Long Hill Township City Zoning Code
§ LU-156.1
Buffering.
a.
Every development shall provide sufficient buffering when topographical or other barriers do not provide reasonable screening and when the approving authority determines that there is a need (1) to shield neighboring properties from any adverse external effects of a development; or (2) to shield the development from negative impacts of adjacent uses such as streets or railroads. In high density developments, when building design and siting do not provide privacy, the approving authority may require landscaping, fences, or walls to screen dwelling units for privacy.
b.
Buffering shall provide a year-round visual screen in order to reduce adverse impacts. It may consist of fencing, evergreens, berms, rocks, boulders or combinations thereof to achieve the same objectives.
c.
Buffering Required.
1.
Where a nonresidential use abuts a residential zone or use or is located across a street from such a zone or use, a buffer strip of a width specified in the Schedule of Bulk Requirements shall be provided between the nonresidential use and the residential zone or use. Said buffer shall be located on the property occupied by the nonresidential use.
2.
Parking lots, trash storage and utility areas, and loading and unloading areas should be screened around their perimeters by a buffer strip a minimum of five feet in width.
3.
Where residential subdivisions abut higher-order streets (collectors or arterials), adjacent lots shall front on lower-order streets, and a landscaped buffer area shall be provided along the property line abutting the road. The buffer strip shall be a minimum of 15 feet or wider where necessary for the health and safety of the residents.
4.
Arrangement of plantings in buffers shall provide maximum protection to adjacent properties and avoid damage to existing plant material. Possible arrangements include planting in parallel, serpentine, or broken rows. If planted berms are used, the minimum top width shall be four feet, and the maximum side slope shall be 2:1.
5.
Evergreen plant materials in berms shall be at least eight feet in height at planting.
6.
No buildings, structures, storage of materials, or parking shall be permitted within the buffer area; buffer areas shall be maintained and kept free of all debris, rubbish, weeds, and tall grass.