Highlighted below: 33 of 37 extracted standards. Sections and highlights carry their own anchors. The rest quote wording that differs from this rendering of the text.
ARTICLE 42#
X LANDSCAPING, BUFFERING AND SCREENING#
Sec 42-360 Applicability#
(a) This article shall apply to all site plans and subdivision construction drawings submitted for approval pursuant to chapter 30 of the town Code subsequent to the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived.
(b) This article shall apply to any conditional use permit or zoning map amendment submitted for approval pursuant to article II of this chapter, subsequent to the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, for which landscaping, buffering or screening are required in accordance with subsections (a) or (c) of this section or by the terms or conditions of such approval. A landscape plan meeting the requirements of this chapter shall be submitted at the time an application is filed for the site plan or subdivision construction drawings associated with the conditional use permit or zoning map amendment, unless no such plans or drawings are required for the use or activity, in which case the landscape plan shall be submitted for approval as part of the conditional use permit or zoning map amendment application.
(c) This article shall apply to the construction or expansion of any parking lot for which a site plan is required pursuant to chapter 30 of the town Code and for which parking lot landscaping is required in accordance with section 42-363.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-1; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2019-08-0001, 8-22-2019)
Sec 42-361 Purpose And Intent#
The purpose of this article is to facilitate the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community to preserve the character of the town and to preserve and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-2; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2019-08-0001, 8-22-2019)
Sec 42-362 Landscaping Plan And Maintenance#
(a) All landscaping required by this article shall be identified on a landscaping plan and reviewed along with other plans by the town prior to installation.§ For any conditional use permit or zoning map amendment associated with a proposed use or activity, the planning commission may recommend, and the Town Council may approve a modification or alternative to the landscaping, buffering or screening required by this article where conditions are deemed to warrant approval of the same. Consideration and approval of modifications and alternatives by the town shall be in accordance with section 42-369 below.
(b) All landscaping required by this article shall be installed per the approved landscaping plan. All plants and other materials required by the approved plan shall be maintained by the property owner in a state of good repair and shall be replaced or repaired promptly as appropriate.
(c) Existing native trees preserved on-site may be credited towards landscaping required by this article. Any existing trees used to meet the minimum requirements of the ordinance must be identified by type, have a 4-inch caliper, be in healthy and structurally sound condition, and be protected from construction activity. Healthy and structurally sound conditions are defined as any tree with an overall rating of 40 percent or greater when the roots, trunk, scaffold branches, small branches and twigs, foliage and buds are evaluated and documented through field observations using the latest edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal condition rating guide.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-3; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2019-08-0001, 8-22-2019, Ord. No 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-363 Parking Lot Landscaping#
(a) All parking areas with five or more spaces shall provide perimeter parking lot landscaping outside of the parking area of the lot.
(b) Parking lots adjacent to public streets shall provide a continuous landscape area of not less than ten feet in width located between the parking lot and property line.§ The landscape area shall be planted at a rate of one tree for every 40 feet of frontage, plus three shrubs for every 40 feet of frontage.§ A minimum of 75 percent of the trees provided shall be canopy trees.§ When overhead utility lines may prohibit the planting of large trees, small or medium trees should be used.
(c) Parking lots adjacent to lands not in the right-of-way of a street shall provide a continuous landscape area 5 feet in width, located between the parking area and the property line.§ The landscape area shall be planted at a rate of 1 tree for every 40 feet of frontage, plus three shrubs for every 40 feet of frontage. A minimum of 75 percent of the trees provided shall be canopy trees. Where a wider buffer is required, the buffer requirement shall apply.
(d) All parking lots with 10 spaces or more shall provide interior parking lot landscaping. Such landscaping shall be in addition to any planting or landscaping within 6 feet of a building, required perimeter landscaping and required screening. A minimum landscape area of 5 percent of the gross parking lot area shall be provided within the parking area.§ The gross area of the parking lot shall include all designated parking spaces and areas designated for ingress and egress. Landscape areas shall have a minimum dimension of 10 feet.§ Trees shall be provided at the rate of 1 tree for every 10 parking spaces, with a minimum of 1 tree provided.§
(e) Plant materials at entrances shall be located so as to maintain safe sight distances in accordance with the Virginia Department of Transportation standards.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-4; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-364 Buffering And Screening#
(a) Certain uses, when adjoining each other, are incompatible and create conflict that may be reduced or eliminated by appropriate measures. Buffering between incompatible uses minimizes these conflicts and the adverse impact of incompatible development.§ These provisions are intended to provide adequate buffer areas between incompatible land uses in all zoning districts, except where the incompatibility arises from an existing nonconforming use.
(b) Buffer yards are to be used for the planting of landscape material. Buffer yards shall not be used for the storage of materials, buildings, parking lots or loading areas for vehicles or equipment.§ Driveways and entrances connecting adjacent parking lots or developments may interrupt the required buffer yard. Minimal utility crossings shall be permitted within buffer yards.
(c) Buffer yards may be provided in the area required for setbacks by the zoning district requirements. Where the required buffer yard exceeds the required setback for the zoning district, the required buffer yard shall be provided.
(d) The buffer area requirements are based on the compatibility between the proposed use and that of the adjoining property. The following table 6-1 identifies the minimum buffer area that is required to be provided:
Table 6-1. Minimum Buffer Area Required
| Proposed Use/Development | Residential SFD/SFA/MF | Institutional (schools and churches) | Office | Retail sales & Service up to 4,000 sf gfa | Retail sales & service over 4,000 sf gfa | Industrial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family detached | B | B | B | B | B | C |
| Single-family attached | B | B | B | B | B | C |
| Multifamily | B | B | B | B | B | C |
| Institutional (schools & churches) | B | B | B | B | A | C |
| Office | B | B | B | B | B | C |
| Retail sales & service up to 4,000 sf gfa | B | B | B | B | A | B |
| Retail sales & service over 4,000 sf gfa | C | C | C | C | C | A |
| Industrial | C | C | C | C | C | B |
(e) Plant materials are required per square foot of required buffer area as shown in table 6-2 in this subsection for types A, B and C.
Table 6-2. Buffers (Area Width and Plant Requirements)
| Required Planting Type | Width (in feet) | Canopy Trees (in square feet) | Understory Trees (in square feet) | Evergreen Trees (in square feet) | Shrubs (in square feet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 10 | 1/1,000 | 1/500 | — | 1/500 |
| B | 25 | 1/1,000 | 1/500 | 1/500 | 1/100 |
| C | 35 | 1/1,000 | 1/500 | 1/500 | 1/100 |
(f) Berms are encouraged within buffer yards. A Type C buffer area may be reduced to 24 feet with the provision of a berm at least 4 feet higher than the elevation of the adjacent ground.§ Slopes on the berm shall not exceed 3.0:1.§ Number of required plantings shall be based on the reduced yard area.
(g) A 6-foot tall opaque fence (board-on-board) or architectural block wall may be substituted for one half of the required buffer yard and the plant material reduced accordingly provided the purpose of reducing or eliminating the conflict between uses and adverse impact is met (For example, a 6-foot wall may not reduce the adverse impact of parking lot lights) and subject to the following:
(1) The wall or fence will be constructed with low maintenance materials with the finished side of the fence facing the adjoining property.
(2) The wall or fence will not impede stormwater flow.
(3) Required landscaping shall be placed between the fence or wall and the associated property line.
(h) All loading areas, dumpsters, trash bins, generators, maintenance areas and equipment and similar areas are to be screened from view from all public streets and adjoining properties by a 6-foot opaque fence, wall, or structure meeting the requirements of paragraph (g).
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-5; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-365 Tree Canopy Coverage#
(a) Any project subject to the provisions of this article shall be subject to the tree canopy requirements set out in this section.§ Tree cover requirements may be met by providing landscaping in the form of residential lot planting, parking lot landscaping, street planting and buffer yard planting. For purposes of tree canopy coverage, the total site area may be reduced by the area to be dedicated for public street purposes.
Table 6-3. Required Tree Canopy Cover (at ten-year maturity)
| Development Type | Percent of Area |
|---|---|
| Residential | 15 |
| Commercial, industrial and institutional | 10 |
(b) Existing tree cover within any proposed development shall be retained to the greatest extent possible and taken fully into account in the design of the improvements, site grading and calculation of tree canopy requirement.§ Existing trees used to meet the tree canopy coverage must be at least 4-inch caliper, a native species, in healthy condition and be protected from all construction activity pursuant to Chapter 30, Subdivisions.
