[9-4-2018]
The purpose of this chapter is to establish landscaping requirements
and other regulations intended to preserve and maintain vegetation
within in a manner that promotes the natural resource protection,
aesthetic, and public health goals of the City.
(1)
The requirements of this section shall not apply retroactively to
existing buildings, structures, or paved areas, including requirements
for bufferyards.
(2)
Any use for which site plan approval is required under § 5-10-31(2) shall provide landscaping in accordance with the regulations of this section, including the following development:
(a)
New buildings and paved areas.
(b)
Expansions of existing buildings that exceed 50% of the existing
floor area of the building.
(c)
Expansions of paved areas that exceed 50% of the existing paved
area.
(d)
In the case of expansions, only the new portion of building
or paved area shall provide landscaping per the requirements of this
chapter.
(3)
Where insufficient site area remains to comply with all provisions
of this section, the City may require compliance to the greatest extent
practical.
(4)
This chapter is designed to encourage preservation of existing plants on the site by granting them double point values per § 5-8-4.
(5)
Single-family, two-family, agricultural land uses, and all uses in
the Central Mixed-Use Zoning District are exempt from landscaping
requirements.
(6)
Changes to the landscaping plan. The City may allow or require changes to the landscaping plan of § 5-8-3 or the landscaping requirements of § 5-8-4, as provided for below.
(a)
The Zoning Administrator and the Plan Commission shall have
the authority to allow alterations or substitutions of one type of
plant for another to the landscaping requirements as long as the altered
requirements achieve an equivalent or greater level of landscaping
on a site. Such alternations or substitutions may be based on the
following:
1.
Unusual conditions.
2.
The consideration of landscape architecture approaches.
3.
The preservation of existing trees.
4.
The consideration of Wisconsin native landscaping.
5.
When larger size plantings are provided as part of the overall
landscape plan.
6.
When more shrubs may be appropriate versus more trees, and vice
versa.
7.
Utility or other easements.
(b)
The Zoning Administrator and the Plan Commission shall have
the authority to require the modification of any landscaping plan,
including the rearrangement of landscaping points on a site, to better
meet aesthetic, environmental, and stormwater objectives.
The applicant shall provide a landscaping plan drawn at a reasonable
scale to clearly delineate the landscape improvements and depict the
following, at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator:
(1)
The name and address of the developer/owner, name of architect/designer,
date of plan preparation, date and description of all revisions, name
of project or development, scale of plan, and North point indication.
(2)
All property lines and easements.
(3)
Zoning of the subject property and abutting properties.
(4)
The location, size, and type (common and botanical) of all existing
plant material on the site and designation of all trees and shrubs
to be saved and/or removed.
(5)
The location, quantity, size at planting, and type (common and botanical)
of all proposed plant material. All plants shall be drawn at the spread
they will achieve at maturity.
(6)
The number of landscaping points per Figure 5-8-4d for all plant
material.
(7)
Linear feet of the new/expanded building foundation and street frontage.
(8)
Square footage of the total lot and new/expanded paved area.
Landscaping shall be provided based on the following requirements
for street frontages, paved areas, and bufferyards.
(1)
Building foundations.
(a)
For every 100 linear feet of building foundation, the landscaping
installed shall at a minimum meet the number of landscaping points
specified in Figure 5-8-4d.
(b)
Shade trees and tall trees shall not be used to meet building
foundation landscaping requirements.
(c)
Building foundation landscaping shall be placed so that at maturity,
the plant's drip line is located within 10 feet of the building
foundation.
(d)
Building expansions shall be subject to the same landscaping
formula requirements as new buildings (see Figure 5-8-4a). The formula
shall not be applied to portions of the building foundation developed
prior to the adoption of this Title 5.
(e)
The measurement of the building foundation may be simplified
as the smallest single rectangle that contains the entire building
perimeter, except that the sides of the building facing an adjacent
public street, where the actual perimeter shall be measured.
(2)
Paved areas.
(a)
For every 10 off-street parking stalls or 10,000 square feet
of pavement (whichever yields the greater landscaping requirement),
landscaping shall at a minimum meet the number of landscaping points
specified in Figure 5-8-4a.
(b)
Paved area landscaping shall be placed so that at maturity,
the plant's drip line is located within 10 feet of the paved
area. Landscaping area does not have to be provided in one contiguous
area. Plants used to fulfill this requirement shall visually screen
parking, loading, and circulation areas from view from public streets.
(c)
A minimum of 30% of all points shall be devoted to medium or
tall trees, or a combination of such trees, and a minimum of 40% of
all points shall be devoted to shrubs.
(d)
Parking lot design.
1.
Landscaped medians shall be used to break large parking areas
into distinct pods, with a maximum of 100 spaces in any one pod.
2.
Parking spaces must be broken by a tree island at the rate of
one island for each linear row of 12 parking spaces for single-row
or peninsula configurations, or for each 24 parking spaces in double
row configurations.
3.
All tree islands and landscaped areas with trees shall have
a minimum width of nine feet as measured from outside the curb or
frame.
4.
All landscaped areas without trees, but planted with shrubs,
shall have a minimum width of three feet measured from inside the
curb or frame.
(e)
Landscaping used to comply with the parking lot screening requirements of § 5-7-11(9) shall count toward the landscaping requirements of this section.
(f)
Paved area expansions shall be subject to the same landscaping
formula requirements as new paved areas (see Figure 5-8-4a). The formula
shall not be applied to paved areas developed prior to the adoption
of this Title 5.
(3)
Street frontages.
(a)
For every 100 linear feet of street frontage of a developed
lot abutting a public street right-of-way, the landscaping installed
shall at a minimum meet the number of landscaping points specified
in Figure 5-8-4a.
(b)
Street frontage landscaping shall be placed so that at maturity,
the plant's drip line is located within 10 feet of the public
street right-of-way.
(c)
Unless meeting the requirements in Subsection (3)(e), below, landscaping shall not be located within a public right-of-way. Landscaping shall not impede vehicle or pedestrian visibility. See § 5-7-5.
