A. Purpose: The purpose of this section is to create an attractive environment and visually screen land uses that are not fully compatible.
B. Standards:
1. Parking Lots, Service Entrances Or Loading Docks:
a. All service entrances or utility structures associated with a building, loading docks or spaces must be screened from the abutting property and view from a public street. Such screening shall consist of a ten foot (10') wide planting strip consisting of trees, shrubs and/or landscaping combination and require a six foot (6') wall;
b. Service and delivery access areas should be separated from the primary public access and must be adequately screened by architectural/landscaping treatments. Pedestrian accesses must be clearly marked.
2. Dumpsters, Trash Handling Or Outdoor Storage Areas:
a. All dumpsters, trash handling areas or outdoor storage areas shall be completely fenced or enclosed and screened from public view, at least one foot (1') higher than the dumpster. The sight obscuring screen shall be at least six feet (6'), but not greater than ten feet (10'), in height. Any such storage area shall be constructed of materials and colors compatible with those of the primary structure on site. Chainlink or cyclone fencing (with or without slats) is not allowed. Reinforced concrete aprons in front of trash storage areas are required to accommodate trash removal vehicles. Five foot (5') landscaping strips around all trash enclosures are required.
b. Loading areas, including, but not limited to, loading spaces, loading docks and service or maintenance areas shall be screened from public view. In addition, loading areas that abut a residential district shall reduce noise associated with such use by providing a sound wall and/or berm with screen plantings around the loading areas or at the property line abutting the residential district.
c. No articles, goods, materials, trash, animals, equipment or inoperable vehicles shall be stored or kept in the open or exposed to view from the street, sidewalks and adjacent sites. This limitation does not apply to the temporary storage of materials, equipment and supplies needed for the construction of improvements on a site, provided such items are completely removed immediately upon completion of each phase of construction.
3. Mechanical And Electrical Equipment: All mechanical and electrical equipment necessary for the development of an individual site or building shall be selected and located in a manner consistent with the architecture of the project. Parapet walls, enclosing walls, louvers and grills are equal to the horizontal height of all equipment on site or on the roofs of buildings. Exceptions may be made for equipment that, by nature of simple geometric shape, blends well with the architecture of the project. Satellite dishes and other communication equipment must be integrated with the architecture or screened in an acceptable manner.
4. Utilities: All utilities, including all electric power, telephone, gas, water, storm and sanitary sewers shall be located underground. Utilities shall be coordinated with landscape plans to ensure proper screening and landscaping around utility vaults, box transformers, etc. (Ord. 2013-5, 4-16-2013)