Township of Shrewsbury, PA Chapter 12 Landscaping

Part 1 LANDSCAPING REGULATIONS

§ 12-101 Purpose.

[Ord. No. 2023-07, 11/1/2023]

1. The purpose of the landscaping regulations contained in this Part is to enhance health and safety, as well as the quality of life, in the Township. As such, these regulations are designed to promote practical and attractive development within the Township; to provide for screening and buffering; to preserve, protect, and utilize native vegetation, to enhance property value; to promote wildlife habitat; to aid in the reduction of noise, heat, and glare; to conserve energy; to minimize erosion and sedimentation; and to establish a healthier environment. Landscaping shall be conceived in a total pattern throughout the site, integrating the various elements of the site design, preserving and enhancing the particular identity of the site, and creating an inviting site character. Consideration shall also be given to the compatibility with and enhancement of adjacent or off-site landscaping conditions.

2. Landscaping may include plant materials, such as trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials, and annuals; natural materials, such as rocks and water; and man-made materials, such as sculpture, art, walls, fences, paving materials, and street furniture.

§ 12-102 Scope.

[Ord. No. 2023-07, 11/1/2023]

1. In general, all land areas within a subdivision or development not containing buildings or structures or imperious surfaces, or other improvements which preclude landscaping, shall be included in a landscape plan.

2. A landscape plan shall be required for each major subdivision plan and for each nonresidential land development, other than agricultural. This would include multifamily residential land development. The plan shall be submitted in conjunction with the preliminary subdivision and land development plan submission. The regulations shall not be construed to regulate individual lots for single-family and semidetached residential dwellings, except for street trees and all areas held in common ownership, stormwater management facilities, buffer areas, rights-of-way, and easements.

§ 12-103 General Standards.

[Ord. No. 2023-07, 11/1/2023]

1. In addition to the requirements of the Natural Resources Conservation Service for soil erosion and sediment control, topsoil removed during the course of construction shall be stockpiled and then redistributed on all regraded, disturbed or undeveloped surfaces so as to provide a minimum of nine inches of topsoil over a minimum of 18 inches of subsoil in regard to all final grading. Redistributed soil shall be stabilized by seeding, planting, or mulching in a timely fashion. Areas to be landscaped shall not be used for incompatible uses, such as waste dumps, during construction. Any material such as construction debris shall be removed prior to the placement of topsoil.

2. No stockpiled topsoil shall be removed from the site until all landscaping has been completed and approved.

3. Plants for landscaping shall have been grown under climatic conditions similar to those in the locality of the project or properly acclimated to conditions of the locality of the project.

4. All trees, shrubs, and plants shall have a normal habit of growth; shall be sound, healthy, and vigorous; and shall be free from disease, insects, insect eggs and larvae.

5. No invasive plants, including situational invasive plant species, as listed in the most-recent edition of PA DCNR publication "Invasive Plants in Pennsylvania," shall be utilized.

6. The type(s) of plantings shall be limited to species that will not create conditions hazardous to the public safety within public street rights-of-way, underground and aboveground utilities, and clear sight triangles, including at all intersections of streets and/or driveways. Such hazards shall include, but not be limited to: dead, diseased or low-hanging branches; poisonous or toxic plants; and plants with thorns, nettles and spikes.

7. The locations, dimensions, and spacing of required plantings shall be adequate for their proper growth and maintenance, taking into account the sizes of such plantings at maturity and their present and future environmental requirements, such as moisture and sunlight.

8. Methods and details for protecting existing vegetation, including trees, during construction shall be provided on the landscaping plan.

9. The requirements and standards prescribed herein shall be the minimum of all landscape and tree protection management plans as required by this section. Standards established by other Township ordinances or by state and federal rules and regulations shall apply where those standards are more restrictive than the standards set forth herein. All required landscaping shall be installed prior to issuance of final use and occupancy permits. It shall be the responsibility of the owner to maintain all landscaping in accordance with the standards of this Part.

10. All existing tree masses, mature trees, and specimen trees shall be preserved pursuant to the tree protection standards of § 22-510 of the Code of Ordinances and all other applicable regulations or requirements.

11. Species selected by the applicant and depicted on the approved plan shall reflect the following:

A. Native plants are as required per § 12-105 herein.

B. Selection of street trees is limited to those listed in Appendix B of this chapter[1] and in the Construction and Specifications Manual.

