Page 227 - Des Moines - Zoning, Planning and Design Ch 134, 135
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DRAFT 135-5. lANDScAPe AND StreetScAPe
Screening of Necessary Appurtenances
135-5.12 Screening of Necessary
Appurtenances
5.12.1 iNteNt
To reduce the visibility of open storage, refuse areas, Opaque Screen Wall
loading, and utility appurtenances from public areas Landscape Islands
and adjacent properties.
Opaque Gate
5.12.2 APPlicABilitY
All dumpsters, loading areas, refuse areas, mechanical
equipment, and utility appurtenances in all districts
shall be screened as follows.
5.12.3 GeNerAl
A. location on Site. The location of refuse areas,
loading, and utility appurtenances are defined by Figure 6.12-A Screening of Open Storage & Refuse Areas.
building type in Chapter 135, Article 1 and in the
design requirements of Chapter 135, Article 2.
B. concrete Pad. For all loading, refuse, and utility
appurtenances, a concrete pad is required.
width requirements in 135-5.11.2.A.3. This tree
5.12.4 lOADiNG AND reFUSe AreAS may be utilized to meet the minimum interior
A. Opaque Screen parking lot requirements, if located as such.
1. Screen Wall. An opaque screen wall is required 4. Ornamental grasses, shrubs, or similar landscape
per the following: material shall cover a minimum of 50% of the
a. The wall shall enclose the area around at buffer area.
least 3 sides. 5.12.5 MecHANicAl eQUiPMeNt AND UtilitY
b. The screen wall shall be masonry APPUrteNANceS
construction matching any masonry from Mechanical equipment and utility appurtenances shall
the building’s street facade design. be located as defined in 135-2.5. When visible from
2. Height. The height of the screen wall shall be tall any street or adjacent property, the equipment and
enough to screen the use inside, and a minimum appurtenances shall be screened from view unless
of 6 feet. The community development director the community development director finds that such
may request additional height as needed for screening conflicts with the function of the equipment.
complete screening. A. Generally. The form, material, and color of the
3. Visible Openings. Openings visible from the screening for all equipment and appurtenances shall
public way or adjacent properties shall include meet all of the following criteria:
steel gates. 1. Screening, other than landscaping, shall be
4. Exception. A type 1 design exception per 135-6.2 consistent with the building design, colors, and
may be approved for alternative materials. materials.
B. landscape. If the area is located within a larger 2. The height of any screen is the minimum
paved area, such as a parking lot, the following appropriate to adequately screen the mechanical
applies: equipment.
1. Landscape Area. A landscape buffer at least 5 3. Screening does not increase the apparent height
feet in depth shall be located along all 3 sides. of the walls of the building.
2. One shade tree shall be provided within the 4. The equipment is a neutral color, such as tan,
landscape buffer. green, or silver.
3. The shade tree shall be located per the island B. large Private Mechanical equipment. Large
private mechanical equipment includes ground-
CITY OF DES MOINES CHAPTER 135: PLANNING AND DESIGN DRAFT 135-5-15
