[Ord. No. 2470 §1, 3-27-2012]
The landscaping and buffering requirements specified herein are intended to foster aesthetically pleasing development which will protect and preserve the appearance, character, general health, safety and welfare of the City and preserve the value of properties located along the Olive Boulevard Corridor. Specifically, these regulations are intended to increase the compatibility of adjacent uses by requiring a buffer or screen between uses and, in doing so, minimize the harmful impacts of noise, dust and other debris, motor vehicle headlight glare or other artificial light intrusions and other objectionable activities or impacts conducted or created by an adjoining or nearby use.
[Ord. No. 2470 §1, 3-27-2012; Ord. No. 2796, 6-11-2024]
The following tables identify reductions and exemptions that apply to certain Sections of this Article for improvements involving an increase in the floor area of an existing building or other improvements that involve the expansion of the current improved surface area of a site:
TABLE 1
APPLICABILITY TABLE REGARDING ARTICLE V. LANDSCAPING
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION PROPOSED
INCREASE IN BUILDING FLOOR AREA
INCREASE IN SURFACE AREA
50% or less, but greater than 35%
35% or less
50% or less, but greater than 35%
35% or less
ARTICLE V. LANDSCAPING
Section 428.540(B). Front Yard Setback Landscape Area
Olive Boulevard
100%
A
(see note below)
100%
A
(see note below)
Other street rights-of-way
100%
A
(see note below)
100%
A
(see note below)
A.
At the request of the petitioner, the Commission may authorize a reduction of the required units in lieu of an alternative landscape plan that reinforces the spirit and intent of this Section and Chapter in accordance with the visions outlined in the Olivette Comprehensive Plan.
Section 428.540(C). Off-Street Parking Landscape Perimeter
Perimeter
100%
A
(see note below)
100%
A
(see note below)
Section 428.540(D). Interior Off-Street Parking Landscape Area
Interior
100%
A
(see note below)
100%
A
(see note below)
A.
At the request of the petitioner, the Commission may authorize a reduction of the required units in lieu of an alternative landscape plan that reinforces the spirit and intent of this Section and Chapter in accordance with the visions outlined in the Olivette Comprehensive Plan.
Section 428.540(E). Side Yard Landscape Area
Abutting non-residential
100%
A
(see note below)
100%
A
(see note below)
Abutting residential
100%
A
(see note below)
100%
A
(see note below)
A.
At the request of the petitioner, the Commission may authorize a reduction of the required units in lieu of an alternative landscape plan that reinforces the spirit and intent of this Section and Chapter in accordance with the visions outlined in the Olivette Comprehensive Plan.
Section 428.540(F). Rear Yard Landscape Area
Abutting non-residential
100%
A
(see note below)
100%
A
(see note below)
Abutting residential
100%
A
(see note below)
100%
A
(see note below)
A.
At the request of the petitioner, the Commission may authorize a reduction of the required units in lieu of an alternative landscape plan that reinforces the spirit and intent of this Section and Chapter in accordance with the visions outlined in the Olivette Comprehensive Plan.
Section 428.540(G). Building Perimeter Landscape Area
Addition 100%
Additional 100%
Depends on addition location
[Ord. No. 2470 §1, 3-27-2012]
The following definitions shall be applicable to this Article.
BRUSH
A growth or thicket of densely growing small trees and shrubs.
CALIPER
For the purposes of this Chapter, a caliper is the diameter of a tree trunk, measured in inches, at a point at least six (6) inches above ground level.
CANOPY
The overall area of a tree's foliage, the outer edge of which is the drip line.
CONIFEROUS TREE
Any of various mostly needle-leaved or scale-leaved, chiefly evergreen, cone-bearing gymnospermous trees or shrubs such as pines, spruces, and firs. In botany and horticulture, a coniferous tree or plant are those where green foliage is persistent year-round.
DECIDUOUS TREE
In botany and horticulture, a deciduous tree or plant are those that lose all their leaves for part of the year.
DECIDUOUS TREE, LARGE
A tree with a canopy that reaches at least one thousand six hundred (1,600) square feet at maturity under urban conditions, with crown diameter of at least forty-five (45) feet. Large trees are primarily sought after for the shade qualities they possess. Large landscape trees can become the focal point in a large landscape area and they can dominate the view.