(c) For any conditional use permit associated with a proposed use or activity, the planning commission may recommend, and the Town Council may impose reasonable conditions with respect to the tree canopy coverage requirements of this section in order to ensure that the tree canopy coverage is preserved and maintained to the maximum extent practicable in accordance with the purpose and intent of this section.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-6; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2019-08-0001, 8-22-2019; Ord. No. 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-366 Street Trees#
(a) Canopy and understory trees that do not interfere with pedestrian or automobile traffic and will not damage sidewalks shall be provided adjacent to right-of-way in a manner that will enhance streets throughout the town.
(b) For all new construction, 1 street tree as identified in Table 6-8, shall be planted for every 40 feet of street frontage.§ The majority of street trees shall be medium or large deciduous trees to provide shade and visual relief. When overhead utility lines prohibit such trees, small or medium deciduous trees should be used.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-7; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2019-08-0001, 8-22-2019; Ord. No. 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-367 Minimum Specification For Plant Materials#
(a) All plants shall be well branched and well formed, sound, vigorous, healthy, free from disease and trunk wounds, and have a healthy, normal and unbroken root system.§ All plants shall comply with the American Association of Nurserymen's Standards and conform to the representative species.
(b) All plant materials installed to meet the requirements of this chapter shall meet the following minimum size requirements at the time of planting:
Table 6-4. Minimum Planting Size Requirements
| Plant Type | Minimum Size Requirement |
|---|---|
| Street and canopy trees | Caliper: 2 1/2-inch minimum |
| Understory trees | Height: 6-foot minimum |
| Evergreen trees | Height: 6-foot minimum |
| Shrubs | Height: 18-inch minimum |
(c) The planting of all trees shall be done in accordance with the standardized landscape specifications jointly adopted by the Virginia Nurserymen's Association, the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers and the Virginia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-8; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014)
Sec 42-368 Plant Selection Guide#
(a) Plant selection guide for buffer areas, basic landscaping, street planting and reforestation areas. The plant selection guide to be utilized by persons preparing landscape plans for buffer areas, basic landscaping, street planting, and reforestation areas is found in Table 6-8, in section 42-370. Table 6-7 provides an explanation of the codes contained in the Plant Selection Guide, Table 6-8.
(b) Table 6-5 is divided into groups of trees (e.g., large, medium, small and compact) for purposes of calculating tree canopy coverage. Tree canopy coverage is determined by the size of a tree at planting related to the projected size of tree's canopy in square feet after ten years of growth in an urban environment.
(c) Tables 6-5 and 6-6 provide the square footages to be utilized in tabulating tree canopy coverage and shall be used for meeting the town's requirements. Tree canopy coverage for deciduous trees is based on the caliper of tree at planting. Evergreen trees are based on height at planting. The minimum planting area for achieving healthy tree growth as well as the projected ten-year canopy growth is also included.
Table 6-5. Ten-Year Tree Canopy Cover for Deciduous Trees (Relative to Caliper at Planting Recommended Minimum Planting Area)
| Tree Category | Caliper at Planting (in inches) | 10-year Canopy Coverage (in square feet) | Minimum Planting Area (in square feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large deciduous tree | 2 to 2 1/2 | 200 | 130 |
| Large deciduous tree | 3 to 3 1/2 | 250 | 130 |
| Medium deciduous tree | 2 to 2 1/2 | 150 | 90 |
| Medium deciduous tree | 3 to 3 1/2 | 175 | 90 |
| Small deciduous tree | 2 to 2 1/2 | 100 | 50 |
| Small deciduous tree | 3 to 3 1/2 | 125 | 50 |
| Compact deciduous tree | 2 to 2 1/2 | 50 | 30 |
| Compact deciduous tree | 3 to 3 1/2 | 75 | 30 |
Table 6-6. Ten-Year Tree Canopy Cover for Evergreen Trees (Relative to Height at Planting)
| Height at Planting (in feet) | Ten-Year Tree Canopy Coverage (in square feet) |
|---|---|
| 6-7 | 125 |
| 7-8 | 150 |
| 9 | 175 |
(d) Table 6-7 provides a listing of the codes found in the plant selection guide.
(1) Environmental tolerances. This column is used to select species that are tolerant of specific environmental factors, both natural and manmade. Eight factors are considered, as follows:
a. Restricted root zone. Trees indicated as (RZ) are recommended for areas which are relatively limited in soil volume and surrounded by impervious barriers typical of parking lot islands and planting strips provided between parking bays and between sidewalks and curbs. A larger planting space will result in a healthier and more vigorous tree.
b. Poor soil. Trees indicated as (SL) are recommended for soil conditions which are poor. These trees are noted for their tolerance to a wide range of soils found in an urban environment. Most trees, however, do not tolerate poor soils. Better soils will result in a healthier and more vigorous tree. Subsoil is used to provide a stable base for sidewalks, parking lots, buildings, etc., and general grading purposes are often found to be inadequate for plant growth. Soil amendments are generally needed.
c. Partial shade. Trees indicated as (PS) are recommended for areas receiving partial amounts of direct sunlight such as on the eastern or western boundary of a structure.
d. Shade trees. Shade trees indicated as (SH) are recommended for a shaded environment. These trees are noted for their tolerance to shade, but more sun will result in a healthier and more vigorous tree.
e. Air pollution. Trees indicated as (AP) are recommended for areas subject to exhaust emissions as found along a highway or in a parking lot with excessive stop and go traffic. Deciduous trees are more tolerant of air pollution than evergreen trees.
f. Deicing salts. Trees indicated as (IS) are recommended for areas near streets and parking lots where deicing salts containing sodium chloride and/or calcium chloride are used.
g. Wet soil. Trees indicated as (WS) are recommended for areas near waterways, ponds, lakes, and stormwater management facilities.
h. Drought. Trees indicated as (DR) are recommended for hot, dry conditions such as along streets, near or in parking lots, and near buildings.
(2) Associated problems. Table 6-7 codes are used to identify general problems associated with specific tree species. Six problem codes are provided: disease, insect damage, storm and structural damage due to weak wood, production of objectionable fruit and production of objectionable root systems.
a. Diseased trees. Diseased trees indicated as (D) are susceptible to severe stress, disfigurement, or death brought about by disease-causing agents which produce symptoms that are not curable or controllable by known or practical methods. Some of these species are susceptible to one or more pathogens.
b. Insect damaged trees. Insect damaged trees indicated as (I) are susceptible to severe damage by insects. Considerable damage such as defoliation and sometimes death can result. Pests causing such damage cannot be effectively controlled without considerable maintenance with pesticides.
c. Storm and structural damage. Storm and structural damage due to weak wood trees indicated as (W) are susceptible to structural failure, such as branches breaking and falling or major portions of the main trunk snapping off during storms. These species should not be planted near buildings.
d. Objectionable fruit trees. Objectionable fruit trees indicated as (F) produce fruit that is capable of causing damage when falling, is slick or sticky on roads and walkways, attracts pests, produces disagreeable odors, and/or produces prolific seedlings.
e. Objectionable root systems. Trees indicated as (R) produce shallow or surface-oriented root systems that may heave sidewalks and asphalt surfaces, clog sewer and drainage pipes, or damage foundations if planted too close to buildings.
f. Transplanting difficulty. Trees indicated as (T) produce deep root systems that are difficult to retain in transplanting.
Table 6-7. Plant Selection Guide Codes
| Uses | Code |
|---|---|
| Interior parking lot planting areas | P |
| Buffer areas | B |
| Street planting areas | S |
| Reforestation areas | RF |
| Areas near overhead utilities | U |
| Native to Virginia | * |
| Environmental tolerances | Code |
|---|---|
| Restricted root zone | RZ |
| Poor soils | SL |
| Partial shade | PS |
| Shade | SH |
| Air pollution | AP |
| Deicing salts | IS |
| Wet soils | WS |
| Drought | DR |
| Associated problems | Code |
|---|---|
| Disease | D |
| Insect damage | I |
| Weak wood | W |
| Objectionable fruit | F |
| Objectionable root systems | R |
| Transplanting difficulty | T |
(e) Plant selection guide. The plant selection guide provides the guidelines for selecting plants, including information on uses, environmental tolerances and associated problems.
