(A) All multi-family development shall provide buffering on the subject property, from adjacent property which is zoned or used for lower density residential or non-residential uses if the adjacent property is zoned or used for such uses at the time of the multi-family development.
(B) All non-residential development, including planned developments, shall provide buffering on the subject property, from all adjacent land zoned or used for any residential purpose, if that land is zoned or used as such at the time of the non-residential development.
(C) The screening shall be continuously maintained and shall be either a solid masonry wall in accordance with adopted fence standards, which is a minimum six feet high, or the standard screening fence. Such screening shall be located on the subject property, adjacent to the common property line. If an alley is separating the uses, the required screening shall be located on the subject property side of the alley adjacent to the property line which is adjacent to the alley.
(D) The standard screening fence which is required for screening purposes, shall be constructed with the following standards.
(1) Said fence shall be a minimum of six feet in height.
(2) All wood materials shall be naturally decay resistant or pressure treated exterior grade, such as redwood or cedar, or other materials acceptable to the City Commission.
(3) All nails or fasteners shall be of non-rusting, non-corrosive metal, such as hot-dipped galvanized steel. All nails or fasteners shall be of the type (screw-shank, ring-shank or divergent-point staples) that, when properly driven, will not work free due to wind, vibration or shrinkage of members. The maximum spacing allowed between pickets shall be one-quarter inch.
(4) All materials shall be securely fastened, vertical boards to horizontal stringers, stringers to vertical posts, top rail, to ensure an ongoing attractive appearance and safe condition, free form rust, rot, vandalism and other sources of decay.
(E) Outside storage of wrecked, inoperable vehicles and equipment shall be screened by a minimum six-foot masonry wall or standard screening fence. Materials stored, excluding trucks and machinery, shall be stacked no higher than one foot below the top of the fence or wall.
(F) An exception to the screening fence requirement may be granted by the City Commission. Any property owner who appeared at a zoning public hearing wherein a specific screening fence requirement was imposed on a subject property under consideration will be notified of the proposed exception and date of the administrative report of said property if request for an exception of the screening fence is submitted. One or more of the following conditions must be present or apply for consideration of an exception:
(1) Topographical variations that would preclude a normal installation, or act as a screening mechanism. A topographical variation may serve as a screening device if the zoning district requiring the screening fence is separated from the adjoining use by a 30% slope or greater, as long as the elevation between the two uses is at least six feet, (property requiring the screening fence is at the higher elevation);
(2) Dense vegetation that presently exists onsite, which serves the same purpose as a screening fence. Vegetation will serve as a screening device if it is a minimum of six feet in height and the density obstructs the view; and
(3) The fence will impede proper drainage.
(1998 Code, App. A, § 40-59) (Ord. 97-26, passed 1-21-1998; Ord. 08-48, passed 12-3-2008)