Article 19, Site Plan

these trees shall have a minimum of two-inch caliper

shall be no closer than 20 feet to each other

Large deciduous shade trees with a minimum mature height of 40 feet (preferably from the current Site Plan Recommended Tree List) that are compatible with urban environments shall be used adjacent to public rights of way, within surface parking areas, and along property lines (when screening tall structures). Trees listed as prohibited from planting within the public rights of way shall not be accepted as compatible. Applicants should discuss specific species with the staff. When planted, these trees shall have a minimum of two-inch caliper, six inches above grade and shall be no closer than 20 feet to each other.

Outdoor lighting sufficient to provide site security and enhance personal safety shall be provided in all developments requiring a site plan. Lighting shall be so arranged and hooded as to confine all direct light rays entirely within the boundary lines of the site.

Uniformity of illumination over off-street parking areas shall not exceed a ratio of 4:1 wherein the most intensely illuminated areas shall not be more than four times as bright as the least intensively illuminated areas.

The receptacle site shall be enclosed by screening including, but not limited to decay resistant wood or masonry screening walls equal to or greater in height than the receptacle(s) being screened. Landscaping around the perimeter shall also be provided. If visible from any public or private street or alley, said enclosure shall include opaque gates offering complete screening at all times except during disposal or collection of trash.

A planting strip or planter at least three feet wide with living upright vegetation (e.g., shrubs) shall be provided between the off-street parking area(s) and the plane of the building(s) parallel to the street(s).

not to exceed 50 percent of the gross landscaped area requirement for projects in the Historic District (HW)

not to exceed 35 percent of the gross landscaped area requirement for projects outside of the Historic District (HW)

Multifamily residential site plans shall devote 20 percent of the required landscaping, buffering, and recreation area to active and passive recreational facilities (such as playground equipment, swimming pools, ball courts, community buildings with open common areas, etc.)

An approved site plan shall expire and become null and void if no building permit has been obtained for the site in five years after the final approval unless otherwise provided for in the Code of Virginia.

The Planning Director may accept surety in an amount equal to one and one half times the installed costs of the improvements outstanding.

Whenever any proposed setback or yard is less than the required setback or side or rear yard plus two feet, the owner or developer shall provide, at the time of footing inspection, survey markers, showing the required setback or yard, which have been set and certified by a land surveyor licensed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Survey markers may be offset up to but not exceeding four feet.

the Administrator may refuse to approve any site plan which proposes unnecessary destruction of trees and other natural features. The Director of Planning shall require assurance that the developer has made reasonable effort in light of the proposed development to preserve, replenish, and protect trees of six inch caliper or larger, ornamental trees of any size; trees within required setbacks or along boundaries unless necessary to remove for access, grading, circulation, utilities, or drainage; streams in their natural condition.