Unified Development Ordinance - Currituck County Government

Chapter 5: Development StandardsSECTION 5.2: LANDSCAPING STANDARDSSubsection 5.2.9: Alternative Landscape Plan5.2.9. Alternative Landscape PlanA. GeneralAlternative landscape plans, materials, or methods may be justified due to naturalconditions, such as streams, estuarine or wetland areas, topography, and physicalconditions related to the site. Lot configuration and utility easements may justify analternative landscape plan, as well as impractical situations that would result fromapplication of Section 5.2, Landscaping Standards.B. Allowable DeviationsThe Planning Director shall approve an Alternative Landscape Plan if it meets thepurpose and intent of the landscaping standards in this section. Allowable deviationsfrom the standards of this section include, but are not limited to the following:5.2.10. Maintenance(1) Reduced Planting Rates due to Public FacilitiesAn adjustment to planting locations or reduction of up to 20 percent in thetype or total number of required caliper inches may be allowed whenunderground connections to public facilities or public utilities, or publiceasements or right-of-way, are located upon or in close proximity to theparcel.(2) Reduction in Standards due to Nature of ParcelA reduction in the count, spacing, or planting type standards by up to 20percent may be allowed where the reduction is desirable in terms ofprotection of existing natural resources, better consistency with the goals ofthe Land Use Plan, or a site design that exceeds the quality of what wouldotherwise result under a strict application of the standards in this Ordinance.(3) Existing Natural FeaturesA reduction in the count, spacing, or planting type standards by up to 20percent may be allowed where the reduction will help preserve or protectexisting natural features such as wildlife habitat or unique ecosystem features.(4) Redevelopment of Nonconforming SitesThe installation of required landscaping during redevelopment of existingnonconforming sites shall occur in accordance with Section 8.6,Nonconforming Sites.(5) Location of Street TreesDeviations in the placement, spacing, or tree type (understory vs. canopy) areallowable from the standards in Section 6.2.1.K, Street Trees, when thedeviation is consistent with existing street trees placement along the same oradjacent block faces.A. GeneralThe owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of all landscape areas not in thepublic right-of-way. Such areas shall be maintained in accordance with the approvedLandscape Plan or Alternative Landscape Plan and shall present a healthy and orderlyappearance free from refuse and debris. All plant life shown on an approvedLandscape Plan or Alternative Landscape Plan shall be replaced if it dies, is seriouslyCURRITUCK COUNTY, NC UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE5.34