Ordinances-2003-260

odd-shaped parcels and where access control procedures would be difficult to apply. c. Expansive parking areas for developments shall be discouraged. With the use of berms, walls, fences, or depressed parking lots, smaller parking arrangements can be placed on the side and back areas of the developments, reducing the non-aesthetic qualities that large-scale parking lots have on the surrounding environment. These small parking areas should be interconnected with a "ring road" to enhance effective internal circulation. 3. Landscape/Architectural Considerations a. Aesthetic and landscaping improvements along the prescribed roadway shall be encouraged during prescribed roadway reconstruction projects. The underground placement of overhead utility lines shall be considered whenever major road construction occurs. Affected property owners and developers shall contribute to the utility relocation and burial. If burial cannot be performed, aesthetic utility poles should be considered. b. Where adjacent land uses change (i.e. residential to nonresidential), buffer and screening regions shall be used to provide the appropriate noise and visual shield. c. Whenever possible, landscaping for small adjacent parcels shall be blended together to form a more homogeneous appearance. d. Where distant frontage roads are used, it shall be encouraged to have complete landscaping, architecture, and aesthetic building materials all the way around the development. This will prevent the "back side" of the development from occurring on either the prescribed roadway or frontage road side. Proper buffer treatment between properties and land uses beyond the distant frontage road shall be promoted. e. Careful selection of building material and landscaping techniques for developments shall be strongly encouraged not only to enhance the aesthetic meshing of the proposed development with the desired corridor appearance, but aid in the reduction of vibrations and noise caused by highway traffic. f. A detailed landscaping and signage plan should be included with each proposed development.