Section 9-050 Buffering
A. Buffering is required between nonresidential uses adjacent to existing or projected residential uses, and between multifamily or alternative living facilities and existing or projected single-family uses, or where there is a transition from one (1) type of use to another use and for screening of mechanical equipment, service or storage areas.
B. The buffering may consist of landscape screening, solid walls, or a combination.
1. Buffering must be designed to provide a year-round visual screen in order to minimize adverse impacts. It may consist of fencing, block, evergreens, berms, rocks, boulders, or a combination thereof.
2. A development must provide sufficient buffering when topographical or other barriers do not provide reasonable screening and where there is a need to:
a. Shield neighboring properties from any adverse external effects of the development; or
b. Shield the development from the negative impacts of adjacent uses.
c. The buffer strip must soften the appearance of the site from the road and must create defined access and egress points.
C. The width of the buffer strip must increase with the setback of the building as follows:
1. Less than 50 feet: 10 feet wide.
2. Fifty to 74 feet: 15 feet wide.
3. Seventy-five to 99 feet: 20 feet wide.
4. One hundred feet or more: 25 feet wide.
D. Where the buffer cannot be achieved, a low wall, fence, or hedge may be used to create the buffer. averaging of the buffer area is permitted as long as the minimum of 10 feet is achieved. (Revised by Resolution #1621; Revised by Ordinance #403; Renumbered by Resolution #1599, effective 5/10/19; Renumbered by Ordinance #396, effective 5/10/19; prior code § 9-4. Formerly 9-040)