A.
General requirements.
(1)
All shade trees shall have a minimum caliper of 2 inches to 2 1/2 inches.
(2)
All evergreen trees shall have a minimum height of six feet.
(3)
Plantings shall be protected from impact by motor vehicles and from the negative effects of road salt and snowplowing.
(4)
The choice of plant materials to be used in parking and loading areas shall consider the ultimate growth characteristics of the plantings. Hardy, low-maintenance plants which are normally free from destructive insect or disease problems shall be used.
(5)
Landscaping shall not cast excessive shade on adjacent properties, interfere with existing vegetation, interfere with light fixtures or interfere with adequate sight distance for vehicles or pedestrians.
B.
Perimeter plantings.
(1)
Parking areas with more than 30 spaces shall provide at least one shade tree within the perimeter of the parking area for every 15 parking spaces.
(2)
Parking areas with at least five spaces shall be screened from the street with landscaping, including, at a minimum, one evergreen plant for every five spaces in the parking area.
C.
Interior parking area plantings.
(1)
Parking areas shall be separated by curbed, landscaped center islands at least 10 feet in width between every six rows (i.e., three double bays) of parking spaces.
(2)
Each landscaped center island should include one shade tree for every five spaces that are adjacent to the island and a minimum of three shrubs for every space adjacent to the island.
(3)
Widths of islands and planting areas shall be sufficient to accommodate the ultimate growth of any plantings in parking and loading areas, but in any case no less than five feet in width.
(4)
Where landscaped center islands are not provided, landscaped end islands shall be provided at the end of each parking row.
(5)
Each landscape end island shall include a minimum of two shade trees and three shrubs.