§ 44-87. Buffer standards.

Every development with the exception of single-family residential shall provide sufficient buffering if existing barriers do not provide reasonable screening. Buffers may be imposed by the board of commissioners. Buffers may also be required for any development by the development code administrator, or planning commission (board) when it has been determined that there is a need: (1) to shield neighboring properties from any adverse external effects of a proposed development, or (2) to shield the proposed development from negative impacts of neighboring uses, such as streets or railroads. Buffers between land uses shall be measured from side and rear property lines, excluding any driveways or internal streets. All buffers shall comply with the following criteria:

(1)

Buffers shall be designed to provide yearround visual screen in order to minimize adverse visual and noise impacts. Acceptable buffers may include earth berms, natural vegetation, wooden or stone fences, or any combination of the aforementioned screening materials. The erection of structures within designated buffer strips shall be prohibited, except for signs, lighting, and utility lines as provided below.

(2)

When any proposed commercial or industrial development abuts an existing or planned residential use; or where proposed commercial or industrial development abut lands used for commercial farming; a vegetated buffer strip of at least 100 feet wide shall be provided along the length of the property line which abuts the farm lands or residential areas.

(3)

Where any other use, excluding residential development, is proposed on land adjacent to land used for commercial farming, a vegetated buffer strip of at least 75 feet wide shall be provided by the proposed development along the length of the property line which abuts the farm lands.

(4)

Where more intensive or concentrated land uses abut less intensive land uses, except as provided above, a buffer strip of at least 50 feet wide shall be provided by the proposed development along the length of the common property line.

(5)

Where a proposed development abuts a street which, according to its functional classification, is designated as a collector, a landscaped buffer strip at least 15 feet wide shall be provided along the property line abutting the road; when designated as an arterial, a landscaped buffer strip at least 20 feet wide shall be provided along the property line abutting the road. Where entrances to the development cross a required road buffer, a single nonilluminated sign may be permitted by the planning commission or board of adjustment. With the exception of visual screens, utility lines, and streetlights (where alternative siting is not possible), no other construction within street buffers may be permitted.

(6)

Where wooden, brick, or stone fencing is used as a visual screen within a buffer, the height of the wall shall not exceed six feet. In addition, natural vegetation, such as flowers, hedges, or dwarf evergreen trees shall be included at regular intervals to soften the appearance of the fence.

(7)

Earth berms shall not exceed five feet in height. Where additional visual screening is desired or required, shrubs or dwarf evergreen trees may be added to the top of the berm. The maximum side slope on the earth berm shall not exceed 50 percent. In addition all slopes on the berm shall be vegetated with turf grass and maintained to prevent erosion.

(8)

Buffer areas shall be maintained and kept free of all debris, rubbish, weeds, and tall grass. Natural plantings shall also be maintained, and all dead or dying plants or trees shall be replaced no later than the beginning of the following planting season.

(9)

Property uses within the Usry Pond Watershed shall comply with the buffer provision of the watershed ordinance (see Appendix A).

(Ord. of 3-23-99, Art. V, § 7)