(A) Applicability. In order to encourage the preservation of natural vegetation, the applicant may substitute a Type N buffer consistent with Table 153.1126(A) of this chapter for any category required. Natural areas with native vegetation may be used to meet any of the above buffer yard requirements if the criteria of Table 153.1126(A) of this chapter are met.
(B) Buffer yard width reduction. The width of a buffer yard shall be reduced by 20% when the criteria of subsection (A) above are met; provided that, the minimum width shall be at least ten feet.
(C) Equivalent planting units.
(1) The number of equivalent planting units (EPUs) for purposes of applying a Type N buffer (§ 153.1122(B) of this chapter and Table 153.1126(A) of this chapter) shall be calculated based on the following ratios:
(a) Canopy trees = 1 EPU;
(b) Understory = 0.5 EPU;
(c) Large shrubs = 0.25 EPU;
(d) Medium shrubs = 0.1 EPU; and
(e) Small shrubs = 0.05 EPU.
(2) Each buffer Type A through Type E (§ 153.1122(B) of this chapter and Table 153.1126(A) of this chapter) shall be assigned the number of EPUs as described in Table 153.1126(B) of this chapter.
(Ord. 3020, passed 9-10-2013, § 5.31.3)