PURPOSE

  1. To provide a set of standards for visual, light, and noise barriers between uses, buildings, or activities on adjacent lots or on lots adjacent to a public way.

APPLICABILITY

  1. Applies to any project that requires a Special Permit.
  2. Applies to any Use that requires screening.
  3. When specifically applied as a standard from any part of this Code.

GENERAL

  1. Screening shall be vegetation in the form of trees or shrubs either naturally present or intentional planted to satisfy the requirements of this section.
    1. Fences or berms shall not be employed to meet the requirements of this section.
  2. Where required, Screening must be continuous, with the following exceptions:
    1. Pedestrian and vehicle access, plus related signs, may cross the screening area.
  3. In all types of screening, except Level 4 - Total visual opacity, selective cutting of trees is allowed, provided that a well distributed stand of trees and other vegetation is maintained as described in each of the Levels of Screening.
  4. Screening areas shall not be less than 25 ft in depth.
  5. Within the screening area, as specified by the permitting authority or pre-determined within this Code, a minimum rating score for Levels 2 and 3 shall be maintained in any 25 ft by 50 ft, non overlapping, rectangular area(s). See the Rating Score Table.
  6. Screening areas may encroach onto front, side, or rear setbacks.

LEVELS OF SCREENING

    1. Level 1 - Total visual transparency.
    2. No requirement for any form of visual, light, or noise screen.
  2. Level 2 - Partial screening
    1. Partial Screening shall be defined as maintaining a rating score of 16 points or more within the screening area.
    2. Trees may be limbed up to a height of 6 ft from ground level.
  3. Level 3 - Full screening
    1. Full Screening shall be defined as maintaining a rating score of 24 points or more within the screening area.
    2. Trees shall not be limbed.
    3. Removal of dead or dangerous trees shall be permitted by the CEO.
  4. Level 4 - Total visual opacity
    1. Total visual opacity shall be defined as untouched vegetation. No cutting of trees, shrubs, or undergrowth shall be permitted.
      1. Removal of dead or dangerous trees shall be permitted by the CEO.
      2. If total visual opacity cannot be provided by natural vegetation, the Planning Board may require a 100% opaque fence, or additional setbacks to fulfill this standard.

RATING SCORE

  1. A series of 25 ft by 50 ft rectangular plots of screening area must be established where the landowner or lessee proposes clearing vegetation within a screening area.