(d)
Shrubs shall not be used to meet street frontage landscaping
requirements. All required points shall be devoted to a combination
of medium deciduous trees and tall deciduous trees.
(e)
The City may require the street frontage landscaping to be placed
within the right-of-way and may collect fees to purchase and install
such landscaping.
(4)
Yards.
(a)
For every 1,000 square feet of gross floor area of all principal
and accessory buildings on the site, the landscaping installed shall
at a minimum meet the number of landscaping points specified in Figure
5-8-4a.
(b)
The intent of this section is to provide yard shade and to require
a visual screen of a minimum of six feet in height for all detached
exterior appurtenances (such as HVAC, utility boxes, standpipes, stormwater
discharge pipes and other pipes).
(c)
Landscaping required by this section is most effective if located
away from other areas required for landscaping such as building foundations,
street frontages, paved areas, protected green space areas, or bufferyards.
(d)
Building expansions shall be subject to the same landscaping
formula requirements as new buildings (see Figure 5-8-4a). The formula
shall not be applied to portions of buildings developed prior to the
adoption of this Title 5.
(5)
Bufferyards. A bufferyard is a combination of distance and a visual
buffer or barrier. It includes an area, together with the combination
of plantings, berms, and fencing that are required to eliminate or
reduce existing or potential nuisances (e.g., dirt, litter, noise,
glare, signs, and incompatible land uses, buildings, or parking areas).
(a)
The required level of bufferyard opacity is listed in Figure
5-8-4b. Detailed bufferyard requirements are listed in Figure 5-8-4c.
Opacity is a quantitatively derived measure which indicates the degree
to which a particular bufferyard screens the abutting property. The
required level of opacity indicated is directly related to the degree
to which the potential character of development differs between different
zoning districts.
(b)
Bufferyards shall be located along (and within) the outer perimeter
of a lot wherever two different zoning districts abut one another.
Bufferyards shall not be required in front yards or along public street
frontages.
(c)
To ensure that the year-round screening objectives are fulfilled,
only the plant classifications in Figure 5-8-5b listed as "Appropriate
for Screening" shall count toward bufferyard point totals, unless
nonscreening plants are used in combination with a solid fence or
a berm of six feet or more, in accordance with Figure 5-8-4c.
(d)
Reduction of required bufferyard width.
1.
Intent. This subsection is intended to allow for the reduction
of the required width of a required bufferyard where the presence
of permanently protected green space or similar areas provides equivalent
permanent screening and separation benefits as would be provided by
the otherwise required bufferyard.
2.
Where the minimum permitted width for the required bufferyard
is not available under the current or proposed state of development,
the Zoning Administrator may reduce the width required for the bufferyard
to that currently available on the site, provided that the portion
of the site that requires a bufferyard contains one or more of the
following:
a.
Steep slopes that contain retaining walls or rip-rap.
b.
Permanently undevelopable green space or other permanently protected
green space designated on site plans such as a native or restored
prairies or park savannas, wetlands, bodies of water, floodplains,
drainageways, upland woods, stormwater basins, or other natural resource
protection areas, including areas protected by covenants or conversation
easements.
3.
If permanently protected green space is located on an adjoining
property adjacent to the portion of a site that requires a bufferyard,
the Zoning Administrator may reduce the width required for the bufferyard.
The reduction shall consist of no more than one foot for every three
feet of permanently protected green space on the adjoining property,
as measured from the property line at a right angle into said adjacent
property. There shall be no reduction in the number of landscape points
required.
(e)
Use of required bufferyard and landscaped areas.
1.
Any and all required bufferyards or landscaped areas may be
used for passive recreation activities. Said areas may contain pedestrian
or bike trails provided that no required landscaping material is eliminated;
the total width of the required bufferyard, or the total area of required
landscaping, is maintained; and all other regulations of this chapter
are met.
2.
No swimming pools, tennis courts, sports fields, golf courses,
or other such similar active recreational uses shall be permitted.
3.
No parking, buildings, outdoor light fixtures, and no outdoor
display of storage of materials shall be permitted.
4.
Paving in such areas shall be limited to that required for necessary
access to or across the subject property or for a passive recreational
use such as paved multiuse trails or pedestrian walkways.
(6)
Determination of landscaping requirements.
(a)
The requirements of this chapter are additive to each other
and any other landscaping or screening requirements in this chapter.
(b)
Landscape points used to meet one requirement (e.g., building
foundations, paved areas, street frontages, yards, or bufferyards)
shall not be used to meet another requirement.
(7)
Measurement and calculation.
(a)
Landscaping point values shall be doubled for mature existing
landscape plantings that are retained and protected with the development
of the site. Existing plantings eligible for double point values shall
be determined by the Zoning Administrator.
(b)
In calculating the number of required landscaping points under
the provisions of this chapter, all areas and distances on which required
calculations are based shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number
of square feet or linear feet.
(c)
Any partial plant derived from the required calculations of
this chapter (for example: 23.3 shade trees) shall be rounded up to
the next whole plant (for example: 24 shade trees).
(8)
Utility easements. Landscaping materials, fences and berms located
within a duly recorded utility, stormwater, or a pedestrian easement
shall not count toward meeting a landscaping requirement, unless authorized
otherwise by the City and the easement holder. The width of such areas
may be counted as part of a landscaping width requirement for bufferyards.
(9)
Other green space areas. Green space areas not used for landscape
plantings other than natural resource protection areas shall be graded
and seeded or sodded with an acceptable maintainable seed mix, restored
to native vegetation. Mulch of plantings or planting beds is acceptable,
provided that such mulching consists of organic or natural materials.
Mulches shall be installed so that they will not erode, fall, be plowed
or otherwise transported into walks, drives, streets or other hard
surfaced portions of the site. Alternatively, such areas may be maintained
in crop production if a principal use exists on-site and if approved
by the Zoning Administrator.
