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45 C H A P T E R 3 D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S L A N D S C A P I N G 3.5. Landscape Guidelines The guidelines in this section apply to the landscaping of private property. 3.5.1. Fence, Walls, and Screens Fencing and walls should be used for sound attenuation, to maintain privacy retaining, and to screen views of the following: Parking lots. Trash disposal areas. Service and loading/unloading areas. Equipment on the roof, side of building, or ground. Fences and walls should be between four and six feet in height. Taller walls shall be required for screening purposes. (See Chapter 8.72 of the City of Dublin Zoning Code for more information). Exterior walls that are visible from a public right of way should have an attractive cap and base. The materials selected for fences and walls should be compatible with the architecture of associated buildings. Walls should be painted to match or complement the surrounding architecture. Brick and natural stone should not be painted. Fence and wall surfaces should be articulated to prevent monotony. Appropriate methods of articulations include a combination of regularly spaced columns, a defined base and cap, providing more than one color or material, and/or altering the height of the wall. Flat wall surface (Discouraged). Articulated wall surface (Encouraged). Attractive caps and bases on fences and walls. ---PAGE BREAK--- 46 Low landscaping, such as vines and shrubs, should be planted between walls/fences and public streets to soften their appearance and to deter graffiti. The landscaping should be placed close to the wall/fence so that individuals are not able to hide between the wall/fence and the landscaping (i.e. there should not be a space between the wall/fence and the landscaping that would allow a criminal to hide). Appropriate walls or solid fencing should be placed along property lines that are adjacent to the Iron Horse Trail to screen views of the industrial properties and outdoor storage uses. Full canopy trees are encouraged to screen views into these properties from the Iron Horse Trail. The following types of fences are encouraged along portions of the site that are visible from streets, Interstate 580, and the Iron Horse Trail: Decorative wrought iron fences Solid walls made of cast concrete, natural stone, brick, and or concrete block combination of a solid wall with decorative wrought iron. Landscaping planted in front of wall. Examples of appropriate types of fences. ---PAGE BREAK--- 47 C H A P T E R 3 D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S L A N D S C A P I N G Chain-link fences, plywood, barbed wire, and cosentino wire fences should be avoided along portions of the property that are visible from public streets, the Iron Horse Trail, and Interstate 580. These fences may be appropriate for areas of the site that are behind buildings and that are not visible from public right-of-ways. However, they shall be adequately maintained. 3.5.2. General Landscaping Native and/or drought-tolerant plants and trees are strongly encouraged to minimize the amount of water for irrigation. Landscaping treatments should include a variety of trees, grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers as well as a diversity of species. All areas not used by buildings, walkways, driveways, parking, storage, or loading/unloading should be landscaped. Landscaping includes live material, which may be accented with non-living material such as rock. Soil type, sun and wind exposure, and other such factors should be considered when choosing landscaping species and locations. All trees should have a planting area adequately sized for the amount of room needed for tree roots. Appropriate space should be provided for trees roots. Plants that complement tree. Chain-link and barbed wire (Discouraged). ---PAGE BREAK--- 48 Providing a mix of complementary trees, shrubs, grasses, and other landscaping materials is encouraged to minimize monotony. Wherever possible, trees and shrubs should be planted in groups to create unity and present a more natural feel. 3.5.3. Compatibility Landscaping should be planted in a manner that at maturity it will not damage neighboring properties, block sunlight from surrounding buildings, or otherwise degrade the integrity of adjacent uses. 3.5.4. Groundcover Groundcover should be planted so that 100 percent coverage will be achieved within three years. Turf or lawn landscaping should be minimized to reduce water use for irrigation, and should not exceed 25 percent of the landscaped area within a project. In place of turf, a combination of native groundcovers, perennial grasses, shrubs, and trees should be used (see Section 3.5.15—Plant Matrix—for a list of recommended species). 3.5.5. Building Landscaping The base of the buildings should be landscaped to soften the edges. Accent landscaping should be provided at major focal points, such as near entries and pedestrian gathering areas. ---PAGE BREAK--- 49 C H A P T E R 3 D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S L A N D S C A P I N G Large deciduous trees are encouraged on the west and south sides of buildings to block wind and summer heat and to utilize winter solar heat. Evergreen trees are encouraged for areas needing windbreaks. Trees and other landscaping should be planted at an appropriate distance from the foundation to avoid conflicts with roots. Generally, smaller trees should be planted at least 10 from the foundation. Larger trees should generally be planted at least 20 feet from the foundation. Distances may vary by species. Landscaping should not block solar panels or other facilities requiring solar access. Landscaping should be used to shade air conditioners and other similar equipment to minimize the temperature. 