[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
Collegedale's scenic landscapes are closely tied to the community's quality of life, community identity, and civic pride. These landscapes also form the critical first impressions of potential new employers, homeowners, and tourists, thus affecting Collegedale's economy.
Landscaping provides important environmental benefits such as reducing air pollution and stormwater runoff, improving water quality, and creating wildlife habitats. Landscaping requirements are one of the many tools used for protecting and enhancing a community's scenic quality and visual character of the community.
The purpose and intent of this chapter are the following:
(1) 
To promote the scenic quality and visual character of the community;
(2) 
To improve the appearance of parking areas and property abutting public rights-of-way;
(3) 
To protect property values;
(4) 
To reduce storm water runoff and improve water quality;
(5) 
To provide transition between incompatible land uses;
(6) 
To provide relief from traffic, noise, heat, glare, dust, and debris;
(7) 
To stabilize soil and prevent erosion;
(8) 
To encourage preservation of desirable trees; and,
(9) 
To filter pollutants from the air and release oxygen.
[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
(1) 
CALIPER
A measurement of the trunk diameter measured at 2 ½ feet above grade level.
(2) 
CLASS 1 SHADE TREES
Any plant having a central trunk, an expected maturity height of at least thirty five feet (35'), and an expected minimum mature canopy spread of twenty feet (20').
(3) 
GROSS FLOOR AREA (GFA)
The total interior space as defined by the International Building Code.
(4) 
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
For the purposes of this chapter, high density residential includes zones R-1-H, R-3, and MUTC.
(5) 
IMPERVIOUS SURFACES
Includes concrete, asphalt, brick, metal, gravel or any other material constructed and erected on landscaped or natural buffer areas that impede the percolation of water into the ground.
(6) 
INTERIOR PARKING BAY
All parking bays that do not qualify as a perimeter bay.
(7) 
LANDSCAPED AREA/LANDSCAPE YARD
An area to be planted with grass, trees, shrubs or other natural ground cover. No impervious surfaces are permitted in these areas with the exception of areas approved and used for ingress and egress.
(8) 
LANDSCAPED PENINSULA
A landscaped area defined by a curb and surrounded by paving on three (3) sides.
(9) 
LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL
Includes landscape architects (registered in the State of Tennessee), landscape designers (educated in landscape design concepts), and other landscape professionals as approved by the City of Collegedale.
(10) 
NATURAL BUFFER
An area of land set aside for preservation in its natural vegetative state. Plants may not be removed with the exception of poisonous or non-native plant species. In addition, fill/cutting activities, storage of materials, and impervious surfaces are not permitted in these areas.
(11) 
NEW DEVELOPMENT
Construction of a new building or structure on its own lot is considered as new development. New buildings or structures constructed on a lot which already contains existing buildings is considered as an expansion.
(12) 
ORNAMENTAL SHADE TREES
Any plant having a central trunk, a maximum expected maturity height of twenty feet (20').
(13) 
PERIMETER BAY
All parking bays that are adjacent to the perimeter of a development.
(14) 
RIGHT-OF-WAY
The area between the property line and the sidewalk/curb, or the edge of pavement is the right-of-way.
(15) 
SCREENING SHRUBS
Evergreen shrubs that maintain foliage year-round.
(16) 
SCREENING TREES
Evergreen trees that maintain foliage year-round.
(17) 
SIGHT TRIANGLES (INTERSECTION SIGHT DISTANCES)
Formed by the intersection of property lines and continues twenty-five (25) feet along the property lines.
(18) 
STREET YARD
The space between the edge of the right-of-way and the principal building. It is composed of grass and other natural plantings to promote ingress and egress safety and to add visual interest to expanses of surface parking lots.
[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
(1) 
Applicability. The requirements of this section shall apply to:
(a) 
All new development in all zones
(b) 
Existing developments in all zones
(i) 
For existing developments and parking facilities, expansion in gross floor area (GFA) or parking spaces will trigger landscaping requirements based on the scope of work proposed as established below.
(ii) 
Any modifications of landscaping requirements allowing for the expansion of existing manufacturing facility shall be reviewed and approved by the City of Collegedale.
(iii) 
Where both the building expansion and parking lot expansion requirements are applicable, the building expansion requirements shall supercede.
(2) 
Building expansions. When an expansion:
(a) 
Increases GFA at least ten percent (10%) but no more than twenty-five percent (25%), then the entire property shall comply with the landscaped street yard or parking lot landscaping requirements (option of applicant).
(b) 
Increases GFA more than twenty-five percent (25%), then the entire property shall meet all of the landscape ordinance requirements.
(3) 
Parking lot expansions. When an expansion:
(a) 
Increases the total number of parking spaces no more than twenty-five percent (25%), then the expanded portion of the parking lot shall comply with the landscaping requirements.
(b) 
Increases the total number of parking spaces more than twenty-five percent (25%) but no more than fifty percent (50%), then fifty percent (50%) of the existing parking lot(s) within the property and all of any expanded parking lot portions shall comply with the parking lot landscaping requirements.
(c) 
Increases the total number of parking spaces more than fifty percent (50%), then the expanded and existing parking lot(s) within the property shall comply with the parking lot landscaping requirements.
(4) 
Replacement. Vegetation planted or preserved that does not remain alive shall be replaced with equivalent vegetation. Preserved trees for which credit was awarded but which subsequently die, shall be replaced with a tree of the same variety of at least four inch (4") caliper, and at least eighteen feet (18') in height. The replacement of dead landscape material shall be the responsibility of the current property owner. If any of the material should fail to survive it would be replaced during the appropriate planting season.
(5) 
Irrigation. Required landscaping shall be irrigated by one of the following methods for all zones, except R-1-L, R-2, and AG:
(a) 
An underground sprinkler system;
(b) 
Automatic drip system.
(6) 
Plant guarantee. Guarantee from the developer and/or owner that all plant materials will be warranted following installation. If the developer sells the property, then the new owner assumes responsibility for maintaining all landscaping. Refer to § 14-704(2)(s).
(7) 
