Abbeville City Zoning Code

General Regulations in Chapter 3, District Regulations in Chapter 4, and Supplemental Regulations in Chapter 5 are applicable to all of the following classes of uses:

(a)

Permitted uses. Permitted uses listed in the district use tables in this Division are permitted outright.

(b)

Conditional uses. Conditional uses in the district use tables are permitted by the Zoning Administrator without further review upon compliance with conditions specified in the tables.

(c)

Special exceptions. Special exceptions are permitted after review and approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals upon compliance with general conditions in the regulations.

The following regulations apply to all uses in R-10 districts:

The following regulations apply to all uses in R-8 districts:

The following regulations apply to all uses in R-6 districts:

The following regulations apply to all uses in R-2 districts:

The following regulations apply to all uses in GR districts:

(Ord. No. 2-2015, § 1, 5-5-2015)

The following regulations apply to all uses in GR districts:

The following regulations apply to all uses in NC districts:

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Minimum lot area:	Commercial uses: none; Residential uses: single family - six thousand (6,000) square feet; duplex - nine thousand (9,000) square feet.
Minimum lot width at building line:	Commercial uses: none; Residential uses: fifty (50) feet.
Maximum dwelling units:	Seven (7) dwelling units per acre.
Minimum front yard depth:	Twenty-five (25) feet from street right-of-way line.
Minimum setback from second street frontage:	Side street on corner lot: twelve & one-half (12½) feet; Rear street on double frontage lot: twenty-five (25) feet.
Minimum side yard:	Principal structure: ten (10) feet from interior side lot line; provided, total of both side yards must be at least 30% of lot width. Accessory structure: five (5) feet from interior side lot line.
Minimum rear yard:	Principal structure: fifteen (15) feet from interior rear lot line. Accessory structure: three (3) feet from interior rear lot line.
Maximum structure height:	Forty (40) feet when permitted by fire regulations (not applicable to church spires, belfries, cupolas, domes, chimneys, flag poles, antennae).
Visibility requirements:	Corner lot: no obstruction between heights of three (3) and ten (10) feet above finished street level within twenty-five (25) feet of intersection of street right-of-way lines. Private drive: no obstruction over height of thirty (30) inches within ten (10) feet of street.
Off-street parking area requirements:	See parking, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5. Parking for non-residential uses shall be located to the side and rear of the building. This requirement may be waived by the zoning administrator where the use and situation requires parking to be placed to the front of the building, provided that this shall not adversely affect the residential nature of the neighborhood.
Landscaping:	See landscaping, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5.
	A. Requirements for Parking Area Borders Parallel to Adjacent Property Lines
	1. Buffer strip shall be at least ten feet (10') in width.
	2. A garden wall, opaque fence, or hedge (min. six (6') feet in height) shall be installed along any adjacent property line.
	3. One (1) tree shall be planted for each fifty linear feet (50') of the landscaping area and one (1) small maturing tree or shrub of at least three feet (3') in height shall be planted every ten linear feet (10') within the landscape.
	All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover; and
	Parked vehicles may overhang a landscaped area no more than one foot (1'), provided curbing or other wheel stops are installed to insure no greater overhang or penetration of the landscaped islands. Landscaping, walls, fences, and earthberms shall be located as to prevent their damage and/or destruction by overhanging vehicles.
	Requirements For Boundaries Adjacent To Any Residential Zoning District and Existing Residential Uses in this District
	1. Required Buffer Area:
	a) Minimum Width: 20 feet.
	2. Required Buffering Materials:
	a) Buffering materials shall provide an opaque buffer to create a strong impression of a spatial separation and to preclude visual contact.
	b) 7 trees for every 100 linear feet.
	c) 50 shrubs per 100 linear feet.
	d) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees or covered by a wall or fence barrier shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover.
	3. Alternative 1: Buffering Requirements reduced by 25% (5 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 25% or five (5) feet with use of a landscaped earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundary meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	4. Alternative 2: Buffering Requirements reduced by 50% (10 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or ten (10) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence.
	b) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in Section 3.2.
	c) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	d) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
	5. Alternative 3: Buffering Requirements reduced by 60% (12 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or twelve (12) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence, and a planted earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundaries meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	c) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in this ordinance.
	d) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	e) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
	B. Street Trees
	1. Where appropriate, street trees shall be planted along all public streets with permission of the appropriate jurisdiction. Street trees shall be large maturing canopy species specified by the City of Abbeville and approved by the planning commission.
	2. Maximum of one (1) street tree every thirty (30') feet on center.
	Tree size: min. of three (3") inches in caliper.
Signs:	A. Materials employed for construction of sign shall be durable and weather resistant, and all signs shall be maintained in good repair.
	B. Sign Area: Shall be measured by height (A) by length (B) of the smallest rectangle that can be drawn to measure all sign elements. Unless otherwise noted, only one side or face of the same sign shall be used in computing sign area.
	C. Allowed Signs: The applicant may select one (1) of the following five (5) choices for a sign type per street frontage:  1. Wall Sign   a) Maximum Size: 25 square feet or 15% of the front wall area, whichever is greater.  2. Window Sign   a) Maximum Size: 30% of the window area.  3. Projecting Sign   a) Maximum Size: 6 square feet for one side.   b) Clearance: 8' above ground level.  4. Awning Sign   a) Maximum Size: Individual letters shall not exceed 10" in height.   b) Signs, symbols, or designs may be painted or sewn on to any awning.  5. Ground Sign   a) Maximum Size: 25 square feet per sign face.   b) Maximum Height: 5 feet from finished grade.
	D. Secondary Signs: The following signs shall be permitted in conjunction with the Allowed Sign.  1. Window or projecting sign no larger than 12" × 18" bearing business identification in addition to a wall or awning sign.  2. One sign per business occupying the upper floors of a building no larger than 12" × 18".
	E. Prohibited Signs: Refer to the definitions in this ordinance for description of these types of signs.  1. Digital or moving image signs of any type other than barber poles.  2. Internally illuminated other than non-flashing neon.  3. Signs projecting above the roof line.  4. Roof signs.  5. Freestanding signs except ground signs.  6. Any off premises signs  7. Any sign not listed as being allowed is prohibited.
Subdivision regulations:	Applicable regulations must be met.
Supplemental regulations:	See Chapter 5.