(1) Genus and species. The first column on Table 6-8 contains the Latin name for the plant, sometimes followed by a specific cultivar name.
(2) Common name. The second column on Table 6-8 contains the name of the plant commonly used in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
(3) Planting location/situation codes. This column in Table 6-8 is used to select a species that will thrive and exhibit desirable characteristics suitable to the demands of a particular environment. Five situations are considered in Table 6-8 as follows:
a. Interior parking lot planting areas. Trees indicated as (P) tolerate poor soils, drought, reflected heat, restricted root zones. Desirable branching habit is also considered.
b. Buffer areas. Trees indicated as (B) provide screening of undesirable views. Both deciduous and evergreen species are listed, but the use of more evergreens will provide the most effective buffer.
c. Street planting areas. Trees indicated as (S) are appropriate for planting within street rights-of-way, selected based on their form and potential spread.
d. Reforestation areas. Trees indicated as (RF) are appropriate for planting in areas which are to be reforested.
e. Areas near or under overhead utilities. Trees indicated as (U) are appropriate for planting near or under overhead utilities and have been selected based on their ultimate height and spread. Use of the selected species can prevent disfigurement and associated structural and health problems caused by periodic topping or pruning of trees near power lines.
(f) Plant selection guide for stormwater management facilities. Table 6-9 (in section 42-370) contains plants which are suitable for planting in stormwater management facilities. Like table I, genus and species, as well as common names, are listed followed by columns of three variables: wildlife value, adaptation to wetland growing condition, and tolerance to periodic flooding. The variables are provided to assist persons designing landscapes for stormwater management facilities.
(1) Calculating tree canopy coverage. Table 6-9 (in section 42-370) is divided into groups of trees (e.g. large, medium, and small) for purposes of calculating tree canopy coverage.
(2) Wildlife values. This column of Table 6-9 (in section 42-370) provides wildlife values, given as high, moderate, and low and are intended to assist those designing stormwater facilities for promoting or managing wildlife.
(3) Wetland status. This column in Table 6-9 (in section 42-370) provides indicators taken from the National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: Northeast (Region I) USDI/Fish and Wildlife Service, 1998, or most recent edition. These indicators may be used as a guide to the adaptability of various species to various prevailing soil moisture conditions. The categories are defined as follows:
a. Obligate wetland (OBL). Obligate wetland occur almost always (estimated at 90 percent probability) under natural conditions in wetlands.
b. Facultative wetland (FACW). Facultative wetland usually occur in wetland (estimated probability 34 percent to 67 percent), but occasionally found in non-wetland areas.
c. Facultative upland (FAUP). Usually occur in nonwetlands (estimated probability 67 percent to 99 percent), but occasionally found in wetlands (estimated probability one percent to 33 percent).
d. Obligate upland (UPL). Obligate upland occur in wetlands in another region but occur almost always (estimated probability greater than 99 percent) under natural conditions in nonwetlands in this region.
(4) Wetness or dryness. A plus or minus sign indicates if the species is usually found in the wetter (+) or drier (-) end of its category.
ARTICLE 42#
X LANDSCAPING, BUFFERING AND SCREENING#
Sec 42-360 Applicability#
This article shall apply to all site plans and subdivision construction drawings submitted for approval pursuant to chapter 30 of the town Code subsequent to the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived.
This article shall apply to any conditional use permit or zoning map amendment submitted for approval pursuant to article II of this chapter, subsequent to the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, for which landscaping, buffering or screening are required in accordance with subsections (a) or (c) of this section or by the terms or conditions of such approval. A landscape plan meeting the requirements of this chapter shall be submitted at the time an application is filed for the site plan or subdivision construction drawings associated with the conditional use permit or zoning map amendment, unless no such plans or drawings are required for the use or activity, in which case the landscape plan shall be submitted for approval as part of the conditional use permit or zoning map amendment application.
This article shall apply to the construction or expansion of any parking lot for which a site plan is required pursuant to chapter 30 of the town Code and for which parking lot landscaping is required in accordance with section 42-363.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-1; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2019-08-0001, 8-22-2019)
Sec 42-361 Purpose And Intent#
The purpose of this article is to facilitate the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community to preserve the character of the town and to preserve and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-2; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2019-08-0001, 8-22-2019)
Sec 42-362 Landscaping Plan And Maintenance#
All landscaping required by this article shall be identified on a landscaping plan and reviewed along with other plans by the town prior to installation. For any conditional use permit or zoning map amendment associated with a proposed use or activity, the planning commission may recommend, and the Town Council may approve a modification or alternative to the landscaping, buffering or screening required by this article where conditions are deemed to warrant approval of the same. Consideration and approval of modifications and alternatives by the town shall be in accordance with section 42-369 below.
All landscaping required by this article shall be installed per the approved landscaping plan. All plants and other materials required by the approved plan shall be maintained by the property owner in a state of good repair and shall be replaced or repaired promptly as appropriate.
Existing native trees preserved on-site may be credited towards landscaping required by this article. Any existing trees used to meet the minimum requirements of the ordinance must be identified by type, have a 4-inch caliper, be in healthy and structurally sound condition, and be protected from construction activity. Healthy and structurally sound conditions are defined as any tree with an overall rating of 40 percent or greater when the roots, trunk, scaffold branches, small branches and twigs, foliage and buds are evaluated and documented through field observations using the latest edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal condition rating guide.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-3; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2019-08-0001, 8-22-2019, Ord. No 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-363 Parking Lot Landscaping#
(Note: Section text not provided in source material.)
Sec 42-364 Buffering And Screening#
(Note: Section text not provided in source material.)
Sec 42-365 Tree Canopy Coverage#
(Note: Section text not provided in source material.)
Sec 42-366 Street Trees#
(Note: Section text not provided in source material.)
Sec 42-367 Minimum Specification For Plant Materials#
(Note: Section text not provided in source material.)
