Side and rear yards. Along any lot line of a nonresidential use lot adjoining a residential district there shall be provided a yard of at least 50 feet, and there shall be provided and maintained within such yard and along such lot line a buffer of not less than 15 feet between dissimilar uses (i.e., retail and residential) to separate, protect, conceal and maintain the character of the adjoining residential zone free from the persons, activities and traffic which may result from the activities permitted in such nonresidential districts. Such buffer shall consist of a combination of trees (both deciduous and evergreen), shrubs, ground covers, elevation changes (berms), and/or fences, consistent with the guidelines set forth below, so as to be dense enough to provide protection to neighboring sites from light and noise migration from all adjacent points in the residential district when viewed from eight feet above ground level. Landscaping plans must be approved by the Town Board. Plantings shall be properly bedded when planted and thereafter maintained and fertilized to assure long life and growth, and plantings required for nonresidential uses shall be replaced if they die. Guidelines:
[Amended 9-19-2022 by L.L. No. 5-2022]
(a) A landscaped buffer between dissimilar uses must be continuous in all cases.
(b) Fences or walls shall be largely opaque.
(c) Berms may be included and shall have side slopes no greater than 1:4. Berms shall be organically shaped and variations in elevation along its length are encouraged.
(d) The type and extent of plantings, and the height of fencing and walls, required for buffer yards may be adjusted upward to be proportionally greater for increased degrees of incompatibility among adjacent land uses.
(e) Design shall preserve existing natural features and trees of six inches or more in caliper while serving to safely and efficiently allow for the intended use of the property in a manner compatible with adjoining properties.
(f) Erosion control plans shall be incorporated into all landscape plans.
(g) The landscaped buffer shall be placed entirely on the nonresidential use lot.