(a) Buffer area.
(1) Where properties in this district abut a residential district, a buffer area, consisting only of ground cover or other plantings, shall be provided on the property zoned SC Shopping Center District where it abuts the residential property. Such buffer area shall be provided in accordance with § 1276.08, relating to buffer area widths in the C Commercial District.
(2) Where the side yard of a property in this district abuts a residentially zoned property, a planted visual screen, as defined in § 1250.07(b), shall be provided on the property in the Shopping Center District.
(b) Screening. There shall be a planted visual screen, as defined in § 1250.07(b) within the buffer zone required in subsection (a) above. This planted screen shall not be less than six feet high in time of planting.
(c) Landscaping.
(1) Any part or portion of a site which is not used for buildings, other structures, parking or loading spaces and aisles, sidewalk and designated storage areas shall be planted with an all-season cover and shall be landscaped according to an overall plan. Maximum advantage shall be taken of existing natural plantings in landscaping.
(2) All landscaping and screening requirements in § 1284.08 relating to the screening and landscaping of parking areas shall be complied with.
(3) Where buildings in a shopping center are proposed to be constructed in attached fashion, the minimum floor area of such buildings shall be not less than 15,000 square feet, in order to avoid small-scale, fragmented development. However, such smaller scale development shall be permitted, provided it constitutes the first stage of a larger development which is shown to take place within one year after completion of the first stage. The total floor area after completion of the second stage shall be not less than 20,000 square feet.
(Ord. 896, passed 12-21-2011)