Refer to Figure 156.09.F-A. Buffer Yards and Figure 156.09.E-B. Location of Landscape Requirements.
1. Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to buffer more intensive zoning districts and uses from less intensive zoning districts and uses, and to provide for transitions between zoning districts.
2. Applicability. A buffer yard is required adjacent to lot lines where the proposed development meets one or more of the following criteria. For the purposes of this Section, properties shall not be considered directly adjacent to one another if a public alley or other right-of-way separates the properties. Any reconstruction of existing parking lots of less than 15 parking spaces shall be exempt from buffer yard requirements.
a. Non-Residential District. The property is located in the B-1, B-2, VC, or I District and is directly adjacent to property located in the F-1, R-1, R-2, or R-3 Districts.
b. Non-Residential Use in Residential Districts. The property is located in the F-1, R-1, R-2, or R-3 District, contains a non-residential use, and is directly adjacent to a residential use in the F-1, R-1, R-2, or R-3 District. Parks are exempt from this requirement.
c. R-3 District. The property is located in the R-3 District, contains a use other than a single-unit dwelling, two-unit dwelling, townhouse, or park, and is directly adjacent to property located in the R-1 or R-2 Districts.
3. Buffer Yard Requirements.
a. Location. The buffer yard shall be located directly adjacent to the affected interior side and/or rear lot line, along the entire length of the lot line.
b. Minimum Buffer Yard Area. The buffer yard shall have a minimum depth of eight feet.
c. Landscape Elements. The buffer yard shall include the following:
(1) A continuous hedge comprised of individual small shrubs of an appropriate species that are adaptable to being grown as a hedge, with a minimum width of 24 inches, spaced 36 inches on center.
(2) One evergreen tree for every 15 linear feet of buffer area. Trees may be spaced evenly or grouped.
(3) A minimum volume of 1,000 cubic feet of structural soil is required per evergreen tree to accommodate subsurface root expansion. Whenever possible, tree plantings should be located to connect subsurface root spaces. A minimum soil depth of 36 inches and minimum planting bed width of six feet is required for all tree planting areas, per § 156.09.C.1.b (Soil Requirements).
(4) Any portion of the buffer yard not covered by hedges and trees shall be planted with turf, clump or no-mow grasses, perennial groundcover, or mulched.
(5) A continuous hedge of Individual shrubs may be allowed in lieu of providing evergreen trees within a buffer yard with prior written Zoning Administrator approval, provided that the hedge height at maturity is taller than 42 inches.
d. Fence. Fences in buffer yards are optional for uses in all applicable zoning districts.
Fence. Fences in buffer yards are optional for uses in all applicable zoning districts.
(1) Location. The fence shall be located along the entire length of the affected interior side or rear lot line.
(2) Height. In residential and commercial districts, fences shall not exceed a maximum of six feet in height. In the industrial district, fences shall not exceed a maximum of eight feet in height.