[1] Editor's Note: Said appendix is on File in Township offices.

C. Suitability of the plant materials, based upon the site's geology, hydrology, soils, exposure to sun and wind, and microclimate.

D. Functional objectives of the plantings, which may include, but not necessarily be limited to, visual screening, noise abatement, energy conservation and wildlife habitat enhancement, rooting pattern and leafing properties.

E. Maintenance and replacement considerations such as hardiness, longevity and availability of plant materials, as well as resistance to insects and disease.

F. Aesthetic considerations such as variety in color, texture, size, and shape.

G. Be relatively unsusceptible to pest infestations and disease.

H. Do not interfere with a safe lighting environment.

§ 12-104 Basic Content of Landscape Plan.

[Ord. No. 2023-07, 11/1/2023]

1. The landscape plan shall be drawn at a scale of not less than one inch equals 50 feet. It shall contain the following information in addition to all other inclusions required by this Part:

A. Certification, including signature, seal, and date, by a landscape architect registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

B. The location of all existing and proposed structures, including fences and walls; streets; parking/loading areas; utilities; rights-of-way; exterior lighting; and easements.

C. The location of all existing and proposed outdoor storage and trash receptacle areas.

D. Adjacent land uses and zoning classifications.

E. The location, general type, and quality of existing vegetation. Any existing vegetation to be removed shall be noted on the plan.

F. A plant list or schedule, indicating scientific and common names, required and proposed quantities, spacing, and size of all proposed landscape materials at the time of planting shall be provided.

G. The plant list or schedule must also include any plant symbols used on the plan drawing and the expected mature spread of each plant.

H. Building elevations showing facade plantings shall be submitted with all plans.

I. Size and location of the proposed areas of the site to be planted with the proposed species.

J. Location and description of other landscape improvements, such as earth berms, walls, fences, walkways, raised beds, sculptures, fountains, street furniture, lights, and courts or paved areas.

K. Planting and installation details as necessary to ensure compliance with the standards of the American Association of Nurserymen and the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association.

§ 12-105 Plant Material Size and Spacing Requirements.

[Ord. No. 2023-07, 11/1/2023]

1. Unless otherwise specified, nursery-grown plant materials shall conform to those listed in the "American Standard for Nursery Stock," ANSIZ60.1, current edition, published by the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA). The following guidelines are the minimum required for all nursery-grown plant materials as required in this section:

A. Shade and street trees shall have a minimum caliper of two inches at installation. The use of native species for all street trees is required.

B. Ornamental and flowering trees shall have a minimum caliper of 1 1/2 inches at installation. Multiple-trunk trees should be identified as such in the plant list. Multiple-trunk trees shall be counted as one tree. 50% of all ornamental trees shall be native species.

C. Evergreen trees shall have a height of five feet at installation. 50% of evergreen trees shall be native species.

D. Shrubs shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) Large shrubs shall be a minimum size of three feet in height at planting. A minimum of 50% of the shrubs shall be native to the Mid-Atlantic region.

(2) At planting, small shrubs shall be a minimum size of 24 inches in height or 18 inches in spread, depending on variety. A minimum of 50% of the plants shall be native to the Mid-Atlantic region.

E. Shrubs shall be spaced according to their size, growth characteristics and intended use.

F. Ground cover shrubs, herbaceous perennials, bulbs and annuals shall be spaced appropriate to type and size at installation. Beds of these plantings shall be used at driveway and building entrances, around signage and focal elements, and to stabilize steep embankments. Ground covers shall be spaced so that 100% of the beds are covered after two years' growth.

G. A variety of plant species is encouraged to avoid monocultures, to encourage long-lived species and to promote wildlife habitat. Tree and shrub plantings shall contain the following minimum species mix:

(1) When 50 to 99 are required, no more than 50% may be of one variety.

(2) When 100 or more are required, no more than 30% may be of one variety.

H. To allow for design flexibility, plant material substitutions from the requirements may be permitted at the discretion of the Township. In such cases, the applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Township that the general intent of the ordinances is achieved and that the substitutions represent an equivalent monetary value to the required landscaping.

§ 12-106 Guarantee and Maintenance.

