§ 8.5.5. Landscape buffers.

Landscape buffers are used to enhance the visual relationships between uses and structures. They also help mitigate undesirable impacts from proposed development on existing or allowed uses.

A.

Required landscape buffer areas. Landscape buffers are required in the following situations;

1.

When the proposed arrangement of uses, the design of buildings or other characteristics of development do not adequately mitigate visual compatibility issues, or negative impacts, that are reasonably anticipated to arise.

2.

When a proposed development occurs in the close proximity of existing land uses (or vacant land) of a less intense zoning classification.

3.

When a proposed multifamily or single-family residential development is in a close proximity to an existing nonresidential use, or an area with nonresidential zoning.

4.

When a proposed mineral extraction operations will be visible from public roads, or other uses of a less intense zoning classification. All landscaping shall be installed during the initial extraction phase, unless the board of county commissioners approves an alternate proposal.

5.

When an existing use is changed, expanded or enlarged in a way that increases visual impacts on other properties or rights-of-way.

B.

Landscape buffer standards. Landscape buffers shall meet the following standards;

1.

Landscape buffers must include densely planted vegetation but may also include a combination of plants, fencing, walls, landforms, rock features, sculptures or other elements.

2.

Landscape buffers must provide a year-round, semi-opaque separation between uses for the length of the buffer area.

3.

The height and depth of the plants and other elements shall be of sufficient mass to provide effective buffering for the use within the context of the site-specific conditions.

4.

Plant materials shall be installed with sufficient room for mature growth and maintained properly.

(Res. No. 07092013R005, Exh. A, 6-10-2013)