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*ARTICLE 12. LANDSCAPING AND BUFFER REQUIREMENTS <br />*Amended <br />8/1/89 <br />12.1 Intent <br />Landscaping and screening requirements are established to improve the <br />appearance of vehicular use areas and property abutting public rights -of -way; to <br />require screening between non - compatible land uses; to protect, preserve and <br />promote the visual appeal, character and value of the surrounding neighborhood <br />and properties; and to promote the public health, safety and welfare through the <br />reduction of noise pollution, air pollution, visual pollution, air temperature <br />extremes, soil erosion,- and glare from vehicle headlights and exterior lighting <br />fixtures. <br />The intent of this ordinance shall be achieved through the preservation of <br />existing vegetation and the addition of plantings where necessary to meet the <br />minimum requirements set forth in this Article. Existing vegetation may be used <br />to meet the requirements of this Section, provided, however, use of such <br />vegetation will be determined by site inspection by Planning and Inspections <br />Department personnel. <br />12.2 General Requirements <br />Excluding single- family detached dwellings and duplexes, no new site <br />development, building, structure or vehicular use area shall hereafter be <br />erected, constructed or used unless minimum landscaping and screening is <br />provided as required by the provisions of this Article. <br />No building, structure, or vehicular use area shall be expanded unless the <br />minimum landscaping required by this Article is provided for the property to the <br />extent of its alteration or expansion. <br />12.2.1 Protection of Existing Vegetation <br />On any land for which application for site plan approval has been made after the <br />effective date of this ordinance, no person, firm or corporation shall remove or <br />cause to be removed any trees or other vegetation except in accordance with <br />approved plans. <br />12.2.2 Designation of Tree Protection Areas . <br />Existing trees, regardless of size., shall not be cut or otherwise damaged or <br />destroyed within a primary tree protection area, and existing trees having a <br />diameter of one (1) foot -or greater, as measured four and one -half (4.5) feet <br />above ground level, shall not be cut, damaged or destroyed within a secondary <br />tree protection area as defined as follows: <br />12 -1 <br />