DECIDUOUS TREE, MEDIUM
A tree with a canopy that reaches at least nine hundred (900) square feet at maturity but less than one thousand six hundred (1,600) square feet under urban conditions, with a crown diameter of at least thirty-five (35) feet.
DECIDUOUS TREE, SMALL
A tree with a canopy that reaches at least four hundred (400) square feet at maturity but less than nine hundred (900) square feet under urban conditions, with a crown diameter of at least twenty-five (25) feet. Commonly identified as ornamental trees, small deciduous trees fit many applications and planting sites.
GYNMOSPERMOUS TREES
A plant, such as a cycad or conifer, whose seeds are not enclosed within an ovary.
ORNAMENTAL TREE
Ornamental trees are usually described as trees that are less than twenty-five (25) feet tall. They usually have a defining feature such as flowers, unique foliage, notable bark, or a form of branching that is eye catching. Many ornamental trees are flowering and the time of flowering, mainly early spring, will draw attention to the landscape.
PLANTING UNITS
A term used to express a numeric value assigned to plantings identified in this Chapter.
SHRUB
A woody plant smaller than a tree, usually having multiple permanent stems branching from or near the ground.
UPRIGHT EVERGREEN
A coniferous tree.
[Ord. No. 2470 §1, 3-27-2012]
A. 
Standards. The following standards shall be considered the minimum required planting standards for all trees and landscape material:
1. 
Plant units. The following table provides the breakdown of plant unit equivalencies for the following plant material.
Table 1. Plant Unit Equivalency Table
Type of Plant Material
Equivalent Plant Units
Typical Sizes
Medium or large deciduous tree
10
Minimum caliper diameter of 2.5 inches
Small deciduous or ornamental tree
5
Minimum caliper diameter 1.5 inches
Conifer or upright evergreen
5
Minimum height of 5 feet
Bushes and shrub
1
Minimum size of 3 to 5 gallon container depending upon species and spacing. Spacing shall be no greater than 5 feet apart and average at least 18 inches in height at the time of planting.
Plant islands, including perennial, annuals, and special grasses
1 point for every square foot of plant area
2. 
Plant quality. Plants installed to satisfy the requirements of this Article shall conform to or exceed the plant quality standards of the most recent edition of American Standard for Nursery
Stock published by the American Association of Nurserymen. Plants shall be nursery-grown and adapted to the local area.
3. 
Artificial plants. No artificial plants or vegetation shall be used to meet any standards of this Section.
4. 
Trees.
a. 
Types.
(1) 
Required. Where required or permitted, trees shall be of the following types: ornamental, small deciduous, medium deciduous, evergreen or large deciduous trees. A list of recommended trees classified by type is available through the Department of Public Services. Use of species native to Missouri is preferred.
(2) 
Species mix. When more than ten (10) trees are required to be planted to meet the standards of this Section, a mix of species shall be provided. In order to promote diversity in the urban forest, the number of species to be planted shall vary according to the overall number of trees required to be planted in accordance with following requirements:
Table 2. Species Mix Table
Required Number of trees
Minimum Number of Species
11—20
2
21—30
3
31—40
4
41+
5
5. 
Shrubs (deciduous and conifer). Shrubs planted to satisfy the standards of this Article shall be of a minimum size of three (3) to five (5) gallon container depending upon species and spacing. Spacing shall be no greater that five (5) feet apart and average at least eighteen (18) inches in height at the time of planting.
6. 
Ground treatment. The ground area within required landscape areas shall receive appropriate landscape treatment and present a finished appearance and reasonably complete coverage upon planting. The use of pebbles or gravel is prohibited unless authorized by the Planning and Community Design Commission.
The following standards shall apply to the design of ground treatment:
a. 
Ground cover. Ground cover appropriate for the area may be planted in lieu of turf grass. Ground cover shall be of a size and spacing to provide a minimum of fifty percent (50%) coverage after the first (1st) full growing season and complete coverage at maturity. Edging shall be provided for all ground cover.
b. 