 

The following regulations apply to all uses in OC districts.

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Minimum lot area:	Commercial uses: none; Residential uses: single family - six thousand (6,000) square feet; duplex - nine thousand (9,000) square feet.
Minimum lot width at building line:	Commercial uses: none; Residential uses: fifty (50) feet.
Maximum dwelling units:	Seven (7) dwelling units per acre.
Minimum front yard depth:	Twenty-five (25) feet from street right-of-way line Minimum setback from second street.
Frontage:	Side street on corner lot: twelve & one-half (12½) feet; Rear street on double frontage lot: twenty-five (25) feet.
Minimum side yard:	Principal structure: eight (8) feet from interior side lot line; Accessory structure: five (5) feet from interior side lot line.
Minimum rear yard:	Principal structure: eight (8) feet from interior rear lot line. Accessory structure: three (3) feet from interior rear lot line.
Maximum structure height:	Forty (40) feet when permitted by fire regulations (not applicable to church spires, belfries, cupolas, domes, chimneys, flag poles, antennae).
Visibility requirements:	Corner lot: no obstruction between heights of three (3) and ten (10) feet above finished street level within twenty-five (25) feet of intersection of street right-of-way lines. Private drive: no obstruction over height of thirty (30) inches within ten (10) feet of street.
Off-street parking area requirements:	See parking, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5. Parking for non-residential uses shall be located to the side and rear of the building. This requirement may be waived by the zoning administrator where the use and situation requires parking to be placed to the front of the building, provided that this shall not adversely affect the character of the area.
Landscaping:	See landscaping, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5.
	[A.] Requirements for Parking Area Borders Parallel to Adjacent Property Lines
	[1.] Buffer strip shall be at least ten feet (10') in width.
	[2.] A garden wall, opaque fence, or hedge (min. six (6') feet in height) shall be installed along any adjacent property line.
	[3.] One (1) tree shall be planted for each fifty linear feet (50') of the landscaping area and one (1) small maturing tree or shrub of at least three feet (3') in height shall be planted every ten linear feet (10') within the landscape.
	All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover; and
	Parked vehicles may overhang a landscaped area no more than one foot (1'), provided curbing or other wheel stops are installed to insure no greater overhang or penetration of the landscaped islands. Landscaping, walls, fences, and earthberms shall be located as to prevent their damage and/or destruction by overhanging vehicles.
	[B.] Requirements For Boundaries Adjacent To Any Residential Zoning District and Existing Residential Uses in this District
	1. Required Buffer Area:
	a) Minimum Width: 20 feet.
	2. Required Buffering Materials:
	a) Buffering materials shall provide an opaque buffer to create a strong impression of a spatial separation and to preclude visual contact.
	b) 7 trees for every 100 linear feet.
	c) 50 shrubs per 100 linear feet.
	d) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees or covered by a wall or fence barrier shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover.
	3. Alternative 1: Buffering Requirements reduced by 25% (5 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 25% or five (5) feet with use of a landscaped earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundary meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	4. Alternative 2: Buffering Requirements reduced by 50% (10 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or ten (10) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence.
	b) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in this ordinance.
	c) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	d) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
	5. Alternative 3: Buffering Requirements reduced by 60% (12 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or twelve (12) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence, and a planted earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundaries meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	c) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in this ordinance.
	d) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	e) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
	[C.] Street Trees
	[1.] Where appropriate, street trees shall be planted along all public streets with permission of the appropriate jurisdiction. Street trees shall be large maturing canopy species specified by the City of Abbeville and approved by the planning commission.
	[2.] Maximum of one (1) street tree every thirty (30') feet on center.
	Tree size: min. of three (3") inches in caliper.
Signs:	A. Materials employed for construction of sign shall be durable and weather resistant, and all signs shall be maintained in good repair.
	B. Sign Area: Shall be measured by height (A) by length (B) of the smallest rectangle that can be drawn to measure all sign elements. Unless otherwise noted, only one side or face of the same sign shall be used in computing sign area.
	C. Allowed Signs: The applicant may select one (1) of the following five (5) choices for a sign type per street frontage:
	1. Wall Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 25 square feet or 15% of the front wall area, whichever is greater.
	2. Window Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 30% of the window area.
	3. Projecting Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 6 square feet for one side.
	b) Clearance: 8' above ground level.
	4. Awning Sign
	a) Maximum Size: Individual letters shall not exceed 10" in height.
	b) Signs, symbols, or designs may be painted or sewn on to any awning.
	5. Ground Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 25 square feet per sign face.
	b) Maximum Height: 5 feet from finished grade.
	D. Secondary Signs: The following signs shall be permitted in conjunction with the Allowed Sign.
	1. Window or projecting sign no larger than 12" × 18" bearing business identification in addition to a wall or awning sign.
	2. One sign per business occupying the upper floors of a building no larger than 12" × 18".
	E. Prohibited Signs: Refer to the definitions in this ordinance for description of these types of signs.
	1. Digital or moving image signs of any type other than barber poles.
	2. Internally illuminated other than non-flashing neon.
	3. Signs projecting above the roof line.
	4. Roof signs.
	5. Freestanding signs except ground signs.
	6. Any off premises signs
	7. Any sign not listed as being allowed is prohibited.
Subdivision regulations:	Applicable regulations must be met.
Supplemental regulations:	See Chapter 5.