Figure 5-8-4a: Landscaping Requirements for Regular Development*
| |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Landscaping Component
| |||||
Building Foundation
|
Paved Areas
|
Street Frontages
|
Yards
|
Bufferyards
| |
Type of Landscaping:
|
Shade trees and tall trees not allowed
|
A minimum of 40% of points devoted shrubs and 30% to tall and/or
medium trees
|
Shrubs not allowed. All points to be devoted to tall and/or
medium deciduous trees
|
Any type allowed
|
See types "Appropriate for Screening" in Figure 5-8-5b
|
Placement of Landscaping:
|
Within 10 feet of building foundation
|
Within 10 feet of paved area or within paved area
|
Within 10 feet of street right-of-way
|
Any location
|
Within bufferyard, per Figure 5-8-4f
|
Calculation of Landscaping Points:
|
Points per 100 linear feet of building foundation
|
Greater of: points per 10 parking stalls or 10,000 square feet
of paved area
|
Points per 100 feet of street right-of-way frontage
|
Points per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area for all buildings
on lot
|
See Figure 5-8-4f
|
Zoning Districts:
| |||||
Rural Holding (RH-35)
|
20
|
20
|
20
|
10
|
Only required along certain zoning district boundaries
See Figure 5-8-4b for requirements
|
Single-Family Res. (SR-3)
|
40
|
40
|
40
|
20
| |
Single-Family Res. (SR-4)
|
40
|
40
|
40
|
20
| |
Single-Family Res. (SR-5)
|
40
|
40
|
40
|
20
| |
Single-Family Res. (SR-7)
|
40
|
40
|
40
|
20
| |
Duplex Res. (DR-8)
|
50
|
50
|
50
|
25
| |
One and Two Fam. Res. (TR-10)
|
50
|
50
|
50
|
25
| |
Multi-Family Res. (MR-15)
|
60
|
60
|
60
|
30
| |
Multi-Family Res. (MR-30)
|
80
|
80
|
80
|
40
| |
Mobile Home Res. (MH-7)
|
40
|
40
|
40
|
20
| |
Neigh. Mixed Use (NMU)
|
40
|
40
|
40
|
20
| |
Institutional (I)
|
40
|
40
|
40
|
20
| |
Suburban Mixed Use (SMU)
|
40
|
40
|
40
|
20
| |
Urban Mixed Use (UMU)
|
40
|
40
|
40
|
20
| |
Central Mixed Use (CMU)
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
| |
Intensive Outdoor (IOA)
|
40
|
40
|
40
|
20
| |
Business Park (BP)
|
40
|
40
|
40
|
20
| |
Light Industrial (LI)
|
25
|
25
|
25
|
15
| |
Heavy Industrial (HI)
|
20
|
20
|
20
|
10
| |
Extraction (EX)
|
20
|
20
|
20
|
10
|
*Note: Single-family dwelling units, two-family dwelling units,
and agricultural land uses are exempt from landscaping requirements.
|
Figure 5-8-4b: Required Bufferyard Opacity Values
| |||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apply the required opacity value from this Figure to Figure
5-8-4c and select the most appropriate bufferyard option. Note that
certain land uses, conditional uses, and planned development projects
may have more stringent bufferyard requirements
|
RH-35
|
SR-3
|
SR-4
|
SR-5
|
SR-7
|
DR-8
|
TR-10
|
MR-15
|
MR-30
|
MH-7
|
NMU
|
I
|
SMU
|
UMU
|
CMU
|
IOA
|
BP
|
LI
|
HI
|
EX
| |
Zoning District of Subject Property:
|
Rural Holding (RH-35)
|
*
| |||||||||||||||||||
Single Family Residential-3 (SR-3)
|
*
|
0
| |||||||||||||||||||
Single Family Residential-4 (SR-4)
|
*
|
0
|
0
| ||||||||||||||||||
Single Family Residential-5 (SR-5)
|
*
|
0
|
0
|
0
| |||||||||||||||||
Single Family Residential-7 (SR-7)
|
*
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
| ||||||||||||||||
Duplex Residential (DR-8)
|
*
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0
| |||||||||||||||
One and Two Family Residential (TR-10)
|
*
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0
| ||||||||||||||
Multi-Family Residential-15 (MR-15)
|
*
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0
| |||||||||||||
Multi-Family Residential-30 (MR-30)
|
*
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.1
|
0
| ||||||||||||
Mobile Home Residential (MH-7)
|
*
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0
| |||||||||||
Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU)
|
*
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0
| ||||||||||
Institutional (I)
|
*
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.1
|
0
| |||||||||
Suburban Mixed Use (SMU)
|
*
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.1
|
0
| ||||||||
Urban Mixed Use (UMU)
|
*
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.2
|
0.3
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0
| |||||||
Central Mixed Use (CMU)
|
*
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.2
|
0.3
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0
| ||||||
Intensive Outdoor Activity (IOA)
|
*
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.5
|
0.3
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0
| |||||
Business Park (BP)
|
*
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.2
|
0.4
|
0.2
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
0
|
0
| ||||
Light Industrial (LI)
|
*
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.5
|
0.3
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0
| |||
Heavy Industrial (HI)
|
*
|
0.6
|
0.6
|
0.6
|
0.6
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.5
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.2
|
0
| ||
Extraction (EX)
|
*
|
1.0
|
1.0
|
1.0
|
1.0
|
1.0
|
1.0
|
1.0
|
1.0
|
1.0
|
1.0
|
1.0
|
0.8
|
0.8
|
0.8
|
0.8
|
0.8
|
0.8
|
0.8
|
0
|
*
|
For properties zoned RH-35, base bufferyard requirements on
the proposed zoning district for said property as depicted on the
Future Land Use Map in the City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan.