3.5.6. Sidewalk and Walkway Landscaping The public right-of-way, sidewalks, and on-site pedestrian walkways should be lined with a landscaped strip that is at least five feet deep, where possible. A mix of trees, shrubs, and groundcover should occur in this area. Shade trees are encouraged along sidewalks to minimize the impacts of the sun on pedestrians. Low lying shrubs along sidewalks and pedestrian walkways should generally be less than 3 feet tall. Trees should be pruned so that at least seven feet of clearance is provided between the bottom of the sidewalk and the lowest branches of the tree. Pedestrian walkways should be designed with a solid paving material, such as concrete, brick, or concrete unit pavers. Turf block or decomposed granite may also be appropriate for certain walkways. Root barriers should be used when trees are planted near pedestrian walkways and sidewalks. Landscaped hedges that are 36 inches in height should be provided between sidewalks and parking lots to screen views of vehicles adjacent to the sidewalk and public streets. Sidewalks and walkways should be landscaped with a variety of trees, shrubs, and groundcover. ---PAGE BREAK--- 50 3.5.7. Parking Lot Landscaping The perimeter and aisles of parking lots should be landscaped with a variety of trees and low-lying shrubs and plant materials. The landscaping edge should be at least five feet wide. Trees should be regularly spaced to provide a canopy of shade for the parking lot. Planters, including diamond shaped planter boxes, with trees should be used within center parking aisles and between public sidewalks or street and parking lots. Planters should be five feet in width and should be planted with a combination of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants. Planter walls should not exceed 24 inches in height. In general, large evergreen shade trees should be planted along the edge of the parking lot at a ratio of one tree for every three to four parking spaces and within the interior of the site at a ratio of one tree for every four parking spaces. Location and type of parking lot planters. Planters should allow ample room for tree roots. Five feet is generally acceptable. Parking lot landscaping. ---PAGE BREAK--- 51 C H A P T E R 3 D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S L A N D S C A P I N G Biofilters, or vegetated/grass swales are encouraged at the edges of parking lots to collect, filter, and distribute stormwater runoff from parking lots. Biofilters should either be designed to accommodate large storms, or have overflow storm drains where runoff from large storms may bypass the biofilter and enter the underground drainage system. Catch-basins can be used to direct runoff to the vegetated swales. Entrances should have an attractivce and Driveway entrances to parking lots should have an attractive and defined design. Landscape treatments and decorative paving materials are encouraged at driveway entrances. Appropriate parking lot landscaping. Biofilter. Shallow turf- lined swale Attractive driveway entrance to parking lot. ---PAGE BREAK--- 52 Moveable metal ramp and display (Prohibited). 3.5.8. Vehicle displays Automobile dealerships may have designated areas to display vehicles that are for sale. These areas may be specifically designed with permanent ramps and flat elevated display areas. Elevated display areas shall be no more than 16 inches above grade. The base of the display area shall be landscaped with evergreen plants. Moveable metal ramps/display structures and rotating vehichle displays are prohibitted. 3.5.9. Landscaping Scale Landscaping should not interfere with the visibility of signage or entry/exit areas. Landscaping should be in scale with adjacent structures, streets, and public spaces, and be sized appropriately at maturity. 3.5.10. Irrigation Planting native and drought-resistant landscaping and implementing hydrozoning are strongly encouraged to reduce the amount of irrigation Example of appropriately designed display area (Encouraged). Landscaping should complement and highlight (not block or interfere) with signs or driveways. Appropriate scale (Encouraged). Out of scale (Discouraged). ---PAGE BREAK--- 53 C H A P T E R 3 D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S L A N D S C A P I N G needed. Hydrozoning groups together plants by their water needs, and provides appropriate irrigation for each zone. High-efficiency automatic drip irrigation systems with up-to-date equipment and technology is encouraged for landscaping that requires more water than would naturally be provided. Systems that apply water slowly are encouraged to minimize runoff and erosion. Irrigation systems should not overwater the landscaping and should not produce over-spray on surfaces outside the planting area. Water meters and adjusting watering cycles with the weather minimize overwatering. Designing on-site rainwater collection system and recycled water or graywater systems are encouraged. Water from these systems are suitable for watering landscaping, but not for drinking. 