The entire area of the zoning lot between the street line or sidewalk widening line, where applicable, and all street walls of the building and their prolongations, shall be planted at ground level, or in raised planting beds that are permanently affixed to the ground, except that such plantings shall not be required at the entrances to, and exits from, the building, within driveways accessing off-street parking spaces located within, to the side, or rear of such building, or between commercial uses and the street line. No zoning lot shall be altered in any way that will either create a new non-compliance or increase the degree of non-compliance with the provisions of this Section.