17.44.020: MINIMUM REQUIRED BUFFERS AT ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES:

A. Buffers:

TABLE 2

Note:

1.     Buffers shall not be required for redevelopment of existing IZD uses.

B. Minimum Buffer Requirements: The width of required buffers varies with the nature of the uses being separated, as shown in subsection A of this section. The minimum buffer width given in the table is the width required where the buffer consists of a level or gently sloping area of sod or ground cover and at least four (4) major trees per hundred lineal feet of buffer.

C. Buffer Width Reduction; Berms Or Walls: The minimum buffer width requirements may be reduced where a berm is included in the buffer or where an opaque fence or wall is installed along the interior edge of the buffer. The width reduction shall be twice the height of a berm or the height of a fence or wall, but the maximum permitted reduction shall be thirty percent (30%) of the minimum required buffer width. No berm shall have a slope of more than three to one (3:1), except where a retaining wall is incorporated into the berm on the side opposite the use or public way being buffered. Fences or walls shall be consistent in design and the choice of materials and color with the principal building being buffered.

D. Buffer Width Reduction; More Plants: The basic buffer width requirements may be reduced where a greater density and diversity of plantings is included in the buffer. The buffer width reductions permitted for different types of additional plantings are cumulative and may result in a total reduction of up to thirty percent (30%). The buffer width reduction permitted for a berm or wall is cumulative with those permitted herein permitting a maximum total sixty percent (60%) reduction in the width of the buffer, but note that there is a minimum buffer width, regardless of reductions permitted.

1. Major Trees: The required buffer width shall be reduced by ten percent (10%) where five (5) or more major trees per hundred lineal feet are planted or retained.

2. Understory Trees: The required buffer width shall be reduced by ten percent (10%) where five (5) or more understory trees per hundred lineal feet are planted or retained.

3. Shrubs: The required buffer width shall be reduced by ten percent (10%) where twenty (20) or more shrubs per hundred lineal feet are planted or retained.

E. Minimum Buffer Width; Regardless Of Reductions: No required buffer shall be less than half the minimum required buffer width or less than eight feet (8') wide, regardless of any reductions permitted.

F. Buffer Crossings; Inclusions: Buffers may be crossed by access driveways, utility lines, sidewalks, and pedestrian trails. A sidewalk or pedestrian trail may also run along the length of a buffer, with its width, up to a maximum five feet (5'), being included in the required buffer width. Buffers may also include permitted signs.

G. Plant Materials Specifications: Plant materials installed in required buffers shall be warrantied for one year and meet the following specifications: 1) all trees, major and understory, shall be containerized or bagged and burlapped stock in good condition with a caliper of at least 1.5 inches, measured one foot (1') above grade, for deciduous trees, and a height of at least six feet (6') for coniferous trees; and 2) all shrubs shall be minimum one gallon containerized stock in good condition.

H. Maintenance: Perpetual maintenance of required buffers is required by sections 17.68.120 through 17.68.150 of this title. (Ord. 387, 1998)