A. Applicability: Buffer yards separate more intensive zoning districts and uses from less intensive zoning districts and uses. A buffer yard is required adjacent to lot lines where the proposed development meets one or more of the following criteria. For the purposes of this section, properties shall not be considered directly adjacent to one another if a public alley or other right-of-way separates the properties. Any reconstruction of existing parking lots of less than fifteen (15) parking spaces shall be exempt from buffer yard requirements. Refer to subsection 10-9-5B, figure 10-9-5-2, "Location Of Landscape Requirements", of this chapter and figure 10-9-6-1, "Buffer Yards", of this section.
1. Non-Residential District: A buffer yard is required if the property is located in the C-1, C-2, I-1, or I-2 District and is directly adjacent to property located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, or R-6 Districts.
2. Non-Residential Use In Residential Districts: A buffer yard is required if the property is located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, or R-6 District, contains a non-residential use, and is directly adjacent to a residential use in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, or R-6 Districts. Parks are exempt from this requirement.
3. R-5 And R-6 Districts: A buffer yard is required if the property is located in the R-5 or R-6 District, contains a use other than a single-unit dwelling, two-unit dwelling, townhouse, community garden, or park, and is directly adjacent to property located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4 Districts.
B. Buffer Yard Requirements:
1. Location: The buffer yard shall be located directly adjacent to the affected interior side and/or rear lot line, along the entire length of the lot line.
2. Minimum Buffer Yard Area: The buffer yard shall have a minimum depth of ten feet (10').
3. Landscape Elements: The buffer yard shall include the following:
a. A continuous hedge comprised of individual small shrubs of an appropriate species that are adaptable to being grown as a hedge, with a minimum width of twenty four inches (24"), spaced thirty six inches (36") on center.
b. One evergreen tree for every ten (10) linear feet of buffer area. Trees may be spaced evenly or grouped.
c. Any portion of the buffer yard not covered by hedges and trees shall be planted with turf, clump or no-mow grasses, perennial groundcover, or mulch.
d. In Residential and Commercial Zoning Districts, a continuous hedge of individual shrubs may be allowed in lieu of providing evergreen trees within a buffer yard with prior written Zoning Administrator approval, provided that the hedge height at maturity is taller than forty two inches (42").
4. Fence: Fences in buffer yards are required in the I-1 or I-2 District when the subject property is directly adjacent to property located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, or R-6 District. Fences in buffer yards are optional in all Residential and Commercial Zoning Districts, and in Industrial Zoning Districts when the subject property is not directly adjacent to property located in a Residential District.
a. Location: The fence shall be located along the entire length of the affected interior side or rear lot line.
b. Height: In Residential and Commercial Districts, fences shall not exceed a maximum of six feet (6') in height. In the Industrial Districts, fences shall not exceed a maximum of ten feet (10') in height.
c. Type: Opaque fences are required for buffer yards.
FIGURE 10-9-6-1
BUFFER YARDS
BUFFER YARDS
(Ord. 67-2018, 12-18-2018)