§ 9.9.7 — Standards

9.9.7. - Standards.

(1) Constructed Buffer: The following four basic buffer templates and two alternatives are to be used as specified in Table 9.9. (a) The Type A Opaque Buffer is used between high impact uses and residential or mixed uses. It provides a continuous, solid screen to the height of six feet, serving as a sight and noise barrier. The buffer width is 50 feet. Trees required may not have greater than five foot opening between mature canopies. 50 percent of trees and 100 percent of shrubs must be evergreen. (b) The Type B Opaque Buffer is used in cases of lesser degrees of incompatibility, such as between non-residential uses that are not high impact and residential uses. Its planting requirements are the same as the Type A buffer but with a 30 foot width. (c) The Type C Semi-Opaque Buffer is used in relatively low incompatibility cases; such as between mixed use development and detached dwellings. It provides a semi-solid screen allowing views between properties. The buffer width is 20 feet. Trees required may not have greater than ten foot opening between mature canopies. No understory trees and fewer shrubs are required. (d) The Type D Open Buffer provides a tree buffer while allowing view between properties. The buffer width is ten feet with three canopy trees and three understory trees per 100 feet of length. The buffer width is ten feet. Canopy spacing is not to exceed 20 feet. (e) The Type E Overhead Utility Buffer shall be permitted only where overhead utilities make larger tree planting impractical. It is defined as the applicable Type A, B, C, or D Buffer with canopy trees replaced by understory trees. (f) The Type F Intense Buffer is an alternative allowing reduction of buffer width by replacing shrubs with a wall, fence or berm. Type A buffers may be reduced to 25 feet, type B buffers to 20 feet, Type C buffers to 15 feet. i. Use of Type F Buffers may be approved as part of site plan, preliminary plat, development plan, compatible use, or flexible use approval. The approving authority may allow comparable flexibility in buffer plantings or dimensions if the design intent of the applicable buffer type is satisfied. (g) All shrubs used to meet constructed buffer requirements shall be upright shrubs. (2) Natural Buffers: Existing healthy, natural forest cover and other vegetation shall be used to meet buffer requirements in the Agriculture/Open Space and Low Density Residential Districts as follows: (a) Where the existing tree cover exceeds 15 feet in height; and (b) Where the existing tree canopy covers 75 percent or more of the required buffer area. (c) The minimum width of a required natural buffer shall be 50 feet. (3) Natural Buffer as an Option: In zoning districts that do not require use of a natural buffer, a natural buffer may be employed. A minimum natural buffer width of 25 feet or the width required to satisfy the applicable constructed buffer requirement, whichever is greater, shall be provided in these instances. (a) Tree Protection in Natural Buffers. (b) In addition to the requirements of Section 9.11, Tree Protection and Tree Coverage. (c) Preservation, trees within natural buffers shall be protected as follows: (d) For the trees with a diameter at breast height of 30 inches or less, 75 percent of the root protection zone shall be undisturbed; and (e) For trees over 30 inches diameter at breast height, at least 90 percent of the root protection zone shall be undisturbed. (4) Additional Planting: The Development Services Director, or designee, may require additional planting in a natural buffer if it does not meet the vegetation standards required for the applicable constructed buffer. Sampling of existing vegetation within a natural buffer shall be required to determine if it meets this standard. (5) In zoning districts where buffers are not required, a solid board fence shall be provided between any non-residential use and adjacent detached dwellings.