The intent and purpose of the buffer zone is to protect residential uses from the negative impacts associated with nonresidential uses where residential and nonresidential uses abut. These negative impacts include noise, debris, odors, dust, dirt, traffic, soil erosion, rainwater runoff and in some cases visible aspects of the abutting use. The buffer zone is also intended to prevent and improve blight in both residential and commercial areas by encouraging improvements to uses that abut residential districts.
(A) The objectives of this approach are:
(1) To give the Planning Commission and the proponent as much opportunity to achieve the regulations by any suitable means.
(2) To encourage business owners to continue to invest in commercial improvements, including relocating on lots where a strict interpretation of the distance requirement cannot be met.
(B) Buffers are required on commercial or industrial property on the side which abuts residentially zoned property. Buffers are required even when the adjacent lot is unimproved. A buffer will be required when any parcel used for commercial or industrial purposes is expanded by way of an addition or demolition or a special land use approval is requested, or a site plan review is requested. Buffers are not required on commercial lots that are already developed as such.
(C) A buffer may consist of both a physical distance separation and a physical sight, sound and odor separation as described in this chapter by a fence, wall, berm or screen.
(D) The Planning Commission shall determine the character of the buffer based on the following criteria:
(1) Traffic impact;
(2) Increased building and parking lot coverage;
(3) Increased outdoor sales, display and manufacturing area;
(4) Physical characteristics of the site and surrounding area such as topography, vegetation, etc.;
(5) Visual, noise and air pollution levels; and
(6) Health, safety and welfare of the village.
(Ord. passed 11-16-2020)