Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
3.2 LANDSCAPE DESIGN 41 <br />1. The landscape Plan is prepared and certified by a licensed landscape architect. <br />2. The landscape plan includes a comprehensive site analysis documenting existing ng drainage patterns, <br />including wetlands, flood plains, and h dric soils; and existing sting natural and cultural features including ng forest �> <br />lands, natural areas, and wildlife habitats steep slopes, geologic features, archaeological sites and <br />historic sites and structures. g ' <br />3. The landscape plan shows the layout of the entire ro'ect <br />p � including its relationship to surrounding <br />properties and the manner in which it adheres to the schematic plans, performance standards, and design <br />criteria. g <br />Note: No site, building or structure may be occupied for the use until all aspects of the landscape plan have been carried <br />out or a performance bond, letter of credit or other guarantee of improvements has been provided to Orange County. <br />Preservation of Existing Feat „ rpc - <br />1. Natural features such as streams and ponds, hillsides, rock formations, unique vegetation and natural <br />€ €v...> >:. >` : <br />areas, wildlife habitats, and other similar features are incorporated in to the overall development conce t. <br />2. Existing rivers, streams, and ponds and their drainage areas are protected and used to create a network <br />of open space, accommodate the natural flow of water, serve as utility easement, and buffer more <br />intensive nonresidential uses from neighboring residential areas. <br />3. Property contains perennial and intermittent streams or major drainage rainage swales, has a minimum 50 -foot <br />r<;t <br />wide stream corridor designated along both sides of the water feature. <br />4. If stream corridors are required, they must to be expanded to include steep slopes, floodplains, wetlands, <br />and natural areas as identified in the OC Inventory of Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats. <br />5. The landscape plan designates the removal of any groundcover and trees within the designated open <br />,,N:.,.. „.:.k << <br />space areas. <br />6. Building sites, parking areas, and other uses are situated in such a way as to protect existing tree stock <br />Ar+tr <br />having a diameter of one -foot or greater when measured four and a half feet above round level.wriy <br />„ „:• >_ <br />7. Trees to be saved are noted on the landscape plan and appropriate measures are outlined to protect the <br />I ?t'. <br />tree stock from damage Burin construction, including no grading within dri line. <br />y }'w:JJ:t <br />>v;; <br />8. Where possible, trees are protected in stands or clusters. <br />Mt. <br />9. The siting of buildings takes advantage of scenic views. <br />: >» <br />10. The site organization considers the impact of new structures on views from off -site. <br />11. Access to views is presorved for adjacent property owners and passing motorists. <br />12. Scenic views and visual elements are within the visual corridor identified and preserved where possible. <br />vista or landscaped area. No more than one break per lot shall be permitted, and the break shall <br />1. A buffer of 100 -feet in width (except as otherwise provided) is required at the boundary of the EDD and <br />€ €v...> >:. >` : <br />100' alon roadwa corridor Old 86 and New 86 exce t 50' at Linear Office. <br />"' "' <br />2. A buffer of 100 -feet is required adjacent to the right-of-way of interstate highways. <br />3. Screening between adjacent land uses shall be provided in accordance with the attached Schedule of <br />Land Use Buffers whether internal or external to the project. <br />4. Buffers may consist of existing wooded areas. If existing vegetation is not sufficient for screening, a <br />r<;t <br />planted buffer shall be augmented and interspersed, consisting of 50 -75% evergreen trees reaching a <br />minimum mature hei ht of 30 -feet. <br />5. Trees with a caliper of 6 " -12' should be considered for preservation. <br />6. No grading for building or parking shall encroach upon required buffer. <br />7. In the LO district, the buffer may be limited to 50'. <br />8. Landscape -buffer widths may be reduced if the buffer material is adequate to provide additional <br />n< <br />screening. <br />9. Decorative walls may be used to augment required landscaping for buffer reduction. <br />I ?t'. <br />10. Access drives, utilities, and pedestrian paths are permitted within the required buffers. <br />11. Access and utility crossings are to be made as close to perpendicular as possible to the length of the <br />buffer. <br />: >» <br />12. No land disturbances for buildings, parking, or storage, drainage, etc. are permitted within a required <br />buffer. <br />13. Limited breaks in required interstate buffers may be allowed if they are well designed and provide a scenic <br />vista or landscaped area. No more than one break per lot shall be permitted, and the break shall <br />constitute no more than 25% of the interstate frontage. <br />Landscaped Parking Areas: <br />1. When parking lots abut a public or private right -of -way or easement, a 35 -foot landscape area is required, <br />except as otherwise specified. <br />2. Landscaping islands having a minimum area of 1000 s . ft. (valy by size tree shall be provided at a <br />