Tree Protection, Buffers & Landscaping 8.3 Tree Canopy Coverage Requirement
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1. A variance of up to 25% percent may be granted by the Administrator for planting area and dimension requirements where compliance presents hardships due to building location, lot size, or vehicular area configuration; 2. A credit for reducing required off-street parking by 1 space shall be given for the construction of each landscape island. When an application is made for a development approval on any land to which the requirements of this section apply, a Landscape Plan shall be prepared as part of the Site Master Plan as outlined in Section 15.8. The specific requirements for a Landscape Plan are included in the checklist for Site Master Plans in the Wake Forest Manual of Specifications, Standards and Design (MSSD). B. All planting materials specified by the landscape plan shall be installed prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. An exception may be granted for a period not to exceed 180 days for the following circumstances, as determined by the Administrator: 1. The unavailability of specified plant material; 2. Weather conditions that prohibit the completion of the project or jeopardize the health of the plant material; 3. Actions or directives issued by any governing body with jurisdictional authority. C. In such circumstances, the property owner or developer shall submit documentation of the estimated cost for the purchase and installation of the required planting areas and may be required to post a performance guarantee equal to the amount of the contract. The Administrator may issue a Conditional Certificate of Occupancy but shall not issue a Final Certificate of Occupancy until the planting requirements have been completed and approved. Alternate landscaping plans, plant materials, planting methods or reforestation may be used where unreasonable or impractical situations would result from application of landscaping or tree preservation requirements. Such situations may result from streams, natural rock formations, topography, or other physical conditions; or from lot configuration, utility easements, unified development design, or unusual site conditions. B. The Administrator may approve an alternate plan, which proposes different plant materials or methods provided that quality, effectiveness, durability, and performance are equivalent to that required by this section. C. Decisions of the Administrator regarding alternate methods of compliance for landscaping and tree preservation may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment according to the provisions of Section 15.12.
8.2.4. Procedures A.
8.2.5. Alternate Methods of Compliance A.
8.3. Tree Canopy Coverage Requirement
8.3.1. Minimum Canopy Coverage Requirement All parcels, regardless of land use, shall maintain a minimum tree canopy coverage according to their district classification as follows:
Town of Wake Forest Unified Development Ordinance – July 19, 2022
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