Landscape Manual

A) Introduction 

The ecological diversity of the Chesapeake Bay and its environs makes Anne Arundel County a desirable place for residents and visitors alike. The green appearance of the County from the public roads contributes ecologically and aesthetically to the growth and economic prosperity of the area. Much of the growth and development attracted to Anne Arundel County because of the area's natural beauty often requires the removal of trees and other plant material thereby contributing to the depletion of a valuable resource. It is with these factors in mind that standards must be set forth to preserve, protect and restore this asset.

The purpose of this Landscape Manual is to enhance the appearance of Anne Arundel County by improving the quality of landscaping, buffering, and screening throughout the County. The primary objectives are: 

• To safeguard and enhance property values and to protect public and private investment
• To preserve, protect and restore the unique identity and environment of the area and preserve the economic base attracted to the area by such factors
• To provide visual buffering and enhance the beautification of the area
• To upgrade existing non-conforming (for landscaping) sites through the use of financial and development potential incentives
• To encourage the preservation of existing trees and vegetation
• To provide parking lots with landscaped areas that break up large areas of impervious surfaces, provide shade, buffer and screening from adjacent properties and roadways while facilitating movement of traffic
• To protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public by contributing to the processes of air purification, oxygen regeneration, water absorption, abatement of noise, glare and heat, and by promoting energy conservation through the cooling and wind buffering effects of trees

B)  Plans and Procedures 

1) Preparation of Landscape Plans: Landscape plans shall be prepared by:

 a) a licensed Landscape Architect;

 b) a landscape designer with a degree in landscape architecture, horticulture, forestry or landscape design with at least three years of work experience in planting design;

 c) a landscape designer with six years work experience in planting design; or

 d) a representative of a local nursery or landscape contractor having operated within Anne Arundel County for at least three years.

 A list of acceptable individuals or firms will be established by the Office of Planning and Zoning. Landscape plans will not be accepted from individuals or firms not on the list.

The Office of Planning and Zoning may modify the list to acknowledge additional individuals or firms and may delete same based on their ability:

• to satisfy the minimum county standards and/or
• to prepare plans consistent with the objective of the Landscape Manual.

2) Landscape Plan Requirements: A complete landscape plan shall consist of the following:

a) a vicinity map which clearly locates the site

 b) existing and proposed grades

 c) zoning of the site and all adjacent parcels

 d) the general location of all existing structures and uses on adjacent parcels

 e) the general location, type, size and quality of existing vegetation to be saved including specimen trees, as defined by the Forest Conservation Regulations

 f) methods and details for protecting existing vegetation during construction. (A detail of the protective fencing to be utilized must be shown on the landscape or grading plan as well as a graphic indication of where it will be field located.)

 g) planting and installation details

 h) locations and labels for all proposed plants with a planting schedule including:

• botanical name
• common name
• quantity
• spacing
• size at the time of planting
• root type

i) location and description of other landscape related improvements

 j) all buildings, easements, overhead wires, utilities, lamp posts, fire hydrants, signs,  sidewalks, street trees and other pertinent site constraints, both existing and proposed (In cases where transformers and/or vaults will be field located, the approximate location shall be shown with a note on the plan indicating that final location and planting location will be resolved in the field.)

 k) interior planting area and interior tree calculations

 l)  walls, fences, berms and walkways;

 m) loading and storage areas

 3) Cost Estimate 

An itemized cost estimate shall be submitted with the plan which includes the cost of all required plant materials and required man-made screening materials such as fences and masonry walls. The estimate shall be based upon the following costs which include installation:

• major deciduous tree: $200.00 each/installed
• minor deciduous tree: $100.00 each/installed
• evergreen tree: $100.00 each/installed
• shrub: $30.00 each/installed

4) Approved Plant List

>> Approved Native Plants 

5)  Performance Surety

 a) On approval of the landscape plan and estimate by the County, the owner shall enter into an agreement with the County to provide and install the plant material. The Agreement shall be acceptable to and approved by the Office of Law as to form and substance. The Agreement shall also be accompanied by a performance bond in the amount of the estimate as acceptable to the Department of Office of Planning and Zoning (standard forms for bond and agreement are available at the Office of Planning and Zoning). Instead of a performance bond with a corporate surety authorized to do business in the State of Maryland, a letter of credit, cash deposit, or certified check is acceptable.

b) The landscaping shall be installed within two years of the date that the Agreement is executed. If this can not be accomplished due to seasonal planting requirements or construction time frames, a six month extension can be authorized by The Office of Planning and Zoning. Any failure to complete the planting in a timely fashion in accordance with the Agreement shall result in the forfeiture of the security. If the costs incurred by the County in providing the planting are greater than covered by the surety, the excess costs shall constitute a lien on the property to be born by the property owner.

 c) The Agreement may provide for a full release of the security which covers non-living portions of landscaping, buffering improvements. Upon installation and inspection by Office of Planning and Zoning of the living material, up to 50% of the bond which covers the living material may be released. The remaining bond shall be retained for one year to insure replacement of dead or damaged plant material.

 d) Notwithstanding any other provisions, a public utility franchised in the County may submit a letter of guarantee in place of the Agreement and bond in a form approved by the Office of Law.

