The purpose of this section is to establish site screening standards to provide a visual buffer between uses of different intensity, streets and structures, reduce erosion and stormwater runoff, protect property values, and eliminate potential land use conflicts by mitigating adverse impacts from dust, odor, litter, noise, glare, lights, signs, buildings, or parking areas.

(Ord. 2274 § 1 (part), 2000)

Site screening shall be required along the property lines, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter whenever any use, development, or modification to use or development is being reviewed under this title, provided, the construction of single-family residences or duplexes, not part of a larger development, are exempt from this chapter and no site screening is required along a property line shared with a vacant parcel. The provisions of this chapter also apply to the approval of any residential subdivisions and planned residential development.

(Ord. 2274 § 1 (part), 2000)

The reviewing official may adjust the site screening standards in this chapter by approving other site screening plans pursuant to the provisions of Section 17.11.020 and Section 17.11.030.

(Ord. 2274 § 1 (part), 2000)

Site screening requirements vary depending on the intensity of both the proposed use and its neighbors. Three different standards, A, B and C, are established to accommodate the range of site screening needs.

A.

Standard A. A ten foot wide landscaped planting strip with trees at twenty foot to thirty foot centers, shrubs, and groundcover.

B.

Standard B. A three foot wide planting strip that will create a living evergreen screen at least six feet in height within three years.

C.

Standard C. A six foot high, view-obscuring fence made of wood, masonry block, or slated chain link. A three foot wide planting strip landscaped with a combination of trees, shrubs, and groundcover along the outside of the fence is required when the fence is adjacent to streets, alleys, and pedestrian ways.

Provisions A, B, and C are standards for the size of site screening area and the density and type of landscaping/planting. The developer may substitute a higher site screening standard, standard C being higher than B, and B being higher than A. All site screening shall also conform to the provisions of Section 17.05.040, Vision clearance at intersections.

(Ord. 2274 § 1 (part), 2000)

Table 17.07.050 titled "Required Site Screening Between Uses and Development" is adopted as part of this chapter. The letter designation in this table refers to the site screening standards in Section 17.07.040.

(Ord. 2274 § 1 (part), 2000)

TABLE 17.07.050

REQUIRED SITE SCREENING BETWEEN USES AND DEVELOPMENT

1. Lowest intensity district in which each adjacent use is a Class (1) use.

2. See Chapter 17.040 for substitution of screening standards.

Site screening standard A shall apply wherever site screening is required under Table 17.07.050 and the adjoining land use is separated from the proposed use or development by a collector or local access street. The reviewing official may also require site screening standard A along an arterial, when such action is consistent with the purpose of this chapter.

(Ord. 2274 § 1 (part), 2000)

Generally all required site screening shall:

A.

Be located on the perimeter of a lot or parcel upon which the development occurs;

B.

Extend from lot line to lot line;

C.

Not be located on any portion of a public or private street, dedicated right-of-way, or vision clearance triangle.

(Ord. 2274 § 1 (part), 2000)

Existing trees and other vegetation may be used for site screening if they are healthy and will satisfy the purpose of this section.

(Ord. 2274 § 1 (part), 2000)

The reviewing official may require a site screening plan showing the approximate location, height, size, and type of all plantings and fences, whenever site screening is required.

(Ord. 2274 § 1 (part), 2000)

All site screening required by this title shall be installed prior to occupancy or commencement of use. Where compliance with this requirement is not possible because of seasonal planting limitations, the reviewing official shall grant an appropriate delay. However, no permanent certificate of occupancy shall be issued until all required site screening is completed.

(Ord. 2274 § 1 (part), 2000)

All site screening shall be maintained in accordance with the purpose and intent of this chapter. In the event the site screening deteriorates, or is not maintained in a condition consistent with plan approval, the city may, at its option, cause necessary maintenance to be performed and assess the costs thereof to the property owner. These costs shall constitute a lien on the property, from the date of filing a notice of lien in the office of the county auditor. The lien shall state the legal description of the property and the amount of costs assessed. Such lien may be foreclosed, by the city, in the manner provided by law for foreclosure of mortgages.

(Ord. 2274 § 1 (part) 2000)