[Ord. No. 2023-07, 11/1/2023]

1. The estimated or, if known, the actual cost of all landscape materials depicted on the approved landscape plan shall be provided and be financially secured, guaranteed and maintained consistent with the following:

A. All landscape improvements to be provided shall be installed and maintained by accepted practices as recognized by the American Association of Nurserymen. Planting and maintenance of vegetation shall include, as appropriate, but not necessarily limited to, provisions for surface mulch, staking and guying, irrigation, fertilization, insect and disease control, pruning, mulching, weeding, and watering.

B. The applicant shall make arrangements acceptable to the Township that all landscape improvements installed in accordance with this section shall be guaranteed and maintained in a healthy and/or sound condition, or otherwise be replaced by equivalent improvements, for a period of 18 months following their installation, except as may otherwise be required by this section.

C. After installation and prior to commencement of the guarantee period required above, the Township shall perform an inspection of the finished site for compliance with the approved landscape plan. Following this inspection, an as-built landscape plan shall be furnished to the Township by the applicant. Provided the finished site is found to be in compliance, the two eighteen-month guarantee periods shall commence five days from the date of inspection. All plants shall be in a vigorous and thriving condition at the end of the eighteen-month period as determined above. Final inspection of the site following the eighteen-month period will be made by the Township. It is recommended that trees and shrubs be planted between September 15 and November 1 or between March 1 and May 1.

D. Plants found to be in poor health or lacking normal growth habit during the eighteen-month guarantee period shall be replaced with nursery-grown plants, in accordance with the approved landscape plan, within 30 days of being notified by the Township. If notification is made out of season, replacements shall be made during the next planting season. If the original plants declined due to poor species selection, substitute plants, determined by the Township to be more suitable for the site's environmental conditions or planting scheme, shall be used. A modified landscape plan shall be filed with the Township. Replacement plants shall be inspected by the Township after installation. All replacement plants shall be subject to a new eighteen-month guarantee period and inspections by the Township as prescribed in Subsection 1A and B above.

E. Where accidental damage or vandalism of plants occurs, the applicant shall replace the damaged plant material in accordance with the original or an approved modified landscape plan.

F. The applicant shall be required to post financial security for the maintenance and/or replacement of the proposed vegetation, including compensatory plantings, during the eighteen-month guarantee period. The amount of the financial security shall be equal to 110% of the amount of the cost estimate submitted with the approved landscape plan. In addition, financial security shall be required for existing plants being disturbed by construction activities. Financial security is not required for existing preserved trees outside the construction limits or for transplanted material not being used to satisfy the minimum requirements of this section.

G. The applicant shall make arrangements acceptable to the Township for the property's long-term landscape maintenance. The applicant shall provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of those persons or organizations who will be assuming such responsibilities. Landscape improvements required by this section shall be the subject of suitable restrictive covenants and, if practicable, rules and regulations governing the use and maintenance of common land and facilities, which covenants, rules and regulations shall be in form and substance acceptable to the Township Solicitor and, in the case of covenants, recorded as encumbrances running with the land on which the improvements are installed. The covenants, rules and regulations shall, without limiting the foregoing, require the maintenance and replacement and prohibit the destruction or removal of all landscape materials and improvements depicted on the approved landscape plan, empower the Township to enforce said obligations and prohibit the amendment or termination of any of the mandatory terms thereof without the express joiner of the Township. (See § 22-512 of Code of Ordinances for ownership alternatives of common open space.)

§ 12-107 Existing Tree Preservation.

[Ord. No. 2023-07, 11/1/2023]

1. Every effort shall be made to preserve mature trees, other significant existing vegetation and natural features on a development site and to incorporate these existing natural features into an overall planting design. Every effort shall be made to retain as much of a wooded area as possible of a size and configuration that will promote its natural growth and regeneration particularly when adjoining adjacent woodlands.

2. No street trees shall be required where streets are bordered by permanent woodlands.

3. Preservation of existing trees shall be consistent with § 22-510 of the Code of Ordinances as well as all other Township requirements.

§ 12-108 Tree Protection Standards.

[Ord. No. 2023-07, 11/1/2023]

1. Every effort shall be made to reduce the loss or damage to trees existing on site which are to remain. A tree shall be considered preserved if there is no disturbance within the tree's critical root zone. "Disturbance" includes earth disturbance, earth compaction, vehicular and foot traffic, material stockpiling, and/or the construction of all proposed improvements and utilities.

