7.4.906: PROPERTY EDGE LANDSCAPE BUFFERS:

   A.   Purpose: The purpose of this Section 7.4.906 is to buffer existing development from adjacent new development of different types, scales, or intensities by providing visual barriers between those land uses, providing more privacy, and protecting adjacent existing uses from potential wind, dust, noise, traffic, glare, visual disorder, and harmful or noxious effects of the new development.

   B.   Property Edge Buffer Standards: New development shall provide property edge buffering along rear and interior side lot lines with adjacent properties in the following situations, regardless of whether the new development is larger or smaller or more or less intensive than the existing adjacent use.

      1.   Buffers Required:

         a.   A landscape buffer that complies with the standards of this Section 7.4.906 is required as indicated in Table 7.4.9-C, based on the applicant's proposed use of the subject property and the existing or designated use of the adjacent property and the following types of buffers, measured from the property line.

            (1)   Buffer 1: Landscape strip meeting the standards for trees, shrubs, and vegetative cover in the Landscape Policy Manual and at least ten (10) feet in width incorporating a fence or wall meeting the standards of Section 7.4.910 (Fences and Walls) and up to seven (7) feet in height provided there are no conflicts with public utilities.

            (2)   Buffer 2: Landscape strip meeting the standards for trees, shrubs, and vegetative cover in the Landscape Policy Manual at least fifteen (15) feet in width and incorporating a wall or fence meeting the standards of Section 7.4.910 (Fences and Walls) and seven (7) feet in height provided there are no conflicts with public utilities.

Table 7.4.9-C Landscape Buffer Screening Requirements
Adjacent Use	Applicant's Use
	Attached and Detached Single-Family and Two-Family Dwelling	Multi-Family Dwelling	Mixed-Use	Commercial	Industrial
Attached and Detached Single-Family and Two-Family Dwelling	N/A	2	1	2	2
Multi-Family Dwelling	2	N/A	1	2	2
Mixed-Use	1	1	N/A	1	2
Commercial	2	2	1	N/A	2
Industrial	2	2	2	2	N/A

 

      2.   Tree Requirements: Trees or alternate vegetation shall be planted in the landscape buffer and shall comply with the following standards:

         a.   One (1) tree shall be planted for every twenty (20) linear feet of buffer length or fraction thereof;

         b.   At least fifty (50) percent of the plantings shall be evergreen; and

         c.   A maximum of fifty (50) percent of required buffer trees may be substituted with shrubs or ornamental grasses as follows:

            (1)   Ten (10) shrubs with a minimum #5 container size may substitute for each tree; and

            (2)   Two (2) ornamental grass clumps with a minimum #3 container size may substitute for each shrub.

      3.   Additional Requirements:

         a.   This Section 7.4.906 shall not require the demolition, alteration, or removal of any existing structures or utility infrastructure. However, if a structure occupying a required property edge buffer is demolished or removed, the buffer standards of this Section 7.4.906 shall be applied to the space so vacated.

         b.   All buffers and screening required by this Section 7.4.906 shall be located on the lot where the development occurs.

         c.   If adjacent development includes a buffer and required plantings that meet the standards of this Section 7.4.906, the applicant is only required to provide the additional buffer and/or required plantings (if any) necessary to meet the required screening standards in this Section 7.4.906. If the existing landscaping on adjacent property meets the standards in this Section as applied to the proposed use of the applicant's property, no additional buffer needs to be installed by the applicant.

         d.   A Buffer 2 is required along the common property line between an adjacent nonresidential use and a vacant residentially zoned property.

         e.   In the WUI-O district, buffering on residential properties shall comply with the requirements of the City of Colorado Springs Fire Prevention Code and Standards. (Ord. 23-03)