(a)

It is the purpose of this article to require buffers, greenbelts or berms around certain land uses. Primarily, it is designed to save natural vegetation, where possible. Where it is not possible, or more attractive alternative landscaping of equal amounts is available, it is the thrust of this article to preserve the green spaces in the city, rather than creating open spaces void of any, or little, vegetation.

(b)

The goal is to expand the number of developments which have exercised this option voluntarily, and have created attractive businesses, which the city believes will lead to expanded economic development and new jobs, by creating the most attractive market and job place in the region.

(c)

The scope of these regulations is limited to all business enterprises, including multiresidential developments. An additional intent is to soften the impact of a development on any adjoining property, particularly if it is abutting a different use. But even if it abuts a similar use, it is the intent to allow some additional degree of individuality to a particular site through landscape use and design.

(d)

In addition, buffer strips are intended to maintain or improve air quality, stabilize soils, increase groundwater filtration, decrease wind velocity, reduce noise, and create zones of privacy.

(Ord. No. 369, § 15.850(12.100), 6-26-1981)

(a)

Whenever a greenbelt or buffer strip is required, the area shall be improved and maintained with landscaping consisting of grass, shrubbery, trees or other approved plants. The planning commission may allow the existing vegetation or a portion of the existing vegetation to remain as fulfilling all or part of the landscaping requirements.

(b)

Whenever possible, after consideration of the size, location, species and root formation, the planning commission shall require part or all of the existing trees to remain in the landscaped area.

(c)

Residential multiple-family developments shall be encouraged to leave enough existing trees to provide shade for at least 50 percent of the yard space. No tree exceeding ten inches in diameter in any part of the yard area, with the exception of the building locations, parking lots, and walkways, shall be removed without planning commission approval.

(d)

For the purpose of determining landscaping and screening requirements, all yards fronting on a street shall be considered a front yard.

(e)

These general provisions shall be in addition to the specific provisions of section 48-1238.

(Ord. No. 369, § 15.855(12.101), 6-26-1981)

(a)

CR-6, AR-7, AR-8, AG, REC AND PO districts. In the CR-6, AR-7, AR-8, AG, REC, and PO districts, a landscaped yard shall be provided and maintained as follows:

(1)

Along all streets and traveled rights-of-way, the yard shall be a minimum of 20 feet in depth, as measured from the street right-of-way. The yard shall extend along the entire frontage of the lot, except for driveways, and shall be kept clear of all storage, structures and parking. When the landscaped yard lies between a street and an off-street parking area, an earth berm, evergreen hedge, or similar planting shall be provided as screening between the off-street parking area and the street. The planning commission may approve an alternate method of screening, such as a wall, solid fence, or planter, if found to be more compatible with the proposed development. The screening shall be a minimum of three feet high, as measured from the adjacent finished surface of the parking area, and shall be required for all off-street parking areas located in a front yard. An additional yard depth or screening height may be required if, in the discretion of the planning commission, a greater distance is required for the promotion of the goals of this chapter.

(2)

Along all side and rear boundary lines, the landscaped area shall be at least ten feet in width, and shall be kept clear of all storage, structures and parking.

(b)

GO, C-1, C-2, AND C-3 districts. In the GO, C-1, C-2, and C-3 districts, a landscaped yard shall be provided and maintained as follows:

(1)

In the same manner as the requirements of subsection (a)(1) of this section.

(2)

Along side or rear boundary lines, when adjacent to a residential district (R-1 through R-5, CR-6, AR-7, and AR-8), the landscaped area shall be at least 20 feet in width.

(3)

Whenever any business or office use (i.e., structure, storage or parking area) is adjacent to and within 100 feet of the residential use or zone (R-1 through R-5, CR-6, AR-7, and AR-8), there shall be provided screening along the boundary of the residential property. The screening shall consist of a solid fence, wall, earth berm, evergreen hedge, or equivalent not less than six feet in height.

(c)

GI district. In the GI district, a landscaped yard shall be provided and maintained as follows:

(1)

In the same manner as set forth in subsection (a) of this section, except the yard depth shall be 30 feet.

(2)

Along side or rear boundary lines when adjacent to nonindustrial property, the landscaped area shall be at least 25 feet in width.

(3)

Whenever any industrial use (i.e., structure, storage, or parking area) is adjacent to and within 100 feet of a nonindustrial district, there shall be provided screening along the boundary of the nonindustrial district. The screening shall consist of a solid fence, wall, earth berm, evergreen hedge or equivalent not less than six feet in height.

(Ord. No. 369, §§ 15.861(12.102(1)), 15.862(12.102(2)), 15.863(12.102(3)), 6-26-1981)