Buffers

A. Abutting properties. There shall be permanently maintained a minimum open space of 25 feet from any property line or right-of-way line, with the exception of the front yard under certain conditions, as delineated in Subsection B herein. Said open space shall not be paved for parking or driveways/circulation and may not be used for leaching or absorption fields. However, easements for utility lines and walkways for access to parking areas are permitted. Unless an agreement is rendered between abutting property owners to provide pedestrian and vehicular connections, the following must be installed between the abutting side and rear properties:
- (1) A vegetated area within said buffer of a minimum of 10 feet, with appropriate year-round screening incorporating an opaque vertical element with a minimum height of six feet by four feet in depth, at two years' maturity for natural features; or
- (2) Six feet for solid fences and walls.
B. Front yard.
- (1) The permanently maintained open space minimum of 25 feet from the right-of-way line or adjacent property line may be reduced to a ten-foot-wide landscaped and vegetated open space area buffer with a three-foot vertical element maintained between the parking and the landscaped area along the public street right-of-way line for the entire length of the frontage, except in the location of any approved curb cuts. Said vertical elements may consist of either a solid wall, dense hedge, or an earthen berm and may not be situated any closer than three feet from the right-of-way line; the purpose of this vertical element is to provide a year-round visual screen. Further, vertical elements shall not adversely affect sight distance for exiting vehicles.
- (2) This reduced buffer within the front yard shall not be paved for parking or driveways/circulation, and may not be used for leaching or absorption fields; however, easements for underground utility lines are permitted. The design for said buffers shall be in accordance with the landscaping provisions of this chapter and the Land Development and Subdivision Review Regulations of the Town of Johnston.
  Editor's Note: See the current Subdivision Regulations on file in the Town offices.