The intent of this section is to provide minimum screening and buffering between potentially incompatible uses and between specific operations which may create a nuisance for the occupants of adjoining properties. It is also the intent of this section to provide minimum landscaping and planting standards for the purpose of enhancing community appearance.

(Prior Code, § 17.16(1))

Whenever development cannot be placed in harmony with its surroundings, adequate screening and distance buffering shall be provided to make it so. Screening shall be an obscuring wall or fence or other method approved by the plan commission. The table below indicates these conditions which are considered inherently disharmonious, and adequate screening shall be provided at the side of the parcel between conflicting uses by the owner of the potential disharmonious use.

MINIMUM SCREENING REQUIREMENTS

(Prior Code, § 17.16(2))

(a)

Durable materials. All walls and fences hereafter erected shall be durable, weather resistant, rust proof, and easily maintained.

(b)

Masonry walls. Masonry walls shall be erected on foundations which are a minimum of 48 inches below grade.

(c)

Limitation on open grid metal fences. Metallic cyclone type or other open grid fences may not be used as required screening between residential uses and nonresidential uses. Such metallic fences may not be used in front yards, except in industrial districts.

(d)

Fence maintenance. All fences shall be kept in good condition, plumb and true, and without damage.

(Prior Code, § 17.16(3))

Landscaped berms or planting strips may be substituted for obscuring walls or fences when approved by the administrator. Landscaped berms and planting strips shall be landscaped with evergreen plants. Plant materials shall be of the size when planted as to reach the necessary screening height within three years of planting.

(Prior Code, § 17.16(4))

Certain uses and activities are inherently incompatible with other uses and activities and are required to be separated as indicated in the table below so as to reduce conflict and to maintain amenity.

MINIMUM DISTANCE BUFFERING

(Prior Code, § 17.16(5))

Where proposed multifamily or commercial development abuts existing single-family housing or zoning the following additional setbacks will be required:

(Prior Code, § 17.16(6))

All trash or garbage collection areas for multifamily dwellings and businesses shall be enclosed on at least three sides by screening at least four feet in height. An open side shall not be visible from a street or abutting properties.

(Prior Code, § 17.16(7))

(a)

Permitted outdoor storage and outdoor storage areas in commercial and industrial districts exposed to view from any street adjacent to the property on which the storage area is located shall be screened by an eight-foot high sight-obscuring fence, wall, or landscape berm or planting strip when approved by the administrator.

(b)

Materials covered by buildings with roofs only, but without any sides shall be considered outdoor storage and shall be subject to the screening provisions of this section. This provision shall not apply to the display of new or used agricultural implements, motor vehicles or watercraft where such acclivities are an integral part of an automobile, agricultural implement, or watercraft dealership or storage facility.

(Prior Code, § 17.16(8))

(a)

Unpaved areas of the site and unpaved portions of adjacent right-of-way shall have one of the following ground covers:

(1)

Seed or sod;

(2)

Woodchips or other permanent mulch bordered with timbers or other permanent edging;

(3)

Other landscaped plant material maintained in well-tended and aesthetically pleasing manner.

(b)

Street trees shall be planted in adjacent rights-of-way in accordance with the subdivision ordinance.

(c)

The minimum number of plantings required for every 10,000 square feet of lot area which is proposed for new development and not covered under the city subdivision ordinance shall be as follows:

(1)

Two canopy or deciduous trees; and

(2)

Three shrubs, not less than 24 inches in height.

(Prior Code, § 17.16(9))

In the event that terrain or other natural features are such that the erection of obscuring berms or planting strips, walls or fences will not serve the intended purpose, as determined by the plan commission, then no such screening, fences, or wall shall be required.

(Prior Code, § 17.16(10))