03-14-11 Council Agenda & Packet

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(ii) Commercial/mixed-use tree lawns and other landscaped areas are strongly encouraged to be fully irrigated. (iii) Open spaces may be designed with natural native landscape material that is low-maintenance. (iv) if pedestrian space allows, new commercial/mixed-use developments and rehabilitations should consider enhancing landscaped areas with raised planters that include trees, low plantings of seasonal interest., shrubs, and perennials.. (v) When planting trees in areas of limited pedestrian space, the trees must be planted in appropriately-sized and drained tree pits with a cast-iron tree grate that is flush with the sidewalk grade. (vi) Where feasible, and to ensure the survivability of plantings, enlarged tree pit areas should be developed or consolidated into larger planting areas. (vii) Where possible, trees should be placed or trimmed to allow views of storefronts and signs. All tree lawn plantings should maintain nine feet (9') of clearance from sidewalk to bottom of canopy at the time of planting. (viii) New commercial/mixed-use buildings, as well as renovated existing buildings, may be set back from the property line or right- of-way up to five feet (5') to provide additional landscape, or combination landscape/hardscape, around all sides of the building. This additional setback is to be used for landscaping or additional pedestrian/seating area. (B) Parking Areas (i) New development must meet or exceed parking and vehicular area landscaping requirements' set forth in South Bend's Zoning Ordinance. (ii) Existing buildings being renovated or rehabilitated must upgrade parking and vehicular area plantings to meet or exceed South Bend's Zoning Ordinance. (iii) Where possible, landscaped parking islands should be consolidated to provide additional planting opportunities and increase survivability. 35