14.45.080 Landscaping and Screening.
All landscaping shall be installed and maintained in conformance with a landscape plan which has been approved by the Planning Commission. The following minimum standards have been established to ensure quality and consistent development throughout the Park.
(1) At the time of rezoning and preliminary project plan approval, an overall landscaping plan shall be submitted showing typical landscaping (including type, size, number, and location of plant materials) for the following areas: park entrances, perimeter buffers, open space easements and common areas, and streetscape landscaping. Detailed landscape plans for individual lots shall be submitted at the time of project plan approval for individual buildings. Landscape improvements for common open space features shall be developed at each phase of the project.
(2) A minimum of thirty percent (30%) of the commercial development and individual lots shall be maintained in permanent landscaped open space.
(3) Internal circulation roads shall be landscaped with street trees and streetside planters. A minimum ten (10) foot width shall be landscaped adjoining the right-of-way of any such street or road. The streetscape planting shall be consistent throughout the park to provide a unifying landscape theme. Details for these areas shall be submitted with the overall landscape plan at the time of preliminary plan approval.
(4) Existing significant trees, tree stands, natural vegetation, and wildlife habitat shall be integrated into the site landscape plan to the maximum extent possible. Preliminary landscape plans shall identify all trees five (5) inch caliper or larger.
(5) Landscaped berms shall be constructed along all perimeter public access street frontages.
(a) The height of the berms shall be at least four (4) feet, and shall be sculptured (i.e.,) varied in height, with enclaves, protrusions, etc.
(b) The slope of the berm shall be such as to be mowable with a standard rider mower.
(6) Perimeter Street Trees. Large mature trees should be planted along perimeter public access street frontages.
(a) These trees should be three (3) to five (5) inch caliper trees, planted at least ten (10) feet from the sidewalk.
(b) The recommended species are Sycamore, Shademaster Honey Locust, Sunburst Honey Locust, Little Leaf Linden, or Norway Maple planted thirty-five (35) feet on center.
(7) Tree Distribution. In order to maintain the park-like atmosphere intended for a Research and Business Park Support zone, thirty (20) trees to the acre should be used as a minimum standard in developing the planting plans.
(a) Tree Size. Fifty percent (50%) of the deciduous trees shall be two (2) inch to two and one-half (2.5) inch caliper. Thirty percent (30%) of the deciduous trees shall be one and one-half (1.5) inch to two (2) inch caliper. And twenty percent (20%) of the deciduous trees shall be three (3) inch or more.
(b) No deciduous trees of less than one and one-half (1.5) inch caliper will be accepted, nor will evergreen trees less than six (6) feet in height be accepted. No bare root stock will be accepted.
(8) Shrub Size. The following mix of shrub sizes shall be used to insure a quality landscape: seventy percent (70%) of the shrubs planted shall be at least five (5) gallon size stock. Thirty percent (30%) of the shrubs planted shall be at least one (1) gallon size stock.
(9) Sprinkling and Irrigation. All plantings shall be serviced by an acceptable irrigation or sprinkler system, and maintained in a healthful living condition. Dead plant materials shall be replaced as necessary within the first year of planting.
(10) Landscaping Around Buildings. A perimeter landscape strip at least ten (10) feet wide shall be placed around all buildings (accept for approved walk, patios or similar approved features).
(11) Landscaping Objectives. Landscaping plans shall be prepared with a view toward accomplishing the following design objectives. Plans will be approved or denied based on how well these objectives are satisfied.
(a) Enhance the visual environment by:
(i) Adding visual interest through texture, color, size and shape, etc.
(ii) Enhancing perspective by framing views complimenting architecture, screening and creating points of interest and activity.
(b) Ensure Public Safety by:
(i) Guiding the circulation of cars and people.
(ii) Controlling access to parking lots.
(iii) Making traffic diverters prominent.
(iv) Creating street identification by varying the species, height, and location of landscaping.
(c) Minimize noise and glare.
(d) Conserve energy.
(e) Complement architecture by landscaping around buildings.
(f) Screen areas of low visual interest.