Landscape Guidelines
LANDSCAPE PLAN REQUIREMENTS
The City of Sheboygan, as a part of its comprehensive planning process, requires the preparation of a landscape plan for new development and for expansion or modification of existing non-residential structures. The purpose of this information is to assure that at least the minimum requirements of the City Zoning Ordinance are met when submitting a landscape plan as a part of the development plan. It is strongly suggested that sub-chapter 15-6 of the Zoning Ordinance be reviewed and landscaping and buffer yard regulations occur prior to submittal to avoid unnecessary delays during the review process. Copies are available from the City of Sheboygan, Department of City Development, 828 Center Avenue, Suite 104.
In summary, the landscaping design process is based on a system of “points” earned by the proposed design. A minimum number of points are required for each project based on:
- Total Floor Area: Points for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area vary from 0 to 25 depending on zoning district. (See page 183 of Zoning Ordinance.)
- Total Foundation Footage: Points for each 100-liner feet of building foundation vary from 0 to 50 depending on zoning district. (See page 182 of Zoning Ordinance.)
- Total Amount Of Paved Area: Points for each 10,000 square feet of paved area or 20 parking spaces vary 20 to 100 depending on zoning district. (See page 185 of Zoning Ordinance.)
- Street Frontage: Points for each 100 linear feet of street frontage vary from 0 to 50 depending on zoning district. (See page 184 of Zoning Ordinance.)
- The total number of points generated by these four categories plus possible buffer yard requirements determine the minimum number of points that must be met in developing the proposed landscape plan.
The following information, presented in a clear and concise manner will facilitate the planning review process.
Calculation of Required Points
Calculate, in table form, the number of landscape points generated by each of the above four categories based on the proposed design of the project, plus the buffer yard points, if it is required. The total of these points is the minimum number of points that must be met in the development of the landscape plan.
Example
This example illustrates how to calculate and present the landscape portion of a development plan. This hypothetical site is located in a Suburban Office Zoning District, which requires a minimum of the following landscape points:
Floor area, 15 points per each 1,000 square feet.
Foundation, 40 points for each 100 linear feet, to be planted within ten feet of the foundation.
Paved area, 80 points for each 10,000 square feet or 20 spaces.
Street frontage, 40 points for each 100 linear feet.
The plan should show how the development meets at least the minimum for each of the four landscape categories, and the legend should identify the plant material used to meet these requirements. Based on this location the following points are required to meet the terms of the ordinance:
Floor area (10,00 square feet) = 150 points
Foundation (430 linear feet) = 172 points
Paved Area (30,000 square feet) = 240 points
Street Frontage (300 linear feet) = 120 points
680 Net Minimum Points
Note: A credit is given of 30 points for each existing street tree along the frontage.
The landscape plan should be the same scale as other plans (1″ = 100′).
This example is for illustrative purposes only and is intended as a guide in providing a degree of conformity when submitting proposed development plans. Please review the landscape chapter of the zoning ordinance for more information.
Legend Example
Plant Symbol / Site
Plan Identification Species Description
(Common Name) Quantity Planting
Size Points
Each Total
Points
Columnar Maple 10 1 1/2 30 300
Service Berry 45 Potted 5 225
Spirea 30 Potted 3 90
Austrian Pine 10 5′ Ht. 40 400
Provided Points 1,015
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Identify how the proposed plan meets the requirements of this zoning district:
Floor Area: 10,000 Sq Ft
1000 = 10 x 15 = 150 Points
5 – Columnar Maples (5 x 30 ) = 150 Points
Foundation: 430 Linear Ft = 4.3 x 40 = 172 Points
35 – Service Berry (35 x 5) = 175 Points
Paved Area: 30,000 Sq Ft
10,000 = 3 x 80 = 240 Points
10 – Service Berry (10 x 5) = 50 Points
30 – Spirea (30 x 3) = 90 Points
Street Frontage: 300 Linear Ft
100 = 3 x 40 = 120 Points
10 Austrian Pine (10 x 40) = 400 Points
If buffer yard points are required, they are in addition to the minimum requirements of the landscape plan. Although not specifically required by the ordinance, please indicate the type of ground cover to be used in the planting beds and indicate the amount of area to be covered by grass.