[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Aldermen of the City of
Parkville 2-7-2017 by Ord. No.
2884. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
Intent. It is the intent of this Chapter is to:
1.
Improve the aesthetic character of development with natural
landscape materials, and in particular emphasize distinct areas throughout
the community as reflected in the Master Plan or any specific plans.
2.
Coordinate landscape and design amenities across multiple sites,
with special attention to the relationship between lots and streetscapes,
and improving the character of districts and neighborhoods.
3.
Enhance the environmental and ecological function of unbuilt
portions of sites, including reduced air or water pollution and reduced
heat gain from large expanses of blank walls or paved surfaces.
4.
Screen and mitigate the visual, noise or other impacts of high-intensity
areas of sites, buildings and land uses.
B.
Applicability.
1.
The standards of this Chapter shall apply to all new development
except:
a.
Detached houses and duplexes being built on an individual basis
and on a previously platted lot, and which are not part of a larger
residential neighborhood or subdivision plan; and
b.
Improvements or repairs to existing development that do not
result in an increase in building footprint by more than ten percent
(10%), an increase in impervious surface, or changes in use that do
not result in an increase in intensity.
2.
In cases where improvements or repairs increase the building
footprint by more than ten percent (10%), increase the impervious
surface or intensity of use, the intent is to bring the site into
full compliance with these standards, except that the Director or
Planning Commission may prorate the requirements to the extent of
new development on the site where full compliance is not possible
or practical.
A.
Landscape Requirements. Required landscape materials shall be based
on specific site elements as follows:
Table 407-1: Landscape Requirements
| |
---|---|
Site Element
|
Requirement
|
Street trees1
|
1 large tree for every 40 feet of lot frontage, averaged
|
Foundation planting
|
Continuous shrub massing along 75% of all non-paved building
frontages or any non-paved building facade facing a publicly accessible
area.
Any facade greater than 200 linear feet and not fronting on
a street or civic and open space shall have 1 large tree per 50 linear
feet, 1 small or evergreen tree per 50 linear feet and 1 shrub per
10 linear feet
|
Parking lot planting
|
1 large tree for every 25 parking spaces, or 1 small or ornamental
tree for every 10 parking spaces
1 shrub for every 10 linear feet of perimeter landscape buffer,
and continuous shrub massing for any perimeter within 25 feet of a
street or internal access street
All other landscape buffers or internal landscape islands shall
be permeable surfaces with perennial vegetative ground cover such
as sod or turf grass. Alternative materials designed to infiltrate
runoff may be approved as part of the stormwater management plan.
All parking lot landscape materials shall be allocated in the perimeter buffers and internal islands required by Section 408.050.
|
Buffers
|
See Section 407.030.
|
Open space
|
See Section 404.020, for any areas or sites required to have civic and open spaces.
|
Other
|
All other unbuilt and permeable surfaces on the site shall include
ground cover to prevent dust and soil erosion. Perennial vegetative
ground cover, such as sod or turf grass shall be required on at least
80% of the ground cover. Non-living ground cover, such as stones,
rocks or mulch may be permitted on up to 20% of the ground cover.
|
NOTE:
| |
1
|
Street trees shall be planted in tree lawns between the sidewalk
and curb, at least six (6) feet wide, or in tree wells with a minimum
permeable surface area of twenty-four (24) square feet and minimum
width of four (4) feet. In cases where tree lawns cannot accommodate
a large tree or where overhead utilities are present, small trees
may be substituted. In cases where streets cannot accommodate planting
in the right-of-way, planting shall be within the first ten (10) feet
of the front lot line. Any lot fronting on a street with a specific
streetscape plan approved by the Planning Commission may substitute
the design specification of that plan for street tree requirements.
|
B.
Plant Species. All trees and shrubs shall be selected and planted according to Great Trees for the Kansas City Region, incorporated in Appendix B.[1] The Director is authorized to supplement and amend the
list of required, preferred and prohibited plan species. In addition
to any species on these lists, alternatives may be proposed and approved
as part of the site plan, provided that they:
1.
