§ 154.01. Purpose and intent.

(A)

This article is intended to improve and protect the environment and the value and the character of the community and properties by providing for the installation and maintenance of landscaping and the preservation of natural plant growth. The provision for landscaping and the retention of natural plant growth reduces erosion, provides shade, buffers incompatible uses, aids in urban temperature control, and improves the aesthetic quality of a community and properties, thereby promoting the public health, safety, and general welfare. This chapter requires specific water conservation measures including the preservation of native vegetation for landscaping purposes, where applicable, to minimize water use, conserve energy, limit nutrient loading to surface waters, and provide mature vegetation for aesthetics, shade and wildlife habitat. The specific objectives of these regulations are to: preserve and protect existing vegetation, promote water conservation, and encourage greater use of native cold-tolerant and drought-tolerant landscape material.

(B)

The standards established in this chapter are to be considered the minimum requirements and shall apply to all areas of the city. The Site Plan Review Committee, Planning & Zoning Board, and/or the City Council may from time to time require, as a part of site plan approval, more stringent requirements on landscaping for a particular site plan.

(C)

Landscape guidelines which preempt this chapter may be adopted by the City Council for certain areas of the city.

(D)

Administrative amendments to approved Site Plans pursuant to §158.237(K) shall not be required to provide a landscape plan unless the proposed amendment would substantially affect the approved landscape plan.

(Ord. No. 15-70, § 1, 9-14-15)