In order to provide protective screening and buffers for residential areas adjacent to nonresidential areas or for off-street parking lots located in the front yard or are adjacent to public rights-of-way, the Planning Commission shall require a wall, fence or greenbelt to be provided by the nonresidential property owner in accordance with the screening requirements set forth in § 1295.07, Screening Requirements. The Planning Commission shall also use the following criteria to evaluate proposed screening requirements:
(a) Screening areas shall be provided for the purpose of minimizing the conflict between incompatible land uses and improving the aesthetic and functional quality of new development.
(b) Where vegetative and/or topographic conditions that provide a natural screening and buffer exist prior to development of properties in question, every effort shall be made to retain such conditions. In such cases, additional screening may not be required, provided that provision is made for maintenance of such areas.
(c) The Planning Commission may waive the requirement for a wall, fence or greenbelt if equivalent screening is provided by existing or planned parks, parkways, recreation areas or by topography or other natural conditions.
(Ord. 17-2013, passed 9-24-2013)