WEATHERSFIELD TOWNSHIP Rules govern business exteriors

A minimum of 15 percent green space is required around businesses, and 50 percent of that must be in front.
By MARY SMITH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
MINERAL RIDGE -- Weathersfield Township trustees have approved an amended zoning code that sets requirements for green space, buffering, screening, lighting and landscaping around businesses.
A minimum of 15 percent green space is now required, excluding parking, driveways or building area, and 50 percent of that must be in front.
Walkways in the first 15 feet will be included in calculating green space.
Where there are abutting residential properties, setback requirements must be observed.
Fixed equipment must be screened from view and integrated into the landscaping.
Screen plantings must create at least a 6-foot-high screen within three years of planting.
Lighting on businesses must face in such a way as to avoid glare.
Building illumination sources must be concealed.
Minimum landscaping
Minimum requirements for landscaping call for three ornamental trees and 10 shrubs per 100 foot of frontage.
Landscaping is also to be used to screen parking areas from adjacent residences beside or behind the business.
Fences or walls must be made of wood, iron, decorative aluminum, stone, brick, vinyl or decorative block. Retaining walls must be stone, decorative wall systems, brick or wood.
Chain-link fences are not permitted.
Any part of the property not used for structure, parking, aisles or sidewalks must have an all-season, well-maintained vegetative cover.
Dead or diseased plant material must be replaced within one year.
The amendment replaces all previous references in the township zoning law.