§ 15.10.050. Screening—required.

A.

Screening, in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter, is required for the accumulation, storage, or disposal of salvage or scrap.

B.

Screening refers to fencing or other manmade barriers to conceal salvage from public view. It also refers to natural barriers. Any screening barrier must conform to all local zoning, planning, building provisions, and any other legal restrictions that may be in effect for each property.

C.

If a fence is used, the boards may be spaced and/or slanted to reduce wind load. The space which can be seen from a broadside view will not be more than one and one-half (1½) inches wide when viewed at any angle from forty-five (45) degrees to ninety (90) degrees to the fence. The interval between spaces will not be less than seven and one-half (7½) inches. Chain-link metal fences with standard fiberglass or other inserts are acceptable, provided the gap between adjacent slats does not exceed one and one-half (1 ½) inches. The breaks in the fence may be vertical or at any angle; they cannot be horizontal.

D.

Fences are to be constructed of sound building materials. Rough dimensional lumber or better is acceptable. Slabs are not considered rough dimensional lumber. Plastics or other materials that are placed over the salvage or scrap are not acceptable. Trees and shrubs can best be used in conjunction with other screening materials to improve the appearance of the salvage or scrap facility. Screening other than the two (2) types of fencing specifically approved above (metal and wood) but of equivalent permanence, attractiveness, and screening qualities are also acceptable, if approved by the Board of Adjustment in compliance with OCCGF Title 17.

E.

Screening with shrubs and trees, while not subject to precise measurements, is to provide a similar degree of screening at all times of the year. A berm may be constructed of any solid material, including stumps, demolition debris, etc. The slopes of the berm are to be covered and graded smooth, with not less than three (3) inches of topsoil and seeded with an adequate seeding formula.

F.

No more than one (1) of the approved screening materials is to be used on one (1) side of the premises. Trees and shrubs may be placed on the outside of the screening material. Other sides may use different approved materials.

G.

The screening is to be maintained by the property or salvage dealer in a neat and workmanlike manner and in compliance with all applicable Official Code of the City of Great Falls provisions. Screening is to be replaced when necessary by the property owner or salvage dealer. Damage by criminal acts, or other causes, is at the risk of the owner or designee.

H.

Signage on the screening must comply with OCCGF Title 17.

(Ord. 3189, 2018).