Are documented by a landscape architect or other credible information
comparable in type and performance to any species on this list;
2.
Are adaptable to the climate of the metropolitan region and
the specific conditions in which they are proposed; and
3.
Are not invasive or otherwise problematic to the overall health
of the landscape.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to
this Title.
C.
Planting Specifications. All landscape materials shall meet the American
Standards for Nursery Stock (ASNS), published by the American Nurserymen's
Association, and be selected for its native characteristics or survival
in the climate for the Kansas City region, and be planted and maintained
according to ASNS specifications. Plants shall meet the following
specifications at planting:
Table 407-2: Plant Specifications
| |
---|---|
Type
|
Specification
|
Large tree
|
2-inch caliper
|
Small or ornamental tree
|
1.5-inch caliper
|
Evergreen
|
6 feet minimum height
|
Shrub
|
18 inches minimum height
|
Ground cover
|
50% coverage at planting;
Full coverage within 2 growing seasons
|
Turf
|
All proposed or required turf areas shall be sodded
|
D.
Tree Diversity. The required trees planted shall promote diversity
with the following species selection criteria.
Table 407-3: Tree Diversity
| |
---|---|
Required Number of Trees
|
Diversity1
|
1 to 4
|
May be all 1 species, but should be diverse from other species
or genus in the vicinity
|
5 to 10
|
At least 2 genus
No more than 50% of any 1 species
|
11 to 20
|
At least 3 genus; and
At least 5 species
No more than 33% of any 1 species
|
21 to 50
|
At least 3 genus; and
At least 5 species
No more than 20% of any 1 species
|
NOTE:
| |
1
|
Any streetscape master plan or public realm plan may achieve
street tree diversity on a block-scale basis, while planting the same
species on individual segments for the urban design effect.
|
E.
Credits For Existing Vegetation. Successful incorporation of existing
and healthy vegetation that meets these performance criteria may be
credited towards any landscape requirement. Credits shall be on a
one-for-one basis for any vegetation that meets the minimum specifications,
except that landscape material more than three (3) times the specified
size or otherwise of exceptional quality may be credited on a two-for-one
basis.
F.
Design and Performance Criteria. In addition to the above planting
requirements, all landscape plans shall be designed according to the
following performance criteria, and in individual cases additional
plantings may be warranted in order to meet these criteria:
[Ord. No. 3187, 5-2-2023]
1.
Existing natural features of the site, such as groves of trees,
extreme slopes, areas intended to serve as buffers and areas not intended
for development, shall be retained and incorporated into the design
to the maximum extent practical.
a.
Extreme or steep slopes are defined as having a grade of twenty-five
percent (25%) or greater, meaning that the elevation increases by
twenty-five (25) feet over a horizontal distance of one hundred (100)
feet.
b.
Extreme or steep slopes shall be identified on all development
plans.
c.
For instances where extreme or steep slope areas are disturbed
or graded, the Director of Public Works may require rock, rip-rap,
trees, sod or other vegetative materials be placed or planted in these
areas to protect the hillside.
d.
The Director of Public Works may request an engineering, soil
conditions or other related studies — prepared by an engineer
certified in the State of Missouri — for development within
extreme or steep slope areas.
2.
Landscape areas shall be utilized to the maximum extent possible
for natural stormwater mitigation practices and to satisfy stormwater
management criteria. Examples of natural stormwater mitigation practices
include filter strips, vegetative swales, pervious pavement systems
and sand filters.
3.
Native plants and vegetation shall be utilized to the maximum
extent reasonable, i.e., drought tolerant plants should be planted
in landscape islands and water-resistant plants should be planted
near stormwater retention facilities.
4.
All required landscape and open space areas shall remain free
of debris and refuse and be appropriately maintained.
5.
Designs shall best integrate sites and projects into their surroundings,
or promote any distinct characteristics of the area identified in
the Master Plan or any specific plans.
6.
Designs should emphasize any focal points of an area or project,
and pay particular attention to the relationship with the streetscapes.
A.
