UDO Adopted Version July 2024

Article 5: Development Standards Section 5.12. Landscaping 5.12.2. Applicability

qualities in the Town, and otherwise promotes the public health, safety and general welfare. The standards are specifically intended to ensure and promote the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, ground cover, and other landscaping that will: A. Mitigate against erosion and sedimentation by stabilizing the soils through root systems that hold and consolidate soil and other loose earthen materials; B. Reduce stormwater runoff and associated costs by intercepting, dispersing, and absorbing rainfall and slowing down surface flow; C. Reduce water pollution by filtering pollutants from stormwater runoff; D. Conserve water supplies by allowing more rainfall to stay in the water table and minimizing water use for landscaping maintenance; E. Moderate urban heat island effects by shading buildings and paved surfaces and lowering ambient temperatures through transpiration; F. Improve air quality by removing carbon dioxide and pollutant gases from the air and producing oxygen that helps dilute air pollutant concentrations; G. Restore soils and land denuded as a result of construction or grading; H. Maintain the continued vitality of natural habitats for the propagation and protection of wildlife, birds, game, and fish and other aquatic life; J. Provide a sense of privacy from neighbors and the street; K. Provide human scale to urban environments by breaking up the visual impact of structures and off-street parking facilities; L. Help differentiate streets and other areas of the public realm from private lands; M. Stimulate economic development by increasing the Town’s attractiveness and quality of life to shoppers and employers; N. Safeguard and enhance property values and protect public and private investments; and O. Protect Town residents and visitors from personal injury and property damage, and avoid interruption of electrical and other utility services. I. Limit glare created by exterior lighting;

(Ord. No. 2015-002, 04/29/2015)

5.12.2. Applicability

A. New Development Except where expressly provided otherwise in this Ordinance, the landscaping requirements in this section shall apply to all new development in the Town other than temporary uses and structures.

B. Existing Development

Except where expressly provided otherwise in this Ordinance, the landscaping requirements in this section shall apply to existing development in accordance with the following.

1.

Change in Use

Any change in use of an existing development shall be subject to these landscaping standards to the maximum extent practicable.

Morrisville, NC

July 9, 2024 Page 5-120

Unified Development Ordinance