Mulch. Mulch shall be installed and maintained at a minimum depth of two (2) inches and a maximum depth of four (4) inches on all planted areas except where ground cover plants are fully established. Mulch may be used as a permanent ground treatment in those landscape designs where ground cover or grass is inappropriate.
c. 
Grass seed and sod. Turf areas shall be planted with species suitable as permanent lawns. Turf areas shall be sodded or seeded. In areas where grass seed is used, maintenance shall be provided until coverage is complete and complete coverage shall be provided after the first (1st) full growing season. Zoysia grass shall not be allowed.
7. 
Fences and walls.
a. 
The use of solid wood fences is limited.
b. 
All retaining walls shall not exceed a height of three (3) feet and shall be no closer than three (3) feet from any other retaining wall, structure, or property line.
c. 
All retaining walls shall have an exterior finish comparable to the finished materials used on the primary building on the site grounds.
d. 
Fences and walls used to screen residential developments from adjacent streets and land uses shall be of uniform appearance and design throughout the subject development.
8. 
Use of existing plant material.
a. 
General. Preservation of existing and viable planting, where feasible, is highly encouraged. Vegetation and plant material that exists on a site prior to development may be used to satisfy the landscape standards of this Section provided that such material meets size, variety and location requirements of this Section.
b. 
Tree credits. Existing trees that satisfy the standards of this Section may be substituted for any of the trees required in accordance with the following standards:
Tree credit formula. Existing trees shall be credited according to the following formula. Fractional measurements shall be attributed to the next lowest category.
Table 3. Existing Tree Plant Unit Credit Table
Diameter of tree at 6 inches above ground
Credits
6 inches or more
20
Less than 6 inches, but greater than 2 inches
15
2 inches or less
5
c. 
Trees excluded from credits. No credits shall be permitted for the following types of trees:
(1) 
Trees that are not properly protected from damage during the construction process;
(2) 
Trees that are dead, dying, diseased or infested with harmful insects; and
(3) 
Existing trees of a species specifically prohibited in this Section.
B. 
Installation, Maintenance And Replacement.
1. 
Installation. All landscaping shall be installed according to sound nursery practices in a manner designed to encourage vigorous growth. All landscape material, living and non-living, shall be healthy and in place prior to issuance of final occupancy certificate. A temporary occupancy certificate may be issued prior to installation of required landscaping if written assurances and financial guarantees satisfactory to the Building Official are submitted ensuring that planting will take place when planting season arrives. The amount of the financial guarantee shall be equal to two (2) times the estimated cost of the plant material based on written cost estimates provided by the developer.
2. 
Maintenance and replacement. Trees, shrubs, fences, walls and other landscape features depicted on the plans approved by the City shall be considered as elements of the project in the same manner as parking, building materials and other details are elements of the plan. The landowner or successors in interest or agent, if any, shall be jointly responsible for the following:
a. 
Regular maintenance of all landscaping in good condition and in a way that presents a healthy, neat and orderly appearance. All landscaping shall be maintained free from disease, pests, weeds and litter. This maintenance shall include weeding, watering, fertilizing, pruning, mowing, edging, mulching or other maintenance as needed and in accordance with acceptable horticulture practices. It is encouraged that a copy of proposed maintenance guidelines be furnished to the project owner for the planting design as installed;
b. 
The repair or replacement of required landscape structures (e.g., walls, fences) to a structurally sound condition;
c. 
The regular maintenance, repair or replacement, where necessary, of any landscaping required by this Article, including the removal and replacement of any dead trees or plantings within thirty (30) days of notification by the City; and
d. 
Continuous maintenance of the site as a whole.
[Ord. No. 2470 §1, 3-27-2012; Ord. No. 2685, 11-26-2019]
A. 
Design Principles. The following principles shall be used to evaluate landscape designs.
1. 
The arrangement of trees and shrubs shall be done in a manner that provides the maximum visual separation between adjacent land uses. Plant materials shall be massed in groups to achieve a naturalistic and pleasing effect. Selection of plant materials and locations of plantings shall be made with consideration to avoid interference with existing overhead utility lines.
2. 
Existing vegetation which satisfies the landscape requirements of this Section may be credited for landscaping materials required. Such vegetation shall meet the specifications for new plant materials and be located within the area for which credit is allocated. Where credit has been given, the developer shall note on the landscape plan the landscape materials which would have been required if the existing vegetation did not exist. If any of the vegetation dies, the developer shall install the corresponding plant materials as described in the landscape plan.
