§ 6-2006. Permitted activity in the minimum visual buffer.

A.

Within the minimum visual buffer there shall be no development, clearing, grading, or construction activity with the following exceptions:

1.

Roadway or driveway access to the portion of the site not in the minimum visual buffer is permitted provided that it is approximately perpendicular to the arterial public right-of-way;

2.

Water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, electrical, telephone, natural cable, and utility service lines may be installed below the surface of the ground at right angles, provided that the natural vegetation is preserved and protected to the greatest extent practicable, and frontage zone landscaping points requirements are met;

3.

Sidewalks, pedestrian pathways and bicycle paths designed to provide continuous connection along the road corridor may be permitted, provided that they can be constructed without materially reducing the screening and visual softening capacity of the required landscaping;

4.

Signs are permitted in accordance with article IX;

5.

Clearing for sight distances is permitted at the entrances and exits to any development as needed to provide for reasonable traffic safety, in accordance with accepted traffic engineering practices recommended or required by the Virginia Department of Transportation;

6.

The trimming of existing limbs or branches of preserved trees is permitted when approved by the zoning administrator;

7.

When, in the opinion of the zoning administrator, the addition of plantings and earthen berms or masonry walls would better achieve the purposes of this district in lieu of the landscaping requirements of the frontage zone.

B.

The following cases anticipate those situations where the board of supervisors following a recommendation by the planning commission may determine that the minimum visual buffer requirements may be reduced or removed:

1.

Views and vistas of existing buildings which heighten the visual experience, serve as important points of spatial identification or contain value as important historical resources;

2.

Views and vistas of existing natural landscape/topographical features of a particular area of the district which correspond to certain high points affording panoramic views, views involving existing patterns of development, views of water, tidal and nontidal wetlands, tributary streams, and other elements of the physical landscape;

3.

Views and vistas to existing recreational/open space areas, whether natural or manmade, which serve to contribute to the overall visual environment. Such uses include, but are not limited to, golf courses, state or local parks, equestrian centers, cemeteries;

4.

Views and vistas which give the observer an awareness of a location's inherent character related to views of farmland, pastures, and water activities, such as docks or other maritime activities.

C.

Where a proposed development intends to further enhance or protect the existing visual environment, the board of supervisors may exempt, wholly or partially, the proposed development from the required minimum visual buffer. Examples include the following:

1.

A proposed development, which by virtue of the characteristics of its structures indicates innovation of design, a unique relationship with the site, represents a focal point and establishes a particular identifying element for the county;

2.

A proposed development which exhibits innovative or unique uses of site landscaping, or which combines in the use of the site, open recreational areas such as described above. (7-7-05; 8-20-09; Ord. No. 2012-8-C, 8-16-12, 3-20-14; 7-19-18.)