(A) Landscaping requirements. Open areas of a site, lot, tract or parcel must be graded to provide proper drainage, and except for areas used for parking, drives or storage, must be landscaped with trees, shrubs, ornamental landscape materials or planted ground cover. Plans for the landscaping and screening must be submitted for approval to the city before any permit will be issued. The plan must show the location, type, quality and size of all existing and proposed trees and plantings in or proposed for the landscaping area. A certificate of occupancy may not be issued until the landscaping is completed in accordance with the approved plans; however, a temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued so that financing is not held up. The owner must maintain the landscaping in an attractive and well-kept condition. Vacant lots, tracts or parcels must be properly maintained.
(B) Storage of materials. An accessory building may not be constructed for the purposes of keeping articles, goods or materials otherwise in the open or exposed to public view. When necessary to store or keep the materials in the open, the lot or storage area must be fenced with a screening fence that is at least six feet high. Storage is limited to the rear two-thirds of the property measured by area.
(C) Glare, fumes, heat. Glare, fumes or heat may not be produced in any building in this district that is noticeable at the property line.
(D) Exterior lighting. Lights used for exterior illumination must be directed away from adjacent properties and oncoming traffic.
(E) Waste material. Solid waste materials, debris, refuse or garbage must be kept within a completely enclosed building or in closed containers which are stored in racks. Waste material may not be washed into the public storm sewer system without first having received a permit to do so from the City Council. If the permit is not granted, a waste disposal plan must be submitted to the Planning Commission and the City Council for approval. The plan must not require additional land for continual operation and should not cause a detrimental effect to the adjacent properties.
(F) Drainage. In the development, improvement or alteration of land, the natural direction of draining may not be changed unless the Council approves plans for the development. Run-off must be properly channeled into a storm drain, watercourse or ponding area, and city staff must approve a storm water drainage plan.
(G) Inspections and testing for compliance. In order to assure compliance with the performance standards set forth above, the Planning Commission may require the owner or operator of any permitted use to make such investigations and tests as may be required to show adherence to the performance standards.
(H) Junk and wrecking.
(1) In the Industrial District, junk and wrecking yards or any other similar use must be screened and buffered from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way by a solid wall, fence or vegetative screening of not less than seven feet in height. The junk materials may not be visible from the abutting properties or public right-of-way
(2) Walls, fences or vegetative screens of lesser height may be permitted by the city council if there is a finding that the nature or extent of the use being screened is such that a lesser degree of screen will adequately promote and protect the use and enjoyment of abutting properties. Required screening must be properly maintained so as not to become unsightly, hazardous, or less opaque than when originally constructed.
(3) Existing junkyards must comply with screening requirements within two years after the effective date of this section.
(Prior Code, § 515.23) (Ord. 02-03, passed 10-16-2002; Ord. passed - -2008; Ord. 20210120, passed 1-20-2021)