A. Requirement. Screening shall be required as follows, except as may be provided elsewhere in this chapter. Screening shall be required even where the adjacent property is unimproved.
1. Around all trash dumpsters in all districts.
2. Around designated outdoor storage areas.
3. Around any loading/unloading area visible from an adjoining street or parking area.
4. Around heating and cooling units for all non-residential uses.
5. Around essential public services and related accessory structures.
B. Screening Standards. Except as otherwise permitted by this section, a required screen shall be comprised of a solid, sight-obscuring fence or wall meeting the requirements in Chapter 1369 of the Code and also the following minimum specifications:
1. The screen shall be at least six (6) feet in height.
2. The screen shall be enclosed on all sides and not contain any openings other than a gate for access which shall be closed at all times when not in use. This full enclosure requirement, however, shall not apply to screening of loading/unloading areas.
3. The screen shall be constructed of masonry, treated wood or other approved material determined to be durable, weather resistant, rust proof and easily maintained. Chain link, split rail, and metal fences shall not be permitted to meet the screening requirement.
4. When a screen wall or fence has both a finished side and an unfinished side, the finished side shall face the adjoining property or, if on the interior of the site, shall face outward toward the perimeter of the site.
5. If approved, the required screen may be comprised of berms or plant material, in combination with or as a substitute for a fence or wall when it is determined that the alternate solution will provide the same degree or better of opacity and screening required by this section.
C. Screening Exceptions. If existing conditions are such that a lot cannot accommodate the screening standards above, the reviewing authority may modify the screening requirements based on the following factors:
1. Proximity or potential proximity of residential uses;
2. Sight lines from parking areas, adjacent properties or roadways;
3. Noise levels generated by the facility to be screened; and
4. Physical characteristics of the site and surrounding area such as topography and vegetation that may mitigate the need for screening.
(Ord. 2017-32. Passed 5-2-17.)