§ 154.18. Alternative compliance.

(A)

An applicant may submit a landscape plan which varies from the strict application of the requirements of this chapter in order to accommodate unique site features or utilize innovative design. An alternative compliance landscape plan shall be approved only upon a finding that it fulfills the purpose and intent of this article as well as or more effectively than would adherence to the strict requirements of this chapter.

(B)

Evaluation. In evaluating proposed alternative compliance landscape plans, consideration shall be given to proposals which preserve native vegetation and use drought-tolerant plantings and other low water use landscape design principles and where the design may accomplish one or more of the following:

1.

Ensures preservation of the maximum predevelopment vegetation on the site; and

2.

Is designed to assure that the overall appearance and function of the proposed project is compatible with other properties in the immediate area; is demonstrably responsive to the environmental attributes of soil, slope, hydrology, and vegetative communities unique to the site; is consistent with sound planning and site design principles, and contingent upon:

a.

Structures and other improvements are designed as to utilize existing site characteristics of topography, existing vegetative communities, and any unique environmental feature;

b.

Conflicts between vehicular and pedestrian circulation are avoided;

c.

Planting plans indicate a diversity of plant species in the categories of ground covers, shrubs, and trees;

d.

Integration of proposed and existing vegetation is demonstrated in the plans with an emphasis on maintaining native community buffers and corridors, preserving or restoring forest community types, and providing for the natural ecological function of each type by using such techniques as preserving a diversity of upper story, mid-story, and understory;

e.

Plant schedules contain botanical and common names, sizes of materials by dimension and container size, location by dimension, and notation describing species diversity;

f.

Planting specifications and species selected for the site are suitable for individual site environmental characteristics of soil slope, aspect, wetness and microclimate; and

g.

Plans indicate compatibility with adjacent site environmental features.

(Ord. No. 15-70, § 1, 9-14-15)