Morrisville UDO - June 2017 version

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Article 5: Development Standards
Section 5.7. Perimeter and Streetyard Buffers
5.7.5. Location of Buffers
Morrisville, NC June 23, 2017
Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-39
5.7.5. Location of Buffers
A. Required buffers shall be located along the outer perimeter of the lot containing the proposed
development, just inside its boundary with the adjoining property or street right-of-way/easement.
Where an access or utility easement runs along that boundary and the easement precludes or restricts
provision of required screening, the required buffer shall be located along the interior boundary of the
easement.
B. Where a perimeter buffer meeting the standards in this section has already been provided by the
adjoining existing development, the proposed development can provide 50 percent of the minimum
buffer width and screening required in Section for the requisite buffer type provided a written
agreement between the owners of the adjoining properties establishing an alternative arrangement to
share responsibility for providing a buffer in full accordance with the standards of this section is
approved by the Planning Director and recorded in the appropriate county Register of Deeds.
(Ord. No. 2016-001, 05/10/2016)
5.7.6. Development within Required Buffers
A. The required buffer shall not contain any development, impervious surfaces, retaining walls (including
easements), or site features (except fences or walls) that do not function to meet the standards of this
section, unless otherwise permitted or required in this Ordinance.
B. Walkways, trails, and other elements associated with passive recreation, as well as overhead and
underground utility lines and low-impact stormwater management facilities, may be located within a
required buffer if:
All required landscaping is provided;
The element, line, of facility crosses the buffer as close to a right angle as practicable; and
The Planning Director and Town Engineer determine that installation or maintenance of such element,
line, or facility will minimize impacts on to required vegetation to the maximum extent practicable.
(Ord. No. 2016-001, 05/10/2016)
5.7.7. Alternative Configuration
The Planning Director may approve an alternative buffer location, width, or planting configuration through
submittal of an alternative landscape plan (Section .
5.7.8. Credit Towards Other Required Landscaping
A. Required buffers, and the trees and other vegetation within such buffers, may be credited towards
compliance with common open space and public recreation area, and landscaping, requirements to the
extent they comply with applicable standards in
and
B. Existing trees retained on a site in accordance with the standards i can be
credited towards the perimeter and streetyard buffer standards provided the trees meet the minimum
size at time of planning standards in Section and the trunks are
physically located within ten feet of the required perimeter or streetyard buffer boundary.
(Ord. No. 2014-051, 11/10/2014)