Sec 42-368 Plant Selection Guide#
Flood tolerant. This column in table 6-9 refers to the ability of a plant to survive periodic flooding. While this is shown as a "yes" or "no," it is not absolute. Actual plant survival will also depend on such variables as the amount of soil loss around roots and the amount of silt deposited over the root zone during the storm event.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-9; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014)
Table 6-8. Plant Selection Guide for Buffer Areas, Basic Landscaping, Street Planting, and Reforestation Areas
| Botanical Name | Common Name | Codes (See table 6-7) |
|---|---|---|
| Large deciduous trees | ||
| Celtis laevagata | Hackberry* | B, RF, SL, WS, DR |
| Liquidamber styraciflus | Sweetgum* | B, RF, SL, WS, DR, F |
| Liriodendron tulipifera | Tulip poplar* | B, RF, AP, WS, W |
| Quercus alba | White oak* | B, S, RF, SL, WS, DR, T |
| Quercus bicolor | Swamp white oak* | B, S, RF, SL, WS, DR, T |
| Quercus coccinea | Scarlet oak* | B, S, RF, SL, DR |
| Quercus falcate | Southern red oak* | B, S, RF, SL, DR, T |
| Quercus palustris | Pin oak* | P, B, S, RF, SL, WS, DR |
| Quercus phellos | Willow oak* | P, B, S, RF, SL, WS, DR |
| Quercus rubra borealis | Northern red oak* | B, S, RF, SL, DR, T |
| Medium deciduous trees | ||
| Betula nigra | River birch* | B, WS |
| Carya ovata | Shagbark hickory* | B, RF |
| Diospyros virginiana | Persimmon* | B, RF (male and female trees) |
| Nyssa sylvatica | Blackgum | P, B, RF, WS, T |
| Small deciduous trees | ||
| Amelanchier arborea | Downy serviceberry* | B, RF, PS, SH, W, I |
| Amelanchier laevis | Allegany serviceberry* | B, PS, SH, W, I |
| Carpinus caroliniana | American hornbeam* | B, RF, WS, SH |
| Cercis candensis | Eastern Redbud* | B, S, RF, U, SL, DR, PS, SH |
| Cornus florida | Flowering Dogwood* | B, RF, S, U, SH, D |
| Ostrya virginiana | Eastern Hophornbeam, Ironwood* | B, T |
| Compact deciduous trees | ||
| Magnolia stellata | Star magnolia | B, S, U, AP |
| Sassafras albidum | Sassafras* | B, RF, T |
| Stewartia ovata | Mountain Stewartia* | B, U |
| Evergreen trees (recommended for general use) | ||
| Cedrus atlantica | Atlas cedar | B |
| Chamaecyparis spp. | Chamaecyparis | B, U |
| Ilex opaca cultivars | American holly* | B, RF, U, WS, DR |
| Juniperus virginiana | Red cedar* | B, RF, U, WS, DR |
| Magnolia virginiana | Sweetbay magnolia* | B, RF, I, WS, not reliably evergreen in Northern Virginia |
| Pinus virginiana | Virginia pine* | RF |
| Trees (not acceptable for general use) | ||
| Acer negundo | Box elder* | D, I, W, R |
| Acer platanoides | Norway maple | R, INVASIVE and brittle in storms |
| Acer pseudoplatanus | Sycamore maple | D, W |
| Acer saccharinum | Silver maple* | D, I, W, R, can be brittle in storms |
| Ailanthus altissima | Tree of Heaven | W, HIGHLY INVASIVE |
| Albizzia julibrissin | Minosa | D, W, INVASIVE, susceptible to disease |
| Betula papyrifera | Paper birch | D, I |
| Betula pendula | European white birch | D, I, W, highly susceptible to birch borer |
| Ginkgo biloba | Female ginkgo | I |
| Gleditsia triacanthos | Thorny honeylocust* | I, THORNS |
| Maclura pomifera | Osage orange | F, THORNS |
| Morus spp. | Mulberry | W, F, INVASIVE |
| Populus spp. | Poplar | D, W, R |
| Salix spp. | Willows | W, R |
| Sorbus spp. | Mountain ash | D, I |
| Paulownia tomentosa | Empress tree | W, F, INVASIVE |
| Pinus strobus | White pine | D, W, AP |
| Ulmus americana | American elm | D, I |
| Ulmus pumila | Siberian elm | W |
| Cupressocyparis leylandi | Leyland Cyprus | D |
| Pyrus calleryana | Ornamental Pear: 'Aristocrat' 'Redspire' 'Whitehouse' 'Chanticleer' 'Cleveland Select' 'Capital' | P, B, S, SL, DR, W, INVASIVE, weak wood |
| Shrubs (not acceptable for general use) | ||
| Berberis thunbergii | Japanese barberry | INVASIVE, associated with deer ticks |
| Elaeagnus umbellatus | Autumn olive | Invasive |
| Euonymous | — | Susceptible to scale, some species invasive |
| Pyracantha spp. | Pyracantha | INVASIVE |
| Viburnum plicatum | Doublefile viburnum | INVASIVE |
Table 6-9. Plant Selection Guide For Stormwater Management Facilities
| Botanical Name/Common Name | Wildlife Values | Wetland Status | Flood Tolerant | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large deciduous trees | ||||
| Celtis laevagata/hackberry | FACW | |||
| Fagus grandiflora/American beech | High | FACU | No | Prefers shade; well-drained |
| Quercus bicolor/swamp white oak | High | OBL | Yes | |
| Quercus falcate/southern red oak | High | FACW | Yes | |
| Quercus michauii/swamp chestnut oak | High | FACW | Yes | |
| Quercus palustris/pin oak | High | FACW | ||
| Quercus phellos/willow oak | High | FACW | No | |
| Medium deciduous trees | ||||
| Asimina triloba/paw paw | FACU+ | |||
| Betula nigra/river birch | Low | FACW | Yes | Stream bank stabilizer |
| Carpinus caroliniana/American hornbeam | FACU | |||
| Carya cordiformis/bitternut hickory | High | FACU+ | ||
| Carya ovata/shagbark hickory | High | FACU- | ||
| Nyssa sylvatica/Blackgum | High | FAC | Yes | |
| Salix babylonica/weeping willow | FACW- | Yes | ||
| Salix nigra/black willow | Low | FACU+ | Yes | Streambanks |
| Small deciduous trees | ||||
| Amelanchier spp./serviceberry | High | FAC | Yes | |
| Chionanthus virginicus/fringe tree | FAC+ | |||
| Crataegus spp./hawthorns | High | FACU | ||
| Prunus serotina/black cherry | High | FACU | ||
| Prunus virginiana/Common chokecherry | High | FACU | No | |
| Sorbus aucuparia/European Mountain ash | FACU | |||
| Evergreen trees | ||||
| Ilex opaca/holly, American | Food | FAC | Infrequent | Plant 1 male, 10 female |
| Juniperus virginiana/eastern red cedar | Food | FACU | No | |
| Magnolia virginiana/swamp magnolia or sweetbay | Low | FACU+ | Yes | Semievergreen |
| Pinus virginiana/Virginia pine | High | FAC- | Some | |
| Thuja occidentalis/eastern arborvitae | Cover | FACW | No | |
| Deciduous shrubs | ||||
| Aronia arbutifolia/red chokeberry* | Moderate | FACW | Yes | |
| Aronia melanocarpa/black chokeberry* | FAC | |||
| Cephalanthus occidentalis/buttonbush* | High | OBL | Yes | |
| Cornus stolonifera/red osier dogwood | Moderate | FACW+ | Yes | Shade tolerant |
| Crataegus spp./hawthorns | Moderate | FACU | No | |
| Hamamelis virginiana/witch hazel | Low | FAC- | No | |
| Ilex laevigata/smooth winterberry | Moderate | OBL | No | |
| Ilex verticillata/common winterberry | High | FACW | ||
| Lindera benzoin/spice bush | Moderate | FACW | No | |
| Prunus virginiana/common chokecherry | High | FACU | No | |
| Rhododendron viscosum/swamp azalea | Low | OBL | Yes | |
| Rhus typhina/staghorn sumac | Moderate | |||
| Rosa rugosa/rugosa rose | High | FACU- | ||
| Rubus hispida/bristly hispoides | ||||
| Rubus/Blackberry—BOG | High | FACW | ||
| Vaccinium corymbosum/highbush blueberry | High | FACW- | ||
| Viburnum opulus/European cranberrybush | ||||
| Viburnum prunifolium/Black haw | High | FACU | ||
| Viburnum dentatum/Arrowwood | High | |||
| Broadleaf evergreen shrubs | ||||
| Ilex glabra/inkberry | Moderate | FACW- | Yes | |
| Kalmia angustifolia/sheep laurel | FAC | No | ||
| Kalmia latifolia/mountain laurel | Low | FACU | No | Tolerates acid soils |
| Woody vines | ||||
| Clematis virginiana/virgin's Bower | Low | No | ||
| Parthenocissus quinquefolia/Virginia creeper | FACU | Berries are poisonous to some and leaves may cause skin irritation | ||
| Vitis riparia/riverbank grape | High | FACW | No | |
| Vitis vulpina/winter grape | High | FAC | No | |
| Emergent and aquatic plants | ||||
| Acorus calamus/sweet flag | Low | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Cephalanthus occidentalis/buttonbush | High | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Ceratophyllum emersum/coontail | Low | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Cyperus spp./sedges | Moderate | Varies | Yes | Emergent |
| Hibiscus moscheutos/marsh hibiscus | Low | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Iris pseudoacorus/water iris | Low | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Leersia oryzoides/rice cutgrass | Moderate | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Nuphar luteum/spatterdock | Moderate | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Peltandra virginica/arrow arum/duck corn | Wood ducks | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Pontederia cordata/pickerelweed | Low | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Sagittaria latifolia/arrowhead/duck potato | Moderate | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Scirpus americanus/common three-square | High | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Viburnum trilobum/highbush cranberry | Moderate | FACW | Yes |
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-11; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-369 Modifications And Alternatives#
The Town Council recognizes that the landscaping, buffering and screening requirements of this article cannot address every situation due to the variety of potential developments, properties and the relationships between adjoining properties and uses. Subject to a recommendation of the zoning administrator, the town council may approve alternate proposals that deviate from the requirements of this article in excess of those permitted by Section 42-369(b), or modifications to the standards provided herein, whenever the council concludes that the proposal meets or exceeds the purpose and intent of this article. Requests for modifications and alternatives shall be submitted by the applicant in writing and shall be depicted on the landscape plan submitted in conjunction with the request.
