(a) Screening. Outside storage of merchandise, raw material, finished products and/or equipment must be visually screened from all sides visible from any public right-of-way. All multitenant service areas, including service docks, back-of-house areas, and dumpsters, compactors, recycling bins, grease traps and general service locations must be fully screened with non-lockable closure gates on one side for access and removal. Large format uses requiring major service bays shall screen all areas with walls that fully hide any required service vehicle(s) backed into a service bay, both lengthwise and in height, and are to be consistent materials/colors that complement their base building. Provided however, if the service bay is located away from any public view or right-of-way, then these requirements may be waived by the Planning Commission. Initial site planning should work to negate or minimize views from any public areas or such large bays wherever possible. Masonry, brick, stone, decorative block, composite materials, pressure treated wood and/or painted or powder-coated metal are all acceptable materials to screen attached or free-standing service areas and bays.
(b) Exemptions to Screening. Use tall-growth landscaping, screen walls or decorative, opaque fencing to screen all storage facilities. For uses that require more than occasional access, and are outboard or freestanding from the main building area, three sides shall be screened, but screened areas must not be visible from the public right-of-way, and shall have unlocked, decorative and opaque doors to one side for clear access. Chain-link fencing with inserted plastic slats, or plastic-coated walls and/or support posts are not permitted.
(c) Storage Building Design. Any required permanent outdoor storage building(s) or structures shall be constructed in the same style/materials and colors as their surrounding buildings or related project character. Overall concept is that they should not look temporary.
(d) Visibility from Public Right-of-Way. Where possible, locate any outdoor storage structure away from the public right-of-way or view, preferably behind the main building(s).
(e) Accessory Structures. May contain auto and accessory vehicle parking, developer/landlord/tenant or resident storage, building or amenity functions/uses, general maintenance storage, or trash/recycling bin enclosures. Prefabricated shed structures are not permitted.
(Ord. O-20-2. Passed 1-2-20.)