220 School St Winchendon, MA 01475-1153

applies where C1, C2, and I Districts abut residential property and requires a buffer zone/yard of 50 feet to screen the residential properties.] (b) A registered landscape architect shall prepare a landscape plan drawn to scale, including dimensions and distances. The plan shall delineate all existing and proposed parking spaces or other vehicle areas, access aisles, driveways, and the location, size and description of all landscaping materials and tree cover. (c) The development shall have one central gathering place of unique visual interest. This may include elements such as a fountain, pond, sculpture, gazebo or similar open space or structure. The area shall be provided with benches, stone walls, and similar amenities, and shall be accessible to individuals in wheelchairs. (d) Loading areas and service facilities (dumpsters, storage areas, utility boxes, etc.) shall be placed to the rear of buildings in visually unobtrusive locations. Screening and landscaping shall prevent direct views of such areas from adjacent properties or from public ways. Screening shall be achieved through walls, fences, landscaped berms, evergreen plantings, or combinations thereof. Fences made of wood, stone, or brick are preferred; chain link or concrete materials are prohibited. (e) HVAC units, telephone boxes, electrical transformers, etc. shall be screened through use of landscaping, berms, or fences and shall be as unobtrusive as possible. HVAC units may be located behind roof ridge lines so they are not visible from the front view of the building. (f) When a proposed development abuts a Residential District, whether presently developed or not, landscaped buffers shall be employed to shield the residential property from view of the proposed development, and to minimize lighting and noise impacts. Such a buffer shall contain a screen of plantings not less than three feet in width and six feet in height at the time of planting, and shall thereafter be maintained by the owner or occupant so as to provide a dense screen year-round. At least 50% of the plants shall consist of evergreens. A solid wall or fence, not to exceed six feet in height, complemented by suitable plantings may be substituted for such landscaped buffers. (10) Architectural standards. (a) The site plan application shall contain elevations of all proposed buildings, prepared and stamped by a registered professional architect. (b) Exterior materials may include clapboard, wood shingles, stone, brick, or materials of comparable appearance.