|
Figure 5-8-4c: Detailed Bufferyard Requirements
| |||
---|---|---|---|
Opacity
|
Required Number of Landscaping Points per 100 feet
|
Required Minimum Width
(feet)
|
Required Structure
|
0.05
|
00
|
10
|
Minimum 44-inch picket fence*
|
00
|
10
|
Minimum 4-foot wood rail fence*
| |
40
|
10
|
N/A
| |
36
|
15
|
N/A
| |
33
|
20
|
N/A
| |
31
|
25
|
N/A
| |
29
|
30
|
N/A
| |
0.10
|
00
|
10
|
Minimum 44-inch picket fence*
|
38
|
10
|
Minimum 4-foot wood rail fence*
| |
91
|
10
|
N/A
| |
80
|
15
|
N/A
| |
73
|
20
|
N/A
| |
68
|
25
|
N/A
| |
65
|
30
|
N/A
| |
62
|
35
|
N/A
| |
00
|
35
|
Minimum 4-foot berm
| |
0.20
|
00
|
10
|
Minimum 6-foot solid fence*
|
84
|
10
|
Minimum 44-inch picket fence*
| |
133
|
15
|
Minimum 4-foot wood rail fence*
| |
198
|
15
|
N/A
| |
173
|
20
|
N/A
| |
158
|
25
|
N/A
| |
149
|
30
|
N/A
| |
140
|
35
|
N/A
| |
10
|
35
|
Minimum 4-foot berm
| |
135
|
40
|
N/A
| |
00
|
40
|
Minimum 5-foot berm
| |
0.30
|
00
|
10
|
Minimum 6-foot solid fence*
|
198
|
15
|
Minimum 44-inch picket fence*
| |
320
|
20
|
N/A
| |
240
|
20
|
Minimum 4-foot wood rail fence*
| |
276
|
25
|
N/A
| |
252
|
30
|
N/A
| |
235
|
35
|
N/A
| |
104
|
35
|
Minimum 4-foot berm
| |
223
|
40
|
N/A
| |
44
|
40
|
Minimum 5-foot berm
| |
215
|
45
|
N/A
| |
209
|
50
|
N/A
| |
00
|
50
|
Minimum 6-foot berm
| |
0.40
|
53
|
10
|
Minimum 6-foot solid fence*
|
330
|
20
|
Minimum 44-inch picket fence*
| |
440
|
25
|
N/A
| |
362
|
25
|
Minimum 4-foot wood rail fence*
| |
385
|
30
|
N/A
| |
349
|
35
|
N/A
| |
208
|
35
|
Minimum 4-foot berm
| |
327
|
40
|
N/A
| |
148
|
40
|
Minimum 5-foot berm
| |
310
|
45
|
N/A
| |
299
|
50
|
N/A
| |
56
|
50
|
Minimum 6-foot berm
| |
0.50
|
150
|
10
|
Minimum 6-foot solid fence*
|
564
|
30
|
N/A
| |
405
|
30
|
Minimum 44-inch picket fence*
| |
492
|
30
|
Minimum 4-foot wood rail fence*
| |
499
|
35
|
N/A
| |
319
|
35
|
Minimum 4-foot berm
| |
454
|
40
|
N/A
| |
261
|
40
|
Minimum 5-foot berm
| |
422
|
45
|
N/A
| |
405
|
50
|
N/A
| |
160
|
50
|
Minimum 6-foot berm
| |
388
|
55
|
N/A
| |
374
|
60
|
N/A
| |
0.60
|
250
|
10
|
Minimum 6-foot solid fence*
|
433
|
35
|
Minimum 4-foot berm
| |
541
|
35
|
Minimum 44-inch picket fence*
| |
630
|
35
|
Minimum 4-foot wood rail fence*
| |
626
|
40
|
N/A
| |
379
|
40
|
Minimum 5-foot berm
| |
570
|
45
|
N/A
| |
525
|
50
|
N/A
| |
270
|
50
|
Minimum 6-foot berm
| |
500
|
55
|
N/A
| |
480
|
60
|
N/A
| |
0.80
|
415
|
30
|
Minimum 6-foot solid fence*
|
655
|
40
|
Minimum 4-foot berm
| |
627
|
45
|
Minimum 5-foot berm
| |
873
|
45
|
Minimum 44-inch picket fence*
| |
910
|
50
|
N/A
| |
505
|
50
|
Minimum 6-foot berm
| |
809
|
50
|
Minimum 4-foot wood rail fence*
| |
804
|
55
|
N/A
| |
744
|
60
|
N/A
| |
710
|
65
|
N/A
| |
677
|
70
|
N/A
| |
1.00
|
636
|
40
|
Minimum 8-foot solid fence
|
732
|
50
|
Minimum 8-foot solid fence
| |
751
|
50
|
Minimum 8-foot solid fence
| |
867
|
55
|
Minimum 8-foot solid fence
| |
1091
|
60
|
Minimum 8-foot solid fence
| |
1136
|
60
|
Minimum 8-foot solid fence
| |
1083
|
65
|
Minimum 8-foot solid fence
| |
994
|
70
|
Minimum 8-foot solid fence
| |
934
|
75
|
Minimum 8-foot solid fence
| |
892
|
80
|
Minimum 8-foot solid fence
|
Notes: *Fences contributing to landscaping requirements are
not permitted along street frontages for nonresidential uses. Where
used in combination with plant materials to meet bufferyard requirements,
a minimum of 50% of all plant materials shall be located on the exterior
side (the side away from the center of the subject property) of the
fence. A building wall which does not contain doors (except those
used for emergency exit) may be used to satisfy the required fence
portions of the bufferyard requirements.
|
Figure 5-8-4d; Landscaping Points
| ||
---|---|---|
Plant Category
|
Landscaping Points Per Plant1
|
Minimum Permitted Installation Size
|
Shade tree
|
50
|
1 1/4" diameter
|
Tall deciduous tree
|
30
|
1 1/4" diameter
|
Medium deciduous tree
|
15
|
1 1/4" diameter
|
Low deciduous tree
|
10
|
1 1/4" diameter
|
Tall evergreen tree
|
40
|
4' tall
|
Medium evergreen tree
|
20
|
4' tall
|
Low evergreen tree
|
12
|
4' tall
|
Tall deciduous shrub
|
5
|
12" tall
|
Medium deciduous shrub
|
3
|
12" tall
|
Low deciduous shrub
|
1
|
12" tall
|
Medium evergreen shrub
|
5
|
12" tall/wide
|
Low evergreen shrub
|
3
|
12" tall/wide
|
Noncontributory plants
|
0
|
N/A
|
Source: A Guide to Selecting Landscape Plants for Wisconsin,
E.R. Hasselkus, UW-Extension Publication: A2865
| |
1
|
Point values will be increased by 10% for the use of Wisconsin
native plant species
|
Species suitable for landscaping and compatible with local climate
and soil factors are listed in Figure 5-8-5a. Plant species native
to Wisconsin are noted by an asterisk (*). This list is not intended
to be exhaustive, and the Zoning Administrator shall review proposals
for the applicability of species not listed and is authorized to approve
appropriate similar species. See Figure 5-8-5b for species appropriate
for specific and common landscaping situations (e.g., planting under
power lines), and Figure 5-8-5c for a list of species to use sparingly
or to avoid.
