Morrisville Unified Development Ordinance – September 2018

Article 5: Development Standards Section 5.12. Landscaping 5.12.2. Applicability

B. Reduce stormwater runoff and associated costs by intercepting, dispersing, and absorbing rainfall and slowing down surface flow; C. Reduce water pollution by filtering pollutants from stormwater runoff; D. Conserve water supplies by allowing more rainfall to stay in the water table and minimizing water use for landscaping maintenance; E. Moderate urban heat island effects by shading buildings and paved surfaces and lowering ambient temperatures through transpiration; F. Improve air quality by removing carbon dioxide and pollutant gases from the air and producing oxygen that helps dilute air pollutant concentrations; G. Restore soils and land denuded as a result of construction or grading; H. Maintain the continued vitality of natural habitats for the propagation and protection of wildlife, birds, game, and fish and other aquatic life; I. Limit glare created by exterior lighting; J. Provide a sense of privacy from neighbors and the street; K. Provide human scale to urban environments by breaking up the visual impact of structures and off-street parking facilities; L. Help differentiate streets and other areas of the public realm from private lands; M. Stimulate economic development by increasing the Town’s attractiveness and quality of life to shoppers and employers; N. Safeguard and enhance property values and protect public and private investments; and O. Protect Town residents and visitors from personal injury and property damage, and avoid interruption of electrical and other utility services. (Ord. No. 2015-002, 04/29/2015) Except where expressly provided otherwise in this Ordinance, the landscaping requirements in this section shall apply to all new development in the Town other than temporary uses and structures. B. Existing Development Except where expressly provided otherwise in this Ordinance, the landscaping requirements in this section shall apply to existing development in accordance with the following. Change in Use Any change in use of an existing development shall be subject to these landscaping standards to the maximum extent practicable. Expansion Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3 below, if an existing structure or use is expanded or enlarged (in terms of the number of dwelling units, floor area, number of employees, seating capacity, or other size unit), additional landscaping shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of this section to serve the expanded or enlarged part of the structure or use. 5.12.2. Applicability A. New Development

September 25, 2018

Morrisville, NC

Page 5-122

Unified Development Ordinance