(A) Outside storage. The screening of outside storage areas and solar farms required herein shall consist of a solid fence or wall that is 100% opaque and not less than six feet or more than eight feet in height. Such a screen wall or fence shall be designed and constructed as to be architecturally harmonious with the principal structure or solar farm and located so as to not extend within 25 feet of any street. Landscaping (trees, shrubs, grass and other plantings) shall be on the right-of-way side of any screening or fencing. A screen planting may be substituted for a screen wall or fence at the discretion of the Council, provided that any such screen planting shall fulfill the foregoing height and opacity requirements throughout each season of the year within 24 months after date of planting, and that no such screen planting shall be located across any existing easements.
(B) Commercial and industrial screening. All commercial and industrial uses abutting and/or adjacent to a residential district shall be required to provide screening according to this section. All screening shall consist of either a fence or a green belt planting strip as provided for below:
(1) A green belt planting strip shall consist of evergreen trees and/or deciduous trees and plants and shall be of sufficient width and density to provide an effective visual screen. This planting strip shall be designed to provide complete visual screening to a minimum height of six feet. Earth mounding or berms may be used, but shall not be used to achieve more than three feet of the required screening. The planting plan and type of plantings shall require the approval of the city.
(2) A screening fence may be incorporated into the green belt planting strip and shall be constructed of masonry, brick, or wood. Such fence shall provide a solid screening effect six feet in height. The design and materials used in constructing a required screening fence shall be subject to the approval of the city.
(Ord. 102, passed 7-9-01; Am. Ord. 102-G, passed 7-12-04; Am. Ord. 201, passed 8-24-15; Am. Ord. 207, passed 4-11-16)