Franklin Township, Adams County

"Ground-mounted SEF shall be screened and buffered in accordance with the following standards: [1] Vegetative buffering shall be installed around the entire perimeter of the SEF installation, except where the Zoning Officer determines that the retention of existing trees within the vegetative buffering area may constitute the required vegetative buffer. Existing natural buffers shall be retained in accordance with Chapter 175, § 175-22. [2] The vegetative buffering shall be installed along the exterior side of the fencing. All required vegetative buffering shall be located within 50 feet of the required fencing. [3] Vegetative buffering shall be designed to emulate the mix of species and appearance of existing tree lines, hedgerows, and wooded areas already in existence within the landscape where the SEF is proposed. The applicant shall assess the species mix and characteristics found in existing tree lines, hedgerows, and wooded areas surrounding the SEF and document that the vegetative buffering is designed to emulate these characteristics. [4] Vegetative buffering shall be selected to provide year-round buffering and shall be of sufficient height, density, and maturity to screen the facility from visibility, as set forth herein within 36 months of the installation of the SEF. [5] The primary use of evergreen trees shall not be permitted, and a monotonous straight row of the same species, particularly evergreen trees, is specifically prohibited. [6] A combination of natural topography and vegetation can serve as a buffer, provided that the SEF will not be visible from public roads, public parks, or existing residences on surrounding properties. Earthen berms may not be created to serve as a buffer. [7] Visibility of SEF shall be determined as visible in a photograph taken at a point with a digital camera with an APS -C Sensor and a 35 mm focal length lens. An SEF shall be considered to not be visible provided that no more than 5% of the SEF shall be visible in accordance with the measure of visibility set forth above. [8] The buffering requirements of this section shall supersede the provisions of Article IV of § 175-22 as they pertain to SEFs."