Buffer Types. In addition to the general site and landscape requirements,
certain projects, land uses, or elements of site design have potential
impacts that require them to be buffered or screened from adjacent
property. The following buffer types are established to be incorporated
into site designs in specific contexts.
Table 407-4: Buffer Planting Requirements
| |
---|---|
Buffer Type
|
Buffer Size and Planting Requirement
|
Type 1: A compact, and more densely landscaped
area used to screen and mitigate potential impacts on abutting property.
Type 1 buffers may be necessary in combination with other buffers
on particular portions of the site plan.
|
At least 5 feet wide
1 evergreen per 8 linear feet or 1 shrub per 5 linear feet
Or a fence or ornamental wall that provides a solid screen between
6 feet and 8 feet with a lesser combination of plant material to soften
the wall or fence
|
Type 2: A landscape strip used to soften and provide
aesthetic improvements within the setback area and improve the compatibility
of certain land use transitions.
|
At least 10 feet
1 large tree or 2 small trees per 50 linear feet
1 shrub per 10 linear feet
|
Type 3: A landscape strip used to separate and
screen potentially incompatible sites or land use transitions.
|
At least 20 feet wide
1 large tree or 2 small trees per 40 linear feet
1 evergreen per 20 linear feet
1 shrub for every 10 linear feet
Or a 6-foot berm or solid fence combination with a lesser combination
of plant materials to the outside
|
Type 4: A landscape area along the frontage of
thoroughfares and corridors designed to preserve or strengthen the
natural features and characteristics of the area through more dense
vegetation in a compact area.
|
At least 35 feet wide along frontage
1 large, small or evergreen tree per 4 linear feet
1 shrub or evergreen per 2 linear feet of frontage
|
Type 5: A landscape area along the frontage of
thoroughfares and corridors designed to preserve or strengthen the
natural features and characteristics of the area through more moderate
vegetation in a larger area.
|
At least 50 feet wide along frontage
1 large, small or evergreen tree per 10 linear feet
1 shrub 4 linear feet
|
Type 6: A landscape area along the frontage of
thoroughfares and corridors designed to preserve or strengthen the
natural features and characteristics of the area through dispersed
vegetation in a wide area.
|
At least 100 feet wide along frontage
1 large, small or evergreen tree per 20 linear feet
1 shrub per 20 linear feet
|
B.
Buffer Requirements. In general, each buffer type is required in
the following specific circumstances. In instances where the specifics
of any particular project or context would allow a different buffer
type to equally or better meet the intent of this Chapter and the
design and performance criteria of this Section, the Director or Planning
Commission may approve an alternative buffer through the site plan
application. In addition to these specific circumstances, any combination
of these buffers may be required as a condition of any special use
permit review for particular uses.
Table 407-5: Buffer Requirements
| |
---|---|
Buffer Type
|
When Required
|
Type 1
|
For screening high-intensity portions of site from streetscape or abutting property according to design and performance standards in Section 407.030(D). Specifically applicable for trash enclosures; outdoor storage; drive-through, loading, or service areas abutting residential areas; or surface parking located within 10 feet of residentially used or zoned property. Type 1 buffers may be required in addition to or in combination with other buffer types.
|
Type 2
|
Along non-commercial frontages of collector and arterial streets,
except those with activity street designs.
Any multibuilding or apartment project greater than 1/2 acre
but less than 2 acres abutting R-4 or lesser intense zoning
Any non-residential project under 1 acre abutting residentially
used or zoned property
Any I-1 project abutting lesser intense districts
|
Type 3
|
Any I-2 or I-3 abutting lesser intense districts
Any multi-unit building or apartment project of 2 acres or more
abutting R-4 or lesser intense zoning
Any non-residential property of 1 acre or more abutting R-4
or lesser intense zoning
|
Types 4, 5 and 6
|
Along frontages of major thoroughfares that have a natural street
design
Landscape should be designed to provide a mix of deciduous and
evergreen trees and shrubs dispersed throughout the buffer area.
May incorporate civic and open space requirements, if any, into
this area
|
C.
Fence Specifications. All fencing for screening, security, or privacy
shall meet the following standards:
1.