Figure 5-8-5a: Commonly Used Appropriate Landscaping Species
| |||
---|---|---|---|
Plant Category
|
Landscaping Point Value Per Plant
|
Common Name
|
Scientific Name
|
Shade trees
|
55
|
Maple (red)
|
Acer spp.*
|
Shade trees
|
50
|
Birch (river, paper)
|
Betula spp.
|
Shade trees
|
50
|
Linden (basswood, redmond, little leaf)
|
Tilia spp.
|
Shade trees
|
50
|
Elms (hybrids)
|
Ulmus spp.
|
Shade trees
|
55
|
Oak (white)
|
Quercus spp.*
|
Shade trees
|
50
|
Honey locust (male cultivars)
|
Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis
|
Tall deciduous trees
|
30
|
Chanticleer pear
|
Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer'
|
Tall deciduous trees
|
33
|
Hackberry
|
Celtis occidentalis*
|
Tall deciduous trees
|
30
|
Chinkapin oak
|
Quercus muehlenbergii
|
Tall deciduous trees
|
30
|
Ginkgo (male cultivars)
|
Ginkgo biloba
|
Tall deciduous trees
|
30
|
State Street miyabe maple
|
Acer miyabei 'Morton'
|
Medium deciduous trees
|
15
|
Paperbark maple
|
Acer griseum
|
Medium deciduous trees
|
16.5
|
Serviceberry
|
Amelanchier*
|
Medium deciduous trees
|
15
|
Winter king hawthorn
|
Crataegus viridis
|
Medium deciduous trees
|
16.5
|
Hornbeam (musclewood)
|
Carpinus caroliniana*
|
Medium deciduous trees
|
16.5
|
Ironwood/hophornbeam
|
Ostrya virginiana*
|
Medium deciduous trees
|
15
|
Callery pear
|
Pyrus calleryana
|
Low deciduous trees
|
11
|
Hazelnut
|
Corylus spp.*
|
Low deciduous trees
|
10
|
Flowering crabapples
|
Malus spp.
|
Low deciduous trees
|
10
|
Japanese tree lilac
|
Syringa reticulata
|
Tall evergreen trees
|
40
|
Firs
|
Abies spp.
|
Tall evergreen trees
|
44
|
Black hills spruce
|
Picea glauca var. densata*
|
Tall evergreen trees
|
40
|
Serbian spruce
|
Picea omorika
|
Tall evergreen trees
|
44
|
Pine (except Austrian)
|
Pinus spp. (not nigra)*
|
Tall/medium evergreen
|
33
|
Juniper (red cedar)
|
Juniperus virginiana*
|
Tall/medium evergreen
|
33
|
Arborvitae
|
Thuja spp.*
|
Tall/medium evergreen
|
33
|
Eastern hemlock
|
Tsuga canadensis*
|
Low evergreen trees
|
12
|
Juniper (Mountbatten)
|
Juniperus chinensis
|
Tall deciduous shrubs
|
5
|
Elderberry
|
Sambucus candensis "aurea"
|
Tall deciduous shrubs
|
5.5
|
Dogwood (gray, pagoda)
|
Cornus spp.*
|
Medium deciduous shrubs
|
3
|
Weigela
|
Weigela spp.
|
Medium deciduous shrubs
|
3
|
Cotoneaster
|
Cotoneaster spp.
|
Medium deciduous shrubs
|
3
|
Forsythia (Virgina, rugosa)
|
Forsythia
|
Medium deciduous shrubs
|
3.3
|
Shrub Rose
|
Rosa spp.*
|
Medium deciduous shrubs
|
3.3
|
Viburnum (arrowwood, warfaring tree, nannyberry)
|
Viburnum spp.*
|
Medium deciduous shrubs
|
3.3
|
Potentilla
|
Potentilla spp.*
|
Medium deciduous shrubs
|
3.3
|
Bush honeysuckle
|
Diervilla spp.*
|
Medium deciduous shrubs
|
3
|
Ninebark
|
Physocarpus spp.
|
Low deciduous shrubs
|
1
|
Azalea
|
Rhododendron (Azalea) spp.
|
Low deciduous shrubs
|
1.1
|
Gro-low sumac
|
Rbus aromatica*
|
Tall-medium evergreen shrubs
|
5
|
Juniper (Pfitzer)
|
Juniperus x pfitzeriana
|
Tall-medium evergreen shrubs
|
5
|
Yew (Japanese)
|
Taxus spp.
|
Low evergreen shrubs
|
2
|
Boxwood
|
Buxus spp.
|
Low evergreen shrubs
|
2
|
Juniper (sergeant, creeping, andorra)
|
Juniperus spp.
|
Perennial plantings
|
22/20 sf
|
Coneflower
|
Echinacea spp.*
|
Perennial plantings
|
20/20 sf
|
Catmint
|
Nepeta spp.
|
Perennial plantings
|
22/20 sf
|
Black-eyed susan
|
Rudbeckia birta*
|
Perennial plantings
|
20/20 sf
|
Lily
|
Lilium spp.
|
Perennial plantings
|
20/20 sf
|
Daylily
|
Hemerocallis spp.
|
Perennial plantings
|
20/20 sf
|
Ornamental grass
|
varies
|
Perennial plantings
|
20/20 sf
|
Lady's mantel
|
Alchemilla spp.
