712.04-A

Buffering, Landscaping, Lighting, Screening & Parking Requirements It is the intent of this Section is to establish standards to promote the protection, preservation, appearance, character and value of properties throughout the Farish Street area. The following regulations apply: 1. Approved buffer zones required for:  Separation of differing land uses  Addition of buildings to a lot  Expansion of a structure or parking facility  Separation of churches and religious facilities from buildings and land uses 2. Landscape materials should be hardy and adaptable to local conditions, easily maintained, and drought tolerant. Use of native plants is strongly encouraged. 3. The design for parking areas shall include deciduous and evergreen trees to provide shade and break up expanses of asphalt. One tree, a minimum of 2½ -3-inch caliper at the time of planting, shall be required for every 5 parking spaces. There should be no more than 10 spaces between landscape islands or medians. 4. Landscape islands or medians shall have no dimension narrower than five (5) feet. 5. Interior landscaping is required for parking lots containing ten or more spaces at a ratio of 20 square feet of landscape area for every 100 square feet of parking area. All landscaped areas should be protected by wheel stops or curbing, or be of sufficient width to prevent damage to plants by overhanging vehicles. 6. Existing vegetation should be incorporated into overall site design. 7. Landscaped areas shall be irrigated by mechanical sprinkler systems. 8. Required perimeter setback areas shall be densely landscaped with a combination of trees and shrubs, which form a 90 percent ground cover within three years of planting. 9. Required landscaping shall include a combination of trees and shrubs as follows:  For every 20 square feet of landscaped area: three (3) shrubs and either one (1) deciduous tree, 2½ to 3-inch caliper at time of planting, or one (1) evergreen tree, having a minimum height of 10 feet at the time of planting.  Tree spacing shall be as follows: Perimeter areas around parking lots 20 to 30 feet on center; other perimeter areas 30 feet on center.  Interior site landscaping is required to define pedestrian ways, enclose outdoor gathering and seating areas, and reduce building mass. 10. Architectural features such as low walls, fountains, and sculptures may be used in places where planting areas are limited or restricted. 11. Project entrances should be enhanced through changes in paving materials such as brick pavers, textured and colored concrete, providing entry structures and unity in planting of trees and shrubs. 12. Individual trees along walkways and along sidewalks in the internal portions of projects should be planted in tree wells or planter boxes. 13. Open storm water detention facilities should be incorporated into project landscaping and open space where geographically feasible. 14. Open storm water detention facilities shall be landscaped and screened. 15. Moving and flashing lights are prohibited. 16. Entrances, parking areas, and other public spaces shall be adequately lighted to serve as a deterrent to personal and property crime. Lighting fixtures will be selected and approved to minimize light spillover onto adjacent properties 17. Lighting standards should be designed and sited to be compatible with the character of the development. 18. Fences shall be constructed with appropriate fencing material and designed to deter or facilitate the removal of graffiti – The following applies:  No chain link fences in Arts & Entertainment District or Commercial District (except in rear yards only)  No barbed wire  No razor wire  No sheet metal  No unfinished concrete masonry units  No plywood