§ 9.1. Landscaping.

A landscape plan may be required for any development within the zoning jurisdiction of the City of Atmore, but is mandatory for all multifamily developments including apartments, townhouses, condominiums and Planned Unit Developments, and for all business and industrial developments. Such plan shall be submitted to the Building Inspector prior to commencing any stripping of land or construction activities. The plan shall clearly show what existing trees, shrubbery and other vegetation will be retained; and what trees, shrubbery and other vegetation will be added to complete the final landscaping of the property. The developers shall attempt to retain as many trees as possible on the property unless the trees are a safety hazard to pedestrians, property or vehicular traffic or that their removal is necessary to construct the proposed improvements. In such case, the developer's landscape plan shall indicate replacement trees at least six (6) feet tall and one (1) inch in diameter for each tree removed and the landscaping plan shall show the placement of the proper number of required new trees. The plan shall include renderings by a landscape architect.

9.11

All new developments along County, State and Federal highways and other major arterials shall be set back fifty (50) feet from the right-of-way and shall maintain a minimum of ten (10) feet of the required fifty (50) foot setback as a greenbelt along the entire front width of the property except where curb cuts provide ingress and egress. Said greenbelt shall be planted with trees, shrubs and grass or other ground cover so that an attractive appearance is presented as detailed in the developer's required landscape plan.

9.12

All existing developments along County, State and Federal highways and other major arterials that presently have no landscaping along the front property line shall present an acceptable landscape plan to the Building Inspector or comply with the requirements of Section 9.11 and 5.5 within three (3) years of the date of adoption of this Ordinance.

9.13

A minimum of five (5) feet side and rear landscaping may be required in the landscape plan depending on the topography and arrangement of parking facilities. If required, such areas shall be planted with a combination of trees, shrubs and grass or other ground cover adequate to break the expanse of contiguous parking areas and to present an attractive appearance as determined by the Building Inspector. Adjacent property owners may jointly agree on the establishment of a common landscaped area between their properties that meets the requirement of this Section; provided that such agreement and the planting and maintenance of the common area shall be binding upon both parties and their successors, interests and assigns.

9.14

All new businesses primarily related to car, truck or other vehicle service and repair shall be so designed and constructed that service or repair bays shall be located on the sides or the rear.

9.15

Junkyards shall be buffered with vegetation so as to achieve a complete visual screen of the yard and its ancillary operations.