Front And Street-Side Fencing. All fencing in front of the front
building line, or on the street side on corner lots shall:
a.
Be limited to no higher than forty -two (42) inches; and
b.
Have a transparency of at least thirty-three (33%) up to four
(4) feet [i.e., a three-and-one-half-foot-high picket fence shall
have a picket to void ratio of two to one (2:1) or greater transparency;
or ornamental walls should similarly have voids comprising at least
thirty-three percent (33%) of the area below three and one-half (3 1/2)
feet].
c.
Any fence or wall constructed within fifteen (15) feet of the
street right-of-way shall be limited to decorative or ornamental fencing
and screening, with materials complementing the architectural style
and materials of the principal building.
3.
Other Fencing Design Standards.
a.
Any fencing that could potentially create a sight obstruction
for vehicles crossing pedestrian areas or entering the street may
require greater transparency or additional location restrictions to
allow for safe sight distances for the vehicle.
b.
All fencing located along adjacent lot lines shall be constructed
so that either:
(1)
The fence is on the property line; or
(2)
The fence is at least three (3) feet from the property
line. Any areas set back three (3) feet or more from the property
line, which could become enclosed by other similarly located fences,
shall provide at least one (1) gate for access and maintenance equipment.
c.
All fences shall be constructed so that the finished side faces
adjacent property or any public right-of-way.
d.
Fences shall be constructed out of any of the following materials:
(1)
Wood or vinyl simulating wood;
(2)
Wrought iron or aluminum simulating wrought iron;
(3)
Stone, brick, concrete with stone or brick veneer,
or precast concrete simulated stone or brick; or
(4)
Chain-link or vinyl clad chain-link:
(a)
In all residential districts, in the rear or side
yard only with a maximum height of four (4) feet;
(b)
In the I-1, I-2, and I-3 Districts, in the rear
and side only, but no closer than thirty (30) feet from any public
street;
(c)
In commercial districts, in the rear or side only,
except prohibited in the OTD District.
D.
Design And Performance Standards. Buffers, screens and fences shall
be designed to meet the following performance standards. In addition
to the requirements specified for each buffer type, the arrangement
of plants, grading or berming of land, or inclusion of fences, walls
or other screens may be necessary to meet these design and performance
standards.
1.
Eliminate glare from traffic internal to the site, outdoor lighting
or other operations on the site.
2.
Mitigate noise to comparable ambient noise levels found by other
compatible uses throughout the area or district.
3.
All buffers, screens and fences shall meet the proper lines of site at all intersections of streets, all driveway entrances and the intersection of internal access streets. The proper lines of site shall be based upon the control of the intersection or access, the stopping point, and the expected speeds of oncoming traffic as provided in Section 404.010(E)(2).
4.
All high-impact site elements, such as trash enclosures, service
and loading areas, utility and mechanical equipment, or outdoor storage,
shall be located on remote portions of sites away from streetscapes,
public view and from adjacent residential property. In cases were
these facilities are near interior boundaries which may impact abutting
property, a combination of Level 1 and Level 2 buffers shall be designed
to limit potential impacts.
5.
Trash receptacles, in addition to perimeter buffers for the
site, shall be located on a remote area and stored inside a structure
or enclosure compatible with the design and materials of the surrounding
buildings. Enclosures shall be constructed of a durable material designed
to withstand regular use by heavy equipment, including masonry, steel,
and hard wood. If the trash receptacle is not visible from a public
street or adjoining residential property, alternative screening methods
may be allowed.
A.
Mounting Height. All exterior lighting shall be limited to the mounting
heights specified in the following table:
Table 407-6: Mounting Height
| |
---|---|
Location
|
Height Limit
(feet)
|
Driveways and parking areas
|
37.5 in B-2, B-4, I-1, I-2, I-3 Districts
25 in all other districts
|
Pedestrian walkways, plazas or courtyards
|
16
|
Facade lights
|
Below the eave or cornice line, provided that the light is directed
downward
|
Other site lighting
|
12
|
B.
