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 district, in addition to setback and yard requirements provided elsewhere in the Zoning Ordinance. 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. Such requested variance for a conditionally permitted use shall be incorporated in the conditional use procedure specified in Chapter 1155. The following provisions shall apply with respect to screening:
(a) Screening shall be provided for one or more of the following purposes:
(1) A visual barrier to partially or completely obstruct the view of structures or activities.
(2) An acoustic screen to aid in absorbing or deflecting noise.
(3) A physical barrier to contain debris and litter.
(b) Screening may consist of one of the following, or a combination of two or more, as determined by the Zoning Enforcement Officer of Board of Zoning Appeals, in the event of an appeal, variance, or conditional use:
(1) A solid masonry wall.
(2) A solidly constructed decorative fence.
(3) A louvered fence.
(4) A dense vegetative plantings.
(5) A landscaped mounding.
(c) Height of screening shall be in accordance with the following:
(1) Visual screening walls, fences, plantings, or mounds shall be a minimum of 5 ½ feet high in order to accomplish the desired screening effect, except in required front yards where maximum height shall be not greater than 2 ½ feet. Plantings shall be a minimum of 4 feet in height at the time of planting.
(2) A dense vegetative planting with a minimum height of 4 feet at planting and a mature height of at least 5 ½ feet or greater, 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.
(d) Screening for purposes of absorbing or deflecting noise shall have a depth of at least 15 feet of dense planting or a solid masonry wall in combination with decorative plantings. The height shall be adequate to absorb noise as determined by the Zoning Enforcement Officer in relation to the nature of the use.
(e) 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.
(f) All screening shall be trimmed, maintained in good condition, and free of advertising or other signs, except for directions signs and other signs for the efficient flow of vehicles.
(Ord. 2005-34. Passed 12-12-05.)