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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 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.
?
(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.
?
(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 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 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))
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)
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)
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 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)
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. 36.2-646. - 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. 106-402.19. 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))
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.