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} 104 <br /> w==' SECTION 9 LANDSCAPING <br /> A. INTRODUCTION <br /> t�s <br /> The Chapel Hill Development Ordinance includes requirements for land- <br /> scaping, screening and shading parking areas and for providing buffers <br /> = and screening between different developments. This chapter illustrates <br /> options for meeting buffer requirements, explains how to calculate the <br /> projected shading of a parking area, recommends shade trees and <br /> screening plants which are suitable for this area, and outlines planting <br /> requirements and methods of protecting existing vegetation. <br /> • <br /> B. BUFFER REQUIREMENTS <br /> Figure 9-1 graphically indicates the width and screening specifications for <br /> each buffer type required by Subsection 6.12.6 of the Development <br /> Ordinance. Buffer specifications are stated in terms of the width of the <br /> buffer and the number of plant units required per one hundred (100) <br /> linear feet of buffer. Any of the options illustrated for the required buffer <br /> type shall satisfy the buffer requirements of the Development Ordinance. <br /> Each illustration depicts the total buffer located between two land uses. <br /> Evergreens/conifers may be substituted for up to fifty percent (50%) of <br /> required canopy or understory trees. If the adjacent zoning lot contains a <br /> structure specifically designed to collect and use direct solar radiation, <br /> understory trees may be substituted for canopy trees where.canopy trees <br /> would destroy solar access to solar collectors. <br /> asz Evergreens and conifers shall be planted in clusters rather than singly to <br /> maximize their chances of survival. <br /> Table 9-1 (at the end of this section) indicates recommended plant species <br /> for the vegetative types required within buffers. <br /> If an alternative buffer is proposed in accord with Subsection 6.12.8 of <br /> the Development Ordinance, screening within such alternative buffer must <br /> be of sufficient height and density to provide a degree of visual <br /> obstruction and noise buffering equivalent to or exceeding that provided <br /> by the buffer width and planting specifications for the required buffer <br /> type. A wood fence or decorative- wall may be used as part of the <br /> screening within an alternative buffer provided that the design of such <br /> fence or wall is visually compatible with that of adjacent fences, walls, <br /> and developments, and provided that vegetation is provided along the <br /> fence or wall that will break up its visual impact. <br /> • <br /> • <br /> 38 <br />