§ 28.06.040. Required buffers.

A.

Buffers between Nonresidential and Residential Development:

1.

Where Required. A buffer is required along the common property line of any nonresidential project in any zoning district where such project is adjacent to a residential district.

2.

Design Standards. There shall be a minimum of one (1) Shade Tree or two (2) ornamental trees for every forty (40) feet or fraction thereof of lot line abutting the residential district. The trees should generally be evenly spaced, but may be located in a manner to achieve maximum screening benefit. Trees shall be within fifteen (15) feet of the property line common to the residential district. If utility and/or drainage easements occupy this fifteen (15) foot perimeter area, the trees may be located outside the easements. Each tree shall be in a planting area having a minimum permeable ground surface of twenty-five (25) square feet. The minimum size at the time of planting of required trees shall be as follows: Shade Trees—two (2) inch or greater caliper measured at a height of six (6) inches above the ground; ornamental trees—one (1) inch or greater caliper measured at a height of six (6) inches above the ground; Conifer Trees—five (5) feet or more in height. These trees shall be in addition to any screening required by Wichita/Sedgwick County Unified Zoning Code.

B.

Buffers between adjacent Multi-Family Residential or Manufactured Home Parks and Single-Family/Two-Family Residential Projects:

1.

Where Required. A buffer is required along the side and/or rear lot line of any multi-family project (a project with three or more dwelling units in one building) or manufactured home park in any zoning district where such a project is adjacent to a single-family or two-family zoning district.

2.

Design Standards. The required buffer shall be a minimum of fifteen (15) feet in width. There shall be a minimum of one (1) Shade Tree or two (2) ornamental trees and five (5) Shrubs for every thirty (30) feet of the length of the buffer; alternatively, a minimum of one (1) Shade Tree or two (2) ornamental trees for every twenty (20) feet of length of the buffer may be used. A minimum of one-third (1/3) of the trees and Shrubs shall be evergreen. The minimum size at the time of planting of required trees shall be as follows: Shade Tree —two (2) inch or greater caliper measured at a height of six (6) inches above the ground; ornamental trees—one (1) inch or greater caliper measured at a height of six (6) inches above the ground; Conifer Trees—five (5) feet or more in height. The minimum size of Shrubs shall be two (2) gallon containers. The width of the required buffer may be reduced to twelve (12) feet if the minimum planting size of materials is increased by one hundred (100%) percent or more. Parking shall be screened from adjacent residential areas in accordance with the parking lot screening requirements listed below. Required screening may be located within the buffer area. Parking may not be located within the buffer area.

(Ord. No. 50-340 § 4, 10-11-16)