Soil and climatic conditions. Trees and other vegetation shall be planted in soil and climatic conditions which are appropriate for the growth habits. Native vegetation is preferred. Plants used in the landscape design shall to the greatest extent be:
(a) 
Appropriate to the conditions in which they are to be planted;
(b) 
Have non-invasive growth habits;
(c) 
Encourage low maintenance, high quality design; and,
(d) 
Otherwise consistent with the intent of this ordinance.
(8) 
Sod requirement. Sod shall be used where grass is required.
(9) 
Minimum requirements. The requirements within the Landscape Ordinance are the minimum standards. Additional landscaping above and beyond these requirements that help to achieve an aesthetically pleasing site is encouraged by the City of Collegedale.
[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
(1) 
Other landscape plan submittal requirements. Three (3) copies of the proposed landscape and/or development site plan shall be submitted to the planning and economic development coordinator.
(2) 
Proposed developments subject to the provisions of this section and prior to or at the time of submittal of a site plan shall submit a landscape/plant prepared by a registered landscape architect or by a landscape professional as approved by the City of Collegedale, and all of the requirements of that plan must be fulfilled before a certificate of occupancy may be granted. This landscape/plant installation plan may be incorporated into a site plan, provided the scale is not less than one inch equals forty feet (1" = 40'). The following elements shall be shown on the landscape/plant installation plan:
(a) 
Street yard as required for all non-residential, high density residential, and industrial developments:
(b) 
Interior parking lot landscaping as required for all non-residential, high density residential, and industrial developments;
(c) 
Landscape perimeter as required for all non-residential, high density residential, and industrial developments;
(d) 
Zoning of site and adjoining properties;
(e) 
Existing and proposed contours at two feet (2') intervals or less;
(f) 
Boundary lines and lot dimensions;
(g) 
Date, graphic scale, north arrow, title and name of owner, and the phone number of the person or firm responsible for the landscape plan;
(h) 
Location of all proposed structures and storage areas;
(i) 
Drainage features and 100-year floodplain, if applicable;
(j) 
Parking lot layout including parking stalls, bays, and driving lanes;
(k) 
Irrigation plan;
(l) 
Existing and proposed utility lines, and easements;
(m) 
All paved surfaces and curbs;
(n) 
Existing trees or natural areas to be retained (refer to § 14-715);
(o) 
Location of all required landscaping areas (street yard, landscaped peninsulas, landscaped islands, foundation plantings, and screening buffers);
(p) 
Location, installation size, quantity, and scientific and common names of landscaping to be installed;
(q) 
The spacing between trees and shrubs used for screening;
(r) 
Sight triangles;
(s) 
Plant warranty (signed and dated by the owner):
"I (We) hereby guarantee to the City of Collegedale that the plant materials shown on this plan shall remain alive and after issuance of the final Certificate of Occupancy. Any plant material that dies or is damaged shall be replaced in the next appropriate planting season with equivalent material. If the property is sold, this guarantee shall become the responsibility of the new owner."
[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
This section does not intend to create undue hardship on affected properties. The required landscaping should not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the total area. For existing developments, where the GFA or parking areas are being increased, the loss of off-street parking spaces (required by the City of Collegedale Zoning Ordinance) as a result of compliance with the landscaping provisions should not exceed ten percent (10%).
(1) 
Special administrative remedies.
(a) 
Lots which front on more than one (1) street with the following special exception:
(i) 
All street frontages other than the primary street frontage may have a landscaped street yard with a minimum depth of four feet (4').
(b) 
In situations where the landscape requirements would result in the demolition of an existing building, a loss of more than ten percent (10%) or the gross required off-street parking for an existing development; or, a loss greater than fifteen percent (15%) of the lot area for development, the following administrative remedies may be applied:
(i) 
Reduce the required minimum landscaped area widths up to fifty percent (50%); and,
(ii) 
Reduce the tree planting requirements by up to twenty-five percent (25%).
(2) 
Administrative guidelines.
(a) 
Where possible, reduction of landscaping requirements in one (1) area should be offset by an increase of landscaping requirements in other portions of the site.
(b) 
The first priority is to provide trees and shrubs along the street frontage.
(c) 
The second priority is to provide trees within portions of the parking lot that are highly visible from the street.
(d) 
A screen should always be provided as required by this Section. Where there are space limitations, reduce the landscape yard as necessary. If the planting area is less than five feet (5') in width, require a minimum six feet (6') tall wood or composite fence or masonry wall.
(3) 
Conflict with other articles in the zoning ordinance and existing zoning conditions.
(a) 
Where any requirement of this section conflicts with the requirement of another article of the existing zoning conditions in the City of Collegedale Zoning Ordinance, the most restrictive requirement shall apply.
[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
The landscaped street yard serves to provide an aesthetically pleasing transition from the public right-of-way to private property. This street yard also allows the motorist or pedestrian to see the commercial building's façade but not the parking lots, thus screening the parking areas from view. When a parking lot is located adjacent to a public right-of-way, a strip of landscaping helps shield projecting headlights that may impair the vision of passing motorists or pedestrians therefore creating a safer environment.
(1) 
Street yard options. The site plan for any non-residential or high density residential development - other than that exempt in § 14-702 exemptions - shall show a landscaped street yard along all public rights-of-way. The applicant may choose one or a combination of the four (4) options illustrated below:
NOTE: The following standards for trees should not be construed as mandating a continuous line of trees spaced in an equidistant fashion within the street yard.
(a) 
Ten foot (10') street yard
(i) 
Minimum width:
(A) 
Ten feet (10')
(ii) 
Minimum number of trees required:
(A) 
One (1) Class 1 shade tree, and one (1) ornamental shade tree per thirty-five (35) linear feet of street frontage.
(iii) 
Minimum number of shrubs required:
(A) 