|
Perennial plantings
|
22/20 sf
|
Columbine
|
Aquilegia spp.*
|
Perennial plantings
|
22/20 sf
|
Aster
|
Aster spp.*
|
Perennial plantings
|
20/20 sf
|
Jack frost
|
Brunnera macrophylla
|
Perennial plantings
|
22/20 sf
|
Blazing star
|
Liatris spp.*
|
Perennial plantings
|
20/20 sf
|
Black bugbane
|
Cimicifuga simplex "Brunette"
|
Perennial plantings
|
20/20 sf
|
Peony
|
Paeonia spp.
|
Perennial plantings
|
20/20 sf
|
Pachysandra
|
Pachysandra spp.
|
Perennial plantings
|
22/20 sf
|
Stonecrops
|
Sedum spp.*
|
Perennial plantings
|
20/20 sf
|
Astilbe
|
Astilbe spp.
|
Perennial plantings
|
20/20 sf
|
Hosta
|
Hosta spp.
|
*
|
Wisconsin native plant species, identified with an asterisk,
are preferred plant materials; an additional 10% has been added to
their respective point values.
|
Figure 5-8-5b: Sample Plant Species Appropriate for Specific
Situations
| |||
---|---|---|---|
Classification
|
Landscaping Point Value Per Plant
|
Common Name
|
Scientific Name
|
Appropriate for planting under power lines
|
Low deciduous tree
|
Flowering crabapple
|
Malus spp.
|
Low deciduous tree
|
Japanese tree lilac
|
Syringa reticulata
| |
Appropriate for utility easements
|
Low deciduous tree
|
Japanese tree lilac
|
Syringa reticulata
|
Medium deciduous shrub
|
Viburnum (arrowwood, warfaring tree, nannyberry)
|
Viburnum spp.
| |
Low evergreen shrub
|
Boxwood
|
Buxus spp.
| |
Appropriate for screening
|
Tall evergreen tree
|
Firs
|
Abies spp.
|
Tall evergreen tree
|
Juniper (red cedar)
|
Juniperus virginiana
| |
Tall evergreen tree
|
Spruces
|
Picea spp.
| |
Tall evergreen tree
|
Pines
|
Pinus spp.
| |
Tall evergreen tree
|
Douglas fir
|
Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca
| |
Tall evergreen tree
|
Eastern hemlock
|
Tsuga canadensis
| |
Medium evergreen tree
|
Arborvitae
|
Thuja occidentalis
| |
Salt-tolerant
|
Shade tree/tall or medium deciduous tree (varies by species)
|
Maple
|
Acer spp.
|
Shade tree
|
Sweet gum
|
Liquidambar styraciflua
| |
Shade tree (not street)
|
European horse chestnut
|
Aesculus hippocastranum
| |
Shade tree
|
White oak
|
Quercus alba
| |
Low deciduous tree
|
Flowering crabapples
|
Malus spp.
| |
Low deciduous tree
|
Crape myrtle
|
Lagerstroemia indica
| |
Deciduous tree
|
Honey locust
|
Gleditsia triacanthos
| |
Tall deciduous shrub
|
Dogwood (gray, pagoda)
|
Cornus spp.
| |
Tall deciduous shrub
|
Japanese tree lilac
|
Syringa reticulata
| |
Tall deciduous shrub
|
Common lilac
|
Syringa vulgaris
| |
Medium deciduous shrub
|
Barberry
|
Berberis spp.
| |
Medium deciduous shrub
|
Viburnum
|
Adoxaceae
| |
Medium deciduous shrub
|
Forsythia (Virgina, rugosa)
|
Forsythia spp.
| |
Medium deciduous shrub
|
Rugosa rose
|
Rosa rugosa
| |
Small deciduous shrub
|
Potentilla
|
Cinquefoils
| |
Low deciduous shrub
|
Azalea
|
Azalea spp.
| |
Low deciduous shrub
|
Apline current
|
Ribes alpinum
| |
Low deciduous shrub
|
Snowberry
|
Symphoricarpos
| |
Tall evergreen tree
|
American holly
|
Ilex opaca
| |
Tall deciduous shrub
|
Staghorn sumac
|
Rhus typhina
| |
Tall deciduous shrub
|
Mockorange
|
Philadelphus
| |
Tall/medium evergreen shrub
|
Pfitzer juniper
|
Juniperus x pfitzeriana
| |
Tall/medium evergreen shrub
|
Yew (Japanese)
|
Taxus spp.
| |
Low evergreen shrub
|
Boxwood
|
Buxus spp.
|
Figure 5-8-5c: Prohibited Species and Species to Use Sparingly
| |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Classification
|
Common Name
|
Scientific Name
|
Prohibited2 or Use Sparingly1
|
Reason
|
Alternative
|
Shade tree
|
Nonresistant elms
|
Ulmus spp.
|
Prohibited
|
Dutch elm disease
|
Disease Resistant
Elm cultivars:'Princeton,'
'Valley Forge,' and
'New Harmony'
Littleleaf Linden
Tilia cordata, (urban tolerant)
Kentucky Coffeetree
Gymnocaldus dioicus
River birch
Betula nigra
Oaks
Quercus spp.
|
Shade tree
|
Boxelder
|
Acer negundo
|
Prohibited
|
Spread quickly
| |
Shade tree
|
Freeman maple
|
Acer x freemanii
|
Prohibited
|
Over-planted
| |
Shade tree
|
Norway maples
|
Acer platanoides
|
Prohibited
|
Over-planted, dense
| |
Shade tree
|
Red maples
|
Acer rubrum
|
Use spairngly
|
Prefer acidic soil
| |
Shade tree
|
Sugar maples
|
Acer saccharum
|
Use sparingly
|
Thrives only in certain conditions; picky
| |
Shade tree
|
Silver maple
|
Acer saccharinum
|
Prohibited
|
Weak wood and aggressive root systems
| |
Tall deciduous tree
|
Autumn blaze maple
|
Acer truncatum
|
Use sparingly
|
Over-planted
|
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
Chanticleer pear
Pyrus calleryana
'Chanticleer'
|
Tall deciduous tree
|
Ash trees
|
Fraxinus spp.