6) Inspections and Release of Surety

 a) All planting related to the approved landscape plan shall be inspected by the Department of Office of Planning and Zoning reviewing official upon request by the applicant, shortly after installation and again approximately one year later. The fee for both inspections shall be 5% of the value of the installed plantings and related improvements to a maximum of $1,000.

 b) In lieu of the Final Inspection being performed by the Office of Planning and Zoning , a notarized affidavit verifying that all plant material is in place, and in good health one year after the initial inspection by Office of Planning and Zoning. If this inspection procedure is utilized by the applicant, the inspection fees listed above may be reduced by 50 percent at the time of payment. Refunds of inspection fees will not be issued.

 c) Should the landscaping during the bonding period violate the approved plan, fail to satisfy the "Landscape Specifications Guidelines for the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area" published by the Landscape Contractors Association of Washington, or any portion of the landscaping be of failing health, corrections or replacement will be required.  Additional inspections shall require the charging of an additional fee if the applicant has not put forth a timely, good faith effort to complete the required landscaping.

 d) Minor modification and plant substitutions may be authorized by the reviewing County official. However, neither the County, nor the applicant shall implement field revisions to the approved landscape plan without acceptance from both parties.

 e) Upon passing inspection, the Office of Planning and Zoning shall release or refund the remaining surety.

C) Landscape Requirements

 1) Subdivision Landscape Plans

Landscape plans shall be provided at each step of the subdivision process. The level of detail provided on the plans shall be commensurate with the detail provided on the subdivision plans.

a ) Presubmittal and/or Sketch Plan

 The applicant may submit a separate Landscape plan at the same scale of the Presubmittal and/Sketch Plan, or may add the following information to the subdivision plans:

• location and width/depth of proposed buffers to adjacent properties and right-of-ways.
• Location and a description of existing woodland to be credited towards buffer requirements.
• For projects which include off-street parking, the general location and size of interior planting areas, with a calculation of interior planting area square footage.

 b) Landscape Plans for Final Plan Submittal shall at a  minimum, include the information stipulated in Items a-e, and i-m inclusive as found in the "Landscape Plan" requirements on page 2 and 3 of this Manual. The cost estimate, agreement, and bond are not required until issuance of a grading and/or building permit for the site.

 c) A note shall be added to the record plat for all subdivisions which require landscaping, requiring submittal of an Agreement and bond prior to issuance of a grading permit for the site.

 2) Street Trees

 a) General Standards

 Street trees are required for all subdivisions and as a part of frontage improvements associated with commercial building or grading permits. Street tree obligations and other site oriented obligations are to be computed separately. The various methods of providing street trees are:

 i) Standard Method

 Street trees of at least 2" caliper with a height of at least 10 feet are required in all zoning districts. The number of trees shall be calculated based upon one (1) tree per 40 linear feet of right-of-way frontage for the site. The spacing may be modified to accommodate utilities, sight distances, and visibility for traffic control signs.

 ii) Clustering

 In lieu of evenly spaced street trees, the Department of Office of Planning and Zoning may authorize a clustering of plant material within the road right of way or within maintenance easements to accommodate prime vistas, existing character and to accommodate access drives. The number of trees utilized will be the same as would be necessary to accommodate an evenly spaced pattern as outlined above.

 iii) Wooded Edge

Roadway alignments and site development should seek to preserve existing woodlands and stands of existing trees to where possible. The Office of Planning and Zoning shall provide a 100% credit towards street tree requirements for existing trees preserved along roadways, within the right of way and immediately abutting the right of way. No additional street trees will be required for the portion of the roadways for which trees are retained.

 b)   Plan Requirements

 i) Street trees shall be added to the road or site plans which reflect the road section, driveway locations, street lights, and traffic control devices.

i i) The plans shall contain a plant list referencing species, size at time of installation (2" cal.) and a total quantity. Street trees shall be bonded with the Public Works Agreement at a rate of $200.00 per tree. If minor deciduous or evergreen trees are approved as part of the street tree plan, they may be bonded at a rate of $100.00 per tree.

 c) Location Requirements

 i) When the distance between the curb and sidewalk is 5 feet or greater, trees should be located within the right of way and shall be centered between the sidewalk and the curb.

 ii) When the distance between the curb and sidewalk is less than 5 feet, the trees may be planted 3 feet from the outside edge of the sidewalk. If the area of tree planting falls outside the road right of way, a 10 foot wide planting easement is required. The easement may be expanded to accommodate the placement of the trees.

 iii) Trees shall be planted 6 feet behind the curb when there are no sidewalks involved unless prohibited by utility structures.

 iv) Trees shall be planted at least 20 feet from all traffic control signs and/or shall not interfere with the visibility of the sign. Such trees shall not interfere with utility lines or structures above or below ground. Street trees shall not be planted within 5 feet of a private drive.

 v) Street trees shall not be planted within a sight triangle at the intersection of public or private roads. This sight triangle is formed by the edge of pavement measured from the apex of the intersection of the pavement edges back 25 feet, then connecting the pavement edges by a third, imaginary line. No planting above a 2 foot height shall be planted within this triangle. Trees already existing must have the lower branches removed to a height of 7 feet.

