Morrisville UDO - June 2017 version

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Article 5: Development Standards
Section 5.12. Landscaping
5.12.6. Alternative Landscape Plan
Morrisville, NC June 23, 2017
Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-129
Be planted within five feet of the building foundation, or of any patio, terrace, or courtyard
extending from the foundation;
Be planted in a foundation bed that is a minimum of 3 feet in width;
Maintain a maximum on-center spacing of six feet, and be evenly-distributed along foundation
walls;
Include a both evergreen and deciduous vegetation of varying heights and specifies; and
Be planted in the ground, within planters, or in decorative pots. (See Figure Foundation
plantings.)
(Ord. No. 2016-001, 05/10/2016)
5.12.6. Alternative Landscape Plan
A. General
The Planning Director may approve an alternative landscape plan where a deviation from this the
standards in or thi is justified because of
site or development conditions that make strict compliance with such standards impossible or impractical.
The alternative landscape plan shall indicate how the proposed deviations are justified by site or
development conditions and illustrate how compliance with the standard(s) from which a deviation is
sought can be achieved to the maximum extent practicable. Conditions justifying approval of an
alternative landscape plan may include:
Natural conditions, such as watercourses, natural rock formations, or topography;
The likelihood that landscaping material would be ineffective at maturity due to topography,
placement, or other existing site conditions;
Lot size or configuration;
Infill development or redevelopment on small lots;
The presence of existing utility or other easements;
The potential for interference with public safety; and
Other situations where strict adherence to the buffer or landscaping standards in this Ordinance
are determined impractical by the Planning Director.
B. Submittal and Review
An applicant may submit an alternative landscape plan as part of an application for Conceptual Master
Plan Approval, Type 1 Subdivision Preliminary Plat Approval, Type 2 Subdivision Preliminary Plat
Approval, Site Plan Approval, or Construction Plan Approval, as appropriate. The Planning Director
may approve an alternative landscape plan if it meets the purpose and intent of the perimeter and
streetyard buffer standards in or the landscaping standards in this as
appropriate. Additional review fees are assessed to cover the Town’s additional costs in reviewing
alternative landscape plans
(Ord. No. 2016-001, 05/10/2016)
C. Allowable Deviations
Allowable deviations from the perimeter standards i and the landscaping standards in this
include, but are not limited to, the following:
Reduced Planting Rates due to Existing Public Utilities
An adjustment to planting locations or reduction of up to 20 percent in the total number of required
trees or shrubs may be allowed when underground connections to public utilities or public
easements or rights-of-way, are located upon or in close proximity to the parcel.