for development showing how the purposes of this section may be met by measures other than those listed above. The planning director, after consulting with appropriate city officials, may approve modifications to established standards so long as the effect and intent of the established standards are achieved.
(Ord. No. 2152, 6-23-92)
Sec. 274. Maintenance responsibilities.
The owner and tenant, if any, of any property where screening is required shall be jointly and severally responsible for the maintenance of all screening materials so as to present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance and be kept free from litter and debris. Shrubs or trees planted as a part of any required screening which subsequently dies shall be replaced in accordance with the minimum standards of this section. All screening and landscape areas shall be protected from encroachment by motor vehicles or pedestrians which could damage vegetation or reduce the effectiveness of the screening.