A.
Purpose. The purpose of this article is to require
well designed landscaping plantings, which in turn, provide an attractive,
aesthetic appearance of the developed property.
A.
Filing of plan. Except as otherwise provided in this
chapter, a landscaping plan for any proposed development project in
the Township shall be filed concurrently with the submission of a
land development plan.
B.
Plan requirements. To ensure that principles of good
landscaping and design are adhered to and implemented, each site plan
submitted for approval shall:
(1)
Identify and locate irrigation and drainage system
components, if any.
(2)
Preserve existing trees and shrubs, if possible.
(3)
Preserve natural rock outcropping and natural topographic
features, if possible.
(4)
Depict the location, size and variety (name identification)
of existing trees over six inches in caliper.
(5)
Identify which existing trees (or shrubs) are to be
retained and the method of protection thereof during construction.
(6)
Provide construction details including the specific
identification, location and height of all landscaping materials as
installed.
(7)
Provide a complete planting list outlining the botanical
and common name of all proposed landscaping plantings.
(8)
Provide adequate planting density.
(9)
Provide for proper selection and diversification of
plant species to minimize the possibility of damage due to insects
and disease.
(10)
For all plants, meet the requirements as set
forth in the latest edition of "American Standard for Nursery Stock"
by American Association of Nurserymen, as amended.
A.
Landscaping materials. All landscaping materials shall
be compatible with the general conditions of the site. The following
minimum standards, with exceptions of dwarf varieties which shall
not be used unless otherwise permitted by the Township, shall be met
concerning required plant materials used by the developer:
(1)
Street trees. Two and one half to three inches (caliper)
measured six inches above the root crown. Trees shall have a minimum
of a seven-foot single straight stem to the first lateral branches,
above ground level.
(2)
Ornamental trees. Six feet to eight feet in height.
(3)
Pyramidal evergreen trees. Six feet to seven feet
in height. White pine must be lightly sheared.
(4)
Columnar evergreen trees. Four feet to five feet in
height.
(5)
Evergreen and semievergreen shrubs. Eighteen inches
to 24 inches in height.
(6)
Broadleaf evergreen shrubs. Two feet to three feet
in height.
(7)
Deciduous shrubs. Two and one half to three feet in
height.
(8)
Synthetic or artificial material in the form of trees,
shrubs, ground cover, vines or turf shall not be used.
(9)
The use of stationary, permanent architectural planters
(in contact with soil so that water can pass through the planter to
the ground) is permitted in fulfillment of landscaping requirements,
provided that such planters shall be of material and design specifically
intended for landscaping use.
B.
Minimum landscaping requirements for parking area.
The off-street parking and loading area shall have a minimum of 5%
of the area represented by approved plantings. Said landscaped area
shall be located in such manner as to divide and interrupt the expanse
of paving. In addition:
(1)
Landscaping or grassed areas adjacent to front and
rear lot lines shall be required.
(2)
All areas utilized for landscaping in the parking
area shall be surrounded by concrete curbing.
(3)
A minimum of 10-foot wide landscaped berms or landscaping strips shall be constructed between the right-of-way line and parking areas of commercial properties. This landscaping shall minimize the visibility of such parking from the street right-of-way and the parking area. No such landscaping shall constitute a violation of the "clear sight triangle" as defined in Chapter 27, Zoning, as amended from time to time.
(4)
Sight distance for landscaping adjacent to public
right-of-way and points of access. When an access way intersects a
public right-of-way or when a access way intersects a public right-of-way
or when the subject property abuts the intersection of two or more
public rights-of-way, no landscaping shall be installed within the
clear sight area, other than grass and/or lower level plantings.
(5)
Credit for existing trees. Trees that are newly planted
or already established and growing shall be credited against the landscaping
requirements, provided that such trees are of an acceptable variety.
C.
Buffer strips and screening.
(1)
Buffer strips.
(d)
Trees of deciduous hardwood varieties shall
be planted within the street right-of-way in areas by the developer
in accordance with plans approved by the Board of Commissioners. In
no event shall street trees be located in a manner which will restrict
the view of any permitted traffic signage.
(e)
Street trees shall be planted at minimum intervals
of between 30 and 40 feet, depending upon the type of tree as approved
by the Township.
D.
Planting standards. All landscaping shall be planted
conforming with good nursery and landscape practice and to the standards
established by the American Association of Nurserymen in the "American
Standard of Nursery Stock" as revised.
E.
Street trees. Street trees shall be planted along
all new lots. Street trees shall be installed prior to entering into
the maintenance period of the subject to the following:
(1)
For land developments in which there is no land development
improvements agreement the required tree(s) shall be planted prior
to the issuance of the final certificate of occupancy.
(2)
Street trees shall grow (or be pruned to be) symmetrical
and be free of insects, pests and disease.
(3)
Only those trees listed in Appendix B,[1] "Permitted Street Trees," will be acceptable street trees. Those street trees listed in Appendix B, "Undesirable Street Trees," shall, under no circumstances, be planted.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included at the end of this chapter.
F.
Maintenance. All landscaping materials for a subdivision
or land development shall be installed in accordance with the landscaping
plan. Final installation of all such landscaping material shall be
subject to the approval of the Township Engineer. A maintenance period
of 18 months shall be required to assure the proper establishment
of all landscaping, during which 15% of the required security shall
be retained for the purpose set forth in this article. Improvements
security shall include the cost of said materials. During the maintenance
period, the developer shall replace dead trees and dead landscaping.
If the particular season makes such replacement unfeasible, then it
shall be accomplished within a reasonable period of time not to exceed
six months thereafter.
