(A) This section does not pertain to wrecking, salvage, and junkyard uses; these uses are subject to the regulations in § 153.162. All permitted outdoor storage of material and equipment within the C-2, C-T, L-I, I, and EU-L zones shall be screened from the public street right-of-way and private drives in accordance with the regulations of this section. All permitted outdoor storage within the C-2, C-T, and L-I zones shall be screened from all surrounding properties in accordance with the regulations of this section. All permitted outdoor storage within the I or EU-L zones shall be screened from all surrounding properties which are not zoned I or EU-L in accordance with the regulations of this section.
(B) At the expense of the owner or lessee of the property, outdoor storage uses shall be completely surrounded by a view-obscuring physical barrier (fencing, earthen berms, walls, and the like), by view-obscuring vegetation, or by a combination of a physical barrier and vegetation. The view-obscuring physical or vegetative barrier shall be of sufficient height to prevent the view of the premises from vehicular and pedestrian traffic on adjacent streets, and to screen the view from adjacent properties.
(C) Vegetation. Where vegetation is used to meet the requirements of this section, the vegetation shall be planted at a density sufficient to become view-obscuring (in all seasons) within two years from the date of planting. If vegetation planted under this division does not become view-obscuring within two years, a view-obscuring fence or other physical barrier shall be immediately installed. If vegetation dies, and no longer provides view obstruction, a view-obstructing physical barrier or replacement vegetation shall be immediately installed.
(1) The vegetative buffer shall be a minimum of ten feet wide in depth, and at least 50% of the trees and shrubs shall be evergreen. A landscape plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Official. The landscape plan shall provide information reguired in § 153.212(F).
(2) Existing vegetation may be used to meet the requirements for screening.
(a) The existing vegetation shall obscure view in all seasons.
(b) Existing vegetation to be used as screening shall be located entirely on the subject property, and cannot be considered if located within the street right-of-way or on adjacent property.
(D) Physical barrier. When a physical barrier is used to meet the requirements of this section, the structure shall be opaque and provide view obstruction from surrounding properties and from the street right-of-way as set out in this section.
(1) Fencing and walls shall be a minimum of six feet in height and shall not exceed eight feet in height.
(2) Berms may exceed eight feet in height if needed to be effective for screening. Berms shall not have side slopes steeper than three horizontal feet to one vertical foot. Berms shall be vegetated. The vegetation plans shall be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Official.
(3) Chain link (even with screening cloth or slats), barbed wire, corrugated metal, and other agricultural type fencing is not allowed to be used as a physical screening barrier.
(4) No commercial signage shall be allowed to be placed on the physical barrier.
(5) Screening shall be uniform, consistent, and neat in appearance, of materials compatible with the surrounding development, and shall be properly maintained during the life of the use.
(6) The outdoor display of materials or equipment solely for retail sale or lease, such as automobiles, farm and garden supplies, and the like shall not be required to be screened as set forth above.
(7) Outdoor storage associated with single-family residential uses shall not be required to be screened as set forth above.
(Ord. 2021-05-946, passed 5-4-21)