(A) This section establishes standards for the dimensions and improvement requirements of buffer yards between land uses and/or zoning districts within the rear or interior side yard. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent the applicant’s voluntary installation of buffer yards to these design specifications where they are not required.
(B) (1) Buffer yards are required in the following situations:
(a) Where a R-4 District abuts a R-1A, R-1, R-2 or R-3 District.
(b) Where a commercial, manufacturing or institutional district abuts a residential district.
(c) Where a non-residential use is located within a residential district.
(2) However, a buffer yard is not required where the rear wall of a commercial building is located on the rear property line or where an alley is located between a commercial use and a residential use.
(C) Buffer yards shall be provided in interior side and rear yards. Buffer yards may be located within required setbacks, and shall be reserved for the planting of material and installation of screening as required by this section. No parking, driveways, sidewalks, accessory buildings or other impervious surfaces are permitted within the buffer yard area.
(D) All plantings in the buffer yard shall be in accordance with the design standards of this section. The minimum size and improvement of buffer yards shall be as follows:
(1) A buffer yard within shall be a minimum of ten feet in width.
(2) Shade trees shall be planted on an average of one tree for every 25 linear feet of yard length. As part of the landscape plan approval, trees may be spaced at various intervals based on specific site requirements or design scheme, but the total number of trees planted will be no less than the amount required by a linear planting spaced 25 feet apart.
(3) An opaque masonry wall (stone, stucco or brick), solid screen fence or dense evergreen hedge, at least six feet in height, shall be erected along 100% of the yard length.
(4) Shrubs shall be planted on an average of one shrub for every three feet of yard length. As part of the landscape plan approval, shrubs may be spaced at various intervals based on specific site requirements or design scheme, but the total number of shrubs planted will be no less than the amount required by a linear planting spaced three feet apart.
(5) Areas not planted with trees or shrubs shall be maintained as turf or other groundcover.
(Ord. 929, passed 1-25-11; Ord. 1076, passed 1-23-18) Penalty, see § 153.999