Twelve (12) shrubs per twenty-five (25) linear feet of street frontage. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of shrubs required shall be evergreen.
(b) 
Earth berm
(i) 
Minimum height:
(A) 
Two and one-half feet (2 1/2') higher than the finished elevation of the parking lot.
(ii) 
Minimum width:
(A) 
Three to one (3:1) slope (i.e. fifteen feet (15') in width to two and one half feet (2.5') in height)
(iii) 
Minimum number of trees required:
(A) 
One (1) Class 1 shade tree and one (1) ornamental shade tree per thirty-five (35) linear feet of street frontage.
(iv) 
Minimum number of shrubs:
(A) 
Five (5) shrubs per twenty-five (25) linear feet of street frontage. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the shrubs required shall be evergreen.
(c) 
Six foot (6') street yard:
(i) 
Minimum width:
(A) 
Six feet (6') of landscaped street yard with three feet (3') of fall away from street, and out of the right-of-way.
(ii) 
Minimum number of trees:
(A) 
One (1) Class 1 shade tree and one (1) ornamental tree per thirty-five (35) linear feet of street frontage.
(iii) 
Minimum number of shrubs:
(A) 
Three (3) shrubs per twenty-five (25) linear feet of street frontage. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of shrubs required shall be evergreen.
(d) 
Twenty-five foot (25') street yard
(i) 
A landscaped street yard with existing woodlands maintained in twenty-five feet (25') strips along the street frontage.
(ii) 
Existing woodlands to be set aside shall have a minimum depth of twenty-five feet (25') as measured from the public street right-of-way.
(iii) 
Number of woodland trees (not including prohibited trees) having a minimum caliper of six inches (6") shall equal or exceed the minimum street planting ratio of one (1) Class 1 shade tree and one (1) ornamental tree per thirty-five feet (35') per linear feet;
(iv) 
No impervious surfaces are permitted within the protected woodlands area except for approved access points to the site; and,
(v) 
No cutting/filling activities or storage or materials/equipment are permitted within the protected woodlands.
(2) 
Massing. Massing is multiple rows of alternating plant materials with a combination of trees and shrubs. Massing is strongly encouraged. The maximum distance between massing is twenty-five feet (25'). Massing should be integrated into a bed or in a curb to ease maintenance.
(3) 
Sight distances. A sight distances at intersections and points of access must be maintained. No landscaping shall constitute a hazard to traffic, including but not limited to landscaping located within the required sight triangles of an intersection.
(4) 
Prohibition. Parking, merchandise display, signage and off-street loading are prohibited in the landscaped street yard.
(5) 
Exemptions/special situations. Where overhead power lines encroach into the street yard, smaller ornamental shade trees can be substituted for shade trees. See § 14-713 Plant installation specifications (ornamental shade trees).
[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
(1) 
Living material. Living materials, such as sodded grass, shall make up a minimum of eighty percent (80%) of the groundcover for the landscaped street yard. But, one hundred percent (100%) of living materials is encouraged.
(2) 
Mulch. Wood mulch or pine straw may make up twenty percent (20%) of the groundcover for the landscaped street yard. Weed barrier shall be required. Gravel, concrete, brick pavers or other pavement is not appropriate groundcover for the street yard.
(3) 
Right-of-way. The area between the property line and the sidewalk/curb, or edge of pavement is the right-of-way. A groundcover of fescue sod shall be used in the right-of-way. Mulch is prohibited.
[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April, 2010; Ord. 752, October 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
Perimeter landscaping is a peripheral planting strip along rear and side lot lines that separates uses and/or zones. It is used to define parking areas, prevent two adjacent properties from becoming on large expanse of pavement, provide vegetation in densely developed areas, screen vehicular use areas from view of public streets and adjacent uses in accordance with the following standards, and enhance the appearance of individual properties.
(1) 
Requirement. The site pan for any non-residential, high density residential, industrial development, other than those exempt, shall show perimeter landscaping, in addition to the landscaped street yard required in § 14-706 Landscaped street yard.
(a) 
Width.
(i) 
A five foot (5') landscaped strip is required along the side and rear lot lines of a development.
(ii) 
The five (5) foot perimeter strip is required for each development regardless if one is already in place from an adjacent, developed lot.
(b) 
Minimum number of trees:
(i) 
One (1) tree per fifty (50) linear feet.
(c) 
Continuous visual screen. The planting strip shall contain a continuous hedge composed of a double staggered row of evergreen shrubs with a minimum planting height of thirty inches (30") and maximum center spacing of three feet (3').
(d) 
Groundcover. All perimeter landscaped areas not dedicated to preservation of existing vegetation shall be landscaped with groundcover.
(i) 
Living material. Living materials, such as sodded grass, shall make up a minimum of eighty percent (80%) of the groundcover for the landscaped perimeter. One hundred percent (100%) of living material is strongly encouraged.
(ii) 
Mulch. Wood mulch or pine straw may make up twenty percent (20%) of the groundcover for the landscaped perimeter. Gravel, concrete, brick pavers or other pavement is not an appropriate groundcover. Weed barrier shall be required.
(2) 
Vehicular access. The perimeter landscaping requirement does not preclude the need for vehicular access to be provided between lots.
(3) 
Pavement. No pavement may be located within five feet (5') of the property line on any lot unless it is included with an ingress/egress location.
[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
Screening and buffering will be required to provide a transition between land uses and/or zones and protect the integrity of less-intensive uses from more intensive uses. It also provides a year-round visual obstruction and transition between incompatible land uses and/or zones by requiring a landscape yard of a specified minimum depth along the shared property line.
(1) 
Procedure. Refer to the matrix below to determine any screening requirements for the proposed development. First, identify the type of zoning for the proposed development (along the left side of the matrix) and each adjoining property (along the top of the matrix). Second, find where the zoning of the proposed development and each adjoin property intersect on the matrix. If a screen is required, a capital letter will indicate the type of screen to be applied. A description of each screen type is provided in this Section.
NOTE: Adjacent land uses within the same zone may require additional screening (to be determined by the City of Collegedale.
Table 14-709A Screening
 