The zoning administrator may approve minor changes to the landscaping requirements if the change involves reducing a requirement by no more than 10 percent and complies with the purpose of this article.§
Whenever the Town Council or zoning administrator approves a modification or alternative to the requirements of this article, the alternate standards shall be noted on the zoning permit along with the reasons for approval.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-10; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2019-08-0001, 8-22-2019; Ord. No 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-370 Monitoring And Enforcement#
The enforcement of the provisions of this section shall be the responsibility of the administrator. Any violation of this section is a civil violation as described in section 42-35(d).
No occupancy permit shall be signed until the trees, plants, and other screening materials required by this article have been installed.§
If the weather prohibits the installation of the required tree, plant or screening materials at the time of occupancy, the applicant may, at his option, post a cash bond for the installation of the required plants and installation costs.§ The bond shall be supported by an estimate by a landscape contractor of the cost of installing such landscaping and a letter expressing the intent of the contractor to install the required plants. If the required landscaping is not installed within 6 months, the bond shall be forfeited to the town to use for planting of the required materials.§
The property owner shall be responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of all landscape materials, fences and walls required by this section.§ Maintenance of trees and shrubs by the owner shall follow best practices as prescribed by the International Society of Arboriculture.§
All landscape materials shall be kept in healthy condition free of disease and infestation.§ All fences and walls shall be maintained in a safe and attractive condition.§
The property owner shall, upon written notice from the administrator, repair or replace any landscape materials, fencing or walls not meeting the requirements of this chapter within 30 days.§
If the full canopy, street tree, or other tree requirement cannot be achieved on-site, the applicant may provide cash in lieu of the remaining tree requirement subject to the following.§ The Zoning Administrator may allow developers to contribute a pro-rated fee to the Town's Tree Fund when full canopy requirements cannot be provided on-site due to easements, topography, or similar constraints, or safety concerns. The Town may use this fund directly to plant trees on public property, including the right-of-way on public roads, or the Town may elect to disburse this fund to community-based organizations exempt from taxation under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for tree planting projects that benefit the community at large. A fee for the total shall be collected prior to site plan approval.
Fees collected for these purposes shall be based on the cost of plants needed to complete the required canopy cover using 2.5-inch caliper nursery stock tree and the cover specifications of Section 42-368, Plant Selection Guide.§
The cost to establish a new tree(s) with a 10-year canopy area starting with a 2.5-inch caliper nursery stock at a price established by Town Council.§ This price covers the cost typically associated with purchasing plant material, cost of installation, and cost associated with proper tree care to ensure the development and survival of a healthy tree over a 5-year period.§
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-11; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-363 Parking Lot Landscaping#
All parking areas with five or more spaces shall provide perimeter parking lot landscaping outside of the parking area of the lot.
Parking lots adjacent to public streets shall provide a continuous landscape area of not less than ten feet in width located between the parking lot and property line. The landscape area shall be planted at a rate of one tree for every 40 feet of frontage, plus three shrubs for every 40 feet of frontage. A minimum of 75 percent of the trees provided shall be canopy trees. When overhead utility lines may prohibit the planting of large trees, small or medium trees should be used.
Parking lots adjacent to lands not in the right-of-way of a street shall provide a continuous landscape area 5 feet in width, located between the parking area and the property line. The landscape area shall be planted at a rate of 1 tree for every 40 feet of frontage, plus three shrubs for every 40 feet of frontage. A minimum of 75 percent of the trees provided shall be canopy trees. Where a wider buffer is required, the buffer requirement shall apply.
All parking lots with 10 spaces or more shall provide interior parking lot landscaping. Such landscaping shall be in addition to any planting or landscaping within 6 feet of a building, required perimeter landscaping and required screening. A minimum landscape area of 5 percent of the gross parking lot area shall be provided within the parking area. The gross area of the parking lot shall include all designated parking spaces and areas designated for ingress and egress. Landscape areas shall have a minimum dimension of 10 feet. Trees shall be provided at the rate of 1 tree for every 10 parking spaces, with a minimum of 1 tree provided.
Plant materials at entrances shall be located so as to maintain safe sight distances in accordance with the Virginia Department of Transportation standards.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-4; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-364 Buffering And Screening#
Certain uses, when adjoining each other, are incompatible and create conflict that may be reduced or eliminated by appropriate measures. Buffering between incompatible uses minimizes these conflicts and the adverse impact of incompatible development. These provisions are intended to provide adequate buffer areas between incompatible land uses in all zoning districts, except where the incompatibility arises from an existing nonconforming use.
Buffer yards are to be used for the planting of landscape material. Buffer yards shall not be used for the storage of materials, buildings, parking lots or loading areas for vehicles or equipment. Driveways and entrances connecting adjacent parking lots or developments may interrupt the required buffer yard. Minimal utility crossings shall be permitted within buffer yards.
Buffer yards may be provided in the area required for setbacks by the zoning district requirements. Where the required buffer yard exceeds the required setback for the zoning district, the required buffer yard shall be provided.
The buffer area requirements are based on the compatibility between the proposed use and that of the adjoining property. The following table 6-1 identifies the minimum buffer area that is required to be provided:
Table 6-1. Minimum Buffer Area Required
| Proposed Use/Development | Residential SFD/SFA/MF | Institutional (schools and churches) | Office | Retail sales & Service up to 4,000 sf gfa | Retail sales & service over 4,000 sf gfa | Industrial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family detached | B | B | B | B | B | C |
| Single-family attached | B | B | B | B | B | C |
| Multifamily | B | B | B | B | B | C |
| Institutional (schools & churches) | B | B | B | B | A | C |
| Office | B | B | B | B | B | C |
| Retail sales & service up to 4,000 sf gfa | B | B | B | B | A | B |
| Retail sales & service over 4,000 sf gfa | C | C | C | C | C | A |
| Industrial | C | C | C | C | C | B |
Plant materials are required per square foot of required buffer area as shown in table 6-2 in this subsection for types A, B and C.
Table 6-2. Buffers (Area Width and Plant Requirements)
| Required Planting Type | Width (in feet) | Canopy Trees (in square feet) | Understory Trees (in square feet) | Evergreen Trees (in square feet) | Shrubs (in square feet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 10 | 1/1,000 | 1/500 | — | 1/500 |
| B | 25 | 1/1,000 | 1/500 | 1/500 | 1/100 |
| C | 35 | 1/1,000 | 1/500 | 1/500 | 1/100 |
Berms are encouraged within buffer yards. A Type C buffer area may be reduced to 24 feet with the provision of a berm at least 4 feet higher than the elevation of the adjacent ground. Slopes on the berm shall not exceed 3.0:1. Number of required plantings shall be based on the reduced yard area.
A 6-foot tall opaque fence (board-on-board) or architectural block wall may be substituted for one half of the required buffer yard and the plant material reduced accordingly provided the purpose of reducing or eliminating the conflict between uses and adverse impact is met (For example, a 6-foot wall may not reduce the adverse impact of parking lot lights) and subject to the following:
- The wall or fence will be constructed with low maintenance materials with the finished side of the fence facing the adjoining property.
- The wall or fence will not impede stormwater flow.
- Required landscaping shall be placed between the fence or wall and the associated property line.
All loading areas, dumpsters, trash bins, generators, maintenance areas and equipment and similar areas are to be screened from view from all public streets and adjoining properties by a 6-foot opaque fence, wall, or structure meeting the requirements of paragraph (g).
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-5; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-365 Tree Canopy Coverage#
Any project subject to the provisions of this article shall be subject to the tree canopy requirements set out in this section. Tree cover requirements may be met by providing landscaping in the form of residential lot planting, parking lot landscaping, street planting and buffer yard planting. For purposes of tree canopy coverage, the total site area may be reduced by the area to be dedicated for public street purposes.
Table 6-3. Required Tree Canopy Cover (at ten-year maturity)
| Development Type | Percent of Area |
|---|---|
| Residential | 15 |
| Commercial, industrial and institutional | 10 |
Existing tree cover within any proposed development shall be retained to the greatest extent possible and taken fully into account in the design of the improvements, site grading and calculation of tree canopy requirement. Existing trees used to meet the tree canopy coverage must be at least 4-inch caliper, a native species, in healthy condition and be protected from all construction activity pursuant to Chapter 30, Subdivisions.
