§ 13-562. Landscaping standards.

This section contains general landscaping requirements for development in Sumter County. These regulations are intended to lessen the broadcast of noise, dust, and glare between lots, and to protect the water, air, and other natural resources of the county. The use of existing vegetation to meet these requirements is preferred and strongly encouraged.

(a)

Vehicle use areas. Landscape requirements for vehicle use areas on multifamily, commercial, institutional, public/institutional and industrial sites are as follows:

(1)

The maximum number of uninterrupted parking spaces between landscaping shall be fifteen (15). The landscape areas will be a minimum of two hundred (200) square feet and shall contain a minimum of one (1) canopy tree or three (3) understory trees and ground cover and/or grass.

(2)

A landscape area shall be provided at the end of all single parking rows. The landscape area will be a minimum of two hundred (200) square feet and shall contain a minimum of one (1) canopy tree or three (3) understory trees or palms, and ground cover and/or grass and a minimum of four hundred (400) square feet for double parking rows and shall contain a minimum of two (2) canopy tree or five (5) understory trees or palms, ten (10) shrubs, and ground cover and/or grass..

(3)

Light poles shall not be placed in landscape islands that will interfere with the mature canopy of the tree and require excessive pruning. Shorter light poles in landscape islands, and/or building mounted lights are viable options. Islands shall be enlarged beyond the minimum requirements if necessary to accommodate light poles, fire hydrants, or other necessary features. Light poles may be located within the parking area rather than in landscape islands if necessary to ensure that the lighting placement does not conflict with the location or normal growth of landscape island trees.

(4)

Dumpster screens: Refuse facilities and service areas shall be screened by a six (6) foot masonry wall or an eight (8) foot high landscape buffer with berms. Landscaping shall be a minimum of thirty-six (36) inches in height upon planting and attain a height of forty-eight (48) inches within twelve (12) months of planting. Refuse containers shall be screened on three (3) sides with the access side oriented toward the interior of the site and away from areas visible to patrons of the site or adjacent properties. The access side shall be screened with opaque doors or gates.

(5)

The design choice and placement of landscape material shall not obstruct the cross-visibility of street traffic, on-site traffic, or pedestrian circulation.

(Ord. No. 2015-17, § 3(Exh. A), 9-22-15)