Adjacent Property
 
Industrial
Commercial
University
High Density Residential
Low Density Residential
 Proposed
Industrial
X, D, E
C, E, D
B, E, D
A, E, D
A, E, D
Commercial
C, E, D
X, D, E
B, E, D
B, E, D
B, E, D
University
C, E, D
C, E, D
X, D, E
B, E, D
B, E, D
High Density Residential
A, E, D
B, E, D
C, E, D
C, E, D
C, E, D
Low Density Residential
A, E
B, E
C, E
C, E
C*, E
Zoning Districts are not considered to be adjacent if separated by a right-of-way of at least fifty (50) feet in width. *Nothing in this provision shall require screening between individual single-family lots within a subdivision.
X = No Screen Required
Table 14-708B Zoning Districts*
Use
Zone
Industrial
I-1, MUBC
Commercial
C-1, C-2, C-3, MUTC and MUBC
University
U-1
High Density Residential
R-1-H, R-3 and MUTC
Low Density Residential
R-1-L, R-2 and AG
*When a mix of uses is involved the landscape shall be determined by the use.
(2) 
Screening type standards.
(a) 
Type A - Thirty feet (30') deep landscape yard planted with:
(i) 
Evergreen trees spaced a maximum of ten feet (10') on-center or two (2) staggered rows (spaced a maximum of seven feet (7') apart) of shrubs spaced a maximum of eight feet (8') on-center; and,
(ii) 
Two (2) rows of Class 1 shade trees spaced a maximum of thirty-five feet (35') on-center.
(iii) 
All plantings shall meet the installation and planting size requirements specified in § 14-713 Plant installation specifications.
(b) 
Type B - Twenty feet (20') deep landscape yard planted with:
(i) 
Evergreen trees spaced a maximum of ten feet (10) on-center or two (2) staggered rows (spaced a maximum of seven feet (7') apart) of shrubs space a maximum of eight feet (8') on-center; and,
(ii) 
One (1) row of Class 1 shade trees spaced a maximum of thirty-five feet (35') on-center.
(iii) 
All plantings shall meet the installation and planting size requirements specified in § 14-713 Plant installation specifications.
(c) 
Type C - Ten feet (10') deep landscape yard planted with:
(i) 
Evergreen trees spaced a maximum of ten feet (10') on-center or two (2) staggered rows (spaced a maximum of seven feet (7') apart) of shrubs space a maximum of eight feet (8') on-center.
(ii) 
All plantings shall meet the installation and planting size requirements specified in § 14-513 Plant installation specifications.
(d) 
Type D - Screening of dumpster to be screened as described below:
(i) 
Screening shall be a minimum height of six feet(6:);
(ii) 
All four (4) sides of the dumpster shall be screened;
(iii) 
The screen should incorporate access to the dumpster by using a wood fence or other opaque device such as a gate. Chain link fencing is not allowed in this application.
(iv) 
Screening materials can be any combination of wood, composite or masonry material.
(e) 
Type E - Service areas, maintenance areas, equipment areas, outdoor storage (of materials, stock or equipment), loading docks, berths, or similar spaces must be screened from offsite views (as described in Type C or Type D). Building or ground mounted mechanical or electrical equipment (including but not limited to transformers, sprinkler control boxes, pump stations, sewer stations, backflow preventers, telephone risers or equipment cabinets, generators or similar devices, water meters, gas meters, electrical meters, air-conditioning or similar HVAC equipment) must also be screened from offsite views (as described in Type C or Type D).
(f) 
Type F - Stormwater facilities are subject to the following conditions:
(i) 
No rip-rap, crushed stone, concrete or other impervious materials are exposed.
(ii) 
Trees and other living organic material can be planted along the stormwater facility as long as the plantings do not interfere with the intended use of the facility.
(iii) 
The use of a continuous visual screen consisting of a continuous hedge composed of a double staggered row of evergreen shrubs with a minimum planting height of thirty inches (30") and maximum center spacing of three feet (3').
[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
(1) 
Building foundation landscaping is required on lots containing non-residential (excluding industrial) and high density residential development. Shrubs shall be placed around the facades facing rights-of-way, a minimum of three feet (3') from the building.
(2) 
Foundation plantings shall work in concert with transition yard plantings to frame important views, while visually softening long expanses of walls, particularly those lacking windows and other architectural details. Foundation plantings shall be compatible with the materials and the form of the proposed building(s).
(3) 
The minimum width of the area provided to accommodate foundation plantings is as follows:
(a) 
A minimum of a three foot (3') planting area adjacent to building walls having an eave height of up to twenty feet (20').
(b) 
A minimum of a six foot (6') planting area adjacent to building walls having an eave height of twenty feet (20') or more.
(4) 
Foundation plantings shall be installed across the entire length of facades facing rights-of-way, except where walkways and driveways are located.
[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
The intent of this section is to break up the expanse of pavement, to provide shade, and to reduce glare from parked cars and loading docks.
(1) 
Design criteria.
(a) 
Any part of a parking space can be no more than sixty feet (60') from a tree. Refer to diagram below:
(b) 
Ends of all interior parking bays that contain a minimum of ten (10) contiguous parking spaces shall be bordered on both sides by a landscape island. Refer to diagram below:
(c) 
Ends of all perimeter parking bays shall be bordered by a landscaped peninsula. Refer to diagram below:
(d) 
Side and front-facing truck delivery stalls and loading bays shall be screened from the public right-of-way as shown below:
(e) 
The screening material for loading docks and delivery stalls shall consist of the following:
(f) 
One (1) row of evergreen shrubs spaced a maximum of five feet (5') on-center or a row of evergreen trees spaced a maximum of ten feet (10') on-center as specified in § 14-713 Plant installation specifications.
(2) 
Dimensions/planting criteria.
(a) 
Landscaped islands and peninsulas used to meet the landscape requirements:
(b) 
Shall have a minimum width of eight feet (8') and a minimum landscaped area of two hundred (200) square feet;
(c) 
Landscaped islands and peninsulas used to meet the landscaping requirements shall be planted with at least one (1) tree.
(d) 
The trees referred to in this parking section are Class 1 shade trees as specified in § 14-713 Plant installation specifications. In the special situations specified below, smaller ornamental shade trees may be substituted for Class 1 shade trees:
(i) 
An overhead obstacle such as a canopy or power lines limits the tree height:
(ii) 
The tree is located within twenty feet (20') of a building.
(e) 
All landscaped islands and peninsulas shall be bordered by a curb or a wheel stop.
(f) 
Groundcover. All interior parking lot landscaped areas not dedicated to preservation of existing vegetation shall be landscaped with groundcover. A weed barrier shall be required.
(i) 
Living material. Living materials, such as grass, shall make up a minimum of sixty percent (60%) of the groundcover for the interior parking lot landscaping. One hundred percent (100%) of living materials is strongly encouraged.
(ii) 
Non-living material. Non-living materials, such as wood mulch, pine straw, or decorative rock (three fourths inch (3/4") or smaller gravel in a natural color tone) may make up forty percent (40%) of the groundcover for the interior parking lot landscaping. A weed barrier shall be required. Brick pavers or other pavement is not appropriate non-living groundcover.
(3) 
Vehicular display areas. Applicants shall select one (1) of the following options for vehicular display areas:
(a) 
Compliance with standard. Comply with the interior parking lot landscaping requirements described in this section and the requirements in § 14-706 Landscaped street yard; or
(b) 
Increase street yard. In lieu of the interior parking lot landscaping requirements, increase the required street yard to fifteen feet (15') wide and install the number of trees required for the interior landscape requirements within the street yard.
(4) 
Wheel stops. Except as provided below, all landscape areas at the front line of off-street parking spaces must be protected from encroachment of intrusion of vehicles through the use of wheel stops or curbs.
(a) 
Minimum height. Wheel stops shall have a minimum height of six inches (6") above the finished grade of the parking area.
(b) 
Anchoring. Wheel stops shall be properly anchored and shall be continuously maintained in good condition by the property owner.
(c) 
Location. Wheel stops shall not be placed in location of anticipated pedestrian traffic.
(5) 
Screened backfill. Soil used in parking lot islands, driveway medians, and other areas internal to a vehicular use area shall be screened prior to deposition in planting areas.
[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
(1) 
Intent. To avoid damage to utility lines and landscape plantings, all trees and shrubs should be planted outside of existing and proposed utility easements.
(2) 
Policy. Any tree or shrub used to meet the requirements of this section shall not be located within proposed or existing utility easements unless it meets one (1) of the special exceptions as defined below.
(3) 
Special exceptions. Special exceptions include the following:
(a) 
Written permission has been obtained from the holder of the utility easement.
(b) 
Where overhead power lines cross an area required by the ordinance to be planted with shade trees, smaller ornamental trees may be substituted.
(c) 
If none of the special exceptions above apply, the following options shall be considered in order of priority:
(i) 
Priority 1. Plant the tree as close to the easement as possible.
(ii) 
Priority 2. For highly visible areas (street yard, parking lots in front) plant the tree in the same general area where it can be seen from the street or parking lot.
[Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
(1) 
Intent. All landscaping materials shall be installed according to accepted planting procedures of the landscape industry. Planting methods and the season of planting will optimize chances for long-term plant survival.
(2) 
Table 14-713A Plant Installation Specifications.
(a) 
Class 1 shade trees. These trees are intended to be used to meet the tree planting requirements specified in § 14-706 Landscaped street yard, § 14-708 Landscape perimeter, § 14-711 Parking lot requirements, and § 14-715 Residential landscaping. All Class 1 shade trees shall be installed at a minimum caliper of two inches (2") as measured from two and one half feet (2 1/2') above grade level. Class 1 shade trees shall also have a minimum expected maturity height of at least thirty-five feet (35') and a minimum canopy spread of twenty feet (20'). Evergreen trees can be treated as Class 1 shade trees provided they meet the minimum maturity height and canopy spread criteria.
(b) 
Ornamental shade trees. These trees are intended to be used for planting under overhead utility lines only where they encroach into the property. All ornamental shade trees shall be installed at a minimum caliper of one and one-half inches (1 1/2") a measured at two and one-half feet (2 1/2') above grade level from the base of the tree. Ornamental shade trees shall have a maximum expected maturity height of twenty feet (20') and a minimum canopy spread of ten feet (10').
(c) 
Screening trees. These trees are intended to be used to meet the tree planting requirements of § 14-709 Screening. All screening trees shall be installed at a minimum height of eight feet (8') and have a minimum expected mature spread of eight feet (8').
(d) 
Screening shrubs. These shrubs shall be installed at a minimum size of three (3) gallons and have an expected maturity height of at least eight feet (8') and a mature spread of at least five feet (5').
(e) 
Foundation and landscape shrubs. These shrubs shall be installed at a minimum size of three (3) gallons.
(f) 
Prohibited plants. These plants are prohibited from being used to meet these requirements due to problems with hardiness, maintenance or nuisance.
Table 14-713A
Collegedale Plant Installation Specification (Common Name)
Please see notes in Section 14-713
Class 1 Shade Trees
Ornamental Shade Trees
Screening Trees
Screening Shrubs
Foundation and Landscape Plants
Prohibited Plants
American Hophornbeam
Amur Maple
American Arborvitae
Burford Holly
Azalea
Air-potato
American Hornbeam
Autumn Flowering Cherry
American Holly
Cherry Laurel
Barberry (all cultivars)
Amur Bush Honeysuckle
Bald Cypress
Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Atlas Cedar
Eastern Arborvitae
Burford Holly
Asian Bittersweet
Black Gum
Crapem yrtle
Canadian Hemlock
English Holly
Burning Bush
Autumn Olive
Chinese Pistache
Flowering Dogwood
Carolina Hemlock
English Laurel
Cherry Laurel
Bradford Pear
Dawn Redwood
Golden Raintree
Deodar Cedar
Leatherleaf Viburnum
Crape Mirtle
Bush Honeysuckle
European Hornbeam
Hedge Maple
Eastern Red Cedar
Nellie R. Stevens Holly
Creeping Juniper
Chinese Privet
Ginkgo (use male only)
Kousa Dogwood
Foster Holly
Wax Mirtle
Dwarf Burford Holly
Common Privet
Japanese Pogodatree
Okame Cherry
Green Giant Arborvitae
 
