The following general screening requirements shall apply to junk/salvage operations. These requirements or standards are in addition to the requirements set forth in § 159.046(I) of this code. Where any screening requirements set forth in this Section are in conflict with the requirements of another provision of this code of ordinances, the provisions of § 159.046(I) shall control.
(A) An operator of a junkyard/salvage operation must submit to the City Administrator a screening plan which demonstrates that the proposed screening is compliant with this section and the requirements contained in § 159.046(I) of this code and which must be approved for each individual premises. The screening plan must integrate the screen with the natural surroundings and consider and make provisions to assure reasonable access to the screen for purposes of maintaining the screen.
(B) The purpose of screening is to eliminate the visual impact of the junkyard/salvage operation contents by obscuring it from view outside the premises.
(C) Materials for use in screening of junkyard/salvage operation generally consist of natural elements, plantings, fences, or other appropriate means such as storage sheds, buildings, and other similar elements.
(1) Natural elements include earth berms, rock formations, wooded areas, or similar elements.
(2) Plantings include shrubs and trees of such types as to provide year round obfuscation commensurate with local site conditions. All plant material used for screening must be of a size and quantity to provide obfuscation.
(3) Screens must be made of wood, metal, or other materials commonly used in the building trade and be of such height and type as necessary to provide obfuscation. Screens must be designed to withstand a minimum wind load of 20 pounds per square foot and be of a permanent nature. All materials used for finishing screens must be a nonreflective material which will blend with the natural surroundings. Screening must not be placed in any manner so that either the screen or the maintenance of screen will create or contribute to the creation of a safety hazard or endanger public safety, nor will it interfere with the public’s use of any right of way.
(D) Junkyard/salvage operators must maintain the screening in a condition equal to the original installation of the screening. Maintenance includes, but is not limited to, the following items:
(1) Replacement of plant material which is dead or has been damaged so that it no longer serves the intended purpose of screening the junkyard/salvage operation.
(2) Screen maintenance includes the renewal of the surface treatment with stains, paints, or other appropriate materials when needed and the replacement of panels, sections, members, or support structures of the screening when needed.
(Ord. 2609, passed 4-23-2019)