(a) Open Space Required. A minimum of twenty percent (20%) of the gross area of the lot shall be preserved as open space and/or improved with landscaping. To the greatest extent possible, development plans shall take into account preservation of existing trees and vegetation.
(b) Screening Required. Screening is required around any parking or loading area accessory to a non-residential use or in any side or rear yard of a non-residential use adjacent to a residential district boundary.
(1) Purposes for screening. 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 in order to minimize or prevent nuisances.
B. As an acoustic screen to aid in absorbing or deflecting noise.
C. For the containment of ambient debris and litter.
(2) Types of screening permitted. Screening may be one of the following:
A. Dense evergreen plantings.
B. Landscaped mound with ground cover, with a maximum slope of 3:1.
C. A solid brick or stone wall, a minimum of six feet and maximum of eight feet in height.
D. A solid decorative fence, a minimum of six feet and maximum of eight feet in height.
(3) Sufficiency of screening. Screening shall have a minimum height of six feet and be of sufficient density or opaqueness as determined by the Planning and Design Commission to accomplish the above stated purposes.
(c) Landscape Irrigation Required. For all non-residential uses, irrigation shall be provided for improved landscape areas. The Planning and Design Commission shall determine the sufficiency of any proposed irrigation system.
(Ord. 2006-135. Passed 10-17-06.)