English Holly
Common Reed
Japanese Zelkova
Redbud
Leyland Cypress
 
Ever-Blooming Rose
English Ivy
Katsura Tree
Serviceberry
Sapphire Cypress
 
Forsythia
Eurasian Water Milfoil
Littleleaf Linden
Sweetbay Magnolia
Shortleaf Pine
 
Foster Holly
Garlic Mustard
Northern Red Oak
Thornless Cockspur Hawthorne
Southern Magnolia
 
Fragrant Olive
January Jasmine
Overcup Oak
Trident Maple
 
 
Helleri Holly
Japanese Bamboo
Princeton American Elm
Winter King Hawthorne
 
 
Inkberry Holly
Japanese Grass
River Birch
Yoshino Cherry
 
 
Japanese Barberry
Japanese Honeysuckle
Scarlet Oak
 
 
 
Japanese Holly
Japanese Knotwood
Seedless Honey Locust
 
 
 
Leatherleaf Viburnum
Japanese Spiraea
Shumard Oak
 
 
 
Mop Cypress
Johnson Grass
Southern Sugar Maple
 
 
 
Nandina (all cultivars)
Kudzu
Sugar Maple
 
 
 
Otto Laurel
Mimosa
Swamp White Oak
 
 
 
Pfitzer Juniper
Morrow’s Bush Honeysuckle
Sweetgum
 
 
 
Shore Juniper
Mulberry
Water Oak
 
 
 
Skipp Laurel
Multiflora Rose
White Oak
 
 
 