2. The critical root zone extends from the tree trunk a distance equal to 12 times the trunk diameter, or to the tree's dripline plus five feet, whichever distance is greater.

3. A tree shall be considered preserved if the Township's landscape professional determines it is in viable condition at the end of the guarantee period.

4. The following conservation practices are mandatory and shall be noted on the soil erosion and sedimentation control plan and employed in order to preserve existing trees. In addition to the other requirements specified in this section, these conservation practices shall be undertaken during land development activities. Prior to any clearing or site disturbance, the Township requires a meeting with the applicant and/or site contractor to further determine methods to minimize tree loss. For this meeting, the Township shall appoint a qualified landscape professional to act on its behalf.

A. All trees, natural features, and other vegetation to be preserved shall be protected from equipment damage by snow fencing or other effective barriers approved by the Township. Fencing or barriers around trees shall be placed outside the dripline, unless approved by the Township to be appropriate at another location. Tree protection installation must be approved by the Township's landscape professional prior to the start of any clearing, grading, or other earth disturbance and monitored periodically. The tree protection fencing shall be maintained by the applicant while in place. It shall be removed after all earthmoving and construction activities that may impact tree roots are completed.

B. When disturbance within the critical root zone is unavoidable, applicants shall minimize encroachment and use the best available methods as approved by the Township's landscape professional to minimize damage and preserve trees. These methods may include utility tunneling, use of geotextiles, mulching, hand root pruning, and soil aeration. Applicants shall consult references such as "A Guide to Preserving Trees in Development Projects," published by the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension.

C. Should any mature, viable trees on the site not scheduled to be removed be irreparably damaged during site preparation activities and, as a consequence thereof, die or decline, as determined by the Township landscape professional, within 18 months of the conclusion of construction activities, such trees shall be replaced with nursery- grown material in accordance with the following requirements:

(1) For deciduous trees of six inches' up to 12 inches' DBH, one inch of new tree caliper shall be provided for every six inches of existing tree diameter cut or removed.

(2) For deciduous trees of 12 inches' up to 24 inches' DBH, one inch of new tree diameter shall be provided for every three inches of existing tree diameter cut or removed.

(3) For deciduous or evergreen trees of 24 inches' and greater DBH, one inch of new tree diameter shall be provided for every one inch of existing tree diameter cut or removed.

§ 12-109 Street Trees.

[Ord. No. 2023-07, 11/1/2023]

1. Street trees shall be planted along all proposed private and public streets.

A. Street tree standards include:

(1) Trees must be balled and burlapped with the native soil in which the tree had been growing.

(2) Trees shall have a minimum twenty-four-inch root ball when planted.

(3) Trees shall have a minimum caliper of two inches and be a minimum of eight feet in height when planted.

(4) Each tree must be staked with a minimum of two stakes and support ropes.

(5) Trees shall be spaced so that, at maturity, no more than a fifteen-foot gap will exist between tree canopies or crowns.*

*Note: Spacing of trees shall not exceed the current edition of the American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSIZ60.1.

(6) Trees shall be planted between the street cartway and the building line, but at least 10 feet from the edge of the improved cartway or sidewalk, but in no case between the cartway and sidewalk.

(7) All proposed street trees shall be native to the Mid-Atlantic region. An approved list of street trees is included in Appendix B of Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Said appendix is on file in Township offices.

(8) Use of multiple species is permitted, provided that, along a street, the trees are similar as regards to height and spread and that similar species are planted within single- or two-family detached lots.

(9) Trees shall be planted so as not to interfere with the installation and maintenance of sidewalks, lights and utilities. Trees shall be set back 10 feet from underground utilities; tree canopies or crowns at maturity shall be at least 15 feet from overhead utilities.

(10) Groves or clusters or other arrangements of street trees may be permitted where conditions warrant, subject to the approval of Shrewsbury Township.

§ 12-110 Buffers and Screens.

[Ord. No. 2023-07, 11/1/2023]

1. Buffers and screens shall be used to minimize or eliminate views of development and site elements and to provide landscaping that will soften and mitigate views between the development and its surroundings and provide opportunities for green links between properties.

2. General Buffer and Screen Requirements.

A. Any of the following options or combination thereof may be used in buffers and screens, provided that the minimum standards prescribed herein are met:

(1) Existing vegetation and natural features;

(2) Proposed new or transplanted vegetation;

(3) Existing or proposed fences or walls; and

(4) Existing or proposed grading, including berms.

