Morrisville UDO - June 2017 version

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Article 5: Development Standards
Section 5.12. Landscaping
5.12.2. Applicability
June 23, 2017 Morrisville, NC
Page 5-122 Unified Development Ordinance
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)
5.12.2. Applicability
A. New Development
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 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.
Upgrading of Landscaping Nonconformities
Where existing development is nonconforming in terms of compliance with this section’s standards
for off-street parking and loading, such development is subject to the limitations and upgrading
requirements in Section 9.7, Nonconforming Site Features.
C. Landscape Plan Required
A landscape plan shall be included as part of any application for Type 1 Subdivision Preliminary Plat
Approval (Section , Type 2 Subdivision Preliminary Plat Approval (Section , Major
Site Plan Approval (Section , or Minor Site Plan Approval (Section or Construction Plan
Approval (Section for development subject to the standards in this section. Landscape plans shall
be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Administrative Manual.