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shade trees - twelve (12) inches in diameter. ornamental trees - four (4) inches in diameter or fifteen (15) feet in height. evergreen trees - eight (8) inches in diameter or fifteen (15) feet in height*. Any removal or planting of trees which are of the sizes indicated above or larger shall be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission. *Definition of trees by David Barncord, ASLA, Indiana Certified Landscape architect, THE LANDSCAPE DESIGN COMPANY, INC B. BUILDING SITE, LANDSCAPING AND .ACCESSORIES Individual properties in the district are characterized by a house located in the center of a flat lawn, often divided by a walk leading to the front entrance. Several of the residences are sited on two or more building lots; however, the preponderance of the homes have been erected on a single lot. Most of the properties include a double garage, usually located at the rear of the property. The majority of garages are accessed from straight driveways leading from the main thoroughfare, while a few are accessed from the alley. There are also a few homes with a covered carport located at the rear of the property, as well as a few with circular driveways. Driveway and sidewalk materials include concrete, asphalt and brick. All of the properties have trees and most have trimmed shrubbery and/or hedges. Most of the houses conform to a uniform setback line within each block. Required Major landscaping items, fencing, walkways, private yard lights, signs (house numbers) and benches which reflect the property's history and development shall be retained. Dominant land contours shall be retained. Structures such as gazebos, patio decks, fixed barbecue pits, swimming pools, tennis courts, greenhouses, new walls, fountains, fixed garden furniture, trellises and other similar structures shall be compatible to the historic character of the site and the neighborhood and inconspicuous when viewed from a public walkway. Recommended New site work should be based upon actual knowledge of the past appearance of the property found in photographs, drawings and newspapers. New site work should be appropriate to existing surrounding site elements in scale, type and appearance. Plant materials and trees in close proximity to the building that are causing deterioration to the building's historic fabric should be removed. However, trees and plant materials that must be removed should be immediately replaced by suitable flora. All highintensity security lights should be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. Prohibited No changes may be made to the appearance of the site by removing major landscaping items, trees, fencing, walkways, outbuildings or other elements before evaluating their importance to the property's history and development. Front yard areas shall not be transformed into parking lots nor paved nor blacktopped. Front yard areas shall not be fenced and fences shall not extend forward beyond the setback line of the house. The installation of unsightly devices such as television reception dishes and solar collectors shall not be permitted in areas where they can be viewed from the public thoroughfare. Not Recommended Telephone or utility poles with high-intensity overhead lights should be installed so that they cannot be seen from the thoroughfare. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval. The trees are out of scale with the house and the property.