Discussion and Review of Tiffin Municipal Code Revisions – Preparation for Setting the Public Hearing — Tiffin City Code - DRAFT

CHAPTER 169 SCREENING AND BUFFERING STANDARDS 169.01 Purpose 169.06 Screening Standards (S-Series) 169.02 Applicability 169.07 Minimum Spacing Between Plantings 169.03 General Requirements and Other Features 169.04 Planting Requirements 169.08 Permitted Plants for Screening and Buffering 169.05 Protection and Maintenance 169.01 PURPOSE. The screening and buffering standards are intended to improve the appearance of streetscapes for the benefit of its citizens; to create aesthetically pleasing and functional living environments; to protect and enhance property values; and to provide for transitions between dissimilar uses. This chapter contains a menu of screening tools collectively referred to as “S-Series Standards.” These standards are applied in situations where uses, activities, materials, or equipment must be separated from or screened from view of public ways, other zones, or adjacent properties. 169.02 APPLICABILITY. The screening and buffering standards will be applied throughout the Zoning Code when this section is specifically referenced. The regulations in this section address materials, placement, layout, and timing of installation. The standards in this section are expressed as minimum standards; additional landscaping and screening materials may be used as long as they do not conflict with the provisions of this section. 169.03 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. 1. Permitted Plant Species. The table in Section 169.08 lists the various plant species that are allowed to be used to satisfy screening and buffering requirements. These plants were chosen because of characteristics, such as hardiness, growth rate, type and density of foliage, and mature height. Deviations from the listed plants are allowed if the replacement shrubs are similar in form or hardiness to a permitted variety and are approved by the City. 2. Landscape Plans Required. When provisions of this section are applicable, a landscaping plan shall be submitted with the request for a Building Permit, which, in addition to the information normally required, shall indicate the following: A. The size and location of required planting areas. B. The estimated mature height of required plantings, both preserved and proposed. C. The common and scientific names of any required shrubs, including any shrubs preserved in lieu of new plantings. D. On the plan, preserved shrubs must be distinguished from new shrubs. 169.04 PLANTING REQUIREMENTS. 1. Plantings Required Prior To Occupancy. A. All plantings required by this section must be installed prior to occupancy or commencement of a use, except as allowed in Subsection 1(B). CODE OF ORDINANCES, TIFFIN, IOWA - 1817 -