B. Fences, walls and berms shall be used in conjunction with required landscaping, not to replace it.

C. Berms are encouraged and shall conform to the following standards:

(1) Berms shall be a minimum of two feet in height and shall not be steeper than three feet of horizontal distance to one foot of vertical distance (3:1).

(2) Berms should be located to work in conjunction with vegetation, fences and/or natural features to provide an effective buffer. They shall be laid out to replicate naturally occurring landforms. Their locations shall not impede or dam the flow of surface water runoff.

D. Site element screens, existing natural features, structural garden elements, such as gazebos and trellises, water features, sculpture and project identification signs may be placed within the buffer, provided they do not replace or diminish the intended screening effect of the buffer.

3. Types of Buffer Strips.

A. Buffer Planting Strip A shall be utilized as a conceptual buffer. The buffer will not provide full screening but will distract the view from the adjoining use.

B. Buffer Planting Strip B will block 50% of the view at eye level through the use of trees and shrubs.

C. Buffer Planting Strip C will block 75% of the adjoining use through the use of shrubs and trees or other structural elements.

D. Buffer Planting Strip D will provide 100% opaqueness of the adjoining use through the use of dense planting of trees and shrubs or other structural elements.

4. Buffers Required Between Zoning Districts. Buffers strips shall be planted or placed along zoning district boundaries as based on the following matrix which references the four types of buffers listed above in Subsection 3. These buffers shall be a minimum of 50 feet in width.

Type of Buffer Strip Required Between Zoning Districts.
Proposed Zoning			Adjacent Zoning
	A	RR	RRR	SR	SRR	C	CI	I	IC
A	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
RR/RRR		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
SR/SRR		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
C	C	C	C	B		—	—	—	—
CI	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
I	D	D	D	C	C	—	—	—	—
IC	D	D	D	C	C	—	—	—	—

Notes:
—	Buffer strip not required.

5. Perimeter Buffer Requirements.

A. Perimeter buffers shall be planted along or adjacent to all arterial and collector streets. Such buffers shall be no less than 35 feet in width as measured from the street's right-of-way (ROW). In instances where major developments occur along streets classified local, perimeter buffers may be required depending on traffic volumes, the overall intensity of the proposed development(s) and the nature of adjacent or nearby uses as determined by Shrewsbury Township.

B. A ten-foot landscaped perimeter buffer shall be placed separating adjacent developments or subdivisions within the same zoning district.

C. Perimeter buffers shall comply with Buffer Planting Strip B, C or D as determined by the intensity and potential conflicting nature of adjoining uses. Shrewsbury Township must concur with the planting strip selected.

D. Perimeter buffers shall be placed at the property or right-of-way line.

6. Building Site Element Screens. Site element screens shall be placed to screen electrical, mechanical and utility equipment; loading and storage areas not enclosed in a building; trash disposal sites; as well as other structures and areas associated with various principal uses or principal uses themselves as determined by Shrewsbury Township. Screening is required when such elements are proposed within 200 feet of a property or right-of-way line. Site element screens may be located within required buffer areas. Site element screens may be eliminated if they are adjacent to or within screen buffers, provided the screen buffer effectively screens views of the site element. Site element screen plantings shall be designed in such a fashion so as to not draw attention to the element itself.

A. Site element screens shall be one of the following types, according to use. If a use is not listed, the screen most suited to the use shall be used.

(1) Low screens shall be used around the perimeters of all parking lots or other similar vehicular use areas, including service stations, sales lots for motorized vehicles, vehicular stacking lanes associated with a drive-through, and around trash enclosures or storage buildings when decorative walls, such as brick, latticework or split-face concrete block, are proposed.

(2) High screens shall be used adjacent to loading areas, around trash enclosures and storage buildings when fencing or plain concrete masonry units are proposed, and around transformers, maintaining the required clear distance. High screens or opaque fencing at least six feet in height shall also be required to buffer accessory structures from the higher-classification street on reverse-frontage lots. All fencing shall be installed in compliance with § 27-1507 of the Township's Zoning Ordinance.

(3) Yard screens shall be placed around vehicular storage areas that are not used as parking lots or sales areas, around the perimeter of tank farms and similar facilities, and around utility towers and equipment yards.

