1177.05 LANDSCAPE BUFFER REQUIREMENTS.
   (a)   Minimum Buffer Yard. The minimum buffer requirements shall be as defined in Subsection 1173.02(b)(2) Yard Requirements for Nonresidential Uses Abutting Residential Districts.
   (b)   Screening Requirements for Required Buffers.
      (1)   Buffer Requirement for Required Yards of 60 Feet or Wider. If the buffer yard required in Subsection 1173.02(b)(2) Yard Requirements for Nonresidential Uses Abutting Residential Districts is 60 feet in width or wider, the yard shall incorporate a 40 foot wide, six foot tall earth mound and a double row of staggered evergreen trees planted a maximum of 15 feet on center.
      (2)   Buffer Requirements for Required Yards Less than 60 Feet Wide. If the buffer yard required in Subsection 1173.02(b)(2) Yard Requirements for Nonresidential Uses Abutting Residential Districts is less than 60 feet in width, the yard shall incorporate one of the following options:
         A.   A staggered row of evergreen trees and ornamental trees planted a maximum of 15 feet on center, and a single hedge row with evergreen shrubs a minimum of six feet high; or
         B.   A six foot high fence or wall or an earth mound, and a three foot tall hedge with deciduous shrubs and one deciduous tree planted a maximum of 30 feet on center; or
         C.   One deciduous tree planted a maximum of 30 feet on center, and a double row hedge with evergreen shrubs a minimum of six feet high.
      (3)   Buffer Design Standards.
         A.   Buffers shall not be located on any portion of an existing, dedicated, or reserved public right-of-way or private ingress/egress easement.
         B.   The buffer shall be provided on the lot that is being developed.
         C,   On sloped areas the buffer shall be located to maximize its effectiveness.
         D.   No construction shall be permitted within a required buffer other than a wall, fence, or mound, or a driveway in the front yard connecting a parking area on the lot to a street or to a parking area on an abutting lot. A driveway in the side yard that connects a paving area on the lot to the street shall not encroach into the buffer area.
         E.   Subsurface constructions are permitted provided the required buffer is placed above said subsurface constructions and further provided no part of a subsurface construction protrudes above the ground surface.
      (4)   Buffering for Off-Street Parking Adjacent to Residential Districts.
         A.   Off-street parking areas for five or more vehicles shall be effectively screened on each side which adjoins or faces premises situated in any residential district by a masonry wall or solid fence.
         B.   The wall or fence shall be not less than three feet or more than six feet in height.
         C.   The wall or fence shall be maintained in good condition without advertising.
         D.   In lieu of the wall or fence, a buffer a minimum of 10 feet wide planted and maintained with an evergreen hedge or dense planting of evergreen shrubs not less than three feet in height may be substituted. (Ord. 7675. Passed 11-11-14.)