Landscaping shall be required as a buffer between non-compatible land uses with common property boundaries. Landscape buffer areas shall be designed, provided and maintained according to the following:
(A) A permanent landscape buffer of evergreen plant material or other suitable buffer as approved by the Administrative Official is required where a non-compatible use abuts a residential use.
(B) Trees which are intended to provide screening to separate non-compatible uses shall not be planted further than ten (10) feet apart; parking and loading facilities which are located adjacent to residential areas shall be additionally screened to a minimum height of three (3) feet (via on earth berm, depressed parking, solid fence, etc.) to reduce automobile headlight glare onto adjacent property.
(C) Where vegetative or topographic conditions that provide a natural screening and buffer exist prior to development of properties in question and meet or exceed the minimum requirements, every effort shall be made to retain such conditions. In such cases additional screening may not be required, provided that provision is made for maintenance of such condition to the satisfaction of the Administrative Official.
(D) All landscaping shall utilize living plant materials (not artificial) and shall be planted in-ground (not in above-ground planters) and shall be suitable to the western Kentucky area and specific conditions of the site in question.
(E) The owner of the property shall be responsible for maintaining, repairing and replacing all required plant material and ensuring that they remain in good health and are kept free from refuse and debris. Any dead, unhealthy or missing plants shall be replaced by the next planting season or within one (1) year, whichever comes first. All landscape planting areas shall be stabilized from soil erosion immediately upon planting and shall be maintained for the duration of the premises. In the event that plant material is severely damaged due to an unusual weather occurrence or other Act of God, the owner shall have six (6) months to replant.
(Ord. 2003-06, passed 3-3-03)