For any conditional use permit associated with a proposed use or activity, the planning commission may recommend, and the Town Council may impose reasonable conditions with respect to the tree canopy coverage requirements of this section in order to ensure that the tree canopy coverage is preserved and maintained to the maximum extent practicable in accordance with the purpose and intent of this section.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-6; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2019-08-0001, 8-22-2019; Ord. No. 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-366 Street Trees#
Canopy and understory trees that do not interfere with pedestrian or automobile traffic and will not damage sidewalks shall be provided adjacent to right-of-way in a manner that will enhance streets throughout the town.
For all new construction, 1 street tree as identified in Table 6-8, shall be planted for every 40 feet of street frontage. The majority of street trees shall be medium or large deciduous trees to provide shade and visual relief. When overhead utility lines prohibit such trees, small or medium deciduous trees should be used.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-7; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2019-08-0001, 8-22-2019; Ord. No. 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-367 Minimum Specification For Plant Materials#
All plants shall be well branched and well formed, sound, vigorous, healthy, free from disease and trunk wounds, and have a healthy, normal and unbroken root system. All plants shall comply with the American Association of Nurserymen's Standards and conform to the representative species.
All plant materials installed to meet the requirements of this chapter shall meet the following minimum size requirements at the time of planting:
Table 6-4. Minimum Planting Size Requirements
| Plant Type | Minimum Size at Planting |
|---|---|
| Street and canopy trees | Caliper: 2 1/2-inch minimum |
| Understory trees | Height: 6-foot minimum |
| Evergreen trees | Height: 6-foot minimum |
| Shrubs | Height: 18-inch minimum |
The planting of all trees shall be done in accordance with the standardized landscape specifications jointly adopted by the Virginia Nurserymen's Association, the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers and the Virginia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-8; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014)
Sec 42-368 Plant Selection Guide#
Plant selection guide for buffer areas, basic landscaping, street planting and reforestation areas. The plant selection guide to be utilized by persons preparing landscape plans for buffer areas, basic landscaping, street planting, and reforestation areas is found in Table 6-8, in section 42-370. Table 6-7 provides an explanation of the codes contained in the Plant Selection Guide, Table 6-8.
Table 6-5 is divided into groups of trees (e.g., large, medium, small and compact) for purposes of calculating tree canopy coverage. Tree canopy coverage is determined by the size of a tree at planting related to the projected size of tree's canopy in square feet after ten years of growth in an urban environment.
Tables 6-5 and 6-6 provide the square footages to be utilized in tabulating tree canopy coverage and shall be used for meeting the town's requirements. Tree canopy coverage for deciduous trees is based on the caliper of tree at planting. Evergreen trees are based on height at planting. The minimum planting area for achieving healthy tree growth as well as the projected ten-year canopy growth is also included.
Table 6-5. Ten-Year Tree Canopy Cover for Deciduous Trees (Relative to Caliper at Planting Recommended Minimum Planting Area)
| Tree Category | Caliper at Planting (in inches) | 10-year Canopy Coverage (in square feet) | Minimum Planting Area (in square feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large deciduous tree | 2 to 2 1/2 | 200 | 130 |
| Large deciduous tree | 3 to 3 1/2 | 250 | 130 |
| Medium deciduous tree | 2 to 2 1/2 | 150 | 90 |
| Medium deciduous tree | 3 to 3 1/2 | 175 | 90 |
| Small deciduous tree | 2 to 2 1/2 | 100 | 50 |
| Small deciduous tree | 3 to 3 1/2 | 125 | 50 |
| Compact deciduous tree | 2 to 2 1/2 | 50 | 30 |
| Compact deciduous tree | 3 to 3 1/2 | 75 | 30 |
Table 6-6. Ten-Year Tree Canopy Cover for Evergreen Trees (Relative to Height at Planting)
| Height at Planting (in feet) | Ten-Year Tree Canopy Coverage (in square feet) |
|---|---|
| 6-7 | 125 |
| 7-8 | 150 |
| 9 | 175 |
Table 6-7 provides a listing of the codes found in the plant selection guide.
Environmental tolerances. This column is used to select species that are tolerant of specific environmental factors, both natural and manmade. Eight factors are considered, as follows:
-
Restricted root zone. Trees indicated as (RZ) are recommended for areas which are relatively limited in soil volume and surrounded by impervious barriers typical of parking lot islands and planting strips provided between parking bays and between sidewalks and curbs. A larger planting space will result in a healthier and more vigorous tree.
-
Poor soil. Trees indicated as (SL) are recommended for soil conditions which are poor. These trees are noted for their tolerance to a wide range of soils found in an urban environment. Most trees, however, do not tolerate poor soils. Better soils will result in a healthier and more vigorous tree. Subsoil is used to provide a stable base for sidewalks, parking lots, buildings, etc., and general grading purposes are often found to be inadequate for plant growth. Soil amendments are generally needed.
-
Partial shade. Trees indicated as (PS) are recommended for areas receiving partial amounts of direct sunlight such as on the eastern or western boundary of a structure.
-
Shade trees. Shade trees indicated as (SH) are recommended for a shaded environment. These trees are noted for their tolerance to shade, but more sun will result in a healthier and more vigorous tree.
-
Air pollution. Trees indicated as (AP) are recommended for areas subject to exhaust emissions as found along a highway or in a parking lot with excessive stop and go traffic. Deciduous trees are more tolerant of air pollution than evergreen trees.
-
Deicing salts. Trees indicated as (IS) are recommended for areas near streets and parking lots where deicing salts containing sodium chloride and/or calcium chloride are used.
-
Wet soil. Trees indicated as (WS) are recommended for areas near waterways, ponds, lakes, and stormwater management facilities.
-
Drought. Trees indicated as (DR) are recommended for hot, dry conditions such as along streets, near or in parking lots, and near buildings.
Associated problems. Table 6-7 codes are used to identify general problems associated with specific tree species. Six problem codes are provided: disease, insect damage, storm and structural damage due to weak wood, production of objectionable fruit and production of objectionable root systems.
-
Diseased trees. Diseased trees indicated as (D) are susceptible to severe stress, disfigurement, or death brought about by disease-causing agents which produce symptoms that are not curable or controllable by known or practical methods. Some of these species are susceptible to one or more pathogens.
-
Insect damaged trees. Insect damaged trees indicated as (I) are susceptible to severe damage by insects. Considerable damage such as defoliation and sometimes death can result. Pests causing such damage cannot be effectively controlled without considerable maintenance with pesticides.
-
Storm and structural damage. Storm and structural damage due to weak wood trees indicated as (W) are susceptible to structural failure, such as branches breaking and falling or major portions of the main trunk snapping off during storms. These species should not be planted near buildings.
-
Objectionable fruit trees. Objectionable fruit trees indicated as (F) produce fruit that is capable of causing damage when falling, is slick or sticky on roads and walkways, attracts pests, produces disagreeable odors, and/or produces prolific seedlings.
-
Objectionable root systems. Trees indicated as (R) produce shallow or surface-oriented root systems that may heave sidewalks and asphalt surfaces, clog sewer and drainage pipes, or damage foundations if planted too close to buildings.
-
Transplanting difficulty. Trees indicated as (T) produce deep root systems that are difficult to retain in transplanting.
Table 6-7. Plant Selection Guide Codes
| Uses | Code |
|---|---|
| Interior parking lot planting areas | P |
| Buffer areas | B |
| Street planting areas | S |
| Reforestation areas | RF |
| Areas near overhead utilities | U |
| Native to Virginia | * |
| Environmental tolerances | Code |
|---|---|
| Restricted root zone | RZ |
| Poor soils | SL |
| Partial shade | PS |
| Shade | SH |
| Air pollution | AP |
| Deicing salts | IS |
| Wet soils | WS |
| Drought | DR |
| Associated problems | Code |
|---|---|
| Disease | D |
| Insect damage | I |
| Weak wood | W |
| Objectionable fruit | F |
| Objectionable root systems | R |
| Transplanting difficulty | T |
Plant selection guide. The plant selection guide provides the guidelines for selecting plants, including information on uses, environmental tolerances and associated problems.