3. 
Required screening shall not be interrupted for any reason except for required sidewalks, driveways and pedestrian or bicycle paths.
4. 
The scale and nature of landscape material shall be appropriate to the site and structures. Larger-scaled buildings, for example, shall generally be complemented by plants which will grow to a larger scale.
5. 
Plant material shall be selected for its form, texture, color and concern for ultimate growth. Use of Silver Maples, Box Elders, Russian Olives, Lombardy Poplars and other weak wooded species shall be avoided.
6. 
Dense evergreen and deciduous shrubs shall be incorporated into site landscape treatments, particularly in those areas screening parking lots from public rights-of-way or property zoned for residential use.
7. 
Plant material shall be placed intermittently along long expanses of building walls, fences and other barriers to create a softening effect.
8. 
Detention/retention basins and ponds shall be landscaped along the perimeter of the high-water level of the basin or pond. Such landscaping shall include shade and ornamental trees, evergreens, shrubbery, hedges and/or other live planting materials.
9. 
Earthen berms and existing topography shall, whenever practical, be incorporated into the site landscape treatment. Berms shall be stabilized to prevent erosion and of such a slope to allow maintenance.
10. 
To present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance, all landscape areas, including interior parking lot islands and grass areas, shall be provided with adequate irrigation for the maintenance of grass, shrubs, ground covering and other landscaping. An underground irrigation system shall be installed, operated and maintained. Such system shall be required for all new developments and redevelopment projects. For sites proposing additions and/or expansions, an underground irrigation system shall be installed, operated and maintained where physically practical and reasonable as determined by the Planning and Community Design Commission.
B. 
Front Yard Setback Landscape Area. The first ten (10) feet of all property subject to this Chapter shall be considered the front yard setback landscape area. The front yard setback landscape area shall contain the streetscape edge as defined under Section 428.330(G).
1. 
Olive Boulevard.
a. 
The first ten (10) feet from the right-of-way line shall consist of the streetscape edge as defined under Section 428.330(G) of this Chapter.
b. 
In cases when no off-street parking landscape perimeter exists, the first ten (10) feet adjacent to the streetscape edge shall contain a hardscape area or a minimum ground treatment as noted in this Article.
2. 
Other Public Or Private Rights-Of-Way.
a. 
The first ten (10) feet from the right-of-way line shall consist of the streetscape edge as defined under Section 428.340(E).
b. 
In cases when no off-street parking landscape perimeter exists, the ten (10) feet adjacent to the streetscape edge shall contain a hardscape area or a minimum ground treatment as noted in this Article.
C. 
Off-Street Parking Landscape Outside Perimeter. The perimeter edge of all surface areas containing a drive aisle, off-street parking, or a combination thereof not directly abutting the front yard setback landscape area shall provide a landscape perimeter on each side of the surfaced area in accordance with the following:
1. 
The outer perimeter edge of all off-street parking areas shall provide a minimum of forty (40) planting units for every one hundred (100) linear feet of parking edge.
2. 
No less than twenty (20) of the required forty (40) planting units shall consist of shrubs. The average height of all shrub planting at the time of placement shall be two and one-half (2.5) feet. In no case shall any shrub be less than eighteen (18) inches in height at the time of planting.
3. 
Planting units shall be located within five (5) feet of the perimeter edge.
4. 
In instances where a shared/joint entrance or a cross-access agreement is recorded or where a shared-parking agreement is provided between two (2) adjacent non-residential uses, the Planning and Community Design Commission may reduce the landscaping requirements for abutting parking areas.
D. 
Interior Off-Street Parking Landscape Area. Landscape standards for landscaping within the interior of an off-street parking area shall be provided as follows:
1. 
At least thirty (30) planting units shall be provided for each ten (10) parking spaces within an off-street parking area. Fifty percent (50%) of the required plant units shall consist of ornamental, small, medium or large deciduous trees.
2. 
All landscaping areas that are not dedicated to trees shall be landscaped with grass, ground cover, shrubs or other appropriate landscape treatment.
