§ 17-71. Alternative landscaping plan.

An applicant, developer or otherwise, may submit an alternative landscaping plan to the planning and development department for review. The alternative landscaping plan shall only be applicable to the standards of sections 17-65 and 17-66. The director of planning and development may, in his or her discretion, approve any such alternative plan; provided the director finds that the alternative plan is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this chapter. In rendering his or her decision, the director shall consider preexisting topographic, geological, hydrological, lot layout, or environmental factors. The director shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claim made regarding the alternative plan.

To initiate an application for an alternative landscaping plan, an application must be submitted to the department of planning and development which shall include the following:

(1)

A completed application form supplied by the department of planning and development must be completed by the applicant.

(2)

A non-refundable fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be required at the time of submission of an application.

(3)

A written narrative explaining and justifying the request.

(4)

An alternative landscaping plan containing the following:

a.

The building site with corresponding dimensions;

b.

The buildable area with corresponding dimensions;

c.

The landscaped area with corresponding dimensions;

d.

The specific names and locations of trees and plant materials (landscaping) to be planted on the site;

e.

The location and dimensions of all proposed landscape borders, strips, and planter islands;

f.

All plans must be to a scale no less than one (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet;

g.

A location map;

h.

The name of the project;

i.

The name of the owner;

j.

Impervious surface area listed as a percent (%) of the lot.

Review for completeness. The planning and development department shall review the application for completeness within seven (7) calendar days of submission. Incomplete or improper applications will be returned to the applicant.

Decision. In rendering a decision on an alternative landscaping plan application, the director of planning and development shall consider all information supplied by the applicant. Within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of a completed application for an alternative landscaping plan, the director shall:

(1)

Approve the application as submitted;

(2)

Approve the application with conditions; or

(3)

Deny the application.

Remedy. Any person who is denied an application for an alternative landscaping plan pursuant to this chapter may file an application for variance with the board of zoning appeals.

Records. The director of planning and development shall keep public records of all alternative landscaping plans applied for and granted pursuant to this chapter.

(Ord. No. 43-09, § 1, 10-1-09)