 

The following regulations apply to all uses in CC districts:

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Minimum lot area:	None.
Minimum lot width at building line:	Fifteen (15) feet.
Minimum setback:	Comply with S.C. Department of Transportation requirements.
Maximum structure height:	Sixty (60) feet when permitted by fire regulations (not applicable to church spires, belfries, cupolas, domes, chimneys, flag poles, antennae).
Off-street parking area requirements:	See parking, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5. A. Except for single family residential, parking shall be located to the rear of the building. B. Parking areas on adjacent lots should be connected.
Landscaping:	See landscaping, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5.
	[A.] Open sales yards: Yards used for sale, rental or storage of materials or equipment must be screened from adjoining residential property or other zoning districts by a planting screen, fence or wall at least 6 feet high and a buffer yard at least 5 feet wide.
	[B.] Requirements for Parking Area Borders Parallel to Adjacent Property Lines
	[1.] Buffer strip shall be at least ten feet (10') in width.
	[2.] A garden wall, opaque fence, or hedge (min. four (4') feet in height) shall be installed along any adjacent property line.
	[3.] One (1) small maturing tree is required every ten (10) linear feet.
	[C.] Street Trees
	[1.] Where appropriate, street trees shall be planted along all public streets with permission of the appropriate jurisdiction. Street trees shall be large maturing canopy species specified by the City of Abbeville and approved by the planning commission.
	[2.] Maximum of one (1) street tree every thirty (30') feet on center.
	Tree size: min. of three (3") inches in caliper.
	[D.] Requirements For Boundaries Adjacent To Any Residential Zoning District and Existing Residential Uses in this District
	1. Required Buffer Area:
	a) Minimum Width: 20 feet.
	2. Required Buffering Materials:
	a) Buffering materials shall provide an opaque buffer to create a strong impression of a spatial separation and to preclude visual contact.
	b) 7 trees for every 100 linear feet.
	c) 50 shrubs per 100 linear feet.
	d) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees or covered by a wall or fence barrier shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover.
	3. Alternative 1: Buffering Requirements reduced by 25% (5 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 25% or five (5) feet with use of a landscaped earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundary meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	4. Alternative 2: Buffering Requirements reduced by 50% (10 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or ten (10) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence.
	b) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in this ordinance.
	c) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	d) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
	5. Alternative 3: Buffering Requirements reduced by 60% (12 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or twelve (12) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence, and a planted earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundaries meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	c) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in this ordinance.
	d) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	e) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
Signs:	A. Materials employed for construction of sign shall be durable and weather resistant, and all signs shall be maintained in good repair.
	B. Sign Area: Shall be measured by height (A) by length (B) of the smallest rectangle that can be drawn to measure all sign elements. Unless otherwise noted, only one side or face of the same sign shall be used in computing sign area.
	C. Allowed Signs: The applicant may select one (1) of the following five (5) choices for a sign type per street frontage:
	1. Wall Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 25 square feet or 15% of the front wall area, whichever is greater.
	2. Window Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 30% of the window area.
	3. Projecting Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 6 square feet for one side.
	b) Clearance: 8' above ground level.
	4. Awning Sign
	a) Maximum Size: Individual letters shall not exceed 10" in height.
	b) Signs, symbols, or designs may be painted or sewn on to any awning.
	5. Ground Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 25 square feet per sign face.
	b) Maximum Height: 5 feet from finished grade.
	D. Secondary Signs: The following signs shall be permitted in conjunction with the Allowed Sign.
	1. Window or projecting sign no larger than 12" × 18" bearing business identification in addition to a wall or awning sign.
	2. One sign per business occupying the upper floors of a building no larger than 12" × 18".
	E. Prohibited Signs: Refer to the definitions in this ordinance for description of these types of signs.
	1. Digital or moving image signs of any type other than barber poles.
	2. Internally illuminated other than non-flashing neon.
	3. Signs projecting above the roof line.
	4. Roof signs.
	5. Freestanding signs except ground signs.
	6. Any off premises signs
	7. Any sign not listed as being allowed is prohibited.
Subdivision regulations:	Applicable regulations must be met.
Supplemental regulations:	See Chapter 5.

 

The following regulations apply to all uses in GC districts:

Expand

Minimum lot area:	None.
Minimum lot width at building line:	Fifty (50) feet.
Minimum front yard depth:	Thirty-five (35) feet from street right-of-way line.
Minimum setback from second street frontage:	Side street on corner lot: twelve & one-half (12½) feet; Rear street on double frontage lot: twenty-five (25) feet.
Minimum side yard:	Principal structure: twenty (20) feet from interior side lot line; Accessory structure: five (5) feet from interior side lot line.
Minimum rear yard:	Principal structure: twenty-five (25) feet from interior rear lot line. Accessory structure: five (5) feet from interior rear lot line.
Maximum structure height:	Forty (40) feet when permitted by fire regulations (not applicable to church spires, belfries, cupolas, domes, chimneys, flag poles, antennae).
Visibility requirements:	Corner lot: no obstruction between heights of three (3) and ten (10) feet above finished street level within twenty-five (25) feet of intersection of street right-of-way lines. Private drive: no obstruction over height of thirty (30) inches within ten (10) feet of street
Off-street parking area and loading area requirements:	See parking, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5.  A. Except for single family residential, parking shall be located to the rear of the building.  B. Parking areas on adjacent lots should be connected.
Landscaping:	See landscaping, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5. Planting screen, fence or wall at least six (6) feet high is required along all interior lot lines abutting a residential district and a buffer yard at least five feet wide.
	[A.] Requirements for Parking Area Borders Parallel to Adjacent Property Lines
	[1.] Buffer strip shall be at least ten feet (10') in width.
	[2.] A garden wall, opaque fence, or hedge (min. four (4') feet in height) shall be installed along any adjacent property line.
	[3.] One (1) small maturing tree is required every ten (10) linear feet.
	[B.] Street Trees
	[1.] Where appropriate, street trees shall be planted along all public streets with permission of the appropriate jurisdiction. Street trees shall be large maturing canopy species specified by the City of Abbeville and approved by the planning commission.
	[2.] Maximum of one (1) street tree every thirty (30') feet on center.
	Tree size: min. of three (3") inches in caliper.
	[C.] Requirements For Boundaries Adjacent To Any Residential Zoning District and Existing Residential Uses in this District
	1. Required Buffer Area:
	a) Minimum Width: 20 feet.
	2. Required Buffering Materials:
	a) Buffering materials shall provide an opaque buffer to create a strong impression of a spatial separation and to preclude visual contact.
	b) 7 trees for every 100 linear feet.
	c) 50 shrubs per 100 linear feet.
	d) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees or covered by a wall or fence barrier shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover.
	3. Alternative 1: Buffering Requirements reduced by 25% (5 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 25% or five (5) feet with use of a landscaped earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundary meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	4. Alternative 2: Buffering Requirements reduced by 50% (10 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or ten (10) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence.
	b) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in this ordinance.
	c) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	d) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
	5. Alternative 3: Buffering Requirements reduced by 60% (12 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or twelve (12) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence, and a planted earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundaries meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	c) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in this ordinance.
	d) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	e) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
Shopping centers:	Two (2) or more stores or businesses located on the same parcel of land constitute a shopping center. Site plan approval required.
Signs:	A. Materials employed for construction of sign shall be durable and weather resistant, and all signs shall be maintained in good repair.
	B. Sign Area: Shall be measured by height (A) by length (B) of the smallest rectangle that can be drawn to measure all sign elements. Unless otherwise noted, only one side or face of the same sign shall be used in computing sign area.
	C. Allowed Signs: The applicant may select one (1) of the following five (5) choices for a sign type per street frontage:
	1. Wall Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 25 square feet or 15% of the front wall area, whichever is greater.
	2. Window Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 30% of the window area.
	3. Projecting Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 6 square feet for one side.
	b) Clearance: 8' above ground level.
	4. Awning Sign
	a) Maximum Size: Individual letters shall not exceed 10" in height.
	b) Signs, symbols, or designs may be painted or sewn on to any awning.
	5. Ground Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 25 square feet per sign face.
	b) Maximum Height: 5 feet from finished grade.
	D. Secondary Signs: The following signs shall be permitted in conjunction with the Allowed Sign.
	1. Window or projecting sign no larger than 12" × 18" bearing business identification in addition to a wall or awning sign.
	2. One sign per business occupying the upper floors of a building no larger than 12" × 18".
	E. Prohibited Signs: Refer to the definitions in this ordinance for description of these types of signs.
	1. Digital or moving image signs of any type other than barber poles.
	2. Internally illuminated other than non-flashing neon.
	3. Signs projecting above the roof line.
	4. Roof signs.
	5. Freestanding signs except ground signs.
	6. Any off premises signs
	7. Any sign not listed as being allowed is prohibited.
Subdivision regulations:	Applicable regulations must be met. Site plan approval is required for shopping centers prior to issuance of zoning and building permits.
Supplemental regulations:	See Chapter 5.

 

The following regulations apply to all uses in HC districts:

Expand

Minimum lot area:	None.
Minimum lot width at building line:	Fifty (50) feet.
Minimum front yard depth:	Thirty-five (35) feet from street right-of-way line.
Minimum setback from second street frontage:	Side street on corner lot: twelve & one-half (12½) feet; Rear street on double frontage lot: twenty-five (25) feet.
Minimum side yard:	Principal structure: twenty (20) feet from interior side lot line; Accessory structure: five (5) feet from interior side lot line.
Minimum rear yard:	Principal structure: twenty-five (25) feet from interior rear lot line. Accessory structure: five (5) feet from interior rear lot line.
Maximum structure height:	Forty (40) feet when permitted by fire regulations (not applicable to church spires, belfries, cupolas, domes, chimneys, flag poles, antennae).
Visibility requirements:	Corner lot: no obstruction between heights of three (3) and ten (10) feet above finished street level within twenty-five (25) feet of intersection of street right-of-way lines. Private drive: no obstruction over height of thirty (30) inches within ten (10) feet of street.
Off-street parking area and loading area requirements:	See parking and landscaping, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5. Parking lots on adjacent commercial properties should be connected where feasible.
Landscaping:	See landscaping, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5.
	[A.]1. Additions, expansions, or changes which increase a business by 40% of the gross floor area shall be in compliance with the landscaping requirements.
	2. If more than one landscaping/buffering requirement overlaps, the more stringent regulation shall be applied.
	3. See landscaping requirements in Chapter 5.
	B. Street Trees
	1. Street tree requirements apply only to lot frontage on SC Highways 72, 20 and 28.
	2. One (1) large maturing tree every 30'. (Pick one or two species for consistency.)
	3. Required trees shall be planted a minimum distance of five feet (5') and a maximum distance of ten feet (10') from the right-of-way or property boundary within the required front setback.
	4. Tree size at planting: 3 inches in caliper minimum
	C. Requirements for Parking Areas
	1. Peripheral
	a) Required Landscaping Area: at least 10' in depth shall be located between the abutting property lines and the parking, loading, or other vehicular use area, except where permitted driveway openings are to be provided.
	b) Required Landscaping Materials: Choose One:
	(1) One (1) large maturing tree shall be planted for each fifty linear feet (50') of the landscaping area and one (1) small maturing tree or shrub of at least three feet (3') in height shall be planted every ten linear feet (10') within the landscape; or
	(2) A combination of trees, hedge, other durable landscape material or approved wall, fence or earthberm may be utilized to form the continuous landscape element of at least three feet (3') in height.
	c) Other Requirements:
	(1) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees or covered by a wall or fence barrier shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover; and
	(2) Parked vehicles may overhang a landscaped area no more than two and one-half feet (2½'), provided curbing or other wheel stops are installed to insure no greater overhang or penetration of the landscaped islands. Landscaping, walls, fences, and earthberms shall be located as to prevent their damage and/or destruction by overhanging vehicles.
	2. Interior
	a) Required Landscaping Area: Five percent (5%) of the interior of any parking, loading, or other vehicular use area shall be landscaped. The location of such landscaping is at the option of the owner or developer; provided, however, the following standards shall apply;
	(1) Landscape Island: shall be at least nine feet (9') in width and eighteen feet (18') in length. Each island shall contain one large maturing tree plus shrubs and/or vegetative ground cover to cover the entire area. (a) No more than ten (10) parking spaces shall be permitted in a continuous row without being interrupted by a landscaped island. (b) Each parking row shall terminate in a landscape island.
	(2) Median Strip: shall be at least ten feet (10') in width. (a) Every fourth row of parking shall be separated by a median strip for landscaping and pedestrian purposes. (b) Every median strip shall contain plantings of one large maturing tree at intervals of 30 to 40 feet, plus shrubs and/or vegetative ground cover to cover the entire area.
	b) Other Requirements:
	(1) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with trees shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover; and
	(2) Parked vehicles may overhang a landscaped area no more than two and one-half feet (2½'), provided curbing or other wheel stops and installed to insure no greater overhang or penetration of the landscaped islands. Landscaping, walls, fences, and earthberms shall be located as to prevent their damage and/or destruction by overhanging vehicles.
	D. Requirements for Front Setback
	1. Required Landscaping Area:
	a) Minimum Depth: 10 feet.
	2. Required Landscaping Materials:
	a) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees or covered by a wall or fence barrier shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover.
	b) 1 small maturing tree for every 100 square feet (Street trees or large maturing trees may be counted towards this requirement).
	c) Street trees, where required, shall be included as part of the required planting.
	d) 6 shrubs every 500 square feet.
	e) Approved ground cover.
	E. Requirements For Boundaries Adjacent To Any Residential Zoning District and Existing Residential Uses in the Highway Commercial District
	1. Required Buffer Area:
	a) Minimum Width: 20 feet.
	2. Required Buffering Materials:
	a) Buffering materials shall provide an opaque buffer to create a strong impression of a spatial separation and to preclude visual contact.
	b) 7 trees for every 100 linear feet.
	c) 50 shrubs per 100 linear feet.
	d) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees or covered by a wall or fence barrier shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover.
	3. Alternative 1: Buffering Requirements reduced by 25% (5 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 25% or five (5) feet with use of a landscaped earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundary meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	4. Alternative 2: Buffering Requirements reduced by 50% (10 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or ten (10) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence.
	b) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in this ordinance.
	c) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	d) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
	5. Alternative 3: Buffering Requirements reduced by 60% (12 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or twelve (12) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence, and a planted earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundaries meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	c) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in this ordinance.
	d) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	e) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
Shopping centers:	Two (2) or more stores or businesses located on the same parcel of land constitute a shopping center. Site plan approval required.
Signs:	A. Intent. The purpose of these sign regulations are: to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication; to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment; and to increase the City's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth; to improve pedestrian and traffic safety; to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property; and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations.
	B. Refer to another section for general sign requirements.
	C. No sign, or part thereof, may be altered, constructed, changed, converted, enlarged, or moved unless in conformity with the following requirements.
	D. Sign Area: Shall be measures by height (A) by length (B) of the smallest rectangle that can be drawn to measure all sign elements. Unless otherwise noted, only one side or face of the same sign shall be used in computing sign area.
	E. Allowed Signs: The applicant may select two (2) of the following six (6) choices for a sign type per street frontage:
	1. Wall Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 1 square foot per lineal foot of the building wall on which the sign is to be placed.
	2. Window Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 20% of the window area
	3. Projecting Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 16 square feet for one side
	b) Maximum Height: No projecting sign shall extend above the roof line.
	c) Clearance: 8' above ground level
	4. Awning Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 15% of exterior surface of the awning.
	b) Signs, symbols, or designs may be painted or sewn onto the awning.
	5. Ground Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 35 square feet.
	b) Maximum Height: 10 feet.
	c) Setback: No freestanding sign shall be closer than five (5) feet to an exterior property line.
	d) No more than one (1) ground sign shall be allowed per parcel.
	6. Directory Sign
	a) The parcel shall contain no more than one (1) directory sign.
	b) The maximum sign area shall not exceed three (3) inches by fifteen (15) inches for each identified activity, business, firm, or tenant.
	c) The directory sign may take the form of any sign permitted in the zoning district provided that such sign shall comply with its applicable specification. If the directory sign is a freestanding sign, no other freestanding shall be located on the parcel.
	F. Prohibited Signs:
	1. Digital image or moving picture signs of any type.
	2. Signs projecting above the roof line.
	3. Any sign not listed as being allowed is prohibited.
	G. Criteria for Bonus Sign Area. To encourage design excellence, the maximum sign areas for the Highway Commercial district may be increased by the percentages as provided herein. A separate bonus is granted for compliance with each of the criteria and the area is cumulative, but the percentage increase is based on the original sign area limitation.
	1. Wall sign which consists of individual letters or words mounted directly on the building surface: 15% increase permitted
	2. Coordinated signs in shopping centers or any three consecutive separate establishments, all the lettering and background is uniform in style and color: 10% increase permitted
	3. Gas stations that incorporate the price information into the main identification sign face: 10% increase permitted
	4. Sign is not internally illuminated (other than non-flashing neon): 15% increase permitted
	5. Ground sign is installed in a landscaped planter having an area four (4) times the area of the resultant sign for one sign face: 20% increase permitted
Subdivision regulations:	Applicable regulations must be met. Site plan approval is required for shopping centers prior to issuance of zoning and building permits.
Supplemental regulations:	See Chapter 5.
Maximum curb cuts:	Lot width of 100 feet or less - 36 feet of total curb cuts; Lot width of more than 100 feet - 36 feet of total curb cuts with a minimum of 100 feet between the centerlines of curb cuts on same lot.

