2025 08-19 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Updated January 2025 – Gem Lake Consolidated Land Use Ordinance No. 131 149 2. Trash areas and Accessory Structures. In all non-residential districts, all trash and trash handling equipment shall be stored within the principal structure, within an attached structure accessible from within the principal structure, or totally screened from eye level view from public streets and adjacent residential or non-residential zoned properties. If accessory structures are proposed, they shall be constructed of the same building materials as the principal structure and be readily served through swinging doors. Design shall be approved by the Fire Department. 3. Mechanical utilities screening. The ground level view of all mechanical utilities including roof top equipment shall be completely screened from contiguous properties and adjacent street, or designed to be compatible with the architectural treatment of the principal structure. 4. Loading and service area screening. The external loading and service areas accessory to buildings shall be completely screened from the ground level view from contiguous residential or non -residential properties and adjacent streets, except at access points. 9. Additional Screening Requirements. 1. Residential districts. In all residential districts, all waste material, debris, refuse, garbage, fuel or materials not currently in use for construction shall be stored indoors or totally screened from the eye level view from public streets and adjacent properties. 2. All zoning districts. In all zoning districts, mechanical equipment, utility meters, storage, service area and similar features shall be completely screened from the eye level view from adjacent properties and public streets, or designed to be compatible with the architectural treatment of the principal structure. 10. Screening Methods. 1. Screening Wall or Fence. A fence or wall may be used for screening when plant materials are provided along the outside of the fence or wall. 2. Earth Berms. An earth berm shall be allowed for screening, when used in combination with plant material. A minimum of twenty five percent (25%) of the required screening must be provided by the plant material. Final slopes on berms steeper than 3:1 will not be permitted without special approval or treatment such as terracing or retaining walls. Earth berms used to screen parking lots and other open areas shall be of sufficient height to achieve screening but not to have slopes exceeding 3:1. A minimum of a two (2) foot berm is required. 3. Planting Screens. All required screening or buffering shall be located on the lot occupied by the use, building, facility or structures to be screened. No screening or buffering shall be located on any public right-of-way or within eight (8) feet of the traveled portion of any street or highway. A planting screen shall consist of healthy, fully hardy plant materials and shall be designed to provide a minimum year round opaqueness of eight percent (80%) at the time of maturity. The plant material shall be of sufficient height to achieve the required screening. Composition of plant material for screening shall be composed of these minimum standards: 1. Not less than thirty-three percent (33%) coniferous 2. Not less than twenty-five percent (25%) deciduous 3. Not more than thirty-five percent (35%) shrubs 4. Not more than forty-five percent (45%) of one species Planting screens shall be maintained in a neat and healthy condition. Plants which have died shall be promptly replaced.