Page 215 - Des Moines - Zoning, Planning and Design Ch 134, 135

DRAFT 135-5. lANDScAPe AND StreetScAPe

General

135-5.1 General 2. Parking Lots. The landscape and streetscape
regulations of this article shall be fulfilled as
5.1.1 PUrPOSe follows:
The landscape and streetscape regulations of this article a. When any existing surface parking lot is
are intended to provide the following. reconfigured or reconstructed.
A. To protect property values and the appearance of b. When any existing surface parking lot is
neighborhoods and commercial districts through expanded in area or number of stalls by less
appropriate landscape and fencing. than 50% of the original lot area, the new
B. To provide for healthy, long-lived trees within all area shall comply with the requirements.
public ways to improve the appearance of streets c. When any existing surface parking lot is
and create a buffer between pedestrian and expanded in area or number of stalls by 50%
vehicular travel lanes. of more of the original lot area,the original
c. To increase the urban tree canopy throughout the lot area and the new area shall comply.
city. d. When compliance is triggered for existing
D. To increase the compatibility of adjacent uses and parking lots, landscape improvements shall
minimize the adverse impacts created by adjoining take precedence over parking requirements.
or neighboring uses. e. Vacant Buildings. If a building or parking lot is
e. To promote the prudent use of water through vacant for 6 months or longer, the landscape and
sustainable, functional landscapes. streetscape regulations of this article shall be met.

F. To reduce energy demands through the shading of F. Maintenance. Landscape and streetscape required
buildings and pavement, reducing the urban heat by this zoning ordinance shall be maintained for
island effects. the life of the principal use. Damaged or dead
streetscape and landscape shall be replaced or
5.1.2 APPlicABilitY repaired so that the requirements of this article are
A. General. The landscape and streetscape regulations met at all times.
shall be provided and followed in accordance with G. Buffer exceptions. Landscape buffers are required
the provisions of this article. unless otherwise according to the provisions in this article with the
expressly stated, the regulations apply to all zoning following exceptions.
districts and uses. 1. Shared Driveways. Buffers shall not be required
B. New Uses and Development. The landscape and along a property line where a curb cut or aisle is
streetscape regulations of this article apply to all new shared between 2 adjoining lots.
buildings constructed and all new uses established in 2. Points of Access. Buffering is not required at
all zoning districts. driveways or other points of access to a lot,
c. Discontinued Uses, change of Use. If the use of a unless otherwise addressed by these regulations.
property is discontinued for a period of more than 6 H. temporary Uses. These provisions do not apply to
months, or if a new or amended site plan is required temporary uses, unless determined otherwise by the
by a change of use on the premises, the landscape community development director.
and streetscape regulations of this article apply.
D. enlargements and expansions 5.1.3 eNFOrceMeNt
1. Structures. The landscape and streetscape The requirements of this subsection may be enforced in
accordance with Chapter 134, Article 8.
regulations of this article apply whenever a
building addition over 50% of the existing 5.1.4 OtHer reGUlAtiONS
building gross floor area or when renovations to A. Refer to Chapter 22, Vegetation, for additional
an existing building, including a building addition, information regarding treatment of landscape
have an estimated cost for building permit
purposes that exceeds 50% of the assessed B. Refer to Sec. 114.14 of the municipal code for vision
1
value of the existing building. Estimated building clearance at street intersections
permit valuation is cumulative from the date of
the adoption of this ordinance. 1 Current distances prohibit buildings built up to the corner.
TMP process will address this.

CITY OF DES MOINES CHAPTER 135: PLANNING AND DESIGN DRAFT 135-5-3