§ 30-15.10. Buffer yards.

(a)

This Article establishes standards for the dimensions and improvement requirements of buffer yards between land uses and/or zoning districts within the rear or interior side yard. Nothing in this Article prevents the applicant's voluntary installation of buffer yards to these design specifications where they are not required.

(b)

Buffer yards are required in the following situations:

(1)

Where an R2, R3 or R4 District abuts an R or R1 District.

(2)

Where a non-residential district abuts a residential district.

(3)

Where a non-residential use is located within a residential district. However, a buffer yard is not required where the rear wall of a commercial building is located on the rear property line or where an alley is located between a non-residential use and a residential use.

(c)

Buffer yards must be provided in interior side and rear yards. Buffer yards may be located within required setbacks, and are reserved for the planting of material and installation of screening as required by this Article. No parking, driveways, sidewalks, accessory buildings or other impervious surfaces are permitted within the buffer yard area.

(d)

All plantings in the buffer yard must be in accordance with the design standards of this Article. The minimum size and improvement of buffer yards is as follows:

(1)

A buffer yard within must be a minimum of ten (10) feet in width.

(2)

Shade trees must be planted on an average of one (1) tree for every twenty-five (25) linear feet of yard length. As part of the landscape plan approval, trees may be spaced at various intervals based on specific site requirements or design scheme, but the total number of trees planted must be no less than the amount required by a linear planting spaced twenty-five (25) feet apart.

(3)

An opaque masonry wall (stone, stucco or brick), solid screen fence or dense evergreen hedge no less than five (5) feet and no more than six (6) feet in height, must be erected along one hundred percent (100%) of the yard length.

(4)

Shrubs must be planted on an average of one (1) shrub for every three (3) feet of yard length. As part of the landscape plan approval, shrubs may be spaced at various intervals based on specific site requirements or design scheme, but the total number of shrubs planted will be no less than the amount required by a linear planting spaced three (3) feet apart.

(5)

Areas not planted with trees or shrubs must be maintained as live groundcover.

(Code 1993, § 20-15.10)