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Article 6: Development Standards 260 <br /> Section 6.8: Landscaping, Buffers&Tree Protection <br /> (G) The plan has changed substantially On its impacts, or <br /> (d) A basis fordenial for reasons set forth_n Section 2.5 or Article 5 <br /> demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence 135 <br /> (4)(3) A site plan shall not be accepted by staff for review until the MPD-SZ-CD Master <br /> Plan has been approved. <br /> ��l <br /> ) Th� �(5eEtDFsholl have the diSGFet require o m.,rlifiGa+i. R to the <br /> nn�v--Master O�rl'aR should the submittedsite nlon . „Io+o n +ho <br /> Dlanning Qiror•tor'o GPOROOR, the provisions set forth in Coo+ion F 7 5(D)(3) above <br /> SECTION 6.8: LANDSCAPING, BUFFERS & TREE PROTECTION <br /> 6.8.1 Purpose and Intent <br /> The standards of this section provide for the preservation of existing vegetation and for the <br /> installation and maintenance of new vegetation and other landscape architectural features. The <br /> purpose of these standards is to: <br /> (A) Protect, preserve, and enhance the visual appeal, character, and value of Orange <br /> County; <br /> (B) Enhance the beauty of the built environment; <br /> (C) Enhance the privacy and welfare of citizens by separating incompatible land uses; <br /> (D) Allow for the ecological benefits provided by plant materials including: protection of <br /> land from erosion and storm water runoff; minimize noise, water, light and air <br /> pollution; mitigation of the heat island effect; recharging of aquifers; and protection <br /> and enhancement of wildlife habitats; and <br /> (E) Preservation of natural forested tree areas. <br /> 6.8.2 Applicability <br /> The landscaping and buffering standards of this section shall apply to all proposed land <br /> development for which a site plan, special use permit, MPD-GZ-CD Master Plan, preliminary plat <br /> in the case of major subdivisions or a final plat in the case of minor subdivisions, is required. <br /> 6.8.3 Variations <br /> (A) In some cases the strict adherence to this section of the Ordinance would serve no <br /> useful purpose, in which case the Planning Director, may modify the buffer and <br /> landscape standards of this Section where: <br /> (1) The topography of a site and/or the size of a proposed lot are sufficient to serve <br /> the purpose of a buffer; <br /> (2) Existing structures, utilities, gardens or active farmland are located in the buffer <br /> or setback areas; <br /> (3) Existing vegetation is damaged, unhealthy, or poses a safety threat; or <br /> (4) An existing residence or structure with established lawn areas and/or plant beds <br /> is contained within a proposed subdivision lot. <br /> (B) The Planning Director may require alternative buffers or landscaping, including <br /> locations other than those typically required, when a modification to the requirements <br /> of this section is warranted in order to meet the intent of the specified standards. <br /> (C) When a proposed lot includes one or more of the conditions listed above, the <br /> Planning Director is empowered to waive the requirements for screening or additional <br /> 135 The language in (3)is no longer necessary since review/approval would be via a Conditional District rather than <br /> an SUP. <br /> Orange County, North Carolina—Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-37 <br />