3.5.10. Maintenance All landscaping should be maintained in a healthy and attractive state and should be watered, weeded, generally maintained, and replaced (if necessary) by the property owner/property manager. The property owner/property manager should monitor the irrigation system and replace or repair broken parts as soon as possible to ensure the proper functioning of the system. Landscaping should be trimmed regularly to maintain health, vigor and natural shape and to avoid conflicting with pedestrian walkways, driveways, lighting, and signage. 3.5.11. Stormwater Run-off retention, first-flush storm-water facilities, and storm water treatment methods should be an integral part of parking lot design and landscape areas. Treatment products such as bioswales and oil/grit or oil/water separators are encouraged. Inlets with sumps in loading/unloading and storage areas are encouraged to collect accidental spills. The above methods can reduce the amount of pollutants leaving the site and can improve overall water quality. 3.5.12. Tree Preservation Existing, mature, and healthy trees should be preserved to the extent feasible (See Chapter 8.72 of the City of Dublin Zoning Code for more information). Trees shall not be removed from a site without prior permission from the City. Property owners and tenants should contact the City to determine if the tree to be removed is a heritage tree and to determine if a tree removal permit is required from the City. When a tree is removed from a site, it should be replaced with a new tree that conforms to these guidelines. 3.5.13. Street Trees Street trees shall be required on the edges of all property lines that are adjacent to a local streets. For Scarlett Court and Scarlett Drive, the primary street tree shall be the Pyrus Calleryana "Bradford" (Bradford Pear) and the accent street tree shall be the Prunus Yedoensis (Yoshino Flowering Cherry). For Dublin Boulevard, the street tree shall be the Platanus x hispanica (London plane tree). The spacing of primary street trees should be approximately 30 feet as measured from the trunk of the tree. Deviations from this spacing pattern should only occur when necessary to accommodate driveway entrances. The spacing of accent trees should vary. ---PAGE BREAK--- 54 3.5.14. Tree and Plant Sizes When planting new shrubs and trees on a site, the following sizes are required: Trees: At least 30 percent of all new trees shall have a box size of at least 36 inches. The remaining trees shall have a box size of at least 24 inches. Shrubs/flowering plants: Minimum size of five gallons. 3.5.15. Plant Matrix The trees, shrubs, and groundcovers on the table on the following pages are recommended: ---PAGE BREAK--- 55 C H A P T E R 3 D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S L A N D S C A P I N G Recommended for: Species Name Common Name Parking Lots Landscaped strips along sidewalks Landscaped areas between walkways and buildings Highlighting entrances and/or signs Screening of storage/ service areas and Equipment Trees Pyrus kawakamii Evergreen Pear X X X populneus Bottle Tree X X Saucer Magnolias Magnolia X X Ilex aquifolium English Holly X Umbellularia californica California Laurel X X Sequoia sempervirens Redwood X X Pinus nigra Australian Black Pine X X Betula nigra River Birch (use as accent tree) X X Betula pendula European White Birch (use as accent tree) X X Lagerstroemia indica Crape (use as accent tree) X X X Liquidambar styraciflua American Sweet Gum (use as accent tree) X X Malus species Flowering Crabapple (use as accent tree) X X X X Pinus canariensis Canary Island Pine X X X X Pistachia chinensis Chinese Pistache (use as accent tree) X X X X Platanus acerifolia London Plane Tree X X X Podocarpus Yew Pine X X Prunus blireiana Flowering Plum (use as accent tree) X X X ---PAGE BREAK--- 56 Recommended for: Species Name Common Name Parking Lots Landscaped strips along sidewalks Landscaped areas between walkways and buildings Highlighting entrances and/or signs Screening of storage/ service areas and Equipment Prunus caroliniana Carolina Laurel Cherry (use as accent tree) X X X Prunus Yedoensis Yoshino Flowering Cherry (use as accent tree) X X X Pyrus Calleryana "Bradford" Bradford Pear X X X X Quercus palustris Pin Oak X X X Quercus virginiana Southern Live Oak X X X Tristania laurina Water Gum X X X X Shrubs Agapanthus orientalis Lily-of-the-Nile X X X X Buxus japonica Japanese Boxwood X X X X X Dietes species Fortnight Lily X X X X Escallonia ‘Fradesii’ No Common Name X X X Hebe species No Common Name X X X X Hemerocallis hybridus Daylily X X X X Lantana species Lantana X X X X Lavandula species Lavender X X X X Leptospermum scoparium New Zealand Tea Tree X X X Ligustrum species Privet X X X X X Loropetalum chinense Loropetalum X X X X Nandina domestica Heavenly Bamboo X X Photinia fraseri Photinia X X X ---PAGE BREAK--- 57 C H A P T E R 3 D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S L A N D S C A P I N G Recommended for: Species Name Common Name Parking Lots Landscaped strips along sidewalks Landscaped areas between walkways and buildings Highlighting entrances and/or signs Screening of storage/ service areas and Equipment Pittosporum species Tobira X X X X X Rhaphiolepis indica Indian Hawthorn X X X X Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary X X X X X Tulbaghia violacea Society garlic X X X X Groundcovers Festuca ovina glauca Dwarf Blue Fescue X X X Gazania species Gazania X X X Hedera helix English Ivy X X X Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Huntington Carpet’ Dwarf Rosemary X X X Trachelospermum jasminoides Star Jasmine X X X ---PAGE BREAK--- 58 This page intentionally left blank.