17.50.060 Landscaping and Screening.
1. Landscaping Objectives. Landscaping plans shall be prepared with a view toward accomplishing the following design objectives (plans will be approved or denied based on how well these objectives are satisfied):
a. Enhance the visual environment by:
i. Adding visual interest through texture, color, size, shape, etc., and
ii. Enhancing perspective by framing views, complementing architecture, screening, and creating points of interest and activity.
b. Ensure Public Safety by:
i. Guiding the circulation of cars and people,
ii. Controlling access to parking lots,
iii. Making traffic diverters prominent, and
iv. Creating Street Identification by varying the species, height, and location of landscaping.
v. Minimizing noise and glare.
vi. Conserving energy.
vii. Complementing architecture by landscaping around buildings.
viii. Screening areas of low visual interest.
2. Overall Landscaping Plan. With the application for site plan approval, an overall landscaping plan shall be submitted.
3. Open Space. A minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of each lot shall be maintained in permanent landscaped open space.
4. Landscaping Strip. Unless otherwise approved by the planning commission, a landscaped strip twenty feet (20') in width shall be landscaped to meet the design requirements of Chapter 17.19 and maintained in a living, growing condition along all public street frontages.
a. The measurement of the twenty (20) feet in landscaping will be measured from the back of walk, or back curb if no sidewalk exists. Areas with meandering sidewalks will have the twenty (20) feet measured from back of curb but may not count sidewalk width as part of the twenty (20) feet landscaping requirement.
b. Thirty percent (30%) of the landscaped strip may consist of decorative rock, bark, mulch, and/or other ground covers other than lawn. A planting/landscaping plan detailing types of ground covers, weed barriers, sprinklers, etc., in the nonlawn areas shall be submitted and approved by the planning director.
c. Tree shall be planted thirty (30) feet on center, centered ten (10) feet from the edges of the strip in all required landscaped and bermed areas.
d. Landscaping requirements concerning trees and landscape materials can be changed and/or altered (with regard to location and design) upon approval of the Planning Commission at the site plan review stage of an application. No net loss of landscaping should occur with any approved alterations. Other landscaping layouts consistent with the Lindon City Commercial Design Guidelines may also be considered by the Planning Commission.
5. Landscaped Berms. Where possible, landscaped berms shall be constructed within required landscaped strips along public street frontages according to the following standards:
a. Berms shall vary in height and shall be sculptured with enclaves, protrusion, etc. Berms shall be at least from two and one-half (2½) to four (4) feet in height with an average of three and one-half (3½) feet.
b. The slope of the berm shall be such as to be mowable with a standard rider mower.
c. Berms are not required where slopes within the required landscaped strip are excessive and would not reasonably accommodate berms.
6. Trees.
a. Along perimeter public street frontages and along I-15, trees shall be a minimum of two inches (2") in caliper planted thirty (30) feet on center and planted at least seven (7) feet from any impermeable surface. Tree placement and location may be modified by the Planning Commission.
b. The recommended species are Sycamore, Shademaster Honey Locust, Sunburst Honey Locust, Little Leaf Linden, Norway Maple, and all flowering tree types.
7. Sprinkling and Irrigation. All plantings shall be serviced by an acceptable irrigation or sprinkler system, and maintained in a healthful living condition. Dead plant materials shall be replaced as necessary within the first year of planting.
8. Landscaping Around Buildings. A perimeter landscape strip at least five (5) feet wide shall be placed around all buildings.
9. A landscape strip with a fifteen (15) foot minimum width running the length of frontage along Interstate 15 shall be installed and maintained in the T zone. Trees shall be planted thirty (30) feet on center in the landscape strip. The location of the trees can be altered by the Planning Commission. (Ord. 2023-1 §1, amended, 2023)