(A) Buffers are required to protect one class of use from adverse impacts caused by a use in another class. This regulation benefits both the developer and the adjoining landowner(s) because it allows the developer several options from which to choose in developing the property, while ensuring each neighbor adequate protection regardless of the developer’s choice, thereby protecting the property values of all properties involved.
(B) The buffer is a strip of land together with the planting required thereon. Both the amount of land and the type and amount of planting specified for each buffer requirement of this ordinance are designed to minimize nuisances between adjacent land uses or between a land use and a public street. The planting units required in buffers have been calculated to ensure that they do, in fact, function as “buffers”.
(C) Buffers required for permits:
(1) Buffers are required to separate different land uses from each other in order to eliminate or minimize potential nuisances such as dirt, litter, traffic, noise, glare of lights, signs and unsightly buildings or parking areas, or to provide spacing to reduce adverse impacts of noise, or danger from fires or explosions. The fact that a particular land use may be permitted by right in its zoning district does not exempt it from the buffering requirements;
(2) Each application for a zoning permit or a certificate of occupancy shall include information on the location and types of buffers to be constructed or already existing. This information shall be in sufficient detail to enable the Zoning Administrator to determine whether the requirements of this section are being met; and
(3) The installation of all required buffers shall be completed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
(Ord. passed 11-2-2011)