Interior landscaping. In any parking lot containing 20 or more
parking spaces (except a parking garage), 5% of the total area of
the lot shall be devoted to interior landscaping. Such interior landscaping
may be used, for example, at the end of parking space rows to break
up rows of parking spaces at least every 10 parking spaces, and to
help visually define travel lanes through or next to the parking lot.
Landscaped areas situated outside of the parking lot, such as peripheral
areas and areas surrounding buildings, shall not constitute interior
landscaping. For the purpose of computing the total area of any parking
lot, all areas within the perimeter of the parking lot shall be counted,
including all parking spaces and access drives, aisles, islands, and
curbed areas. Ground cover alone is not sufficient to meet this requirement.
Trees, shrubs, or other approved material shall be provided. At least
one shade tree shall be provided for each 300 square feet (or fraction)
of required interior landscaping area. These trees shall have a clear
trunk at least five feet above finished-grade level. Parked vehicles
may not overhang interior landscaped areas more than 2 1/2 feet.
Where necessary, wheel stops or curbing shall be provided to ensure
no greater overhang; and, if a parking lot of under 20 spaces is built
without interior landscaping, and later additional spaces are added
so that the total is 20 or more, the interior landscaping shall be
provided for the entire parking lot.