§ 155.137  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES.
   (A)   The research and development activities occur at the location or at an adjacent site.
   (B)   Development activities are confined to the assembly of technical equipment, remanufactured finished objects or components to be used for the development of prototype, non-routine production of innovative products or equipment.  Machining shall be permitted on a limited basis for research and development activities, administration and/or training in enclosed areas.
   (C)   Assembly and machining operations, shipping and receiving, loading and unloading, development and demonstration laboratories, storage of inventory and refuse and any mechanical equipment must be completely enclosed.
   (D)   A minimum front yard setback of 35 feet or the established setback containing open space (left in its natural state or landscaped) shall be provided and contain no parking or other surface improvements except sidewalk or signage.
   (E)   A six-foot high obscuring wall, landscape berm and/or fence with evergreen plantings shall be provided between residential and nonresidential districts.  If substantial natural vegetation or topographic features exist that provide a natural visual barrier, these features may qualify for screening if approved by the Planning Commission.
   (F)   No outside storage or any materials, equipment, trash or waste shall be permitted.  The Planning Commission, upon recommendation of the City Planner, may modify this requirement where such storage area is not abutting a residentially zoned district, completely enclosed by a six-foot opaque masonry wall, strictly contain products ready for shipment and pre-packaged in closed containers or wrapping.
   (G)   Loading/unloading shall be permitted only with a completely enclosed building.  No outside loading/unloading shall be permitted and all vehicles being loaded or unloaded must be entirely within the building.
   (H)   Building-mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened in a way that is compatible with the building’s design.
   (I)   Parking lot must be designed, located and screened with berm or landscaping to minimize the visual effect on adjacent properties and public streets.
   (J)   Security fences are permitted, provided they are screened where adjacent to residentially zoned land.
   (K)   Exterior materials shall be compatible with the overall building complex.  Building and architectural design shall be subject to review by the Planning Commission.
   (L)   The minimum front yard setback is 35 feet for a building height of 35 feet.  Any increases in building height above 35 feet shall require additional setback of ten feet in depth equal to the height of the structure is subject to a public hearing before the Planning Commission and approval by City Council.
(Ord. 792, passed 12-3-01)