Screening or buffering shall be provided for any permitted or conditionally permitted non-residential uses which abut any residential district, in addition to setback and yard requirements provided elsewhere in this Code. The following provisions shall apply with respect to screening.
A. Screening shall be provided for one or more of the following purposes:
1. A visual barrier to partially or completely obstruct the view of structures or activities.
2. An acoustic screen to aid in absorbing or deflecting noise.
3. A physical barrier to contain debris and litter.
B. Screening may consist of one (1) or a combination of the following materials:
1. A solid masonry wall.
2. A solidly constructed decorative fence.
3. A louvered fence.
4. Dense vegetation.
5. A landscaped mound.
C. Height of screening shall be in accordance with the following:
1. Visual screening walls, fences, plants, or mounds shall be a minimum of five and a half (5-1/2) feet in height in order to accomplish the desired screening effect, except in required front yards where the maximum height shall not be greater than four (4) feet. Plantings shall be a minimum of four (4) feet in height at the time of planting. Fencing requirements shall be in accordance with Section 1137.15.
2. Dense plants with a minimum height of four (4) feet at planting and a mature height of at least five and a half (5-1/2) feet or greater, or a solidly constructed decorative fence, shall be permanently maintained along the mutual boundary of an accessory parking area and adjacent lands zoned for residential uses, except for the portion of such boundary located within a required front yard.
D. Buffering to absorb or deflect noise shall have a depth of at least fifteen (15) feet of dense plants or a solid masonry wall in combination with plants. The height shall be adequate to absorb noise such that a level of sixty-five (65) decibels or less is attained at the property line on the side of the fence opposite the subject property.
E. Whenever screening is required adjacent to parking areas or driveways, such screening shall be protected by bumper blocks, posts or curbing to avoid damage by vehicles.
F. All screening shall be trimmed, maintained in good condition and free of advertising or other signs, except for directional signs and other signs for the efficient flow of vehicles.
G. Any screening and buffering required under the provisions of this Code shall be provided at the time of the site improvements by the developer or property owner making the site improvements.
(Ord. 98-176. Passed 8-3-98.)