Genus and species. The first column on Table 6-8 contains the Latin name for the plant, sometimes followed by a specific cultivar name.
Common name. The second column on Table 6-8 contains the name of the plant commonly used in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
Planting location/situation codes. This column in Table 6-8 is used to select a species that will thrive and exhibit desirable characteristics suitable to the demands of a particular environment. Five situations are considered in Table 6-8 as follows:
-
Interior parking lot planting areas. Trees indicated as (P) tolerate poor soils, drought, reflected heat, restricted root zones. Desirable branching habit is also considered.
-
Buffer areas. Trees indicated as (B) provide screening of undesirable views. Both deciduous and evergreen species are listed, but the use of more evergreens will provide the most effective buffer.
-
Street planting areas. Trees indicated as (S) are appropriate for planting within street rights-of-way, selected based on their form and potential spread.
-
Reforestation areas. Trees indicated as (RF) are appropriate for planting in areas which are to be reforested.
-
Areas near or under overhead utilities. Trees indicated as (U) are appropriate for planting near or under overhead utilities and have been selected based on their ultimate height and spread. Use of the selected species can prevent disfigurement and associated structural and health problems caused by periodic topping or pruning of trees near power lines.
Plant selection guide for stormwater management facilities. Table 6-9 (in section 42-370) contains plants which are suitable for planting in stormwater management facilities. Like table 6-8, genus and species, as well as common names, are listed followed by columns of three variables: wildlife value, adaptation to wetland growing condition, and tolerance to periodic flooding. The variables are provided to assist persons designing landscapes for stormwater management facilities.
Calculating tree canopy coverage. Table 6-9 (in section 42-370) is divided into groups of trees (e.g. large, medium, and small) for purposes of calculating tree canopy coverage.
Wildlife values. This column of Table 6-9 (in section 42-370) provides wildlife values, given as high, moderate, and low and are intended to assist those designing stormwater facilities for promoting or managing wildlife.
Wetland status. This column in Table 6-9 (in section 42-370) provides indicators taken from the National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: Northeast (Region I) USDI/Fish and Wildlife Service, 1998, or most recent edition. These indicators may be used as a guide to the adaptability of various species to various prevailing soil moisture conditions. The categories are defined as follows:
-
Obligate wetland (OBL). Obligate wetland occur almost always (estimated at 90 percent probability) under natural conditions in wetlands.
-
Facultative wetland (FACW). Facultative wetland usually occur in wetland (estimated probability 34 percent to 67 percent), but occasionally found in non-wetland areas.
-
Facultative upland (FAUP). Usually occur in nonwetlands (estimated probability 67 percent to 99 percent), but occasionally found in wetlands (estimated probability one percent to 33 percent).
-
Obligate upland (UPL). Obligate upland occur in wetlands in another region but occur almost always (estimated probability greater than 99 percent) under natural conditions in nonwetlands in this region.
Wetness or dryness. A plus or minus sign indicates if the species is usually found in the wetter (+) or drier (-) end of its category.
Flood tolerant. This column in table 6-9 refers to the ability of a plant to survive periodic flooding. While this is shown as a "yes" or "no," it is not absolute. Actual plant survival will also depend on such variables as the amount of soil loss around roots and the amount of silt deposited over the root zone during the storm event.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-9; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014)
Sec 42-369 Modifications And Alternatives#
The Town Council recognizes that the landscaping, buffering and screening requirements of this article cannot address every situation due to the variety of potential developments, properties and the relationships between adjoining properties and uses. Subject to a recommendation of the zoning administrator, the town council may approve alternate proposals that deviate from the requirements of this article in excess of those permitted by Section 42-369(b), or modifications to the standards provided herein, whenever the council concludes that the proposal meets or exceeds the purpose and intent of this article. Requests for modifications and alternatives shall be submitted by the applicant in writing and shall be depicted on the landscape plan submitted in conjunction with the request.
The zoning administrator may approve minor changes to the landscaping requirements if the change involves reducing a requirement by no more than 10 percent and complies with the purpose of this article.
Whenever the Town Council or zoning administrator approves a modification or alternative to the requirements of this article, the alternate standards shall be noted on the zoning permit along with the reasons for approval.
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-10; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2019-08-0001, 8-22-2019; Ord. No 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
Sec 42-370 Monitoring And Enforcement#
The enforcement of the provisions of this section shall be the responsibility of the administrator. Any violation of this section is a civil violation as described in section 42-35(d).
No occupancy permit shall be signed until the trees, plants, and other screening materials required by this article have been installed.
If the weather prohibits the installation of the required tree, plant or screening materials at the time of occupancy, the applicant may, at his option, post a cash bond for the installation of the required plants and installation costs. The bond shall be supported by an estimate by a landscape contractor of the cost of installing such landscaping and a letter expressing the intent of the contractor to install the required plants. If the required landscaping is not installed within 6 months, the bond shall be forfeited to the town to use for planting of the required materials.
The property owner shall be responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of all landscape materials, fences and walls required by this section. Maintenance of trees and shrubs by the owner shall follow best practices as prescribed by the International Society of Arboriculture.
All landscape materials shall be kept in healthy condition free of disease and infestation. All fences and walls shall be maintained in a safe and attractive condition.
The property owner shall, upon written notice from the administrator, repair or replace any landscape materials, fencing or walls not meeting the requirements of this chapter within 30 days.
If the full canopy, street tree, or other tree requirement cannot be achieved on-site, the applicant may provide cash in lieu of the remaining tree requirement subject to the following. The Zoning Administrator may allow developers to contribute a pro-rated fee to the Town's Tree Fund when full canopy requirements cannot be provided on-site due to easements, topography, or similar constraints, or safety concerns. The Town may use this fund directly to plant trees on public property, including the right-of-way on public roads, or the Town may elect to disburse this fund to community-based organizations exempt from taxation under 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code for tree planting projects that benefit the community at large. A fee for the total shall be collected prior to site plan approval.
Fees collected for these purposes shall be based on the cost of plants needed to complete the required canopy cover using 2.5-inch caliper nursery stock tree and the cover specifications of Section 42-368, Plant Selection Guide.
The cost to establish a new tree(s) with a 10-year canopy area starting with a 2.5-inch caliper nursery stock at a price established by Town Council. This price covers the cost typically associated with purchasing plant material, cost of installation, and cost associated with proper tree care to ensure the development and survival of a healthy tree over a 5-year period.
