All new buildings and structures as of the date of this chapter, except business signs, which are adjoining or situated within 50 feet of a residential district, shall be screened and buffered from the district by a separation of open space which shall have a minimum depth of 30 feet and a required fence or vegetative screening of not less than 8 feet in height above the level of the residential district property at the district boundary. Walls, fences, or planting screens of lesser heights may be permitted if there is a finding that the nature or extent of the use being screened is such that a lesser degree of screen will as adequately promote and protect the use enjoyment of the properties within the adjacent residential district, or there is a finding that a screening of the type required by this chapter would interfere with the provision of adequate amounts of light and air to same said properties. All required screening devices shall be designed so that they are architecturally harmonious with the principal structures on the site, and they shall be properly maintained so as not to become unsightly, hazardous, or less opaque than when originally constructed.
(Ord. 333, passed 12-27-2004)