A travel company wanted to put an office on a stretch of local highway that was residential, back when I lived in NY. They were granted permission, provided their office looked like a residential home, and had at least 2 trees in front. The company complied, putting in a large circular driveway instead of a parking lot. And in the center of the drive, two metal palm trees. In upstate NY. At the general outcry, they indignantly said they needed the palm trees (which matched their logo) to avoid putting up signs. And the city council had never specified they had to be LIVING trees.