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Updated January 2025 – Gem Lake Consolidated Land Use Ordinance No. 131 148 Large Shrubs 36 inches tall Medium Shrubs 24 inches tall Small Shrubs 12 inches tall Evergreen Shrubs 24 inches in diameter Upright Evergreen Shrubs 36 inches tall Trunk diameter shall be measured six (6) inches above the ground level for four (4) inch or less caliper trees and measured twelve (12) inches above the ground for four (4) inch caliper or larger trees. 2. Topsoil and Planting Soil. When topsoil or planting soil is required for landscaping, the soil shall have a pH range of 5.00 to 8.00, unless otherwise specified. All soil shall be free of sticks, stones and other debris. 3. Planting Schedule. All landscaping plans shall contain a planting schedule which identified all plants proposed to be installed, along with existing plants. Plants shall be identified by a planting schedule which includes: 1. Quantity to be installed; 2. Common name; 3. Botanical name; 4. Plant size; 5. Root type (B & B, container, bare root) 4. Location of Plants. No plants, except flowers, ground cover or vines, shall be placed within two (2) feet of any building, driveway or parking area unless specifically noted and approved on the landscape plan. 5. Installation of Trees. The property owner shall be responsible for keeping new trees in a plumb position. When staking or guying is required, it shall occur so as not to create any h azards or unsightly obstacles. All wires shall be encased in hose to prevent tree damage. 6. Native Landscapes. 1. Native Landscape Alternative. A native landscape alternative to the requirements of this Ordinance is allowed in all zoning districts. Landscape plans, or portions thereof, approved as “native” are exempt from the other requirements of this Ordinance. An applicant proposing a “native landscape” shall submit a landscape plan depicting the current state of the natural area, its location on the property, and where any restoration of native area will be done. The plan must describe all features which make the planned restoration or retention of the area “native” as opposed to simply undisturbed. The plan shall also show fire breaks between the planting area and any structure. 2. Approval. A “native landscape” plan for restoration shall be approved if the proposed “native” area is composed of at least 80% native grasses and forbs, native plants, or a combination thereof. A plan proposing to preserve or leave undisturbed an area of the property may be approved as “native” landscaping if the specified area is composed of at least 50% native grasses and forbs, native plants, or a combination thereof. 3. Maintenance of Native Landscaping. Once approved, native grass areas shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner without any noxious weeds, and mowed at least once per year. 7. Landscaping of Existing Uses. Existing uses shall comply with the landscaping requirements listed in Sections 26.5 and 26.6 of this Ordinance at the time any alterations are made on the buildings and premises. 8. Screening Requirements in Non-Residential Districts. 1. Parking Area Screening. Any off street parking area containing more than six (6) parking spaces, any part of which is within thirty (30) feet of an adjoining residence or residential area or across the street from any residence or residential area, and any driveway to a parking area containing at least six (6) spaces within fifteen (15) feet of an adjoining residential zone shall be completely screened to a height of at least three and one -half (3-1/2) feet above the parking grade. Such screening shall be accomplished through the use of earth berming, plant materials, or a combination of both, but not walls or fencing.