(A) Screening or buffering in compliance with the provisions of this section shall be provided for any permitted or conditionally permitted non-residential uses which abut any residential area in addition to setback and yard requirements provided elsewhere in the chapter.
(B) Applicants for a zoning permit may request a variance from yard or setback requirements in conjunction with a plan for screening, which the Board of Zoning Appeals may consider by weighing the relationship of the proposed screening plan and the requested dimensional variance with respect to their joint impact upon neighboring properties.
(C) Such requested variance for a conditionally permitted use shall be incorporated in the conditional use procedure specified within this chapter.
(D) The following provisions shall apply with respect to screening.
(1) Screening shall be provided for one or more of the following purposes:
(a) A visual barrier to partially or completely obstruct the view of structures or activities;
(b) An acoustic screen to aid in absorbing or deflecting noise; and/or
(c) A physical barrier to contain debris and litter.
(2) Screening shall consist of one of the following, or a combination of two or more, as determined by the Zoning Administrator or Board of Zoning Appeals, in the event of an appeal, variance, or conditional use:
(a) A solid masonry wall;
(b) A solidly constructed decorative fence;
(c) A louvered fence;
(d) Dense vegetative plantings; and/or
(e) A landscaped mounding.
(3) Height of screening shall be in accordance with the following:
(a) Visual screening walls, fences, plantings or mounds shall be a minimum of five and one-half feet high in order to accomplish the desired screening effect, except in required front yards where maximum height shall be not greater than two and one-half feet. Plantings shall be a minimum of four feet in height at the time of planting; and
(b) A dense vegetative planting with a minimum height of four feet at planting and a mature height of at least five and one-half feet, or a solidly constructed decorative fence, shall be permanently maintained along the mutual boundary of an accessory parking area and adjacent land zoned for residential uses, except for the portion of such boundary located within a required front yard.
(4) Whenever required screening is adjacent to parking areas or driveways, such screening shall be protected by bumper blocks, posts or curbing to avoid damage by vehicles.
(5) All screening shall be trimmed, maintained in good condition, and free of advertising or other signs, except for directional signs and other signs for the efficient flow of vehicles.
(Ord. passed - -) Penalty, see § 154.999