(A) Intent. The provisions of this section are to provide specific landscape screening and bufferyard requirements to reduce the incompatibility between zoning districts of different intensity and type. These bufferyards will lessen the adverse impact of more intense land uses upon residential areas and/or other areas of less intense use by reducing noise, visual, and other environmental impacts.
(B) Requirements.
(1) In addition to landscaping and screening requirements for off-street parking areas, bufferyard standards will also apply for site plans requiring a zoning change, special use permit, and non-exempt site plan review requirements.
(2) The bufferyard requirement is determined by the difference between the zoning district of the subject property and the zoning district of adjacent properties. The specific requirements are identified in the following sections and the accompanying table in § 154.599. Landscaping and screening requirements for off-street parking areas apply to the side of the property abutting a public street right-of-way. A list of prohibited trees is provided in § 154.597.
(C) Description of bufferyards A through D.
(1) Type A buffer.
(a) The standard buffer within Type A is eight feet wide and contains the following number of required plants per 100 feet:
1. One canopy tree;
2. One understory tree;
3. Six shrubs; and
4. One evergreen/conifer.
(b) Depending on the space available, the applicant may choose one of several alternative buffer widths to provide a Type A buffer, each with a different amount of required plantings reflected as a multiplier of the required plant units per 100 feet. The alternatives include the following:
1. Twenty-foot wide buffer with 50% of the required plant units per 100 feet;
2. Sixteen-foot wide buffer with 60% of the required plant units per 100 feet;
3. Twelve-foot wide buffer with 80% of the required plan units per 100 feet; and
4. Four-foot wide buffer with 90% of the required plant units and a continuous hedge setback three feet from the property line or fence.
(2) Type B buffer.
(a) The standard buffer within Type B is ten feet wide and contains the following number of required plant per 100 feet:
1. Two canopy trees;
2. Two understory trees;
3. Six shrubs; and
4. Two evergreens/conifers.
(b) Depending on the space available, the applicant may choose one of several alternative buffer widths to provide a Type B buffer, each with a different amount of required plantings. Type B buffer alternatives range from a 25-foot wide buffer with 50% of the required plantings to a five-foot wide buffer with 90% of the required plantings and a continuous hedge or fence.
(3) Type C buffer.
(a) The standard buffer within Type C is 15 feet wide and contains the following number of required plantings per 100 feet:
1. Three canopy trees;
2. Two understory trees;
3. Nine shrubs; and
4. Three evergreens/conifers.
(b) 1. Depending on the space available, the applicant may choose one of several alternative buffer widths to provide a Type C buffer, each with a different amount of required plantings.
2. Type C buffer alternatives range from a 25-foot wide buffer with 60% of the required plantings to a six-foot wide buffer with 90% of the required plantings and a continuous fence.
(4) Type D buffer.
(a) The standard buffer within Type D is 15 feet wide and contains the following number of required plants per 100 feet:
1. Three canopy trees;
2. Two understory trees;
3. Fifteen shrubs; and
4. Five evergreens/conifers.
(b) Depending on the space available, the applicant may choose one of several alternative buffer widths to provide a Type D buffer, each with a different amount of required plantings. Type D buffer alternatives range from a 25-foot wide buffer with 60% of the required plantings to an eight-foot wide buffer with 90% of the required plantings and a continuous fence.
(Ord. passed 5-16-2023)