 

The following regulations apply to all uses in LI districts:

Expand

Minimum lot area:	One-half (½) acre.
Minimum lot width at building line:	One hundred (100) feet.
Minimum front yard depth:	Thirty (30) feet from street right-of-way line, or one fourth (¼) of lot width, but not less than fifteen (15) feet.
Minimum setback from second street frontage:	Side street on corner lot: Thirty (30) feet; Rear street on double frontage lot: Thirty (30) feet.
Minimum side yard:	Thirty (30) feet from interior side lot line in, or one tenth ( 1/10 ) of lot width, but not less than ten (10) feet.
Minimum rear yard:	Thirty (30) feet from interior rear lot line, or one tenth ( 1/10 ) of lot depth, but not less than ten (10) feet.
Maximum structure height:	Sixty (60) feet when permitted by fire regulations (not applicable to church spires, belfries, cupolas, domes, utility and communication towers, chimneys, flag poles, antennae).
Visibility requirements:	Corner lot: no obstruction between heights of three (3) and ten (10) feet above finished street level within fourteen (14) feet of intersection of street right-of-way lines. Private drive: no obstruction over height of thirty (30) inches within ten (10) feet of street.
Off-street parking area and loading area requirements:	See parking, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5. Truck terminal: paved acceleration and deceleration lanes at lest ten (10) feet wide and one hundred (100) feet long are required at entrance and exit of terminal site which must have access to and from a major street.
Landscaping:	See landscaping, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5.
	[A.]1. Additions, expansions, or changes which increase a business by 40% of the gross floor area shall be in compliance with the landscaping requirements.
	2. If more than one landscaping/buffering requirement overlaps, the more stringent regulation shall be applied.
	3. See landscaping requirements in Chapter 5.
	B. Street Trees
	1. Street tree requirements apply only to lot frontage on SC Highways 72, 28, and 20.
	2. One (1) large maturing tree every 30'. (Pick one o two species for consistency.)
	3. Required trees shall be planted a minimum distance of five feet (5') and a maximum distance of ten feet (10') from the right-of-way or property boundary within the required front setback.
	4. Tree size at planting: 3 inches in caliper minimum
	C. Requirements for Parking Areas
	1. Peripheral
	a) Required Landscaping Area: at least 5' in depth shall be located between the abutting property lines and the parking, loading, or other vehicular use area, except where permitted driveway openings are to be provided.
	b) Required Landscaping Materials: Choose One:
	(1) One (1) large maturing tree shall be planted for each fifty linear feet (50') of the landscaping area and one (1) small maturing tree or shrub of at least three feet (3') in height shall be planted every ten linear feet (10') within the landscape; or
	(2) A combination of trees, hedge, other durable landscape material or approved wall, fence or earthberm may be utilized to form the continuous landscape element of at least three feet (3') in height.
	c) Other Requirements:
	(1) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees or covered by a wall or fence barrier shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover; and
	(2) Parked vehicles may overhang a landscaped area no more than two and one-half feet (2½'), provided curbing or other wheel stops are installed to insure no greater overhang or penetration of the landscaped islands. Landscaping, walls, fences, and earthberms shall be located as to prevent their damage and/or destruction by overhanging vehicles.
	2. Interior
	a) Required Landscaping Area: Five percent (5%) of the interior of any parking, loading, or other vehicular use area shall be landscaped. The location of such landscaping is at the option of the owner or developer; provided, however, the following standards shall apply;
	(1) Landscape Island: shall be at least nine feet (9') in width and eighteen feet (18') in length. Each island shall contain one large maturing tree plus shrubs and/or vegetative ground cover to cover the entire area. (a) No more than ten (10) parking spaces shall be permitted in a continuous row without being interrupted by a landscaped island. (b) Each parking row shall terminate in a landscape island.
	(2) Median Strip: shall be at least ten feet (10') in width. (a) Every fourth row of parking shall be separated by a median strip for landscaping and pedestrian purposes. (b) Every median strip shall contain plantings of one large maturing tree at intervals of 30 to 40 feet, plus shrubs and/or vegetative ground cover to cover the entire area.
	b) Other Requirements:
	(1) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with trees shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover; and
	(2) Parked vehicles may overhang a landscaped area no more than two and one-half feet (2½'), provided curbing or other wheel stops and installed to insure no greater overhang or penetration of the landscaped islands. Landscaping, walls, fences, and earthberms shall be located as to prevent their damage and/or destruction by overhanging vehicles.
	D. Requirements for Front Setback
	1. Required Landscaping Area:
	a) Minimum Depth: 10 feet.
	2. Required Landscaping Materials:
	a) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees or covered by a wall or fence barrier shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover.
	b) 1 small maturing tree for every 100 square feet (Street trees or large maturing trees may be counted towards this requirement).
	c) Street trees, where required, shall be included as part of the required planting.
	d) 6 shrubs every 500 square feet.
	e) Approved ground cover.
	E. Requirements For Boundaries Adjacent To Any Neighborhood Residential Zoning District and Existing Residential Uses in the District
	1. Required Buffer Area:
	a) Minimum Width: 20 feet.
	2. Required Buffering Materials:
	a) Buffering materials shall provide an opaque buffer to create a strong impression of a spatial separation and to preclude visual contact.
	b) 7 trees for every 100 linear feet.
	c) 50 shrubs per 100 linear feet.
	d) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees or covered by a wall or fence barrier shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover.
	3. Alternative 1: Buffering Requirements reduced by 25% (5 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 25% or five (5) feet with use of a landscaped earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundary meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	4. Alternative 2: Buffering Requirements reduced by 50% (10 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or ten (10) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence.
	b) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in this ordinance.
	c) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	d) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
	5. Alternative 3: Buffering Requirements reduced by 60% (12 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or twelve (12) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence, and a planted earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundaries meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	c) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in Section 3.2.
	d) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	e) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
Signs:	A. Intent. The purpose of these sign regulations are: to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication; to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment; and to increase the City's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth; to improve pedestrian and traffic safety; to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property; and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations.
	B. Refer another section for general sign requirements.
	C. No sign, or part thereof, may be altered, constructed, changed, converted, enlarged, or moved unless in conformity with the following requirements.
	D. Sign Area: Shall be measures by height (A) by length (B) of the smallest rectangle that can be drawn to measure all sign elements. Unless otherwise noted, only one side or face of the same sign shall be used in computing sign area.
	E. Allowed Signs: The applicant may select two (2) of the following six (6) choices for a sign type per street frontage:
	1. Wall Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 1 square foot per lineal foot of the building wall on which the sign is to be placed.
	2. Window Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 20% of the window area
	3. Projecting Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 16 square feet for one side
	b) Maximum Height: No projecting sign shall extend above the roof line.
	c) Clearance: 8' above ground level
	4. Awning Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 15% of exterior surface of the awning.
	b) Signs, symbols, or designs may be painted or sewn onto the awning.
	5. Freestanding Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 35 square feet.
	b) Maximum Height: 12 feet.
	c) Setback: No freestanding sign shall be closer than five (5) feet to an exterior property line.
	d) No more than one (1) freestanding sign shall be allowed per parcel.
	6. Directory Sign
	a) The parcel shall contain no more than one (1) directory sign.
	b) The maximum sign area shall not exceed three (3) inches by fifteen (15) inches for each identified activity, business, firm, or tenant.
	c) The directory sign may take the form of any sign permitted in the zoning district provided that such sign shall comply with its applicable specification. If the directory sign is a freestanding sign, no other freestanding shall be located on the parcel.
	F. Prohibited Signs:
	1. Digital image or moving picture signs of any type.
	2. Signs projecting above the roof line.
	3. Any sign not listed as being allowed is prohibited.
	G. Criteria for Bonus Sign Area. To encourage design excellence, the maximum sign areas for the Highway Commercial district may be increased by the percentages as provided herein. A separate bonus is granted for compliance with each of the criteria and the area is cumulative, but the percentage increase is based on the original sign area limitation.
	1. Wall sign which consists of individual letters or words mounted directly on the building surface: 15% increase permitted
	2. Coordinated signs in shopping centers or any three consecutive separate establishments, all the lettering and background is uniform in style and color: 10% increase permitted
	3. Gas stations that incorporate the price information into the main identification sign face: 10% increase permitted
	4. Sign is not internally illuminated (other than non-flashing neon): 15% increase permitted
	5. Ground sign is installed in a landscaped planted having an area four (4) times the area of the resultant sign for one sign face: 20% increase permitted
Storage:	No open storage of junk or salvage materials is permitted with any use in the district.
Subdivision regulations:	Applicable regulations must be met.
Supplemental regulations:	See Chapter 5.