B. Site element screens shall be measured at the base of the element being screened. This might be the base of a trash enclosure or the surface of a parking lot closest to the screen.

C. Low screens shall conform to the following:

(1) They shall be comprised of evergreen or dense deciduous shrubs to form a continuous screen or hedge, which shall reach a minimum height of three feet after two years of growth. For example, if a parking lot elevation is higher than the adjacent street and the screen plantings are placed at a lower elevation on the slope between the two, then the screen must consist of either larger plants or a taller species or be maintained higher to provide a three-foot-high screen as measured from the surface of the parking lot. Conversely, if a berm is used in conjunction with screen plantings, they may be shorter plants, as long as an effective screen is provided.

(2) Small shrubs shall be spaced no farther than three feet on center. Large shrubs shall be spaced no farther than six feet on center.

D. High screens shall be comprised of either of the following:

(1) Large evergreen shrubs, spaced no farther than four feet on center, or as needed to form a continuous screen at a height of six feet after five years of growth.

(2) Evergreen trees spaced 12 feet to 15 feet on center.

E. Yard screens shall conform to the following. They shall be of the same composition as high screens, except that, in addition, large shrubs shall be planted on five-foot centers alongside the evergreen trees.

7. Individual Building Site Landscaping Requirements.

A. Landscaping shall be an appropriate scale relative to the proposed adjacent structures.

B. Landscaping shall be provided at building entrances.

C. A minimum planting width of six feet adjacent to the building and no less than 25% of the building perimeter shall be planted with multistemmed ornamental trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, and ground cover. Emphasis should be given to landscaping along the front building elevation.

D. Additional landscaping shall be provided around the perimeter of buildings to soften the edge between sidewalk/parking lots and structures.

E. Landscaping shall be protected from vehicular and pedestrian encroachments with raised planting surfaces, depressed walks, and/or curbs.

8. Entrance Landscaping and Signage Requirements. All major subdivisions and developments, as well as minor residential subdivisions on private or public subdivision roads, shall meet the following requirements:

A. An earth-tone sign consisting of natural materials with the name of the subdivision/development shall be located at the entrance(s) and suitably sized so that it is easily read by the passing public.

B. Landscaping shall be integrated with the entry sign so as to provide an attractive complementary natural setting.

C. It is suggested that three levels of scale or height utilizing shade, evergreen, and/or ornamental trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennial flowers and ground cover be included in the design.

D. All signs shall be consistent with Shrewsbury Township Sign Ordinance requirements.

9. Plants shall be distributed throughout the entire length of the buffer or screen as follows:

A. Plantings in site element screens shall be evenly spaced to create a continuous visual screen.

B. Plantings in buffers need not be evenly spaced but should be positioned to provide an effective screen of the development.

C. Plantings in buffers may be clustered.

D. Plants which exhibit one or more of the following characteristics should be avoided:

(1) Plants that will become a nuisance to neighboring properties or that will threaten the ecological balance of adjacent woodlands and natural areas because they are aggressive and invasive. Aggressive and invasive plants shall include, but not be limited to: exotic bamboos, purple loosestrife, butterfly bush, white mulberry, and kudzu.

(2) Plants which spread by rhizomes or stolons, unless an approved method of root containment is utilized.

(3) Plants which are known to be easily susceptible to pest infestations and/or diseases, which may shorten their life expectancy and ability to provide an effective buffer.

E. The remainder of the buffer or screen area shall be planted with ground covers, including lawn grasses or meadow plantings, as appropriate to the character of the site and adjacent lands.

F. Buffer and screen planting areas shall be mulched with a material appropriate to the site's character. Beds are encouraged for ease in maintenance. Individual mulched areas may be joined as plants mature and maintenance practices change.

§ 12-111 Parking Lot Landscaping Design.

[Ord. No. 2023-07, 11/1/2023]

1. All parking lots with 10 or more spaces shall be designed and effectively landscaped with trees and shrubs to:

A. Provide shade in order to reduce the amount of reflected heat and to improve the aesthetics of parking lots.

B. Reduce the visual impact of glare, headlights and parking lot lighting.

C. Facilitate pedestrian circulation and safety.

D. Facilitate vehicular circulation by delineating driving lanes and defining rows of parking.

2. Planting islands shall conform to the following standards:

A. Planting islands shall be distributed throughout the parking lot, as follows:

(1) One planting island, a minimum of 10 feet wide by 20 feet long, shall be located at the end of each parking space row and at intervals of no greater than 100 feet apart, or every 10 parking stalls, in single or double bays.

