Refer to Figure 1250.06-A. Buffer Yards and Figure 1250.05-A. Location of Landscape Requirements.
(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to buffer more intensive zoning districts and uses from less intensive zoning districts and uses, and to provide for transitions between zoning districts.
(B) Applicability. A buffer yard is required adjacent to lot lines where the proposed development meets one or more of the following criteria. Properties shall not be considered directly adjacent to one another if a public right-of-way or alley separates the properties. Reconstruction of existing parking lots of less than 50 parking spaces shall be exempt from buffer yard requirements.
(1) Non-residential district. The property is located in the C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, I, or P District and is directly adjacent to property located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 Districts.
(2) C-1 District. The property contains a non-residential use in the C-1 District and is directly adjacent to residential uses in the C-1 District.
(3) Non-residential use in residential district. The property contains a non-residential use in the R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4 District and is directly adjacent to residential uses in the R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 Districts. Parks are exempt from this requirement.
(4) R-4 District. The property contains a use other than a single-family or two-family dwelling, is located in the R-4 District, and is directly adjacent to property located in the R-1, R-2, and/or R-3 Districts.
(C) 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. A buffer yard is not required where the interior side and/or rear facade of the building is located on the interior side and/or rear lot line.
(2) Minimum buffer yard area. The buffer yard shall have a minimum depth of eight feet.
(3) Landscape elements. The buffer yard shall include the following:
(a) A continuous hedge comprised of individual small shrubs with a minimum width of 24 inches, spaced 36 inches on center, and maximum height at maturity of 30 to 42 inches.
(b) One evergreen tree for every 15 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 or other groundcover, or mulched.
(d) 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 42 inches.
(4) Fence. Fences in buffer yards are required for uses in all applicable zoning districts, except for residential uses in the R-4 District.
(a) Location. The fence shall be located along the entire length of the affected interior side and/or rear lot line.
(b) Height. The fence shall be a minimum of five feet and maximum of eight feet in height.
(c) Opacity. Semi-opaque fencing with a minimum of 30% opacity and opaque fencing are permitted.
(d) Materials. Steel and painted PVC are permitted materials for semi-opaque fencing. Wood and masonry are permitted materials for opaque fencing.
(5) Credit for existing vegetation. The Zoning Administrator may reduce the required area of the buffer and/or modify the landscape element requirements based on the presence of existing on-site vegetation.
Figure 1250.06-A. Buffer Yards
(Ord. 17-31, passed 9-12-2017)