§ 1008. Planting and Landscaping

A. Landscape Plans. Where natural vegetation is determined by the Planning Board to be insufficient, the Board shall require the developer to design for their approval, and then execute, an appropriate landscape plan using materials which are native to Block Island. The Planning Board may also, where deemed appropriate, require screening in the form of a dense, ten (10) feet in width, evergreen buffer along the common boundary between residential and commercial developments. Landscaping shall not adversely impact significant views. When requested, landscaping plans shall include provisions for maintenance of any such plan.

B. Landscape Materials. Landscaping includes plant materials such as trees, shrubs, ground covers, grass and flowers, provided such plants are not invasive or potentially invasive species and are included in the Rhode Island Coastal Plant Guide developed by the University of Rhode Island College of the Environment and Life Sciences. The landscape plan may also incorporate other materials such as rocks, wetlands, paving materials, planters, signage and street furniture.

C. Landscape Areas. Areas which may be required to provide landscaping shall include, but are not necessarily limited to:

1. Drainage facilities, such as retention/detention basins or drainage swales;

2. Entrance features;

3. Open space areas;

4. Proposed recreation facilities;

5. Buffer areas;

6. Lot areas disturbed during construction or where extensive grading has removed a significant amount of vegetation;

7. Areas subject to re-grading or stabilization for soil erosion and sediment control purposes; and

8. Above ground utility boxes, pump stations and other such fixtures.

D. Process. If a landscape plan is required, the applicant shall be advised of this at the preliminary review stage of an administrative or minor subdivision and at the master plan stage of a major subdivision. Such landscape plan will be prepared by a registered landscape architect. It shall identify all existing and proposed landscape features, construction details as necessary, and a schedule for planting and completion.