1139.06 BUFFER ZONES (SIDE AND REAR YARDS).

   A.   Requirement. Landscaping shall be provided to buffer the negative impacts between incompatible land uses, to minimize the adverse effects of certain activities upon their surroundings and to improve the appearance of Business Districts within the community.

   B.   Buffer Zone Standards. Buffer zones shall be required along the property line between adjacent lots as specified in Table 1139.06-2 and defined in Table 1139.06-3.

Figure 1139.06-1, Buffer Zones

 

      1.   A buffer zone shall be required even where the adjacent property is unimproved.

      2.   Prior to changing the use of a property to a more intense land use (for example, residential to commercial), or when a property is rezoned to a more intense district, a buffer zone meeting the applicable requirements of this section shall be installed.

      3.   All areas of the buffer zone outside of planting beds shall be planted with grass or other living ground cover or preserved in a natural wooded state.

      4.   Storm water management facilities may be located within a required buffer zone provided they do not reduce the screening effect.

Table 1139.06-2, Required Buffer Zones
Zoning District	Buffers Required Adjacent To:
	One or Two Family Residence	Multiple Residence	Residential Cluster	Senior Residence	All Other Districts
B-1 Local Business	B	C	B	B	D
B-2 Office/ Service	B	C	B	B	D
B-3 General Business	A	A	A	A	D
B-4 Mixed-use Business, single use	A	B	B	B	D
B-4 Mixed-use Business, multiple uses	Perimeter and interior buffers shall be established as part of the development plan review process

Table 1139.06-3, Buffer Zone Specifications
Requirements (Plant quantities required per 100 linear feet of property line)	Buffer Zones
	A	B	C	D
Minimum depth	30 ft.	20 ft.	10 ft.	10 ft.
Canopy trees	1	2	2	May vary based upon existing conditions and abutting land use
Ornamental trees	3	3	2
Evergreen trees	5	3	2
Shrubs	10	6	4

   C.   Buffer Zone Exceptions. A buffer zone shall not apply where the reviewing authority determines that existing natural conditions are such that a lot cannot reasonably accommodate a required buffer or where existing natural conditions on the lot act as a buffer. Alternately, where the reviewing authority determines that a vegetative buffer is inappropriate for a lot, they may approve the installation of a fence or wall to meet the buffer requirements. The following factors shall be considered when evaluating any request for exception:

      1.   Physical characteristics of the site and surrounding area such as topography, vegetation, water features, etc;

      2.   Views and noise levels;

      3.   Proximity or potential proximity to residential uses;

      4.   Building and parking lot placement; and

      5.   Location of outdoor storage, display or sales areas.

         (Ord. 2017-32. Passed 5-2-17.)