3) Storm Water Management Ponds

Wet and dry Storm Water Management Ponds shall be landscaped in a manner which preserves the functional aspects of the facility while embracing the feature from an aesthetic standpoint. Such features shall harmonize with other site and neighboring development features. Natural curvilinear designs with woodland retention and/or required planting as addressed herein are to be utilized to soften the visual impact of the pond.

 a) Storm Water Management Buffers

 i) A buffer averaging 25' in width (minimum 10') shall be provided around the pond exclusive of pond embankments and the internal slopes of the pond.

 ii) Existing woodland should be retained around the pond and augmented with new plant material to provide buffering and reduce thermal pollution.  The amount of new plant material provided may be reduced proportionately to the amount of perimeter woodland retained.

 iii) If existing woodland cannot be retained, the buffer shall be planted with clusters of evergreen, major and minor deciduous trees, located in a manner which substantially screens the pond from off-site and on-site views. The buffer shall contain a minimum of one (1) shade tree (or equivalent) and one (1) evergreen tree (or equivalent) per each 40' of pond perimeter, calculated at the top of the internal slopes or toe of slopes for embankments of the pond. Designers shall avoid "circling" the pond with evenly spaced, monotypic species. Plant materials shall be located in a manner which maximizes screening of existing and proposed uses, while leaving appropriately located open areas for diversity of views.

 b)   Storm Water Management Basin Planting

 Where possible, the interior slopes and the bottom of the Storm Water Management Basin may be planted to reduce maintenance, improve appearance, enhance  wildlife habitat and wetland environs. Such planting shall not jeopardize the structural integrity of the pond or interfere with access and maintenance of the facility. Woody vegetation may not be planted on the embankment or within 50' of the inlet structure.

c ) Fencing

 i) When Storm Water Management ponds are required to be fenced for purposes of safety, galvanized chain-link fencing is not acceptable.  In industrial parks with outdoor storage or an utilitarian character, chain-link fencing is permissible if of a black vinyl variety. In other instances, both  commercial and residential, fencing is to be of vinyl, pressure treated, or of other rot resistant wood; or of a material consistent with neighboring buildings. The infill of gaps shall consist of a black vinyl mesh material.  The location of the fence will be controlled by topographic and design considerations. Landscaping of the exterior of the fenced area is a high priority.

 d) Maintenance

 i) Public Storm Water Management ponds maintained by the County are to be designed in a manner which will minimize maintenance. Yearly maintenance of plant material should consist of little more than mowing.  Shrubs and planting beds which require yearly maintenance are to be avoided.

 ii) Private Storm Water Management ponds may be designed to incorporate shrub masses and annual/perennial planting beds, however maintenance of the pond is the responsibility of the property owner. The facility and planting shall be maintained in good repair.

 4) Residential Landscaping

 a) General Requirements

 Aside from the street tree and stormwater management requirements addressed in this manual, site plantings of residential development shall be provided as follows:

 i) Lots exposed to a major roadway, (collector or greater) or dissimilar land uses (i.e. residential to institutional or commercial) shall be buffered there from by additional landscaping and/or related elements such as a reforestation area, berm, walls and/or fencing to mitigate undesirable impacts. Fencing, berms or walls intended to satisfy the buffering requirements shall be supplemented with plant materials. Credit may be given towards reforestation requirements of the Forest Conservation Act.  Existing vegetation which is retained but does not meet the minimum forest retention requirements may still be credited towards screening requirements. Such buffers shall be in addition to street trees.

 ii) It is preferred that such buffers be located within an open space area.  However, the Department of Office of Planning and Zoning may authorize the use of an easement or other alternative if deemed appropriate.

 b) Townhouse and Single-Family Attached

 i) Parking lots associated with single-family attached developments shall comply with buffer and interior planting standards as  addressed herein (Section C, 5a, b and 6).

 ii) In addition to the required parking plantings, each single-family attached development shall be planted with an additional shade tree for every dwelling unit. Minor deciduous or evergreen trees may be substituted at a rate of 2 to 1 up to 1/3 of the major shade tree requirements. Shade trees shall be of 2" caliper and 10 feet in height. Trees may be located on individual lots or community property and be, more or less, evenly distributed throughout the development.

