All nonresidential uses adjoining or abutting a residential use or zone shall provide a buffer strip or buffer zone on the side or sides facing said use or zone, which shall measure minimally seven (7') feet in depth. Plantings shall consist of a double row of evergreen or other plantings designed to effectively screen on site activity from the adjoining residential use or zone.

Buffer zone requirements for attached residential uses and planned developments are set forth herein.

Any fencing or landscaping installed in a buffer zone shall be maintained in good condition to achieve the desired screening effect. Failure to maintain fencing or to replace dead or diseased landscaping or to remove any refuse which may collect in a buffer zone shall be considered a violation of this chapter.

The required buffer area shall be kept in its natural state where wooded, and when natural vegetation is sparse or nonexistent, the landowner shall be required to provide a year round visual screen as determined by the approving authority.

Encroachments into a required buffer area are prohibited, except as provided in this chapter.