§ 152.329. LANDSCAPED BUFFER AREAS.

(A) Application. On any site in a multiple-family residential or commercial use, a landscaped buffer area in compliance with this subchapter shall be provided as follows. A landscaped buffer area at least six feet in width shall be provided along all lot lines that abut a residential district or use.

(B) Design standards.

(1) The landscaped buffer area shall provide a visual screen that is at least six feet high and 80% opaque along its entire length. Compliance with this standard shall be determined based upon reasonably anticipated growth within three years of planting.

(2) At least 50% of the trees within the buffer area shall be evergreen.

(3) The landscaped buffer area shall be planted with one of the following:

(a) Existing vegetation in conformance with division (B)(1) above;

(b) Existing vegetation augmented with evergreen plantings;

(c) A solid hedge of evergreen trees and/or shrubs; and

(d) Naturalized groupings of plant materials, which contain a mixture of trees and shrubs.

(C) Additional screening. The Planning Commission may determine that additional screening is required to effectively buffer more intense or conflicting land uses. To achieve this objective the Planning Commission may, at its discretion, also require the following. A berm, wall and/or fence, in addition to the trees and shrubs required above.

(D) Walls and fences.

(1) Landscaped buffer walls and fences. Landscaped buffer walls and fences shall be:

(a) Located further from the lot line than the required landscaping, which shall be planted between the wall or fence and lot line;

(b) At least three feet in height but no more than six feet in height;

(c) Constructed of brick, stone, redwood, cedar, or No. 1 pressure-treated wood, vinyl or other materials approved by the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator, but chain link fences shall not be permitted for screening purposes; and

(d) Otherwise in compliance with § 152.263(C).

(2) Ornamental fences. Fences of an ornamental nature shall be a maximum of 36 inches, provided that adequate vision clearance is provided, as required in § 152.261(E). Ornamental fences shall be constructed of a design including post and rail, picket, or other types, as approved by the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator and materials including redwood, cedar, or No.1 pressure-treated wood, vinyl, iron, steel, brick, stone, or other materials approved by the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator. The fences shall be in compliance with § 152.263(C).

(Ord. 37, passed 8-28-2005; Ord. 124, passed 5-12-2014) Penalty, see § 152.999