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Article 6: Development Standards 54 <br /> Section 6.8: Landscaping, Buffers&Tree Protection <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 land <br /> from erosion and stormwater98 runoff; minimize noise, water, light and air pollution; <br /> mitigation of the heat island effect; recharging of aquifers; and protection and <br /> 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-CD Master Plan, preliminary plat in <br /> 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 useful <br /> purpose, in which case the Planning Director, may modify the buffer and landscape <br /> 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 locations <br /> other than those typically required, when a modification to the requirements of this <br /> 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 Planning <br /> Director is empowered to waive the requirements for screening or additional landscaping <br /> provided that the request is submitted in writing stating the reason and rationale for such <br /> request, and the spirit and intent of this Ordinance is achieved. <br /> 6.8.4 Protection of Existing Vegetation <br /> (A) Tree Protection Areas <br /> There are two tree protection areas defined as follows: <br /> (1) Primary Tree Protection Area <br /> Front, side and rear yard setback areas; Stream Buffers; and Land Use Buffers <br /> as required by this Ordinance. If no side and/or rear setbacks are required, the <br /> Primary Tree Protection Area shall be ten feet in width as measured <br /> perpendicular to the lot line. <br /> (2) Secondary Tree Protection Area <br /> Any portion of a lot not included within the Primary Tree Protection Area. <br /> (B) Protective Measures <br /> 9s Consistent reference to"stormwater runoff". <br /> Orange County, North Carolina—Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-37 <br />