The landscaping ordinances of the Tuscaloosa Municipal Code Chapter 24-265 states "A continuous perimeter planting strip, exclusive of access driveways and other approved penetrations, with a minimum width of ten (10) feet measured from the edge of the parking area is required." My lot is 150 x 70. By planting a 10-foot perimeter, I lose parking. And when you lose parking, the square footage of the structure (mine was 1344 square feet) has to be in proportion to the number of parking spaces. So, unless a property owner owns an entire block, or close to it, the current landscaping requirements squeeze out the little guys. Our small parcel has been in my family since 1979. We were destroyed. I am only one of many small business property owners who are faced with the growing possibility of being forced out to sell our land for pennies on the dollar. I have heard suggestions regarding shared parking. I don't think my neighbors would be so willing to share their vast parking with me. But if we could change the landscaping requirements to flow according to the city block and not have to line the perimeter of the parcels, the small merchants would have a better chance of having adequate parking while still maintaining a flowing landscape. This supports the idea I have heard so often regarding village-type shopping.