 c) Multi-Family Development

 i) Parking lots associated with multi-family development shall comply with the buffer and interior planting standards as addressed herein (Section C,5a, b, and 6).

ii) In addition to the plantings required for parking, each multi-family development shall be planted with one additional shade tree per three dwelling units. Minor deciduous or evergreen trees may be substituted at a rate of 2 for 1 up to 1/3 of the shade tree requirements. Shade trees shall be of 2"  caliper and 10 feet in height. Such plantings should be, more or less, evenly distributed throughout the development.

iii) Mid-rise and high-rise building sites located in a TC, Town Center Zoning District or within the Glen Burnie, Parole or Odenton Growth Management Areas may be authorized a  reduction in the number of internal shade trees required. This reduction shall be authorized by the Director of Office of Planning and Zoning to improve the correlation between the available green space and the allowable density.

 d) Mobile Home Parks

i) Mobile Home Parks shall be planted with one shade tree per unit. Shade trees may be located in the mobile home yard area or on common areas of the park.

 5) Buffer Requirements

>> Also see Buffers for Specific Uses and Special Exception Uses

 a) Property Line Buffers

 i) Proposed parking lots adjacent to residential property lines and residential zones (RA, RLD, R1, R2, R5, R10, R15, R22 and R44) require the following buffer widths:

ii) Proposed parking lots adjacent to sites zones or used as other than residential require the following buffer widths:

iii) Buffers or portions of buffers which do not contain existing woodland shall be planted in the following manner:

• Buffers of 25' or less shall contain an average of one (1) shade tree per 30' linear feet of the buffer with understory shrub planting and/or one (1) evergreen/ornamental tree per 10' linear feet, located in clusters to provide diversity. Additional plant material may be required for buffers greater than 25' if existing or proposed topographic conditions do not adequately screen the site.

iv) Buffers may be increased to a 35' width to count towards reforestation and/or woodland retention requirements for the site. (Refer to the Maryland Forest Conservation Manual for reforestation/woodland retention criteria).

 v) Outdoor storage areas shall comply with the buffers set forth in Sections C(5)(a and b) of this Manual.

 b) Right-of-Way Buffers

>> Also see Buffers for Specific Uses and Special Exception Uses

i) In parking lots adjacent to roads and rights-of-way, buffer widths are based on road classifications as specified in the Transportation Master Plan and the Subdivision Regulations (Article 26, Section 3-202). If the right-of-way is:

ii) If a green area is required between the building and right-of-way, a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees shall be provided.

 iii) Buffers or portions of buffers which do not contain existing woodland shall be planted in the following manner:

• 15' to 25' buffers shall contain an average of one shade tree per 30' linear feet of right-of-way with understory shrub  planting and/or one (1) evergreen/ornamental tree per 10 linear feet of right-of-way.  Additional plant material may be required for buffers greater than    25', if existing or proposed topographic conditions do not adequately screen the site.

iv) Buffers may be increased to a minimum of 35' width to count towards reforestation and/or woodland retention requirements for the site. (Refer to the Maryland Forest Conservation Manual for reforestation/woodland retention criteria.)

 v) Outdoor storage areas shall comply with Section 2a and b.

c)   Other Buffer Criteria

i) In instances where significant natural vegetation exists, the Office of Planning and Zoning may limit the extent of clearing and grading to protect and preserve the area. These natural areas will not be disturbed by the installation of any structures, utilities, storm and sanitary sewers, water lines, sediment and erosion control devices, stormwater management systems, and signage unless approved by The Office of Planning and Zoning.

 ii) Where pedestrian and bike paths are proposed within a landscape buffers, such paths shall be meandering so as to preserve existing trees.

 iii) Where permitted by building setbacks stipulated in Article 28, buildings should be located on the site to screen proposed parking from public rights-of-way and residential property (zoned and/or use). Rear facades/loading docks should not face public rights-of-way or residential properties, but if visible should be screened and articulated in such a manner to mitigate the visual impact (i.e. screening walls composed of the same material as the proposed building, evergreen trees, etc.)

d) Buffers for Specific Uses and Special Exception Uses

 i) Adult Service Community

 There shall be a buffer area between any structure or parking area in the adult service community and adjacent properties that is screened in accordance with the requirements of this manual with a minimum of 30 feet where the structure or parking area abuts property in an R10, R15, R22, or R44 District, and a minimum of 50 feet where the structure or parking area abuts property in an R1, R2, or R5 District.

 ii) Amusement Parks

 No automobile parking space is located within:

• a required setback area; or
•  50 feet of a residential lot line;

iii) Automotive Dismantling and Recycling

 Screening is provided in accordance with the  following:

• an opaque screen is utilized as part of the landscape buffer;
• each opaque screen obscures all site activity at eye level but in no instance shall the screen be less than eight feet in height;
• each opaque screen, whether a fence, wall, or berm, shall have landscape planting that:
  • reaches complete obscuring capability within five years of planting; and
  • as a minimum, includes six-foot pine trees planted every 10 feet with one deciduous tree planted not less than every 50 feet
• either the opaque screen or the landscape planting visibly obscures all site activity year round; and
• all activities on the site are screened from all property lines. 

iv) Automobile Service Stations

• If the use abuts a residential zone or institutional premises and is not effectively screened by natural terrain, the use is screened with the following:
  • a solid brick or stone wall or a well-constructed opaque fence at least five feet and no more than eight feet high, and a ten-foot planting strip, at the property line on the outside of the wall or fence, densely planted with shrubs or trees that are expected to form a year-round dense screen that is at least six feet high within three years; or
• If the use abuts Industrial and Commercial districts, or if planned as part of a unified commercial development, a ten-foot planting strip may be provided along side and rear lot lines instead of the required fence and five-foot planting strip, provided that the planting strip is densely planted with shrubs or trees in accordance with the site plan, and provided that an access driveway to the complex may be permitted through the landscaped area.
• Landscaping, including appropriate ground covers, small shrubs, flowers, and accessories necessary to create a tasteful and attractive area, is provided and properly maintained on all unused portions of the lot and on the required ten-foot front yard, provided that the landscaping does not restrict visibility and does not include any automobile products, parts, or product signs.

v) Cement Manufacturing

• Each use is screened and all outdoor storage attendant to any use except parking is located so that the major portion of the storage is not visible from a major highway, expressway, or freeway or by a person standing at ground level in any residential district.
• The minimum screening standards shall be at least two rows of dense evergreen planting. The planting shall be backed by a wall measuring at least eight feet high. The planting shall completely screen the activity within three years after planting.

vi) Coke and Coke Products Manufacturing

• Each use is screened by two rows of dense evergreen planting.
  • Outdoor storage attendant to each use except parking is located so that the major portion of the storage is not visible from a major highway, expressway, or freeway or by a person standing at ground level in a residential district.
• Except for necessary ingress and egress driveways, no structure, interior street, driveway, or parking area is located within a buffer screening area.
• The minimum screening standards shall be at least two rows of dense evergreen planting. The planting shall be backed by a wall measuring at least eight feet in height. The planting shall completely screen the activity within three years of planting.

vii) Commercial Recreational Facilities

Screening and buffer areas shall be provided as follows:

• Each buffer area shall consist of planting and screening that:
  • Is at least 100 feet wide; and
  • Runs continuously around the circumference of the facility except for entrances and exits;
• Screening shall consist of an opaque fence at least eight feet in height, an independent wall, a berm, or an existing unperforated building wall;
• Landscape planting shall be included with each fence, wall, or berm used as a buffer;
• All screening and buffer areas shall provide a visual transition zone between the conference retreat and adjacent uses at the time of planting;
• Screening and buffering shall be sufficient to achieve the intended final effect within a three-year period;
• Whenever possible, existing vegetation shall be used and supplemented to meet the minimum buffer requirements;
• When existing vegetation is not available, a 50-foot wide dense vegetation barrier shall be created with new plantings within the buffer area;
• Screening and buffering may not be designed or used in a manner that impairs the view of the water from adjacent waterfront properties.

viii) Fertilizer Manufacturing

• Each use is screened by two rows of dense evergreen planting.
• Outdoor storage attendant to each use except parking is located so that the major portion of the storage is not visible.
• Except for necessary ingress and egress driveways, no structure, interior street, driveway or parking area is located within a buffer screening area; and
• The planting shall be backed by a wall at least eight feet high.  The planting shall completely screen the activity within three years after planting. 

xi) Horse Racetracks

• Automobile parking lots for general public use and parking areas attendant to accessory uses such as a dormitories or stables are not located within a setback area or less than 50 feet from any lot line.

x) Mobile Manufactured Home Park

• Each buffer strip shall be at least 15 feet in depth on each side and in the rear, and at least 50 feet deep along the front. Each buffer shall be  unoccupied, except for permitted utility  facilities, signs, or entrance ornamentation.

 xi) Nursery Farms

• All storage areas are enclosed and screened by landscaping from all property lines and road rights-of-way.
• There is a screening and buffer area of 50 feet where the abutting property is zoned residential or in residential or institutional use, or 25 feet where the abutting property is a public right-of-way or is zoned commercial or industrial or is in commercial or industrial use.
• Planting in the buffer area provides a year-round screen and obscures all site activity at ground level at time of planting.
• There is planting for buffer areas of the following minimums:
  • Evergreen trees eight feet in height planted 10 feet on center in staggered rows three rows deep for 50-foot buffer areas and two rows deep for 25-foot buffer areas;
  • A break in the evergreen planting every 40 feet or portion of 40 feet for the planting of a deciduous tree of at least  a three-inch caliper; and
  • Underplanting of deciduous trees with plants or shrubs that will create a dense barrier of at least three feet in height at maturity.
• The total effect of the planted buffer area is achieved within three years and continuously maintained.
• With written approval of The Office of Planning and Zoning, a working buffer of the specified dimensions consisting of plants, shrubs, and trees, that may be for sale, may be substituted for the required minimum planting if the working buffer is constantly planted and has no other activity than the cultivating and harvesting of plants.

