§ 33-10. Arterial and Freeway Roadway Buffering.

A.

Purpose. Freeway and Arterial Roadway Buffering is intended to protect residential uses by providing landscaped areas of sufficient density and height to divide and shield them from adverse impacts of vehicle traffic and to create a physical barrier to promote public safety.

B.

Composition. When required, buffering shall consist of new plantings, existing vegetation, or a combination thereof, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Approving Authority.

1.

Where new plantings are to be installed, refer to Table 33-2 for buffer requirement and layout.

2.

Tree Preservation In Lieu of Buffering Requirements. Existing trees or wooded areas are encouraged to be preserved to satisfy buffering requirements. Tree preservation is to be shown on site and construction plans. In addition to any landscape plan required, tree(s) to be preserved on a site, and the methods of protection to be used to assure survival during site development, shall be identified on the site or other construction plan.

3.

Native Vegetation. Native Vegetation shall be used to the extent possible. Refer to the Department of Conservation and Recreation Piedmont Native Plant list for allowable species.

C.

When Required. Buffering shall be provided as required under Table 33-2 and generally as follows:

1.

Residential Subdivisions when lot sizes are forty thousand (40,000) square feet or less that border freeways or arterial roadways.

2.

Multifamily Developments that border freeways or arterial roadways.

D.

Maintenance/Easements.

1.

The buffer area shall be placed in a permanent easement and shall be reflected on all subdivision plats and site plans associated with the development. This easement area may be part of or in conjunction with other open space areas and dedicated easements.

2.

All required landscaping associated with the buffer shall be maintained in accordance with Article 33-11.

E.

Variances.

1.

Topography. Where natural topographic features act as a buffer to the proposed subdivision the applicant may request a variance to buffer requirements. The Approving Authority will review the topographic features for compliance with this ordinance.

(Ord. of 2-6-2018(1), Att. A)

Editor's note— Attachment A of an ordinance adopted Feb. 6, 2018, repealed § 33-10 in its entirety and enacted new provisions to read as herein set out. Former § 33-10 pertained to encroachment into screens, and derived from an ordinance adopted Aug. 1, 2006.

(Ord. of 2-6-2018(1), Att. A)

Editor's note

Attachment A of an ordinance adopted Feb. 6, 2018, repealed § 33-10 in its entirety and enacted new provisions to read as herein set out. Former § 33-10 pertained to encroachment into screens, and derived from an ordinance adopted Aug. 1, 2006.