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| Community Development Landscape FAQ |
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| Topic: Jurisdiction |
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Trees and vegetation are used to ensure land use compatibility through proper use of vegetaion as a transition area and screen.
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Q: Does the Landscape Ordinance pertain to the entire county?
A: No. The more rural portions of the county (Western and Southern) are not currently included in the application area of the Landscape Map. Also, the Lexington County Landscape Ordinance only applies to those unincorporated areas of the County. However, several municipalities within the County have their own Landscape Ordinances and requirements. Please check with your local City/Town Hall for information regarding their regulations.
Reference: Landscape Ordinance - Article 1, Section 1.5
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| Topic: Development |
Q: I am planning the construction of my residence, how does the Landscape Ordinance affect me?
A: The scope of the Landscape Ordinance only applies to commercial development and residential attached (3 or more) dwelling units. Single family, residential detached (1 stand-alone residence) or residential attached consisting of only two attached units, are exempt from the Ordinance.
Reference: Landscape Ordinance - Article 1, Section 1.3
Q: I plan to construct a commercial building to be located in the unincorporated area of the County that falls under the Landscape Ordinance. What is the procedure that I need to follow in order to meet the Landscape Ordinance?
A: Prior to any clearing activity, a joint application for Zoning and Landscape (one combined form) must be submitted to our office. A Landscape plan that includes the total acreage of the property, the area to be developed, the location of existing and/or proposed buildings, parking areas, service areas, and existing or proposed detention/retention ponds must be submitted in conjunction with the application. Also, the location and identification of existing hardwood trees greater than 24in d.b.h. (diameter breast height, which is measured from a 4.5ft height above ground level) and existing pine trees greater than 30in d.b.h. must be shown on the plan.
Reference: Landscape Ordinance – Article 3, Section 3.1.1
Q: My development plans include a large, metal siding type building. Is there a Landscape Ordinance requirement for the building itself?
A: Unadorned, blank walls (typical of industrial, retail, or warehousing construction) shall have all facades that are visible from the road and are less than 500 feet from the road rights-of-way, landscaped or shall be architecturally designed to provide enhancement of any large expanse of walls.
Reference: Landscape Ordinance – Article 3, Section 5
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| Topic: Trees |
Q: The Landscape Ordinance refers to canopy trees. What is a canopy tree?
A: A tree that is capable of growing to a mature height of more than 30ft tall, with a crown spread of 20ft or more. Canopy trees (to be planted) must be a minimum of 2" caliper (measured 6" above ground) and be 12 feet tall at planting.
Reference: Landscape Ordinance – Article 2,section 2.2, Caliper; Landscape Ordinance – Article 3, Section 3.1.3c
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