Shielding. All exterior lighting shall be shielded as specified in
the following table:
Table 407-7: Required Shielding
| |||
---|---|---|---|
Watts (or Equivalent Lumens) or Mounting Height
|
Shield Type
| ||
Full Cutoff1
|
Cutoff2
|
Semi-Cutoff3
| |
All lights mounted above 25 feet; or all lights above 450 watts
|
Required
|
Prohibited
|
Prohibited
|
All lights between 100 watts and 450 watts
|
Permitted
|
Required
|
Prohibited
|
All lights between 55 watts and 99 watts; or
Any light mounted between 12 feet and 25 feet
|
Permitted
|
Permitted
|
Required
|
All lights mounted below 12 feet and less than 55 watts
|
No shielding is required; all shielding types permitted.
|
NOTES:
| |
1
|
Full cutoff fixtures emit zero percent (0%) of its light above
ninety degrees (90°) and ten percent (10%) above eighty percent
(80%) from horizontal.
|
2
|
Cutoff fixtures emit no more than two and five-tenths percent
(2.5%) of its light above ninety degrees (90°) and ten percent
(10%) of its light above eighty percent (80%) from horizontal.
|
3
|
Semi-cutoff fixtures emit no more than five percent (5%) of
its light above ninety percent (90%) and twenty percent (20%) of its
light above eighty degrees (80°).
|
C.
Design And Performance Criteria. In addition to the mounting height
and shielding standards, exterior site lighting shall meet the following
design and performance standards:
1.
All lighting shall be designed and located to not provide direct
light or glare onto any adjacent property.
2.
All lighting shall be reduced to levels necessary only for security
purposes within one (1) hour after closing of the business.
3.
All facade lighting and or other externally illuminating lights
shall use shielded, directional fixtures, designed and located to
minimize uplighting and glare.
A.
General Requirement. All sites shall provide improvement necessary to adequately handle stormwater. In areas already subject to a stormwater management plan at the block- or area-scale as provided in Chapter 404, compliance with that plan shall satisfy the site design requirements. In all other cases, site specific best management practices shall be used to manage the peak flow, quantity and quality of stormwater runoff expected from development activity in a manner that poses no significant impact on other sites compared to predevelopment conditions.
B.
Best Management Practices. In general, stormwater management should
prioritize strategies that manage stormwater at the largest scale
possible, strategies that infiltrate stormwater into the ground within
or as close to the site as possible, and strategies that integrate
stormwater functions into other site and landscape design elements.
The appropriate strategy will be highly dependent on the surrounding
natural systems, the presence of broader stormwater facilities, and
the specific topography and soil conditions of the site. The following
strategies should be used in descending order of preference to meet
site-specific stormwater standards.
1.
Integration into a district, area, or block stormwater management
plan.
2.
Constructed wetlands that mimic retention, filtration and infiltration
of natural systems.
3.
Infiltration systems and porous materials that infiltrate runoff
into the ground.
4.
Filtration systems that use natural materials to slow, filter
and convey stormwater to other systems.
5.
Retention areas that capture and store runoff in permanent ponds,
provided that they are designed as an amenity to the site or vicinity.
6.
Detention ponds or detention vaults that capture and store runoff
temporarily, but serve little other purpose on the site.
C.
Stream Buffer Protection. The following standards have been established
to help prevent property damage, reduce the severity of floods, prevent
stream bank erosion, protect natural habitat, improve water quality
and prevent water quality degradation from development.
[Ord. No. 3186, 5-2-2023]
1.
All stream channels shall be identified on development plans.
This includes identifying the ordinary high-water mark — often
referred to as the "Active Stream Zone" — and identifying the
stream bank on both sides of the stream channel.
2.
The stream corridor setback shall establish a conservation buffer
area consisting of the contiguous, undisturbed natural vegetation
(ideally existing, mature riparian forest); but may allow roadway
crossings, recreational trails and uses, utility right-of-way, and
other limited-impact uses.
3.
The Director of Public Works may require an engineering, stream
profile or other related studies for development or potential impacts
near a stream corridor.