Site design standards are provided for certain land uses because of the nature of the use, the size, number of structures, traffic generated and overall impact on the neighboring properties and to enhance the overall appearance of the development.

(Ord. 11-O-1, passed 2-23-2011)

   Sites shall be developed following these guidelines:

   (a)   The proposed development shall avoid or minimize land disturbance and grading and preserve the original contours and other natural topographical features of the site and existing trees on the site and shall incorporate measures to minimize soil erosion during all construction phases.

   (b)   Parking areas shall be treated to minimize the visual impact of parked cars as viewed from the public right-of-way and adjacent properties through the use of plantings and earth berms.

   (c)   In the Historic Town Center District, utility services on private property shall be placed underground for all new services.

   (d)   Where a sidewalk/bikeway does not exist in the public right-of-way abutting the applicant's property, a five-foot wide sidewalk shall be provided by the applicant. A pedestrian/bikeway connection shall occur from the building to the sidewalk/bikeway in the public right-of-way.

   (e)   Provision shall be made in the design of the development for connections with existing or future pedestrian systems on adjoining properties, including but not limited to connections to existing or planned future sidewalks, bikeways, or trail systems.

   (f)   Site features such as service entrances and loading zones shall be screened from adjacent properties and the public right-of-way and located in the side or rear of the lot.

   (g)   Mechanical equipment shall be located so as not to be visible from any public ways or adjacent residential areas. Where such limitation is not possible, the facilities shall be screened from public view with materials compatible with those used in the building.

   (h)   All trash containers and trash storage areas shall be screened with a six-foot high masonry enclosure on three sides and a solid gate on the front.

   (i)   All storage of materials and equipment shall be within enclosed buildings except for outdoor sales of plant and landscape materials in Retail Business Districts and as conditionally permitted in Limited Industrial Districts. All business activity shall be within enclosed buildings, except as permitted by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

   (j)   Decorative fencing such as split rail, wrought iron or wood picket shall be permitted in the front yard and shall not be higher than four feet.

   (k)   Security fences shall not be permitted in the front building setback, in front of any building or in the side yard setback on a corner lot. Security fences must be screened from view with trees and shrubs. Chain link fencing shall not be permitted in the Historic Town Center District.

(Ord. 11-O-1, passed 2-23-2011)

   Off-street parking and access drives shall be designed as follows:

   (a)   The number of vehicular turning movements should be minimized by limiting the number of access drives. Continuous access along the frontage is prohibited.

   (b)   Existing access drives must be considered when planning new access drives on adjacent property or across the street.

   (c)   Joint use of parking is encouraged. The Planning and Zoning Commission may permit parking to extend to the side or rear property line in the case of a joint parking area.

   (d)   Loading and unloading activities should not interfere with automobile access.

   (e)   Vehicular circulation is encouraged between parcels. Where possible, provisions should be made to permit circulation among parcels in the Historic Town Center, Business, and Institutional and Office Districts. (See figures below.)

   (f)   Priority should be given to safety of pedestrians and drivers.

(Ord. 11-O-1, passed 2-23-2011)

   Landscaping shall be used as a transition between uses, and to screen areas from public view and to improve the appearance of developed areas. All yard areas not used for accessory structures and uses shall be landscaped and maintained with grass, trees and shrubs. Landscaping shall meet the following requirements:

   (a)   Plant materials should be chosen which are indigenous, moderately fast growing, and require minimal maintenance. The landscape design should incorporate the entire site and consist of a palette of plants with year round appeal which may include: annuals, perennials, shrubs or trees.

   (b)   Each landscape plan shall address the functional aspects of landscaping such as drainage, erosion prevention, wind barriers, provisions for shade, energy conservation, sound absorption, dust abatement, reduction of glare and screening.

   (c)   Where landscaping is used as screening it shall be opaque year round.

   (d)   Landscape screening shall be of a height and density so that it provides the full desired effect within three years growing time.

   (e)   Landscaping, walls, planters or similar means shall be used to screen parked cars. Whenever structures such as walls or fences are used to create a screen, plants shall be located on the sides of the structure which can be seen from the surrounding streets, walks and other properties which are used by the public. Landscape plans shall be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

   (f)   All parking areas shall be landscaped with trees, shrubs and fences to provide an effective buffer for any adjacent residential property and public street rights-of-way. Within the interior of the parking areas there should be landscaping to break up large areas of parking.

   (g)   New and remodeled buildings shall include landscaping in the form of street trees and/or shrubbery along the public right-of-way, low shrubbery around the buildings themselves to soften the appearance and landscaping between and along site boundary lines. All street trees shall be at least two and one-half inch caliper and shall be spaced a minimum of 25 to 30 feet apart.

   (h)   Tree species should be hardy city types and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

(Ord. 11-O-1, passed 2-23-2011; Am. Ord. 24-O-40, passed 6-17-2024)