B. Islands should be placed opposite each other in adjacent rows of parking, to reduce the number of islands and to increase the area available for tree roots.

C. The last parking stall in a row shall be separated from drive aisles by a planting island a minimum of 10 feet in width.

D. Each planting island shall contain one shade tree plus shrubs, ground cover, perennials and/or mulch to cover the entire area at maturity. Fifty percent of all street trees, shade trees and evergreen trees shall be native species as defined in this chapter and listed in Appendix B. Shrubs shall not exceed two feet in height.

3. Divider strips shall conform to the following standards:

A. Divider strips shall be placed at every other bay of parking running the length of the rows of parking and landscaped with plantings of shade, ornamental and/or flowering trees, plus shrubs, ground cover and/or mulch to cover the entire area at maturity. A bay of parking is the width of pavement needed to accommodate either one or two rows of parking stalls plus one access lane.

B. Divider strips shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide, unless a sidewalk is proposed within the divider strip. If a sidewalk is proposed within the strip, the sidewalk may be placed in the center of the strip or to one side. The divider strip shall be increased in width by six feet to accommodate the sidewalk.

(1) One shade tree shall be required for each 30 feet of divider strip. Two ornamental and/or flowering trees may be substituted for each shade tree. The trees need not be spaced evenly apart; however, the maximum spacing shall be 50 feet.

(2) One large shrub or two small shrubs shall be required for each 10 feet of divider strip. Shrubs shall be spaced according to the guidelines in § 12-105, Subsection 1E of this Part. Gaps may be placed between the shrub plantings to provide areas for ground covers, decorative mulch beds, artwork, crosswalks or flowering plants. Shrubs near the ends of divider islands shall not exceed two feet in height so as not to block visibility. This shall not preclude the use of taller shrubs elsewhere within the divider island.

4. Plantings shall be placed between parking lots and buildings to break up long stretches of facade and provide a more-comfortable pedestrian environment, according to the following standards:

A. Plantings are required for all sides of a building facing parking areas. Plantings are not required along the sides of buildings containing service or loading areas. If part of a side of the building faces parking, only that portion is subject to these requirements. Loading areas must be appropriately screened according to the requirements of § 12-110, Subsection 2A(2) of this Part. Loading area screening is in addition to the requirements of this section.

B. The minimum planting requirement shall be one shade tree per 50 feet of building facade plus five small shrubs per 20 feet of building facade.

C. Any plantings in addition to the requirements of this section may be placed in a lawn area, tree pits, planters or hanging baskets as appropriate to the character of the development, using the following guidelines as to placement:

(1) Deciduous trees, ground covers and perennials may be placed anywhere between the curb and the building or outdoor areas.

(2) If any tree is located closer than 10 feet to a sidewalk, approved root barriers shall be placed along the tree side of the sidewalk for a distance of 12 feet, centered on the trunk.

(3) Planters shall be at least 30 inches high but no higher than 42 inches and contain drainage holes.

(4) The bottoms of hanging baskets shall be at least eight feet above the sidewalk surface to provide for pedestrian clearance and clear visibility.

D. Shrubs, ground covers and perennials used below shade trees within parking lots shall be of species able to withstand the harsh microclimate of a parking lot. Plant selection should take into consideration tree growth and canopy cover and should be partially shade-tolerant species.

E. To prevent conflicts with the opening and closing of automobile doors and to reduce damage from automobile overhang, all shrub plantings in parking lot islands and divider strips located adjacent to or abutting parking stalls shall be set back a minimum of two feet from the curb or edge of pavement.

F. The placement of light standards shall be coordinated with the landscape plan to avoid a conflict with electric lines and the effectiveness of light fixtures.

G. Plantings required within the parking areas are exclusive of other planting requirements such as street trees and buffers.

§ 12-112 Stream Buffers/Critical Environmental Areas.

[Ord. No. 2023-07, 11/1/2023]

1. At a minimum, a 100-foot stream buffer is required adjacent to all watercourses under Part 13 of the Shrewsbury Township Zoning Ordinance. When these areas are part of a parcel or parcels of land being subdivided, developed or redeveloped, they shall be planted or maintained as woodlands as follows:

A. Within 50 feet of a watercourse, the area shall be planted in trees native to the region at a spacing of not less than 15 feet by 15 feet or at a stocking rate that will result in a full canopy at maturity.