3. 
Sand, pebbles, gravel or pavement shall not be considered appropriate landscape treatment unless it is part of an approved bio-detention system authorized by the Planning and Community Design Commission.
4. 
Interior off-street parking area landscaping shall generally be dispersed throughout the parking lot and shall be designed to delineate vehicular or pedestrian circulation patterns.
5. 
No more than twenty (20) continuous parking stalls shall be permitted without a planting area island.
6. 
All planting area islands shall be protected by a minimum six-inch raised vertical concrete curb to prevent damage by vehicles and vehicle overhang. Notches into the vertical concrete curb may be approved by the Planning and Community Design Commission if the planting area is part of an approved bio-detention system.
7. 
Interior parking area islands shall be a minimum of one hundred forty-four (144) square feet in area and shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet in width as measured from back of curb to back of curb.
8. 
The soil contained in a parking area island shall be mounded to provide additional visual relief in the off-street parking area and to improve drainage for plant materials.
9. 
Interior parking islands shall contain at least one (1) ornamental, medium, or large tree.
E. 
Transitional Yard Landscape Area.
1. 
For Section 428.260(A)(1):
a. 
Minimum width: Ten (10) feet with a screen wall shall be provided.
b. 
Planting units: One hundred fifty (150) planting units shall be provided for every one hundred (100) lineal feet.
c. 
At least seventy-five percent (75%) of the required planting unit shall consist of conifers, evergreens and evergreen shrubs.
2. 
For Section 428.260(A)(2):
a. 
Minimum width: Five (5) feet with a screen wall shall be provided.
b. 
Planting units: Fifty (50) planting units shall be provided for every one hundred (100) lineal feet.
c. 
At least seventy-five percent (75%) of the required planting unit shall consist of conifers, evergreens and evergreen shrubs.
F. 
Building Perimeter Landscape Area. All non-residential or multifamily residential developments shall provide a building perimeter landscape area. The building perimeter landscape area shall contain either a hard surface area or landscaping.
1. 
In no case shall a building have a drive aisle, drive lane, or parking stall within six (6) feet from the base of a building wall, except in cases when the building wall contains a drive-up or service window, overhead door area, or a public entryway into the building.
2. 
When the building elevation contains entrances primary for public access:
a. 
The primary entrance of any building shall contain a minimum of a nine-foot hard surface area.
b. 
When hardscape surface area is adjacent to a drive aisle, a transitional area shall be provided.
3. 
All other building elevations:
a. 
The six-foot perimeter shall consist of a minimum six-foot-wide concrete sidewalk with a vertical curb or an eight-foot-wide landscape perimeter.
4. 
Exceptions. The Planning and Community Design Commission may grant an exception to the requirements of this Subsection where one (1) or more of the following conditions exist:
a. 
There are two (2) or more primary entrances along the building plane. A minimum eight-foot-wide sidewalk must be provided in lieu of the building perimeter landscaping; or
b. 
The area within twenty (20) feet of a dock or service garage door may be exempted from building perimeter landscaping; or
5. 
Coverage. Required building perimeter landscaping shall remain open and free of all paving except where walks to buildings and other similar paving is required.
6. 
Planting Materials. Landscaping shall be provided along all front and side facades except where sidewalks and driveways are located. Such landscaping shall be comprised of a combination of shade trees, ornamental trees, evergreens and shrubs. Particular attention shall be paid toward transitions between the building and ground plane, visual breaks along monotonous building facades and enhanced walkways, entrances, seating areas, bus stops or any other pedestrian areas; separate and buffer pedestrian and public areas from cruise lanes, drives and parking areas and provide direction to focal areas and main entrances.
7. 
Ground Cover. Except where occupied by planting beds, foundation landscaping areas may be sodded, planted with ground cover, contain decorative stone or mulch.
[Ord. No. 2470 §1, 3-27-2012]
Innovative landscaping treatments are encouraged and shall be considered as a positive attribute in connection with any request for a deviation from the percentage and landscape material requirements of this Article. Deviations which do not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the minimum requirements may be authorized should a determination be made that the purposes of this Article are met. Requests for variations shall be considered in accordance with the procedures for variances as set forth in the zoning ordinance.