§ 8.5.6. Landscape screens.

Landscape screening is required in areas where a landscape buffer will not be sufficient to enhance the visual relationships between uses and structures or to mitigate undesirable impacts from proposed development on existing or allowed uses.

A.

Required landscape screen areas. Landscape screens 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 new multifamily or single-family residential development is proposed in a close proximity an existing, nonresidential use or an area with nonresidential zoning.

4.

When a new residential development will have double frontage lots with one side against an arterial road.

5.

When a proposed mineral extraction operation will be visible from public roads, or any use of a less intense zoning classification. All landscaping shall be installed during the initial extraction phase, prior to removal of material from the site, unless the board of county commissioners approves an alternate proposal. Stockpiles may be used as screening and must be seeded with drought tolerant grasses to prevent erosion and provide for dust control.

6.

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

7.

Around areas occupied by trash containers or outdoor storage.

B.

Landscape screen standards. Landscape screens shall meet the following standards.

1.

Landscape screens must include densely planted vegetation and a fence or wall. Landscape screens may also include landforms, rock features, sculptures or other elements.

2.

Landscape screens must provide a year-round physical and visual separation between uses, for the length of the screen area.

3.

The height and depth of the plants and other elements shall be of sufficient mass to provide effective screening for the use.

4.

Fencing shall be a minimum of six feet or fencing may be placed on a berm or wall. The combined height of the fence and the berm or wall shall be a minimum of six feet. All measurements shall be taken from the ground plain adjacent to the area where the fence, berm or combination of elements is to be located. Plant materials shall be installed with sufficient room for mature growth and shall be maintained.

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