(A) Residential subdivisions are required to provide a 75-foot perpetually maintained vegetative buffer along all property lines that are located adjacent to existing agricultural uses. This buffer shall be permanently set aside as open space. Ownership and maintenance of the required open space shall be the responsibility of the developer and/or a homeowner’s association. A 6:1 sloped ditch shall be located on the property line adjacent to the buffer.
(B) The required buffer shall include a minimum of two rows of trees and must meet the following criteria.
(1) At least 50% of the required trees shall be an evergreen species.
(2) Each tree shall be a minimum eight feet in height and shall have a minimum caliper of two inches (measured six inches above grade) at the time of planting.
(3) Each tree shall be a species which can be expected to attain a minimum height of 40 feet and have a crown width of 30 feet or greater at maturity.
(4) Minimum spacing in each row shall generally be no wider than 20 feet between tree trunks.
(5) There shall be a minimum distance of 15 feet from the property line adjacent to the agricultural use and the first row of trees.
(C) Stormwater retention ponds are allowed within the buffer yard, provided that the proposed locations of such uses are necessary for their proper functioning, the total width of the buffer yard is maintained and no screening required by this chapter is reduced or eliminated.
(D) Existing vegetation that meets or exceeds the screening requirements may be used to satisfy the requirements of this section.
(Ord. passed 4-17-1989; Ord. passed 12-19-2005)