§ 12.2. Landscape buffers between incompatible uses.

A.

Required landscape buffering is in accordance with the landscape buffer matrix (Table A), which establishes buffer types and requirements from abutting uses. Figure A illustrates the planting requirements for each buffer type. The buffer width requirements are based on two landscaping alternatives: the provision of landscaping only or the provision of landscaping with a fence, decorative masonry wall or berm. Where a wall or fence is provided or required by this section, all landscaping shall be in front of the wall or fence. All landscape buffers are required to be irrigated with an in-ground water efficient system and, where possible, utilize reclaimed water.

B.

Buffer and landscaping requirements for special exception uses as defined in the zoning district use matrix shall be established by the town commission as part of the special exception use approval process, but shall, at a minimum, conform with type "B" buffer requirements, except as provided for in this section.

C.

Vehicle sales, service stations, convenience stores with or without gas pumps, restaurants with drive-throughs, lounges and bars and shopping centers and other similar permitted or special exception uses, because of their level of activity and hours of operation, require greater buffering from abutting single-family and multifamily residential districts. The required landscape buffer width shall be ten feet, landscaped pursuant to the Buffer B planting requirements and shall provide a six-foot high decorative fence or masonry wall.

D.

Planting requirements.

1.

The required planting shall be based on number of plants per 100 linear feet or fraction thereof (rounding up to the nearest whole number). At least 50 percent of all canopy and understory trees shall be native species. Credit shall be given for existing on-site native canopy trees that are located along the property boundary. Credit for existing healthy trees is as follows: One tree for each tree between three-inch DBH and less than a ten-inch diameter at breast height (DBH) and two trees for each tree with a ten-inch DBH or greater. Existing healthy understory trees a minimum one and one-half inch DBH will be credited on a one to one basis. No credit will be given for palm trees.

2.

Tree/shrub types.

a.

Canopy trees. See Section 12.6.5.B or as may be approved by the town commission or its designee. Based on site constraints and/or location of existing canopy trees, the town commission or its designee may administratively approve substitution of palms and/or understory trees as replacement for required canopy trees. Replacement shall be as follows:

i.

Two understory trees or three palm trees for each required canopy tree.

b.

Understory trees . Crepe Myrtle, Bottle Brush, Yaupon Holly, Wax Leaf Ligustrum, Wax Myrtle or as may be approved by the town commission or its designee. Florida native plants and those that are drought tolerant are preferred.

c.

Shrubs. India Hawthorn, Pittosporum, Ligustrum, Azaleas, Junipers or as may be approved by the town commission or its designee.

d.

The Florida-friendly plant list prepared by the University of Florida/IFAS Extension will be utilized as a guide in the approval of appropriate plant materials.

3.

Minimum size planting requirements:

a.

Tree truck measurements are based on diameter at breast height (DBH). DBH is measured at four and one-half feet above the existing grade of the tree.

b.

Canopy tree: Two-inch DBH and ten feet in height;

c.

Understory tree: One and one-half inch DBH and five feet in height;

d.

Palms: Minimum ten feet of clear trunk; and

e.

Shrubs: Twenty-four inches in height.

f.

All landscape planting materials are to be Florida Grade No. 1.

E.

Maintenance and management.

1.

All required landscaping and irrigation shall be maintained and managed to ensure efficient water use, prevent wasteful practices and promote healthy and proper tree, shrub and turf/grass growth. Maintenance shall include utilizing best management practices such as proper pruning, mulching and periodic sprinkler system maintenance.

2.

The property owner of any approved development that required landscaping and said landscaping had been inspected by the town commission or its designee and was determined to be in poor condition or has died shall be required to replace said landscaping pursuant to a compliance time prescribed by the town commission or its designee or be subject to Section 12.6.11, violations and penalties.

ARTICLE XII—TABLE A

Landscape Buffer Matrix

	Abutting Use Category/Zoning District 1, 2
Proposed Use Category/Zoning District	Agricultural	Single-Family (RDR, LDR)	Multifamily (MDR)	Business (B)	Institutional (I)	Right-of-Way
Agricultural (A)	N	C	C	B	B	A
Single-family (LDR, RDR)	N	N	N	N	N	N
Single-family subdivision (LDR, RDR)	N	B	B	A	A	A
Multifamily (MDR)	N	B	N	B	A	B
Business (B)	N	B (4)	B (4)	A	A	B
Institutional (I)	N	C (4)	C (4)	B	N	C

 

Notes:

Refer to zoning district use matrix for a list of permitted and special exception uses for each of the above general use categories. "N" refers to no buffer required.

If the abutting use is vacant land or the abutting use is a nonconforming use, then the buffer shall be based solely on the zoning district.

All development along S.R. 52, except for single-family homes, shall provide a "C" buffer. Development along other road rights-of-way refer to Table A for the required buffer.

Institutional and business uses, because of their level of activity and scale of development, require greater buffering from abutting single-family and multifamily residential districts. The minimum required landscape buffer width shall be 20 feet, landscaped pursuant to the buffer C planting requirements, and shall provide a six-foot high decorative solid fence or masonry wall. The required landscaping must be placed in front of the fence/wall.

(Ord. No. 11-01, § 2, 1-10-2011; Ord. No. 12-01, § 6, 12-12-2011)