xii) Ore Storage

• Except for necessary ingress and egress driveway, no structure, interior street, driveway, or parking area is located in any buffer screening area.
• Screening shall consist of two rows of dense evergreen planting. The planting shall completely screen the activity within three years of planting. 

xiii) Self Storage Facilities

• Provide a planted buffer area at least 25 feet wide at all property lines, allowing only for access.
• Landscaping is provided as follows:
  • For a structure of back-to-back bays, a planting area at the end of the structure measuring the width of the structure by 10 feet deep;
  • For a structure one bay deep that abuts the buffer area, a planting area at each end of the structure measuring the width of the structure by 10 feet deep;
  • For a structure one bay deep that does not abut the buffer area, a 10-foot deep planting strip along the blank wall;
  • For each 8-foot-by-10-foot increment of the planting required in Items 1, 2, and 3 of this subparagraph, at least one 2 1/2 inch caliper deciduous tree or one eight foot tall ornamental tree with underplanting of at least eight evergreen and ornamental shrubs that will reach a height of at least three feet at maturity;
  • For parking, loading, and driveway areas, at least one square foot of planting for each 25 square feet of parking, loading, and driveway area, consisting of deciduous, evergreen, and ornamental trees at least eight feet tall, with underplanting of evergreen and deciduous shrubs that will reach a height of three feet at maturity.
• For planted buffer areas:
  • Two staggered rows of pine trees at least eight feet high planted 10 feet on center;
  • A deciduous tree of at least a three-inch caliper planted an average of every 40 feet;
  • Underplanting of deciduous trees with evergreen or ornamental shrubs that will reach a height of at least three feet at maturity.

xiv) W1 Industrial Parks

• To the maximum extent possible, landscaping, including planting of grass, trees, shrubs, and other comparable land cover, shall be in accordance with the site plan. A fully landscaped park-like setting shall be established and maintained inside and along the boundary of the entire W1-Industrial Park District.
• If a W1 District adjoins a residential property, a buffer area shall be established along the common property line if either the adjacent residential property is developed or there is a reasonable probability of its being developed residentially.
• Buffer areas are required along each local street and collector street right-of-way line if the right-of-way forms a common boundary between a W1-Industrial Park District and a residentially zoned district.
• The buffer area required by this section shall be at least 50 feet but no more than 100 feet wide. If the Office of Planning and Zoning requires a buffer area to exceed 50 feet in width, a lot area coverage increase may be given to each industrial lot in the complex.

6) Parking and Loading Space Criteria

 a) Each parking space shall be at least 9 feet wide and 18 feet long.

b) Each loading space shall be at least 15 feet wide and 30 feet long.

 c) Each boat trailer parking space shall be at least 9 feet wide and 36 feet deep.

 d) Each two-way interior parking and loading drive aisle for two-way traffic shall be at least 24 feet wide.

 e) Each one-way drive aisle for one-way traffic shall be at least 12 feet wide for parallel parking and diagonal parking when less than 45 degrees and at least 20 feet wide for perpendicular parking and diagonal parking that is 45 degrees or greater.

f) Each parking and loading entrance or exit road shall:

 i) Be located at least 50 feet from the apex of an intersection of any street or highway, as measured along the edge of the paving and have a maximum width of 35 feet;

 ii) Have a minimum width of 12 feet for one-way traffic and 24 feet for two-way traffic.

 g) Off-street parking shall be provided on the property with a principal use.  However, 60% of this parking may be allowed on a reserved parcel provided:

 i) The reserved parking area is compatibly zoned to accommodate the use;

 ii) The location of the parcel shall not require pedestrians to cross a major arterial or collector right-of-way unless accomplished at a signalized intersection controlled for pedestrian crossings or by a pedestrian crossing above or below the grade of the roadway; and

iii) The reserved parking area is located no more than 600 feet from the principal use parcel.

 h) For purposes of subsection (g)(i) of this section, parcels of the same specific zoning classification shall be presumed to be compatible. In all other cases, the Office of Planning and Zoning shall determine whether the zones are compatible by comparing the nature of the parking proposed to that which is or would be authorized in the reserved parcel?s zoning classification.

 i) Off-street loading spaces shall be provided in close proximity to the principal or accessory use served. The distance from a loading space to the closest point of building entry or loading area shall be no more than 50 feet.

 j) Loading spaces shall be located at least 50' from adjacent residentially zoned property or property capable of being developed in a residential manner.

 k) Except for locations where a grade differential between a road and a parking area will preserve adequate sight distance, off-street parking or loading areas may not be located on a corner lot within a triangular area formed by the intersecting street paving lines and an imaginary line connecting the roadway 25 feet from the apex of the intersecting paved roadways.  