 

The following regulations apply to all uses in BI districts:

Expand

Minimum lot area:	One (1) acre.
Minimum lot width at building line:	One hundred (100) feet.
Minimum front yard depth:	Fifty (50) feet from street right-of-way line.
Minimum setback from second street frontage:	Side street on corner lot: fifty (50) feet; Rear street on double frontage lot: fifty (50) feet.
Minimum side yard:	Fifty (50) feet from interior side lot line; One Hundred (100) feet from another zoning district.
Minimum rear yard:	Fifty (50) feet from rear lot line; One Hundred (100) feet from another zoning district.
Maximum structure height:	Sixty (60) feet when permitted by fire regulations (not applicable to church spires, belfries, cupolas, domes, utility and communication towers, chimneys, flag poles, antennae).
Visibility requirements:	Corner lot: no obstruction between heights of three (3) and ten (10) feet above finished street level within twenty-five (25) feet of intersection of street right-of-way lines. Private drive: no obstruction over height of thirty (30) inches within fifteen (15) feet of street.
Off-street parking area and loading area requirements:	See parking, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5. Truck terminal: paved acceleration and deceleration lanes at lest ten (10) feet wide and one hundred (100) feet long are required at entrance and exit of terminal site which must have access to and from a major street.
Landscaping:	See landscaping, supplemental regulations, Chapter 5.
	[A.]1. Additions, expansions, or changes which increase a business by 40% of the gross floor area shall be in compliance with the landscaping requirements.
	2. If more than one landscaping/buffering requirement overlaps, the more stringent regulation shall be applied.
	3. See landscaping requirements in Chapter 5.
	B. Street Trees
	1. Street tree requirements apply only to lot frontage on SC Highways 72, 28, 20.
	2. One (1) large maturing tree every 30'. (Pick one or a few species to choose from for consistency.)
	3. Required trees shall be planted a minimum distance of five feet (5') and a maximum distance of ten feet (10') from the right-of-way or property boundary within the required front setback.
	4. Tree size at planting: 3 inches in caliper minimum
	C. Requirements for Parking Areas
	1. Peripheral
	a) Required Landscaping Area: at least 5' in depth shall be located between the abutting property lines and the parking, loading, or other vehicular use area, except where permitted driveway openings are to be provided.
	b) Required Landscaping Materials: Choose One:
	(1) One (1) large maturing tree shall be planted for each fifty linear feet (50') of the landscaping area and one (1) small maturing tree or shrub of at least three feet (3') in height shall be planted every ten linear feet (10') within the landscape; or
	(2) A combination of trees, hedge, other durable landscape material or approved wall, fence or earthberm may be utilized to form the continuous landscape element of at least three feet (3') in height.
	c) Other Requirements:
	(1) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees or covered by a wall or fence barrier shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover; and
	(2) Parked vehicles may overhang a landscaped area no more than two and one-half feet (2½'), provided curbing or other wheel stops are installed to insure no greater overhang or penetration of the landscaped islands. Landscaping, walls, fences, and earthberms shall be located as to prevent their damage and/or destruction by overhanging vehicles.
	2. Interior
	a) Required Landscaping Area: Five percent (5%) of the interior of any parking, loading, or other vehicular use area shall be landscaped. The location of such landscaping is at the option of the owner or developer; provided, however, the following standards shall apply;
	(1) Landscape Island: shall be at least nine feet (9') in width and eighteen feet (18') in length. Each island shall contain one large maturing tree plus shrubs and/or vegetative ground cover to cover the entire area. (a) No more than ten (10) parking spaces shall be permitted in a continuous row without being interrupted by a landscaped island. (b) Each parking row shall terminate in a landscape island.
	(2) Median Strip: shall be at least ten feet (10') in width. (a) Every fourth row of parking shall be separated by a median strip for landscaping and pedestrian purposes. (b) Every median strip shall contain plantings of one large maturing tree at intervals of 30 to 40 feet, plus shrubs and/or vegetative ground cover to cover the entire area.
	b) Other Requirements:
	(1) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with trees shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover; and
	(2) Parked vehicles may overhang a landscaped area no more than two and one-half feet (2½'), provided curbing or other wheel stops and installed to insure no greater overhang or penetration of the landscaped islands. Landscaping, walls, fences, and earthberms shall be located as to prevent their damage and/or destruction by overhanging vehicles.
	D. Requirements for Front Setback
	1. Required Landscaping Area:
	a) Minimum Depth: 10 feet.
	2. Required Landscaping Materials:
	a) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees or covered by a wall or fence barrier shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover.
	b) 1 small maturing tree for every 100 square feet (Street trees or large maturing trees may be counted towards this requirement).
	c) Street trees, where required, shall be included as part of the required planting.
	d) 6 shrubs every 500 square feet.
	e) Approved ground cover.
	E. Requirements For Boundaries Adjacent To Any Residential Zoning District and Existing Residential Uses in the District
	1. Required Buffer Area:
	a) Minimum Width: 20 feet.
	2. Required Buffering Materials:
	a) Buffering materials shall provide an opaque buffer to create a strong impression of a spatial separation and to preclude visual contact.