B. Between 50 feet and 100 feet or greater, the area shall be planted in trees and/or shrubs native to the Mid-Atlantic region at a spacing that will result in a full canopy at maturity.

C. The tree size or standard shall be 1 1/2 inches in caliber and a minimum of six feet in height. Shrubs shall be two feet to three feet in height. As an alternative, bare-root transplants with a minimum height of two feet to three feet may be substituted, provided that each transplant is protected by a five-foot shelter and a weed barrier is placed around the base of the tree.

D. Section 12-106, Guarantee and Maintenance, of this Part shall apply with regard to these plantings.

§ 12-113 Landscaping of Stormwater Management Facilities.

[Ord. No. 2023-07, 11/1/2023]

1. Landscaping shall be required in and around all stormwater management facilities with a minimum surface area of 1,000 square feet for the purposes of:

A. Assisting in the management of stormwater.

B. Stabilizing soil within such facilities to control erosion.

C. Enhancing visual appearance of such facilities.

D. Mitigating maintenance problems commonly associated with the creation of such facilities.

E. Providing wildlife habitat.

2. A planting plan shall be submitted in accordance with the following:

A. Wet Meadows (Including Basin Floors).

(1) Wet meadows and basin floors shall be planted with native wildflowers and noninvasive grasses, the intent being to create a mixed meadow of such plantings, where appropriate. Selection of plantings should be based on whether the area in question is usually well-drained or permanently wet and whether the area will be used for recreation purposes. No woody plants shall be planted within the saturated zone of a stormwater management basin.

(2) Seeding by drills, corrugated rollers, cyclone or drop seeders or hand seeding of such areas is preferred; however, hydroseeding followed by hydromulching can be used on wet ground and steep slopes.

(3) Fertilizers, as a nutrient supplement, shall not be used unless it is documented that soil conditions warrant such use. Soil for planting of wildflowers shall contain not less than 3% nor more than 10% organic matter, as determined by an agricultural chemist, with certification of test before planting.

(4) Seeding should take place either between March 15 and June 1 or August 15 and October 15, or as specified by the seed distributor. Planting areas shall be soaked to maintain a consistent level of moisture for at least four to six weeks after planting.

(5) Once established, a single annual mowing when plants are dormant should be sufficient to maintain a wet meadow and/or basin floor.

B. Wet Edges. Wet edges which remain wet all or most of the year shall be planted with native wildflowers, grasses and shrubs. Plants to be located on rims or banks which remain dry most of the year should be planted with native species tolerant of dry soil conditions.

C. Wooded Areas.

(1) Where stormwater management facilities adjoin wooded areas, native trees and shrubs shall be selected and planted so as to blend with existing surroundings.

(2) Plantings in such areas shall be of sufficient density to eliminate the need for mowing.

(3) It is recommended that clusters of trees and shrubs be planted around stormwater management facilities, where applicable, to provide for wildlife habitat, wind control and buffering and screening.

(4) Vegetation shall be planted during appropriate times of the year, predominantly between late March and mid-May and from early October until evidence of ground freezing, depending upon the species selected. Deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs shall be planted as directed by a trained arborist or forester.

D. Slopes.

(1) Where slopes are gentle, a mixture of native meadow grasses and wildflowers shall be planted.

(2) On steep slopes, dense-spreading native shrubs (shrubs tolerant of dry soils) shall be planted. Heavy mat mulch shall be used during the period of establishment.

(3) No woody plant materials or trees shall be located on a constructed or natural berm acting as the impoundment structure of a detention/retention basin. Trees shall be located on the downstream side of an impoundment berm a sufficient distance from the toe of the constructed slope to assure that the toe of the slope is outside the dripline of the mature species planted.

E. Screening and Buffering.

(1) Stormwater management facilities shall be appropriately screened in a manner which complements the existing landscape and provides sufficient access for maintenance. In many cases, complete perimeter screening may not be necessary; however, it shall be the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate in the submitted planting plan why this is so.

(2) Plantings shall consist of clusters of evergreens interspersed with groupings of deciduous trees and shrubs. Single species planting is prohibited.

(3) It is encouraged that plantings native to Pennsylvania be used which provide food and shelter for wildlife.