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A. Function and Materials: Buffering shall provide a year-round visual screen in order to minimize adverse impacts. It may consist of fencing, berms, rocks, boulders, mounds, or combinations thereof to achieve the same objectives.

B. When Required: Every development shall provide sufficient buffering when topographical or other barriers do not provide reasonable screening and when the Planning and Zoning Commission or Town Council determines that there is a need to shield neighboring properties from any adverse external effects of a development or to shield the development from negative impacts of adjacent uses such as streets or public utility facilities. In high-density developments, when building design and site do not provide privacy, the Town may require landscaping, fences, or walls to screen dwelling units for privacy. Buffers shall be measured from side and rear property lines, excluding driveways.

C. Design: Arrangement of plantings in buffers shall provide maximum protection to adjacent properties and avoid damage to existing plant material. Possible arrangements include planting in parallel, serpentine, or broken rows. If planted berms are used, the minimum top width shall be four feet, and the maximum side slope shall be three to one.

D. Planting Specifications: Plant materials shall be sufficiently large and planted in such a fashion that year-round screening of at least eight feet in height shall be produced within two years. All plantings shall be installed according to accepted horticultural standards.

E. Maintenance: Plantings shall be watered regularly and in a manner appropriate for the specific plant species through the first growing season, and dead and dying plants shall be replaced by the applicant during the next planting season. No buildings, structures, storage of materials, or parking lots shall be permitted within the buffer area; buffer areas shall be maintained and kept free of all debris, rubbish, weeds, and tall grass. Whenever possible, adherence with seasonal watering schedules that occur between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM and the use of peat moss or organic mulches to help conserve water and reduce high evaporation rates is encouraged.