Youpan Holly
Princess Tree
Willow Oak
 
 
 
 
Purple Loosestrife
Yellowwood
 
 
 
 
Sericea Lespedeza
 
 
 
 
 
Siberian Elm
 
 
 
 
 
Silver Maple
 
 
 
 
 
Silver Poplar
 
 
 
 
 
Tartarian Honeysuckle
 
 
 
 
 
Thorny Olive
 
 
 
 
 
Tree of Heaven
 
 
 
 
 
Tropical Soda Apple
 
 
 
 
 
Winter Creeper
[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
(1) 
Location.
(a) 
Drainage. Trees shall not be placed where they interfere with sight triangles.
(b) 
Overhead utilities. Trees shall not be placed where they require frequent pruning in order to avoid interference with overhead utility lines. In such locations, small ornamental trees are required to be placed where allowed by the utility company.
(c) 
Buried utilities. Landscaping shall be installed at locations that avoid placement directly above buried utilities.
(d) 
Fire hydrants. Landscaping shall not be placed within six feet (6') of a fire hydrant.
(2) 
Minimum size. All plant material shall meet the requirements established by the American Association of Nurserymen publication "American Standard for Nursery Stock" (ANSI Z60.1 latest version). Immediately upon planting, trees shall meet the minimum requirements:
(a) 
Class 1 shade trees - two and one-half (2 1/2") in caliper.
(b) 
Ornamental trees - two inches (2") in caliper.
(c) 
Evergreen trees - eight feet (8') in height.
(d) 
Shrubs - twenty-four inches (24") in height and in a three (3) gallon pot, if not ball and wrapped in burlap.
(e) 
Species mix. When more than ten (10) trees are to be planted to meet the requirements of this ordinance, a mix of species shall be provided. The number of species to be planted shall vary according to the overall number of trees required to be planted. The minimum number of species to be planted is listed below. Species shall be planted in proportion to the required mix. This species mix shall not apply to areas of vegetation required to be preserved by law.
(i) 
Number of required trees: 11 - 20 trees = two (2) species (but no more than seventy percent (70%) of each)
(ii) 
Number of required trees: 21 - 30 = three (3) species (but no more than forty percent (40%) of each)
(iii) 
Number of required trees: 31 - 40 = four (4) species (but no more than forty percent (40%) of each)
(iv) 
Number of required trees: 41+ = five (5) species (but no more than forty percent (40%) of each)
[Ord. 577, June 2003; Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
(1) 
Healthy trees. No tree preservation credits will be allowed for any dead tree, any tree in poor health or any tree subjected to grade alterations.
(2) 
Protection during construction. Trees for which credit is given shall be protected during construction from:
(a) 
Mechanical injuries to root, trunk, and branches;
(b) 
Injuries by chemical poisoning;
(c) 
Injuries by excavation; and,
(d) 
Injuries by paving.
(3) 
Credit options. If an applicant is preserving trees, the applicant may use the existing trees as credit either toward a reduction in parking requirements or in a reduction of the number of trees required, as described below and as approved by the City of Collegedale Planning Commission.
(4) 
Reduction of parking requirements. To allow an existing or new development to preserve trees within or adjacent to a parking lot, the number of required off-street parking spaces may be reduced as described below:
(a) 
Parking space reduction credits.
(i) 
Total diameter of all preserved trees: 4 - 7.9 inches = one (1) parking space credited.
(ii) 
Total diameter of all preserved trees: 8 - 22.9 inches = two (2) parking spaces credited.
(iii) 
Total diameter of all preserved trees: 23 - 29.9 inches = three (3) parking spaces credited.
(iv) 
Total diameter of all preserved trees: 30+ inches = four (4) parking spaces credited
(b) 
Reduction of required trees. Preservation and protection of existing trees on the lot may be credited toward the tree planting requirements. Credit for preserved trees shall be permitted at the following rates:
(i) 
Diameter of preserved tree: 4 - 7.9 inches = one (1) shade tree.
(ii) 
Diameter of preserved trees: 8 - 22.9 inches = two (2) shade tree.
(iii) 
Diameter of preserved trees: 23 - 29.9 inches = three (3) shade tree.
(iv) 
Diameter of preserved trees: 30+ inches = four (4) parking shade tree.
[Ord. 742, April 2010; Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
(1) 
This section applies only to low-density residential development as specified below.
(2) 
A minimum or two (2) Class 1 shade trees or four (4) ornamental trees as specified by § 14-713 Plant installation specifications (minimum size) shall be planted in the front yard, or within ten feet (10') of front of residence in the side yard, for each new residential lot in the R-1-H, R-1-L, R-2, and AG zones. Zone R-3 for the purposes of this ordinance is considered to be a "Commercial" (high density residential) development and must comply with the sections on Commercial (high density) developments. Trees existing in the front lawn can be credited towards the landscaping requirements as per § 14-716 Tree preservation credits. The tree or trees shall be planted prior to being issued a certificate of occupancy. Screening requirements in § 14-709 Screening are required to be installed prior to being issued a certificate of occupancy. (Screening requirements met with shrubbery cannot be used to offset shrubbery requirements within this section.) Shrubs will be required at a rate of seven (7) per one thousand (1,000) heated square feet of a residential dwelling and will comply with all standards and planting requirements within this ordinance, and will be installed prior to being issued a certificate of occupancy. Lawn grass is required in all front yards and areas of property visible from road frontage, and required to be at a height of three inches (3") prior to being issued a certificate of occupancy. Whether the lawn is seeded and straw on it or sod is used the height of the grass must be a minimum of three inches (3") in height.
For example, prior to being issued a certificate of occupancy for a two thousand four hundred (2,400) square foot house the following must be done to meet the requirements of this ordinance:
