(a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(i) Buffer means an area along and away from a property line within which no structures, driveways, parking, signs or other such uses or structures may be located unless specifically permitted in this Chapter.
(ii) Intermittent visual obstruction means a screen having no completely unobscured openings within two years of planting more than 10 feet wide at a specified height. In other words, tree canopies shall have grown together within two years of planting to a point that the widest opening between such canopies at a specified height shall not exceed 10 feet. The screen may include deciduous plants and trees. Compliance of planted vegetative screens or natural vegetation will be judged on the basis of the average mature height and density of foliage of the subject species, or field observation of existing vegetation.
(iii) Opaque screen means an opaque screen excluding all visual contact between zoning districts and creating spatial separation. The opaque screen may be composed of a wall, fence or earthen berm, and shall be supplemented with planted and existing vegetation.
(Ord. 35-07. Passed 3-19-07.)
(b) Types of screening. The following types of screening are established and are used as the basis for the table of screening requirements in Section 1136.07. Whenever screening is required, the screening along a street or alley shall be type C, with the provision that signs and access driveways are permitted in the buffer area, as otherwise permitted by this Ordinance:
(Ord. 45-09. Passed 9-8-09.)
(i) Type A.
(1) Opaque screen height: at least six feet;
(2) Intermittent visual obstruction height: at least 20 feet, measured from the ground; and
(3) Buffer width: at least 50 feet.
(ii) Type B.
(1) Opaque screen height: at least six feet;
(2) Intermittent visual obstruction height: at least 20 feet, measured from the ground; and
(3) Buffer width: at least 25 feet.
(iii) Type C.
(1) Opaque screen height: none;
(2) Intermittent visual obstruction height: at least 20 feet, measured from the ground; and
(3) Buffer width: at least 10 feet.