A buffer shall be required whenever two adjoining properties are in different zoning districts. Buffers shall be located on the outer perimeter of a parcel along all lot lines adjoining different zoning which may be separated by an existing or proposed public right-of-way. Buffers shall not be located on any portion of an existing dedicated or reserved public or private street right-of-way.

(Ord. of 12-2003, § 16-10)

In any commercial or industrial zoning district, where a commercial or industrial lot abuts any adjacent nonconforming residential use within that district, the required buffer for the commercial or industrial property when acquiring a building permit, unless the buffer was pre-existing, shall consist of a 50-foot setback from the adjoining property line containing not less than a 20-foot base width consisting of plantings plus a wall (not otherwise part of a structure or accessory building), fence or a berm, or any combination thereof, which meets the screening standards of this chapter.

(Ord. of 12-2003, § 16-10.1)

(a)

When two adjoining properties are in different residential, commercial or industrial zoning districts, the property within the zoning district allowing for more intensive uses is required to provide the buffer when acquiring a building permit unless an approved pre-existing buffer exists and complies with all requirements of this article. When two adjoining vacant parcels are in different zoning districts, no buffer is required when the parcel zoned for the less intensive use acquires a building permit.

(b)

The required buffer shall consist of a 50-foot setback from the adjoining property line containing not less than a 20-foot base width consisting of plantings plus a wall (not otherwise part of a structure or accessory building), fence or a berm, or any combination thereof, which meets the screening standards in this chapter.

(Ord. of 12-2003, § 16-10.2)

(a)

When two adjoining properties are different in intensity of use (single-family residential is a less intensive use than either a multi-family residential or a manufactured home community), whether in the same or in different zoning districts, the property of the more intensive use is required to provide a buffer when acquiring a building permit unless the buffer was pre-existing.

(b)

The required buffer shall consist of plantings or a fence, wall (not otherwise part of a structure or accessory building), or a berm, which meets the screening standards in this chapter. If plantings are used as the method of screening, the planting area shall have a minimum base width of 12 feet.

(Ord. of 12-2003, § 16-10.3)

The responsibility for maintenance of buffers shall remain with the owner of the property. Any required plant that has expired shall be replaced.

(Ord. of 12-2003, § 16-10.4)