(a) 
A minimum of sixteen (16) - three (3) gallon shrubs must be planted;
(b) 
The grass on the lawn must be at a minimum of three inches (3") in height;
(c) 
Air conditioning equipment, electrical, gas, and water meters must be screened;
(d) 
A minimum of two (2) Class 1 shade trees or four (4) ornamental trees must be planted.
(3) 
Exemptions. A property owner, builder or developer may request exemption from these requirements if the following conditions are present:
(a) 
The lot is at least than two (2) acres in area, and;
(b) 
The residence is constructed more than three hundred feet (300') from any public right-of-way; and
(c) 
Natural tree cover is retained and maintained to an extent that screens the residence from public rights-of-way.
(d) 
Residences located on lots greater than ten (10) acres and located over five hundred feet (500') from public rights-of-way.
[Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
(1) 
Final occupancy permit. If the landscaping has not been installed and inspected for proper installation prior to receiving the certificate of occupancy, a temporary certificate of occupancy may be granted provided the following conditions are met:
(a) 
Property owner posts a performance bond with the city finance department;
(b) 
The amount of the bond or letter of credit shall be based on material and installation costs of the uninstalled landscape material, including a twenty-five percent (25%) contingency cost, as shown on the submitted landscape plan; and,
(c) 
The cost of the landscaping shall be certified by a licensed landscape contractor.
After receiving the temporary certificate of occupancy, the remaining landscape material shall be installed within ninety (90) days from the date the certificate of occupancy is issued. The bond shall be called if the required landscaping has not been installed by the end of the ninety (90) day period and the funds will be applied to complete the landscaping work.
(2) 
Maintenance. Landscape maintenance specifications are as follows:
(a) 
The owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of all landscape areas not in the public right-of-way.
(b) 
Unless otherwise specified by the city, owners shall be responsible for maintaining street trees planted adjacent to the site in conjunction with construction.
(c) 
Homeowners associations are responsible for the maintenance of open lots, medians, street trees associated with the development.
(d) 
Landscape areas shall be maintained in accordance with the approved landscape plan and shall present a healthy and orderly appearance free from refuse and debris.
(e) 
All plants shown on an approved Landscape Plan used to meet a minimum requirement of this ordinance shall be replaced if they die, are seriously damaged, or a new timeline for a new landscape plan and new landscaping is installed.
(3) 
Damage due to natural occurrence.
(a) 
In the event that any vegetation or physical element functioning to meet the standards of this subsection is severely damaged due to an unusual weather occurrence or natural catastrophe, or other natural occurrence such as damage by wild animals, the owner or developer will be required to replant if the landscape standards are no longer met.
(b) 
The owner shall have one growing season to replace or replant.
(4) 
Protection during operations. The owner or developer shall take actions to protect trees and landscape from unnecessary damages during all facility and site maintenance operations. Plants shall be maintained in a way that does not obstruct sight distances or roadway and drive intersections, obstruct traffic signs or devices, and/or interfere with the use of sidewalks or pedestrian trails.
(5) 
Maintain shape. All required trees shall be maintained in their characteristic natural shape, and shall not be severely pruned, sheared, topped, or shaped as shrubs. Trees required by this chapter that have been severely pruned, sheared, topped, or shaped as shrubs that no longer meet their intended function shall be considered as damaged vegetation in need of replacement, and shall be replaced within one (1) growing season.
[Ord. 983, Sept. 2013]
Any person aggrieved by the administration, interpretation, or enforcement of this section may appeal to the board of zoning appeals within sixty (60) days of the City of Collegedale's decision. Decisions of the board of zoning appeals may be appealed to a court of competent jurisdiction. Should any court of competent jurisdiction find any portion of this Section to be unlawful or unconstitutional, such finding shall not affect this Section as a whole or any portion of it not found invalid.
Unique factors relating to topography, soil and vegetation conditions, space limitations, or uses of neighboring property may make landscaping impossible, ineffective or unnecessary. Section 14-705 Hardships provides administrative remedies and guidelines where the strict application of the City of Collegedale Landscape Ordinance would create an undue hardship. If the administrative remedies and guidelines as described within § 14-705 Hardships do not relieve the undue hardship, requests for use of alternative landscaping schemes or variances are justified only when one or more of the following conditions apply:
(1) 
Topography, soil, vegetation, or other site conditions are such that full compliance is impossible, impractical, or ineffective. If the request is a variance in the screening requirements, a letter shall be required from the owners of the abutting property to acquiesce with the variance or alternative landscaping scheme.
(2) 
Due to a change of use of an existing site, the required screening requirements (§ 14-706 Landscaped street yard) are larger than can be provided as required by the provisions of this ordinance.
(3) 
The site involves space limitations or unusually shaped parcels.
(4) 
When the strict application of this landscape ordinance would impact the safety of the general public. A variance application must be completed and a one hundred dollar ($100.00) fee submitted to the City of Collegedale Codes and Inspection Department.