Secondary and Cumulative Impacts Master Management Plan - 2014

Article 5: Development Standards Section 5.12. Landscaping 5.12.3. General Landscaping Standards

3. Upgrading of Landscaping Nonconformities 420

Where existing development is nonconforming in terms of compliance with this section‘s standards for off-street parking and loading, such development is subject to the limitations and upgrading requirements in Section 9.7, Nonconforming Site Features. C. Landscape Plan Required A landscape plan shall be included as part of any application for Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat Approval (Section 2.5.6.B), Minor Subdivision Plat Approval (Section 2.5.6.D), Major Site Plan Approval (Section 2.5.7.B), or Minor Site Plan Approval (Section 2.5.7.C) or Construction Plan Approval (Section 2.5.8) for development subject to the standards in this section. Landscape plans shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Administrative Manual. D. Allowed Deviation of Standards Deviations from the landscaping standards in this section may be authorized in Section 2.5.19, Administrative Adjustment, Section 2.5.20, Alternative Equivalent Compliance, or Section 5.12.7, Alternative Landscape Plan.

5.12.3. General Landscaping Standards

A. New Planting Standards 421

1.

Required vegetation shall be planted in accordance with American Standards of Nursery Stock guidelines. At the time of planting, vegetation included as part of required landscaping shall comply with the following size standards: a. Shade trees shall have a caliper of at least three and one-half inches and be at least 14 feet in height above ground level. They shall be capable of attaining a height of at least 35 feet and a crown diameter of at least 30 feet at maturity. b. Understory trees shall have a caliper of at least two inches and shall be at least eight feet in height above ground level. 422

2.

c. Shrubs shall be upright in nature and at least 24 inches in height above ground level. They shall be capable of attaining a height of at least 30 inches within three years after planting. Figure 5.12.3.A: Minimum new planting standards. [to be revised to match text] 420 This recognizes that landscaping nonconformities (generally the lack of currently required landscaping) may be required to be upgraded towards conformity where substantial expansion or remodeling of principal structures is proposed. 421 The tree size standards are carried forward from the standards for interior vehicle use areas in Part C. Art. IX, Sec. 7.3 of the current Zoning Ordinance. The shrub standards are carried forward from the minimum height standard for street yard planting next to vehicle use areas (Part C, Art. IX, Sec. 7.2.G). 422 This adds a minimum height requirement to the current minimum caliper requirement.

Morrisville, NC

June 2013 Page 5-121

Unified Development Ordinance - Public Hearing Draft