§ 8178-8.4.2.7.1. Interior parking lot landscaping.

Parking lots shall include interior landscaping as outlined below.

a.

Planter Dimensions.

1.

Strip Planters. Interior parking lot strip planters shall measure at least four (4) feet wide (inside dimension).

2.

Finger Planters. Finger planters shall be at least five (5) feet wide (inside dimension) and the length shall be the same as the parking space (typically, eighteen (18) feet).

3.

Tree well planters shall be a minimum of sixteen (16) square feet, (inside dimension).

b.

All parking lot landscape planters shall be protected from vehicular damage by a raised curb or a wheel stop. The raised curb or wheel stop shall be at least four (4) inches in height.

1.

Where curbs around landscape planters function as wheel stops, plants and other landscape features in the outside two (2) feet of these planters shall not extend more than two (2) inches above the four (4) inch curb or wheel stop.

2.

Curbs adjacent to landscape planters may contain cuts or notches to allow stormwater to pass into the planter if part of a landscaped stormwater management system.

c.

Preferred Layout. The preferred layout for the interior landscaping of parking areas is set forth below.

1.

A minimum eight (8) foot wide (inside dimension, inclusive of any bumper overhang) landscape planter shall be provided between the street and a parking lot, except at driveways, pedestrian pathways, and other pedestrian spaces.

2.

The ends of each row of parking spaces should be separated from drive aisles, driveways, or buildings by a finger planter.

3.

Between finger planters, tree wells or a continuous strip planter should be provided.

4.

Where parking areas and associated driveways adjoin a residential use, a vacant residentially zoned property, or a ground-floor residential land use, perimeter landscaping shall include the following:

i.

A solid masonry wall at least six (6) feet in height shall be installed and maintained along the property line except where it would adversely impact scenic resources.

ii.

Where such parking lot is across the street from an R-zoned property, the parking lot shall be separated from the street by an opaque ornamental fence, wall, landscaped earth mound, or evergreen hedge having a height of at least three (3) feet except where it would adversely impact scenic resources.

5.

Where a parking area or driveway adjoins a side or rear property line, side and rear perimeter landscaping shall be provided. The perimeter landscaping shall be at least two (2) feet wide (inside dimension) when the planters do not include trees and a minimum of four (4) feet wide (inside dimension) when the planters include trees.

6.

Where a parking area or driveway is adjacent to a building on the same site, the area should be separated from the building by a landscaped planter at least four (4) feet wide.

7.

When approving a landscape plan for a development that includes a parking lot, the preferred layout will be based on functional considerations and site constraints.

d.

Tree Locations

1.

Trees shall be spaced out evenly throughout the parking lot in order to maximize shading of pavement.

i.

Double-sided Parking Rows. Provide one (1) finger planter with two (2) trees (one per eight spaces). Between finger planters, either provide two (2) tree wells (one per eight spaces) or a continuous planter containing two (2) trees (one per eight spaces).

ii.

Single-sided Parking Rows. Provide one (1) finger planter with one tree. Between finger planters, either provide two (2) tree wells (one per four spaces) or a continuous planter containing two (2) trees (one per four spaces).

Examples of Landscaping for Single- and Double-Sided Parking

e.

Shrubs planted in parking lot planters shall not grow above three (3) feet in height.

f.

Trees planted in parking lot planters shall not interfere with parking lot lighting illumination that is required for safety or security purposes.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 6, 6-21-2016)