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ARTICLE 12. LANDSCAPING AND BUFFER REQUIREMENTS <br /> 12.1 Intent <br /> Landscaping and screening requirements are established to <br /> improve the appearance of vehicular use areas and property <br /> abutting public rights-of-way; to require screening between <br /> noncompatible land uses; to protect, preserve and promote the <br /> visual appeal, character and value of the surrounding <br /> neighborhood and properties; and to promote the public <br /> health, safety and welfare through the reduction of noise <br /> pollution, air pollution, visual pollution, air temperature <br /> extremes, soil erosion, and glare from vehicle headlights and <br /> exterior lighting fixtures. <br /> The <br /> intent, of this ordinance shall be achieved through, the <br /> preservation of existing vegetation and the addition of <br /> plantings where necessary to meet the minimum requirements <br /> set forth in this Article. Existing vegetation may be used <br /> to meet the requirements of this Section, provided, however, <br /> use of such vegetation will be determined by site inspection <br /> by Planning Department personnel. <br /> 12.2 General Requirements <br /> Excluding single-family detached dwellings and duplexes, no <br /> new site development, building, structure or vehicular use <br /> area shall hereafter be erected, constructed or used unless <br /> minimum landscaping and screening is provided as required by <br /> the provisions of this Article. <br /> No building, structure, or vehicular use area shall be <br /> expanded unless the minimum landscaping required by this <br /> Article is provided for the property to the extent of its <br /> alteration or expansion. <br /> 12.2.1 Protection of Existing Vegetation <br /> Qn agy land for which application for site plan approval has <br /> been made after the effective date of this ordinance, no <br /> person,, firm or corporation shall remove or cause to be <br /> removed any trees or other vegetation except in accordance <br /> with approved plans. <br /> 12.2.2 Designation of Tree Protection Areas, <br /> Existing trees, regardless of size, shall not be cut or <br /> otherwise damaged or destroyed within a primary tree <br /> protection area, and existing trees having a diameter n . <br /> (11 foot, or greater,, as measured four and one-half (4.5), feet <br /> above ground level, shall not be cut, damaged or destroyed <br /> within a secondary tree orotection area as defined as <br /> follows: <br /> (a) Primary Tree Protection Area. That portion of a lot <br /> which j . be used for required recreation/open space, <br />