7)  Parking Lot Design Criteria

 Interior parking lot landscaping shall be provided based upon 10% of the total parking areas (Parking spaces, drive aisles, and loading areas).

 a) Landscaping islands or peninsulas are required to break up rows of parking spaces. In parking lots:

 i) If the total number of parking spaces on the site is less than 100 spaces, the minimum requirement is:

• Islands at both ends of  each row of parking.
• One island or peninsula for every 10 contiguous spaces.
• No more than 2 contiguous parking bays (60' width) without a 9' wide island separating the 2 bays from additional parking bays or drive aisles.

ii)      If the total number of parking spaces on the site is 100 spaces or  more, the minimum requirement is:

• Islands at both ends of each row of parking.
• One island or peninsula for every 15 contiguous spaces.
• No more than 3 contiguous parking bays (60' width) without a 9'   minimum wide planting strip separating the 3 bays from additional parking bays or drive aisles.
• An unloaded drive aisle from each access point to the proposed building(s) is suggested. The drive aisle shall be separated from abutting parking spaces by a 9' minimum wide planting strip.

b) Landscaping islands or peninsulas shall have a minimum width of 9 feet and length of 18 feet including curbing. The island width may be reduced to 6' minimum for retrofitting existing parking lots.

c) A minimum of one 2" caliper major deciduous shade tree shall be provided per 200 square feet of interior green space. Where appropriate and upon approval by the County, evergreen and minor deciduous trees may replace shade trees on a 2:1 basis. Shade trees shall be evenly distributed throughout the parking area for maximum benefit in reducing glare, heat and visual blight.

d) All green areas within a parking lot shall be credited as interior parking landscaping except for:

i) Required buffers;

ii) Perimeter green areas;

iii) Islands or portion of islands which cannot be planted with trees and shrubs due to conflicts with utilities, stormwater management devices, easements, etc.

e) Interior tree and interior planting areas for storage of boats, trucks, and vehicles in association with marinas, dealerships, contractors yards, etc..., may be reduced or eliminated to accommodate storage and security needs dependent upon the size of the storage area and density of proposed perimeter screening.

8)  Building Planting

All buildings associated with a commercial or industrial development shall be appropriately landscaped.  Fifty percent of a building facade is to contain foundation planting or a combination of architectural and landscaping treatment acceptable to the Office of Planning and Zoning. Such planting shall accentuate principal entrances, soften linear facades and generally improve building aesthetics. In instances where the building planting is also closely oriented to a parking area, the Office of Planning and Zoning may permit the material to be counted towards that required for parking and that required for the building.

9)  Freestanding Sign Planting

A combination of shrubs and/or flowering and evergreen trees should be provided in and around the base of a freestanding identification sign to visually soften and anchor the sign to other related site improvements.

10)  Retrofitting of Existing Development

a) Providing trees and installing ornamental landscaping and screening can have a positive effect on property values. Property owners are encouraged to retrofit existing developed properties to the standards of this manual to the extent possible. Alterations or expansions of existing developments shall be subject to the following criteria:

i) For properties where the alteration or expansion involves a 50 percent increase of the gross floor area or intensity of use, or a 50 percent increase in the parking area or number of parking spaces, the property must be landscaped (screening and internal planting) in accordance with this manual.

ii) Where the alteration or expansion is less than 50 percent of the gross floor area or less than 50 percent of parking spaces, screening of existing and proposed development from right-of-ways and adjacent properties will be required.

iii) The Office of Planning and Zoning may modify these requirements in instances where the installation of the landscape screening is impractical, or if interior landscaping may be more appropriate.

b) In order to facilitate the landscape and screening of existing developed properties, the following design techniques may be used:

i) A reduction in the size of parking spaces to 8.5 feet by 16 feet (up to 25% of the total number of required spaces). These spaces operate most efficiently where the spaces are adjacent to a buffer or green area which allows for vehicles to overlap the green area.

ii) A reduction in the width of two-way interior drive aisles to 22 feet (20' where the drive aisle does not contain parking spaces).

iii) A reduction of paved areas which are functionally unnecessary for accessibility and circulation.

iv) A reduction in a required buffer or setback by as much as 50 percent when it can be demonstrated that the proposed landscaping materials and methods satisfy the intent of this manual.

v) Provide individual planting islands at the corner of four contiguous parking spaces.

vi) A reduction in the parking requirements for a site may be approved by The Office of Planning and Zoning to facilitate the retrofitting of existing parking lots. However, it must be demonstrated that standard parking requirements cannot be met through the implementation of techniques stipulated in items i-v of this section.

vii) If not otherwise required as part of site development, funding from the Anne Arundel County Tree Preservation Program may be utilized in situations which meet the reforestation parameters as outlined in the County Tree Preservation Program (Bill 71-94) (i.e... 35' wide planting area with a minimum of 10,000 square feet, recordation of a conservation easement over proposed planting area).