Table 6-8. Plant Selection Guide for Buffer Areas, Basic Landscaping, Street Planting, and Reforestation Areas#
| Botanical Name | Common Name | Codes (See table 6-7) |
|---|---|---|
| Large deciduous trees | ||
| Celtis laevagata | Hackberry* | B, RF, SL, WS, DR |
| Liquidamber styraciflus | Sweetgum* | B, RF, SL, WS, DR, F |
| Liriodendron tulipifera | Tulip poplar* | B, RF, AP, WS, W |
| Quercus alba | White oak* | B, S, RF, SL, WS, DR, T |
| Quercus bicolor | Swamp white oak* | B, S, RF, SL, WS, DR, T |
| Quercus coccinea | Scarlet oak* | B, S, RF, SL, DR |
| Quercus falcate | Southern red oak* | B, S, RF, SL, DR, T |
| Quercus palustris | Pin oak* | P, B, S, RF, SL, WS, DR |
| Quercus phellos | Willow oak* | P, B, S, RF, SL, WS, DR |
| Quercus rubra borealis | Northern red oak* | B, S, RF, SL, DR, T |
| Medium deciduous trees | ||
| Betula nigra | River birch* | B, WS |
| Carya ovata | Shagbark hickory* | B, RF |
| Diospyros virginiana | Persimmon* | B, RF (male and female trees) |
| Nyssa sylvatica | Blackgum | P, B, RF, WS, T |
| Small deciduous trees | ||
| Amelanchier arborea | Downy serviceberry* | B, RF, PS, SH, W, I |
| Amelanchier laevis | Allegany serviceberry* | B, PS, SH, W, I |
| Carpinus caroliniana | American hornbeam* | B, RF, WS, SH |
| Cercis candensis | Eastern Redbud* | B, S, RF, U, SL, DR, PS, SH |
| Cornus florida | Flowering Dogwood* | B, RF, S, U, SH, D |
| Ostrya virginiana | Eastern Hophornbeam, Ironwood* | B, T |
| Compact deciduous trees | ||
| Magnolia stellata | Star magnolia | B, S, U, AP |
| Sassafras albidum | Sassafras* | B, RF, T |
| Stewartia ovata | Mountain Stewartia* | B, U |
| Evergreen trees (recommended for general use) | ||
| Cedrus atlantica | Atlas cedar | B |
| Chamaecyparis spp. | Chamaecyparis | B, U |
| Ilex opaca cultivars | American holly* | B, RF, U, WS, DR |
| Juniperus virginiana | Red cedar* | B, RF, U, WS, DR |
| Magnolia virginiana | Sweetbay magnolia* | B, RF, I, WS, not reliably evergreen in Northern Virginia |
| Pinus virginiana | Virginia pine* | RF |
| Trees (not acceptable for general use) | ||
| Acer negundo | Box elder* | D, I, W, R |
| Acer platanoides | Norway maple | R, INVASIVE and brittle in storms |
| Acer pseudoplatanus | Sycamore maple | D, W |
| Acer saccharinum | Silver maple* | D, I, W, R, can be brittle in storms |
| Ailanthus altissima | Tree of Heaven | W, HIGHLY INVASIVE |
| Albizzia julibrissin | Mimosa | D, W, INVASIVE, susceptible to disease |
| Betula papyrifera | Paper birch | D, I |
| Betula pendula | European white birch | D, I, W, highly susceptible to birch borer |
| Ginkgo biloba | Female ginkgo | I |
| Gleditsia triacanthos | Thorny honeylocust* | I, THORNS |
| Maclura pomifera | Osage orange | F, THORNS |
| Morus spp. | Mulberry | W, F, INVASIVE |
| Populus spp. | Poplar | D, W, R |
| Salix spp. | Willows | W, R |
| Sorbus spp. | Mountain ash | D, I |
| Paulownia tomentosa | Empress tree | W, F, INVASIVE |
| Pinus strobus | White pine | D, W, AP |
| Ulmus americana | American elm | D, I |
| Ulmus pumila | Siberian elm | W |
| Cupressocyparis leylandi | Leyland Cyprus | D |
| Pyrus calleryana | Ornamental Pear: 'Aristocrat' 'Redspire' 'Whitehouse' 'Chanticleer' 'Cleveland Select' 'Capital' | P, B, S, SL, DR, W, INVASIVE, weak wood |
| Shrubs (not acceptable for general use) | ||
| Berberis thunbergii | Japanese barberry | INVASIVE, associated with deer ticks |
| Elaeagnus umbellatus | Autumn olive | Invasive |
| Euonymus | Susceptible to scale, some species invasive | |
| Pyracantha spp. | Pyracantha | INVASIVE |
| Viburnum plicatum | Doublefile viburnum | INVASIVE |
Table 6-9. Plant Selection Guide For Stormwater Management Facilities#
| Botanical Name/Common Name | Wildlife Values | Wetland Status | Flood Tolerant | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large deciduous trees | ||||
| Celtis laevagata/hackberry | FACW | |||
| Fagus grandiflora/American beech | Loam; prefers shade; well-drained | |||
| Quercus bicolor/swamp white oak | High | OBL | Yes | |
| Quercus falcate/southern red oak | High | FACW | Yes | |
| Quercus michauii/swamp chestnut oak | High | FACW | Yes | |
| Quercus palustris/pin oak | High | FACW | ||
| Quercus phellos/willow oak | High | FACW | No | |
| Medium deciduous trees | ||||
| Asimina triloba/paw paw | FACU+ | |||
| Betula nigra/river birch | Low | FACW | Yes | Stream bank stabilizer |
| Carpinus caroliniana/American hornbeam | FACU | |||
| Carya cordiformis/bitternut hickory | High | FACU+ | ||
| Carya ovata/shagbark hickory | High | FACU- | ||
| Nyssa sylvatica/Blackgum | High | FAC | Yes | |
| Salix babylonica/weeping willow | FACW- | Yes | ||
| Salix nigra/black willow | Low | FACU+ | Yes | Streambanks |
| Small deciduous trees | ||||
| Amelanchier spp./serviceberry | High | FAC | Yes | |
| Chionanthus virginicus/fringe tree | FAC+ | |||
| Crataegus spp./hawthorns | High | FACU | ||
| Prunus serotina/black cherry | High | FACU | ||
| Prunus virginiana/common chokecherry | High | FACU | No | |
| Sorbus aucuparia/European Mountain ash | FACU | |||
| Evergreen trees | ||||
| Ilex opaca/holly, American | Food | FAC | Infrequent | Plant 1 male, 10 female |
| Juniperus virginiana/eastern red cedar | Food | FACU | No | |
| Magnolia virginiana/swamp magnolia or sweetbay | Low | FACU+ | Yes | Semievergreen |
| Pinus virginiana/Virginia pine | High | FAC- | Some | |
| Thuja occidentalis/eastern arborvitae | Cover | FACW | No | |
| Deciduous shrubs | ||||
| Aronia arbutifolia/red chokeberry* | Moderate | FACW | Yes | |
| Aronia melanocarpa/black chokeberry* | FAC | |||
| Cephalanthus occidentalis/buttonbush* | High | OBL | Yes | |
| Cornus stolonifera/red osier dogwood | Moderate | FACW+ | Yes | Shade tolerant |
| Crataegus spp./hawthorns | Moderate | FACU | No | |
| Hamamelis virginiana/witch hazel | Low | FAC- | No | |
| Ilex laevigata/smooth winterberry | Moderate | OBL | No | |
| Ilex verticillata/common winterberry | High | FACW | ||
| Lindera benzoin/spice bush | Moderate | FACW | No | |
| Prunus virginiana/common chokecherry | High | FACU | No | |
| Rhododendron viscosum/swamp azalea | Low | OBL | Yes | |
| Rhus typhina/staghorn sumac | Moderate | |||
| Rosa rugosa/rugosa rose | High | FACU- | ||
| Rubus hispida/bristly hispoides | ||||
| Rubus/Blackberry—BOG | High | FACW | ||
| Vaccinium corymbosum/highbush blueberry | High | FACW- | ||
| Viburnum opulus/European cranberrybush | ||||
| Viburnum prunifolium/Black haw | High | FACU | ||
| Viburnum dentatum/Arrowwood | High | |||
| Broadleaf evergreen shrubs | ||||
| Ilex glabra/inkberry | Moderate | FACW- | Yes | |
| Kalmia angustifolia/sheep laurel | FAC | No | ||
| Kalmia latifolia/mountain laurel | Low | FACU | No | Tolerates acid soils |
| Woody vines | ||||
| Clematis virginiana/virgin's Bower | Low | No | ||
| Parthenocissus quinquefolia/Virginia creeper | FACU | Berries are poisonous to some and leaves may cause skin irritation | ||
| Vitis riparia/riverbank grape | High | FACW | No | |
| Vitis vulpina/winter grape | High | FAC | No | |
| Emergent and aquatic plants | ||||
| Acorus calamus/sweet flag | Low | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Cephalanthus occidentalis/buttonbush | High | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Ceratophyllum emersum/coontail | Low | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Cyperus spp./sedges | Moderate | Varies | Yes | Emergent |
| Hibiscus moscheutos/marsh hibiscus | Low | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Iris pseudoacorus/water iris | Low | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Leersia oryzoides/rice cutgrass | Moderate | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Nuphar luteum/spatterdock | Moderate | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Peltandra virginica/arrow arum/duck corn | Wood ducks | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Pontederia cordata/pickerelweed | Low | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Sagittaria latifolia/arrowhead/duck potato | Moderate | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Scirpus americanus/common three-square | High | OBL | Yes | Emergent |
| Viburnum trilobum/highbush cranberry | Moderate | FACW | Yes |
(Ord. of 9-21-2006, § 6-11; Ord. No. 2014-10-0002, 10-9-2014; Ord. No. 2025-12-0005, 12-11-2025)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2025-12-0005 on 12/11/2025
2025-12-0005 2025-12-0005