|
Prohibited
|
Emerald ash borer
| |
Tall deciduous tree
|
Bradford pears
|
Pyrus calleryana "bradford"
|
Use sparingly
|
Poorly branches, tend to break
| |
Tall deciduous tree
|
Cottonwood
|
Popuplus deltoids, populus fremontii, or populus nigra
|
Prohibited
|
Weak wood and aggressive root systems
| |
Tall deciduous tree
|
Poplar
|
Populus
|
Use sparingly
|
Aggressive root systems
| |
Tall deciduous tree
|
Willow
|
Salix
|
Prohibited
|
Drops branches
| |
Medium deciduous tree
|
Ailanthus, tree of heaven
|
Ailanthus altissima
|
Prohibited
|
Invasive nonnative
|
Serviceberry
Amelanchier spp.
American hornbeam or
musclewood
Carpinus caroliniana
Eastern redbud
Cercis canadensis
Serviceberry
Amelanchier spp.
American hornbeam or
musclewood
Carpinus caroliniana
Eastern redbud
Cercis canadensis
|
Medium deciduous tree
|
European white birch
|
Betula pendula
|
Use sparingly
|
Bronze birch borer
| |
Medium deciduous tree
|
White mulberry
|
Morus alba
|
Prohibited
|
Invasive nonnative
| |
Low deciduous tree
|
Purple leaf cherry plum, Japanese purple plum
|
Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea'
|
Use sparingly
|
Drops fruit
|
Flowering crabapple
Malus spp.
American hazelnut
Corylus americana
Japanese tree lilac
Syringa reticulata
|
Low deciduous tree
|
Purple sandcherry
|
Prunus x cistena
|
Use sparingly
|
Short-lived
| |
Low deciduous tree
|
Russian olive
|
Elaegnus angustifolia
|
Use sparingly
|
Drops fruit, nonnative
| |
Tall deciduous shrub
|
Buckthorns
|
Rhamnus cathartica
|
Prohibited
|
Invasive, nonnative
|
Gray dogwood
Cornus mas
Lilacs
Syringa spp.
|
Tall deciduous shrub
|
Autumn-olive
|
Elaeagnus umbellata
|
Prohibited
|
Invasive, nonnative
| |
Tall deciduous shrub
|
Multiflora rose
|
Rosa multiflora
|
Prohibited
|
Invasive, nonnative
| |
Medium deciduous shrub
|
Japanese spirea
|
Spiraea japonica
|
Prohibited
|
Invasive (re-seed)
|
Red chokeberry
Aronia arbutifolia
Black chokeberry
Aronia melanocarpa
Redosier dogwood
Cornus sericea
Summersweet Clethra
Cletbra alnifolia
Viburnums
Viburnum spp.
|
Medium deciduous shrub
|
Burning bush
|
Euonymus alatus
|
Prohibited
|
Invasive nonnative
| |
Medium deciduous shrub
|
Honeysuckle
|
Lonicera spp.
|
Prohibited
|
Invasive, nonnative
| |
Low deciduous shrub
|
Japanese barberry
|
Berberis thunbergii
|
Prohibited
|
Invasive; over-planted
|
Dwarf bush honeysuckle
Diervilla lonicera
|
Tall evergreen tree
|
Austrian pine
|
Pinus nigra
|
Use sparingly
|
Over-planted
|
Norway spruce
Picea abies
Canadian hemlock
Tsuja canadensis
Scotch pine
Pinus sylvestris
American arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis
|
Tall evergreen tree
|
Blue spruce
|
Picea pungens
|
Use sparingly
|
Over-planted
| |
Tall evergreen tree
|
White pine
|
Pinus strobus
|
Use sparingly
|
Over-planted
| |
Tall evergreen tree
|
White spruce
|
Picea glauca
|
Use sparingly
|
Over-planted
|
Notes:
| |
1
|
"Species to use sparingly" may be used as part of an overall
landscaping plan, but only if the number of individual plants does
not constitute more than one plant per 20 total plants within the
same plant classification. For example, if a landscaping plan includes
a total of 20 tall deciduous trees, no more than one of those 20 trees
may be classified as a "Species to use sparingly." The purpose of
this provision is to encourage plant species diversity throughout
the City.
|
2
|
"Prohibited species" shall not be included as part of any landscaping plan that is subject to City review per § 5-8-3. The purpose of this provision is to limit the planting of species that are invasive, have invasive tendencies, or that may perpetuate or spread disease.
|
(1)
Definition.
(a)
Rain gardens can serve both as landscaping and stormwater management
features on a building site, where appropriately designed and sited.
A rain garden is a shallow, depressed garden that is designed and
positioned on a site to capture stormwater runoff and allow for the
infiltration of water back into the ground. Rain garden plants are
carefully chosen for their ability to withstand moisture extremes
and potentially high concentrations of nutrients and sediments that
are often found in stormwater runoff. A well designed and maintained
rain garden serves as an attractive component of an overall landscaping
plan for a development site.
(b)
Bioswales can serve both as landscaping and stormwater management
features on a building site, where appropriately designed and sited.
A bioswale is a linear, vegetative stormwater runoff conveyance system
that is designed to store and infiltrate water from small storm events
back into the ground and direct water from heavy rain events to appropriate
storm sewer inlets or other management facilities. The flow of water
being conveyed through a bioswale is slowed down, allowing for municipal
storm systems to more effectively manage heavier rain events and help
reduce the risk of flooding on or off-site. Water being infiltrated
or conveyed via a bioswale is also filtered by the vegetation within
it, generally improving both ground and surface water quality.
(2)
Requirements.
(a)
The installation of a rain garden or bioswale may contribute
to the overall stormwater management plan for a development site and
count toward meeting the City's landscaping guidelines. Rain
gardens and bioswales may count for 20 points for every 20 square
feet of rain garden or bioswale; points may count toward yard, building
foundation, and/or paved area requirements, provided the following
requirements are met. Rain gardens and bioswales shall count for no
more than 100 points of the required landscaping per site.
