A.
All lots or parts of lots which are in a predominantly nonresidential use and whose side or rear lines are adjacent to a residential zone shall be screened from such residential zone by landscaped buffer strips.
B.
All artificial fences erected on or after the effective date of this chapter shall comply with this chapter.
D.
Within a required buffer area, a solid and continuous landscape screen shall be planted and maintained. Said landscaping shall consist of massed evergreen and/or deciduous trees and/or shrubs of at least 3 1/2 feet in height and of such species as will produce, within three growing seasons, a screen at least six feet in height, so as to continually restrict a clear view beyond said buffer strip.
E.
The required height of the buffer strip shall be measured in relation to the elevation of the edge of the adjacent area to be screened. In such cases where the ground elevation of the location at which the screen is to be planted is less than the elevation of the edge of the adjacent area, the required height of the screen shall be increased in an amount equal to said difference in elevation. In the event that the ground elevation of the location at which the screen is to be planted is greater than that at the edge of the adjacent area, the minimum height of the screen shall prevail.
F.
The entire buffer strip shall be at least three feet wide and shall be graded and planted with grass seed or sod and such other shrubbery or trees as may be desired by the owner. The entire area shall be attractively maintained and kept clean of all debris and rubbish.
G.
The zoning occupancy permit for a use on the premises shall not be issued until such time as the landscaping requirements, buffer strips and/or other approved dividers, as required by this chapter, are either actually installed in full compliance herewith or, in the event that the season is not appropriate, a performance guarantee of 100% of the cost, as approved by the Borough, has been deposited with the Borough. Such guarantee shall be in an acceptable form, and the depositor shall agree in making the deposit that if performance is not completed within the time specified by the Zoning Officer on the receipt delivered to the depositor, the Borough may complete the requirements and charge the cost against the deposit; otherwise, the deposit shall be returned in full after the satisfactory completion of the work.
H.
In required buffer areas where a natural buffer strip is considered to be impracticable or inappropriate, an opaque fence may be substituted in whole or in part for a natural buffer, provided the Zoning Officer approves its specifications.
I.
In circumstances where it is impractical for a screen to meet all the requirements of this section or would create an undue hardship, the Planning Commission may modify the requirements or approve acceptable alternatives which shall satisfy the spirit, objectives and intent of the screen requirements.