A. Purpose. The intent of this Chapter is to ensure that all new or substantially remodeled buildings, accessory uses and parking lots are provided with landscaping to ameliorate air and noise pollution; to afford protection from wind and inclement weather protection; and to regulate open storage to protect and enhance property values and make the City a more aesthetically pleasing place to live and work.

B. The City recognizes the aesthetic, ecological and economic values of landscaping to:

Establish and protect vegetation in urban areas for aesthetic, health (e.g. improved air quality, reduction in atmospheric carbon dioxide, etc.) and urban wildlife reasons;

Reduce stormwater runoff pollution, temperature, and rate and volume of flow;

Promote compatibility between land uses by reducing the visual, noise and lighting impacts of specific development on users of the site and abutting uses;

Aid in energy conservation by providing shade from the sun and shelter from the wind; and

Restore natural communities through reestablishment of native plants. (Ord. M-3643, 2004)