(b)
Detailed plans shall be provided that show all proposed dimensions
of the rain garden or bioswale including length, width, depth, and
slope of depression; location of the rain garden or bioswale on the
lot relative to hard-surfaced areas, downspouts, and site topography;
characteristics of the soil underlying the rain garden or bioswale;
description of planting media; the species, number, and size at time
of installation of all vegetation proposed for the rain garden or
bioswale; and information on any other materials that will be used
to line the rain garden or bioswale.
(c)
Installation shall not be proposed for any of the following
areas of a site:
1.
Areas where there is known soil contamination unless the rain
garden or bioswale is proposed to be constructed with an under-drain;
2.
Areas where the characteristics of the soil would not allow
for the proper infiltration of water into the ground; or
3.
Areas where there are expected to be high levels of foot traffic,
unless such areas are protected from foot traffic.
(d)
The owner of the site shall demonstrate that the rain garden
or bioswale is properly maintained, specifically: kept free of trash,
weeds, debris, and dead or dying plants; any pipes associated with
the rain garden or bioswale will be inspected on an annual basis and
kept free of debris; and by the beginning of every spring dead plant
materials will be cut back or removed.
(e)
Bioswales and rain gardens shall be generously and appropriately
vegetated to qualify for landscaping points. If bioswales and rain
gardens (or portions thereof) are lined with turf but do not include
other vegetation, then they will not count toward meeting landscaping
point requirements.
(f)
Rain gardens and bioswales may serve as a component of an overall
stormwater management plan for a site only if detailed plans, calculations,
and specifications are submitted and approved by the City. Detailed
plans shall include the location and description of all other stormwater
management facilities serving the site, particularly those to which
any bioswale will be directed.
(1)
Installation. Any and all landscaping and bufferyard material required
by the provisions of this chapter shall be installed on the subject
property, in accordance with the approved site plan within 365 days
of the issuance of an occupancy permit for any building on the subject
property.
(2)
Surety.
(a)
If the subject property is to be occupied prior to the installation
of all required landscaping and bufferyard material, the property
owner shall sign an instrument agreeing to install the landscaping
within the 365-day period and shall furnish to the City an irrevocable
letter of credit or other form of security acceptable to the City
sufficient to guarantee completion of the work. Such security shall
be provided by the property owner at the time that the agreement is
signed. It shall be in an amount equal to 110% of the estimated actual
cost for all of the required elements of the approved site plan and
shall specifically guarantee that all such elements shall be made
and installed according to the approved site plan. The costs of the
work shall be furnished by the property and shall be verified by the
City. The financial security shall remain in force until all of the
work has been completed and approved by the City. This agreement shall
also contain a statement indicating that the property owner's
failure to comply with the requirements of the terms of the agreement
will constitute a violation of the Title and subject the property
owner to a forfeiture upon conviction.
(b)
If the required landscaping and bufferyard materials are to
be installed during different phases of a subdivision development,
the developer may furnish for each phase financial security in an
amount sufficient to guarantee completion of the landscaping and bufferyard
work performed during a particular phase, unless the Land Division
Regulations requires otherwise.
(c)
If the property owner is a governmental unit, it may, in lieu
of signing an agreement and furnishing a guarantee and file a resolution
or letter from officers authorized to act in its behalf, agreeing
to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
(3)
If existing plant material meets the requirements of this chapter
and will be preserved on the subject property following the completion
of development, it may be counted as contributing to the landscaping
requirements and worth double the landscaping point value per plant.
(4)
All landscaping and bufferyard areas shall be seeded with lawn or
native ground cover unless such vegetation is already fully established.
(5)
The exact placement of plants and structures shall be depicted on
the required detailed landscaping plan submitted to the City for its
approval. Such plant and structure location shall be the decision
of each property owner provided the following requirements are met:
(a)
Evergreen shrubs shall be planted in clusters to maximize their
chance for survival.
(b)
Where a combination of plant materials, berming, and fencing
is used in a bufferyard, the fence and/or berm may be located toward
the interior or exterior of the subject property and at least 50%
of the required landscaping points shall be located toward the exterior
of the subject property.
(c)
A property owner may establish through a written agreement,
recorded with the Register of Deeds, that an abutting property owner
agrees to provide on the immediately abutting portion of his or her
land a partial or full portion of the required bufferyard, thereby
relieving the developer of the responsibility of providing the entire
bufferyard on his property. Responsibility for maintenance of bufferyard
landscaping shall be included as part of this agreement.
(d)
Under no circumstance shall landscaping or bufferyard materials
be selected or located in a manner resulting in the creation of a
safety or visibility hazard.
(e)
The restrictions on types of plants listed in this chapter shall
apply.
(6)
Upon completion of the approved landscape improvements, a certification
of compliance shall also be submitted by the owner or agent.
(7)
Maintenance.
(a)
The continual maintenance of all required landscaping and bufferyard
materials shall be a requirement of this chapter and shall be the
responsibility of the owner of the property on which said materials
and plants are required. This requirement shall run with the property
and shall be binding upon all future property owners. Development
of any or all property following the effective date of this Title
5 shall constitute an agreement by the property owner to comply with
the provisions of this section.
(b)
The owner of the premises shall be responsible for the watering,
maintenance, repair, and replacement of all landscaping, fences, and
other landscape architectural features on the site. All planting beds
shall be kept weed-free. Plant material which has died shall be replaced
with equivalent vegetation within 365 days.
(c)
If the property owner fails to comply with these provisions,
the City may enter upon the property for the purpose of evaluating
and maintaining all required landscaping and bufferyard materials
and may specially assess the costs thereof against the property. A
property owner's failure to comply with this requirement shall
also be considered a violation of this chapter, and shall be subject
to any and all applicable enforcement procedures and penalties.
Sample landscaping schemes that may be used for building foundations,
street frontages, paved areas, yards, and bufferyards are depicted
in Figure 5-9-8a through Figure 5-9-8g.