In order to produce a landscape plan, your choice is to either draw it yourself or hire a landscape designer or architect to draw it. If you draw it, find out from the reviewing body if there are landscape requirements the plan must comply with. Most likely there are.

I don't know what recommendations could be helpful to you other than to work through the design process. A designer always takes into account conditions that are present on the site. At the beginning of the design process, it's too early to think about specific plants. The first task is analyzing site features and determining what's right and wrong with them. The second task is figuring out how to integrate desired uses of the site and how site features can be fixed or enhanced. The third is to develop a plan scheme of a physical manifestation of the uses and fixes. (Plants are only thought of by type: large deciduous tree, medium shrub, seasonal color, etc.) The fourth is to convert the scheme to a plan of specifics. In your case it is probably a planting plan. (finally ... where specific plants are determined.)

Well, you both have certainly opened my eyes! Thank you for your quick response, expertise and sound guidance. I appreciate it very much!

I have confirmed that the plan our community is looking for is truly a layout of plant choices relative to the layout of the home. Not a formal landscape plan. SO, back to the original question, I am looking for recommendations for shade loving shrubs and trees for said zone to include in this plan.

Azaleas, Mountain laurel, rhododendron, oakleaf hydrangea, mop head hydrangeas, heuchera, hostas, ferns, astilbe, hellebore, dogwoods, redbuds, fringe tree, etc., etc., etc.

"I have confirmed that the plan our community is looking for is truly a layout of plant choices relative to the layout of the home. Not a formal landscape plan."

Layout of plant choices relative to the layout of the house sounds very much like they ARE requesting a formal landscape plan. No one really cares what one plants in one's own garden (with the possible exception of any invasive species) but but governing authorities are often very concerned about how that property will be laid out and utilized relative to the proposed structure, any neighboring properties and in accordance to codes or any neighborhood covenants and where any significant plants (tall trees, privacy hedges) are located re: any setbacks or property line. Lord knows, I've done enough of the things.......for both commercial and residential properties. I'd recheck with them to confirm exactly what is required.

The only ways I can figure that one would show layout of plants relative to a home are with a 3-D model, or a plan drawing. The latter is infinitely easier. Maybe by saying "not a formal landscape plan" they mean that you don't need to spend $3,000 on a highly detailed plan showing where every individual tulip bulb is planted. A quick, simple drawing showing trees, shrubs and the collective outlines of small plant areas might do it.

Usually, governing authorities will have a list of regulations that must be adhered to and what must be shown on the plan.

I agree that they are most likely looking for some sort of basic design plan......not just a listing of plants. I've done enough of these construction permitting preliminary plans to be relatively familiar with what is being asked for.........at least in this area. Typically, they are not concerned about the specific plants to be included but where you plan to locate them. And if this proposed layout complies with codes and local regulations.