D) Miscellaneous Provisions

1. Modification of Standards

In order to be effective, the Manual will give the Officer of The Office of Planning and Zoning and staff the ability to modify various standards affording a degree of flexibility necessary to adjust to unique situations and control development costs. Under the provisions to follow, the Department of Office of Planning and Zoning can authorize minor revisions to an approved Landscape Plan, modify landscape standards, adjust parking standards to enhance landscape capabilities, and modify buffer and setbacks according to landscape techniques utilized.

a) Modification of Landscape Manual Standards

The Office of Planning and Zoning may authorize modifications to the requirements as outlined herein when it can be shown that the modifications:

i) satisfy the intent of the provision modified;

ii) is necessary due to topographic, soil or other site conditions which would render full compliance impossible or impractical;

iii) would improve the overall function of the plan and its relationship with neighboring properties;

iv) would enhance environmental quality;

v) is necessary to mitigate serious safety concerns;

vi) is necessary to maintain the character of a Scenic Roadway or historically significant property and protect the view or vistas applicable thereto.

Requests to modify the standards of this Manual shall be made in writing and contain sufficient explanation and justification, written or graphic, for evaluation. Modifications which are requested during the review of a subdivision, grading, or building permit application shall be outlined in a note on the approved permit drawing, indicating the nature of the modification and any specific conditions associated with the approval of the modification(s).

b)   Modification of Parking, Paving and Buffer Standards

i) In order to offset development costs of increased planting and reduced environmental impact, projects subject to the standards as outlined herein may, with approval from the Office of Planning and Zoning, be allowed to reduce the size of parking spaces and drive aisle widths as set forth under Section (C)(10)(b) of this manual in the same manner as applies to retrofit situations.  The typical 9 x 18 foot parking space can be reduced to 8 1/2 x 16 feet. The 24 foot, two-way drive-aisle may be reduced to 22 feet (20' for drive aisles which do not contain parking spaces). Additionally, with appropriate detailing, the Office of Planning and Zoning may reduce the amount of interior curbing of parking areas.

ii) In addition to the reduced paving, the Office of Planning and Zoning may authorize a reduction or increase in a required buffer or setback by as much as 50% of that specified by Code when it can be shown that material and method utilized exceeds Code standards and satisfies the intent of this manual, or in the case of an increase, that the upgrade may be needed due to topographic, utility, or other physical barriers which preclude properly screening the site.

c) Plant Substitutions and Minor Plan Modifications

Minor modifications of an approved landscape plan due to plant availability, and unforeseen field conditions may be authorized by the Office of Planning and Zoning provided:

i) The costs associated with the modifications would not be significantly altered from that approved and bonded under the original approval;

ii) The general design and plant characteristics as contained on the approved plan would not be significantly altered.

Requests for such modifications shall be made in writing with an accompanying sketch if necessary to understand the modification. The letter shall clearly indicate the reasons for the modification and the relative impact of such modification. If acceptable with the reviewing official, the letter and accompanying sketch will be initialed and dated by Planning and Zoning Office. A copy will be maintained in the County's files and the original will be returned to the applicant.

2) Maintenance of Landscaping

The owner, tenant or agent thereof shall be jointly responsible for the maintenance of landscaping in a healthy, neat and orderly condition. All landscaped areas shall be kept free of refuse and debris.  Unkept landscape areas constitute a zoning violation and will be pursued accordingly.

3) Conflicts

Should a conflict arise between the requirements of this manual and other provisions of Law, the more stringent of the requirement will apply.

4)  Species Mix

Planting plans shall reflect a variety and mix of plant material. An over abundance of one particular species will not be allowed especially relative to street trees and shade trees. This provision is intended as a protective measure minimizing the potential of a significant portion of a project's landscaping being wiped out by a particular disease or insect infestation.

5)  Forest Conservation

The provisions of the manual are intended to compliment and augment, not supersede the requirements of the State Forest Conservation Act, Anne Arundel County Grading and Sediment Control Ordinance and the Subdivision Regulations as applies to the establishment of forest conservation thresholds; priorities for retention; standards for mitigation; afforestation and reforestation; and the other standards generally relating to forest conservation.

Landscaping areas of 10,000 square feet in size, 35' in depth and which incorporate 100 percent native species, may be used to satisfy the requirement of the forest conservation provisions of the law and the landscaping provisions as contained herein. This will ensure suitable amenity and environmental enhancement without cumulative impacts relative to development costs.