§ 70-67. Landscaping and parking.

(a)

The visual impacts of a communication tower and ancillary structures shall be mitigated for nearby viewers through landscaping or other screening materials. The landscaping and buffering of communication towers in this section shall be required around the perimeter of the tower and ancillary structures. Ancillary structures include but are not limited to buildings and equipment. Further, the use of existing vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum extent practicable. The following requirements shall apply to communication tower sites:

(1)

A row of shade trees, a minimum of eight feet tall and a maximum of ten feet apart, shall be planted and maintained at locations surrounding the tower and buildings and equipment such that maximum screening from adjacent lands and rights-of-way are achieved.

(2)

A continuous hedge at least 30 inches high at planting capable of growing to at least 36 inches in height within 18 months shall be planted and maintained in front of the tree lines referenced in subsection (a)(1) of this section.

(3)

All landscaping shall be of the evergreen variety.

(4)

All landscaping shall be xeriscape tolerant or irrigated and properly maintained to ensure good health and viability.

(b)

The city shall require a parking area to be designated to serve all communication tower sites and facilities at each location and to be placed within the wall and landscaping required by subsection (a) of this section. Parking requirements may be waived for camouflaged and accessory communication towers; provided, however, that the parking area shall provide at least one parking space.

(Ord. No. 97-31, § 1 (29-20), 9-11-97)