	b) 7 trees for every 100 linear feet.
	c) 50 shrubs per 100 linear feet.
	d) All portions of the landscaping area not planted with shrubs and trees or covered by a wall or fence barrier shall be planted in grass and/or with some other vegetative ground cover.
	3. Alternative 1: Buffering Requirements reduced by 25% (5 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 25% or five (5) feet with use of a landscaped earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundary meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	4. Alternative 2: Buffering Requirements reduced by 50% (10 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or ten (10) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence.
	b) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in Section 3.2.
	c) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	d) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
	5. Alternative 3: Buffering Requirements reduced by 60% (12 feet):
	a) Minimum width may be reduced by 50% or twelve (12) feet and required number of shrubs reduced to 30 shrubs per 100 linear feet with use of landscaped wall or fence, and a planted earth berm.
	b) Berms shall be constructed within the property boundaries meeting the following requirements:
	(1) Minimum Height: 2 ft.
	(2) Minimum Crown Width: 2 ft.
	(3) Minimum Slope: 2:1
	c) Wall shall be solid and meet the standards for walls and fences set forth in Section 3.2.
	d) Maximum wall height: 6 ft.
	e) Shrubs shall reach ⅓ of the height of the wall within 3 years.
Signs:	A. Intent. The purpose of these sign regulations are: to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication; to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment; and to increase the City's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth; to improve pedestrian and traffic safety; to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property; and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations.
	B. Refer to another section for general sign requirements.
	C. No sign, or part thereof, may be altered, constructed, changed, converted, enlarged, or moved unless in conformity with the following requirements.
	D. Sign Area: Shall be measures by height (A) by length (B) of the smallest rectangle that can be drawn to measure all sign elements. Unless otherwise noted, only one side or face of the same sign shall be used in computing sign area.
	E. Allowed Signs: The applicant may select two (2) of the following six (6) choices for a sign type per street frontage:
	1. Wall Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 1 square foot per lineal foot of the building wall on which the sign is to be placed.
	2. Window Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 20% of the window area
	3. Projecting Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 16 square feet for one side
	b) Maximum Height: No projecting sign shall extend above the roof line.
	c) Clearance: 8' above ground level
	4. Awning Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 15% of exterior surface of the awning.
	b) Signs, symbols, or designs may be painted or sewn onto the awning.
	5. Freestanding Sign
	a) Maximum Size: 35 square feet.
	b) Maximum Height: 12 feet.
	c) Setback: No freestanding sign shall be closer than five (5) feet to an exterior property line.
	d) No more than one (1) freestanding sign shall be allowed per parcel.
	6. Directory Sign
	a) The parcel shall contain no more than one (1) directory sign.
	b) The maximum sign area shall not exceed three (3) inches by fifteen (15) inches for each identified activity, business, firm, or tenant.
	c) The directory sign may take the form of any sign permitted in the zoning district provided that such sign shall comply with its applicable specification. If the directory sign is a freestanding sign, no other freestanding shall be located on the parcel.
	F. Prohibited Signs:
	1. Digital or moving picture signs of any type.
	2. Signs projecting above the roof line.
	3. Any sign not listed as being allowed is prohibited.
	G. Criteria for Bonus Sign Area. To encourage design excellence, the maximum sign areas for the Highway Commercial district may be increased by the percentages as provided herein. A separate bonus is granted for compliance with each of the criteria and the area is cumulative, but the percentage increase is based on the original sign area limitation.
	1. Wall sign which consists of individual letters or words mounted directly on the building surface: 15% increase permitted
	2. Coordinated signs in shopping centers or any three consecutive separate establishments, all the lettering and background is uniform in style and color: 10% increase permitted
	3. Gas stations that incorporate the price information into the main identification sign face: 10% increase permitted
	4. Sign is not internally illuminated (other than non-flashing neon): 15% increase permitted
	5. Ground sign is installed in a landscaped planted having an area four (4) times the area of the resultant sign for one sign face: 20% increase permitted
Subdivision regulations:	Applicable regulations must be met.
Supplemental regulations:	See Chapter 5.

 

Planned Development districts may permit a mixture of different types of housing with compatible commercial uses, shopping centers, office parks and other mixed use developments. Flexibility in design, character and quality of development and preservation of natural and scenic features are made possible through the approval of a plan which describes the specific uses, densities, setbacks, and other requirements for a planned development. The approved plan constitutes the district regulations for a particular planned development.

The following regulations shall apply to all uses in PD districts, other provisions in this ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding:

The following procedures shall apply to establishment of a PD district, other provisions in this ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding: