Forsyth County › Unified Development Code

Chapter 21 — Overlay Districts, Article 11 — BUFORD HIGHWAY OVERLAY DISTRICT

current as of 2026-04-02currency checked manuallyOfficialofficial source ↗11 sections · full chapter

§ 21-11.1

Purpose.

The purpose of this overlay district is to establish minimum standards for any site development, exterior architectural design, landscaping, lighting and signage that contribute to the district’s overall character. This is accomplished through enhancement of commercial growth through unity of design and quality architecture and the creation of visual interest through landscape and architectural features. Design standards are intended to ensure coordinated design of building exteriors in order to promote visual congruence, positively impact adjacent properties, and produce buildings that augment the character and appearance of the area. It is the goal of this ordinance to promote freedom in design while establishing a baseline for design compatibility. This goal is in accordance with the County’s objective to encourage landscaping, signage, building design, and other development regulations that enhance the image of the County and create value as stated in the implementation program of the Comprehensive Plan. In addition, this overlay is intended to increase design functionality of vehicle related establishments and to mitigate impacts of commercial uses on residential areas through additional site design considerations. Buford Highway is a major arterial roadway that handles significant volumes of traffic and is therefore highly visible to the traveling public. The enhancement of this well-traveled corridor through a unification of its visual context by way of appropriate design measures offers benefits such as the protection of land values through improved appearance and utility that may foster business attraction.

§ 21-11.2

Delineation of District.

The Buford Highway Overlay District applies to all properties indicated on the Official Overlay District Map of Forsyth County. Where land is located in the Buford Highway Overlay District, the regulations governing development in the overlay district shall apply in addition to the regulations governing development in the underlying base zoning district. In the event of an express conflict between the standards governing a base zoning district and those governing this overlay district, the standards governing the overlay district shall control. The Overlay regulations apply to any parcel that falls wholly or partially within 1,000 feet of the centerline of Buford Highway/Canton Highway.

§ 21-11.3

Permitted Uses.

All uses allowed in the underlying zoning districts as established by this Code, except for those listed below, are permitted in the Buford Highway Overlay District. Commercial zoning districts and uses are strongly encouraged east of the City of Cumming based on the designation of Buford Highway as a commercial corridor within the Forsyth County Comprehensive Plan. The designation of this portion of the highway corridor as a commercially focused area shall be considered as rezoning proposals are submitted for properties located within the overlay district boundary.

(A)Theaters, except if otherwise located within a planned commercial or mixed use development.

(B)Electronic game playing centers

(C)Adult entertainment centers

(D)Adult novelty stores

(E)Pawn shops

(F)Pool halls

(G)Tattoo parlors

(H)Massage parlors, except massage establishments that provide massage services as well as facials, chemical peels, muscle stretch and therapy services, aromatherapy and foot treatments.

(I)Landfills

(J)Transfer stations

(K)Trailer parks

(L)Temporary buildings except construction trailers in commercial and industrial districts

(M)Electronic message boards/Changeable copy signs, except as outlined in section 21-11.7, including any upgrades to preexisting signs regardless of general allowance of such upgrades in the Forsyth County Sign Ordinance and this Code.

(N)Chemical storage facilities

(O)Panhandling

(P)Self-service car washes

(Q)Building supply yards

(R)Fuel tank lease and sales establishments

(S)Large scale retail on any parcel of less than seven (7) acres between Nuckolls Road and Echols Road and on parcels of any size between Echols Road and the county line bordering Gwinnett County.

(T)Vehicle rental establishments, vehicle sales dealerships and parking decks on any parcel of less than seven (7) acres between Nuckolls Road and Echols Road and vehicle rental establishments, vehicle sales Unified Development Code of Forsyth County - 21 - 39 -dealerships and fuel stations on parcels of any size between Echols Road and the county line bordering Gwinnett County.

(U)Smoke shops and vape/e-cigarette stores

(V)Marijuana or THC dispensaries excluding licensed pharmacies

(W)Open storage as a primary use, west of the City of Cumming.

§ 21-11.4

Design Plan Administrative Review.

Design review shall be performed by department staff.

Architectural elevations, exterior finish schedules, landscape and signage plans must be submitted to the department at the time of application for a land disturbance permit. Lighting plans must be submitted prior to the issuance of a building permit. See Chapter 7 and Chapter 18 of this Code for land disturbance and building permit procedures. All plans shall address and conform to all provisions set forth under Chapter 21, Article XI. Any numerical nonconformance to the standards contained within this Article shall require the submittal of a variance application in accordance with section 8-6.4 of this Code. Should a design not meet all of the non-numerical standards contained within this Article, then the proposed design must be submitted, for public hearing, to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners for review and approval as an Alternate Design. In considering whether to approve such Alternate Design, the Board of Commissioners shall consider the Special Considerations set forth in section 8-5.5(F)(2)(b) of this Code.

§ 21-11.5

Site Design Standards.

(A)Any new development, building expansion, expansion of open storage, outdoor display, or parking areas will trigger conformance of the entire property to current site design standards, including but not limited to landscape strips, parking islands, and any applicable screening.

(B)Parking for commercial establishments shall be distributed along not less than two sides of the building exterior. Parking that fronts the main building entrance(s) shall have no more than sixty (60%) percent of the total number of parking spaces or 300 parking spaces, whichever is less.

(C)New commercial developments and substantial improvements to existing commercial developments shall provide for pedestrian and automobile access connections between adjacent properties when feasible.

(D)Sidewalks shall connect the rights-of-way with all non-residential main building entrance(s). Sidewalks shall be no less than five (5) feet in width. Sidewalks may be permitted within required landscape strips on a case-by-case basis upon thorough review of the landscape plan in order to still meet the intent of this Code and protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

(E)Where pedestrian crossings cross parking areas and drives, decorative paving material (i.e., pavers, stamped or textured concrete, or color concrete) shall be used to delineate the pedestrian crossing.

(F)Speed bumps are prohibited within commercial developments. Speed tables are permitted.

(G)Retaining walls shall be faced with stone and brick when visible from the right-of-way.

(H)Landscaping. The intent of this section is to require the integration of all landscape improvements with the overall project requirements. All plant materials shall be used to enhance the existing area, particularly as viewed from an adjacent right-of-way, and to mitigate development impacts. Landscape plans shall be submitted to the department for design review. The following is in addition to Ordinance No. 98 (Tree Protection and Replacement Ordinance) and shall be implemented:

(1)Plant materials shall be used as accent elements at roadside entryways to provide a definite sense of arrival to commercial properties. Plant materials shall consist of ground cover, herbaceous ornamentals, shrubs, understory, and/or overstory trees adjacent to the establishment’s monument sign(s). These materials shall be clustered while maintaining adequate sight distance to and from the entryway. Entryway plantings shall be compatible with adjacent landscape areas in species selection and provide a cohesive transition between landscape plantings. All landscape areas shall incorporate a minimum of forty (40%) percent evergreen trees and shrubs within each area.

(2)All landscape areas shall incorporate a minimum of forty (40%) percent evergreen trees and shrubs within each area. All landscape areas shall also incorporate a minimum of twenty-five (25%) percent native plant material. Such plant material must be indigenous to the Southeastern U. S. and be approved by the County arborist.

(3)A minimum 25 foot wide landscape strip shall be provided along the proposed future rights-of-way and reservation lines of SR 20/Buford Highway from GA Highway 400, extending west to the county line bordering Cherokee County, and east to Twin Branches Road. A minimum 35 foot wide landscape strip shall be provided along the proposed future rights-of-way of Buford Highway from Twin Branches Road to the Chattahoochee River. In addition, fencing consistent with the Unified Development Code of Forsyth County - 21 - 40 -composition and design criteria set forth below shall be installed within the landscape strip immediately adjacent to the proposed future rights-of-way of SR 20/Buford Highway.

(a)For all properties, fencing shall be four board style black fences consisting of a minimum one

(1)inch thick, four (4) inch wide fence board affixed to four (4) inch posts spaced a maximum of ten (10) feet apart. The board fences shall be a minimum of four (4) feet and a maximum of six (6) feet in height. Natural stone or brick masonry columns may be used in the fence design.

Fences shall be constructed using high quality materials in accordance with section 21-11.5(I) to ensure low repair and maintenance cost.

(b)Individual lots of record within residential or agricultural districts are exempt from this requirement.

(4)All landscape strips are required to contain a combination of vegetative ground cover, herbaceous ornamentals, and low to mid-level shrubs in addition to large canopy trees. Shrubs shall be a minimum of two (2) feet high every five (5) feet on center at time of planting. A minimum of three

(3)canopy trees per fifty (50) linear feet is required. Each tree shall have a minimum two (2) inch caliper and be at least eight (8) feet high at time of installation, Tree and shrub placement may be grouped and staggered rather than following a regulated line along the road frontage. Trees shall count towards the tree density requirements as outlined in Ordinance 98 (Tree Protection and Replacement Ordinance).

(5)For all lot corners abutting right-of-way on two sides, extending a minimum of fifty (50) linear feet from the corner point on each side paralleling the rights-of-way, a minimum of four (4) enhanced rows of plant material to include a combination of shrubs and perennials in addition to groundcover other than turf shall be required. Spacing of plant material shall be adequate to provide a dense, full appearance. These understory plantings shall be integrated with the canopy tree requirements.

(6)If the developer opts to provide an additional five (5) feet to the landscape strip to satisfy Section 17-5.7(C) of this Code, then the total width of the front landscape strip shall be thirty (30) feet or forty (40) feet subject to Subsection (H)(3), above. A minimum of 10 feet of the required landscape strip, as applicable, shall be located behind utility easements so plant material will not be disturbed after installment.

(7)Ground mounted equipment, such as power transformers and pole-mounted lights, are prohibited within required landscape parking islands.

(8)Landscape Installation and Maintenance. Certification by a registered landscape architect verifying that landscaping meets the standards of this code and the approved plans must be submitted. In addition, the contractor responsible for landscape installation must certify that all plant material has been installed per the approved plans. These certifications must be submitted prior to the approval of the as-built and/or final plat. The Property Owner shall be responsible for maintenance of required landscaping.

(9)All dead and damaged plant material within landscaped areas must be replaced with a similar species within one month. If weather conditions are not appropriate for replanting, the property owner may postpone replacement for up to six (6) months. Replacement trees and shrubs shall be of similar size to the original installation size of the trees or shrubs being replaced.

(10)Performance Security. When planting stock availability is low or weather conditions are not appropriate for planting new trees, shrubs, and/or perennials, the property owner may postpone planting for up to six (6) months, provided that performance security is posted with Forsyth County in accordance with the conform to the following specifications where applicable:

(a)Security shall be submitted to the department with appropriate documentation showing stock availability and weather conditions necessitating the postponement of planting.

(b)Security shall be in an amount equal to one hundred and ten (110%) percent of the cost of materials, installation, and guarantee, as demonstrated by a signed contract between the owner and a landscape contractor.

(11)Notwithstanding any other provision in the UDC, the landscape strip requirements in the Buford Highway Overlay District, as applied to property located west of GA 400, may be administratively varied up to a twenty-five percent (25%) reduction, based upon the following:

(a)Applicant may submit a variance application to the department for administrative approval by the director;

(b)An administrative variance shall be issued if the following conditions are satisfied;

(i)The spirit and intent of the Overlay is otherwise achieved by the reduced landscape strip;

Unified Development Code of Forsyth County - 21 - 41 -

(ii)That for every linear foot of requested variance, the applicant shall be required to contribute landscaping recompense funds for expenditure on rights-of-way beautification within the Buford Highway Overlay District equivalent to four times the value of the portion of the landscape strip that is eliminated by the administrative variance. The required contribution shall be calculated multiplying the ratio of the perpendicular distance of the variance over the total required landscape strip depth times either $62.50 (for a 25’ required landscape strip) or $87.50 (for a required 35’ landscape strip) and further multiplied by the linear feet of landscape strip to which the administrative variance is applied. As a representative example, the calculation for landscaping recompense shall be based upon the following model. [The required 25’ landscape strip per the Overlay is estimated to cost $62.50 per linear foot and the 35’ landscape strip per the Overlay is estimated to cost $87.50 per linear foot. If an applicant has 100 feet of frontage, then it is estimated that landscaping for the 25’ landscape strip will cost $6,250 to install ($62.50 x 100). If an applicant seeks a six foot and three inch variance (6’3”) variance along the entire frontage, this would equate to $15.60 in landscaping savings ($62.50 x .25). Applying the four times (4x) multiplier to $15.60 yields a $62.50 per linear foot recompense contribution for the frontage, thereby requiring the applicant to recompense the County $6,250 ($62.50 x 100 feet), in addition to installing the eighteen foot and nine inches (18’9”) landscape strip along the frontage.

Under this hypothetical scenario, the result would be an estimated cost of $4,687.50 to install the eighteen foot and nine inches (18’9”) of landscaping along the frontage ($46.785 x 100), as well as a $6,250 recompense contribution to the County, resulting in a total expenditure of $10,937.50.]

(iii)If a variance is sought that would reduce the landscape strip to less than eighteen feet and nine inches (18’9”) for a required twenty-five (25) foot landscape strip or less than twenty-six and three inches (26’3”) for a required thirty-five (35) foot landscape strip, then that additional variance reduction must be pursued in accord with those procedures set forth in section 8-6.3 and 8-6.4 of the UDC, respectively.

(I)Fencing.

(1)Fence materials shall be comprised of treated lumber, fiber cement, or steel.

(2)Chain link fencing is prohibited for all property lines along SR 20/Buford Highway. Black or brown vinyl coated chain link fencing may be allowed along the sides and rear of property fronting SR20/Buford Highway, but not those property lines bordering or within view of residential property, if the chain link fencing is screened with evergreen trees, shrubs, and/or decorative fencing for the full length and height of the fence.

(3)For permitted open air businesses, no chain link fence shall be visible from the right-of-way.

(J)Civic Space. The inclusion of civic space in future site development is highly desired. Examples of civic space include, but are not limited to a passive or active park, pocket park, square, plaza, playground, as well as the inclusion of public art installations.

§ 21-11.6

Architectural Design Standards.

The architectural design standards established herein apply to all commercial development. They are intended to achieve a base level of quality for architectural and landscape design that is responsive to its context and contributes to the overall character of the Overlay District. The architectural criteria listed below establish minimum design standards within the Overlay District in order to reduce the impacts of commercial development on adjacent properties. The highest quality of architectural design and innovation is encouraged. These standards are in addition to the design criteria contained in Chapter 12 of this Code.

(A)Commercial Building Materials and Architectural Treatments. The following design standards, guidelines, and enhancements are established to create a sense of architectural consistency throughout the Overlay District and to ensure high quality architectural design.

(1)Exterior building materials on all commercial development shall consist of a minimum of seventy-five (75%) percent per vertical wall plane of brick, natural or pre-cast stone, and/or glass. If multiple establishments are contained within one contiguous structure, the percentage pertains to the entire facade rather than individual facade fronts. On properties located west of the City of Cumming, cementitious siding including board and batten shall be permitted as a primary exterior building material.

(2)Accent building materials on all commercial development shall not exceed twenty-five (25%)

percent per vertical wall plane. Accent building materials include, but are not limited to, conventional three (3) coat cement stucco, cementitious and wood siding, and architectural grade Unified Development Code of Forsyth County - 21 - 42 -metal. If multiple establishments are contained within one (1) contiguous structure, the percentage pertains to the entire facade rather than individual facade fronts. If used, conventional three (3) coat cement stucco shall be located only within the top fifty percent (50%) of any facade. Smooth, split face and/or rib faced concrete masonry units, aluminum siding, vinyl siding, tile, tilt/precast concrete, one (1) coat stucco, synthetic stucco/EIFS, and corrugated steel are prohibited.

(3)The principal entry area of a building, or if in a shopping center the largest tenant or a central location of a group of buildings, shall be articulated and should express greater architectural detail than other portions of the building. Entries shall include at least three of the following or similar architectural elements:

(a)Overhangs

(b)Canopies

(c)Recesses/projections

(d)Columns

(e)Arcades

(f)Corniced parapets over the door

(g)Peaked roof forms

(h)Arches

(i)Display windows

(j)Integral planters or wing walls that incorporate landscaped areas and/or places for sitting

(4)Facades over fifty (50) feet in length must incorporate wall projections or recesses a minimum of twelve (12) inches in depth. The combined length of said recesses and projections must constitute at least twenty (20%) percent of the total facade length.

(5)Freestanding accessory structures shall have architectural detailing and design elements consistent with the primary buildings of the development complex to provide a cohesive design.

(6)Roof Features.

(a)For commercial buildings under 25,000 square feet, roofs shall be gable, pyramidal, or hip style.

Shed roofs are permitted over porches, and additions. For buildings 25,000 square feet and above, the requirements in section 12-11.6(C) and (D) of this Code shall apply.

(b)The roof pitch of sloped roofs shall be a minimum of 4:12.

(c)Roof materials shall be wood shingles, wood shakes, standing-seam paint grip galvanized metal, slate or asphalt shingles (architectural weathered, or wood), or concrete simulated slat or wood shingles.

(d)Roof styles for multi-building complexes shall be compatible and consistent with roof designs for the entire complex.

(e)Vents and stacks shall be painted to match the roof material and hidden from view to the extent possible.

(f)Overhangs that shed water within five (5) feet of an adjacent lot shall be guttered or piped, and diverted away from adjacent lots.

(g)Gutters may be ogee or half-round with round downspouts, metal-lined wood, or architecturally formed or molded. Gutter finishes may be copper, unpainted galvanized metal, or color to resemble galvanized metal.

(7)Burglar bars, fiberglass awnings, and steel-roll down curtains are prohibited except at the structure’s rear. Burglar bars are prohibited on the rear if visible from a public street. Burglar bars are also prohibited on the rear of an outparcel building if visible from the main structure.

(8)At least five (5%) percent of the total land area of a commercial development shall be used as common area. This area shall be located between the primary building entrance and the right-of-way and include some combination of seating, fountains, landscaped focal point, public art installation, or similar features.

(9)Stormwater detention and retention ponds that require a fence must not be visible from the public right-of-way unless a twenty (20) foot planted buffer is provided outside of the exterior pond fence.

Access to the pond shall not be facing the public right-of-way.

(B)Color. The use of muted, subdued, or earth tone colors are required for all buildings and associated structures. Vending and ice machines, lock boxes, and other dispensing equipment visible from the public right-of-way shall use only earth tone and/or neutral colors. Fuel dispensing units visible from the public right-of-way shall feature earth tone and/or neutral colors in their overall design. Notwithstanding the foregoing requirement, small functional parts of the fuel dispensing units and reasonable safety Unified Development Code of Forsyth County - 21 - 43 -features may utilize additional colors for enhanced visibility and safety purposes, subject to the discretion of the director. In addition, any wall or fence shall use only earth tone and/or neutral colors. Earth tone colors refer to browns, umbers, sienna, or terracotta and brick tones. Neutral colors refer to blacks, whites, beiges, or grays. Fluorescent colors and those bright in intensity are prohibited. Glass, unpainted metal, natural stones, and sign faces are excluded from the color requirements.

(C)Commercial and mixed-use buildings up to four (4) stories are permitted within the Haw Creek Community Node as identified on the Comprehensive Plan’s community character map. Commercial and mixed-use buildings outside of the Haw Creek Community Node are limited to three (3) stories.

(D)Residential Architecture. The following design standards pertain to all newly constructed residential development.

(1)Residential structures along existing public right-of-way shall require any side or rear facade that is visible from the public right-of-way to include the same exterior finish materials and similar landscaping as the front of the structure. In addition, it shall include windows and architectural features similar to the front facade, including but not limited to, awnings, cornice work, edge detailing or other decorative finish materials.

(2)All roof vents, pipes, antennas, satellite dishes, and other roof equipment (except chimneys) shall be located on the rear elevations and, except for satellite dishes, be painted to match the color of the roof or, if technical considerations prevent installing satellite dishes on the rear elevation, then such equipment shall be installed at a location where it will have minimal visual impact as seen from the street.

(3)Trash enclosures in common areas and lots are to be constructed with a walk-in entrance, solid metal gates, and a decorative cover. Enclosures shall have sufficient size to house both the recycling and refuse bins.

(4)Utility equipment and service meters are to be located away from high visibility and usage areas and effectively screened from view. The use of enclosed structures or interior access to utility equipment and meters is encouraged. The use of utility closets on exterior walls is prohibited.

(5)Common mail facilities shall be covered, include a trash receptacle, and provide a minimum of two dedicated parking spaces if not located within an active amenity area.

(6)Multi-family residential buildings shall utilize a mixture of materials including brick, stone, cementitious siding, and/or have the appearance of a commercial storefront. Use of materials should vary and not exceed fifty percent (50%) of any one (1) type per building side to provide visual interest.

(7)Conventional three (3) coat cement stucco may be used only as an accent material and shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) per vertical wall plane. If used, conventional three (3) coat cement stucco shall be located only within the top fifty percent (50%) of any facade.

(8)One (1) coat stucco and synthetic stucco/EIFS are prohibited.

(E)Exterior Lighting. All lighting shall be designed to integrate with the overall development character.

The following standards are the minimum standards intended to ensure that lighting will avoid adverse impacts on adjacent properties and rights-of-way.

(1)Lighting shall be architecturally integrated with the style, material, and color of on-site structures.

(2)For any commercial use, a freestanding pole-mounted light shall not exceed eighteen (18) feet in height and shall have a black metal finish.

(3)For all residential developments, a freestanding pole-mounted light shall not exceed sixteen (16)

feet in height and have a black metal finish.

(4)Exposed neon, neon tube lighting, and fluorescent lighting are not permitted.

(5)The use of LED garland or string lights to outline windows, buildings, signs, and similar features is prohibited.

(6)Building-mounted lighting shall highlight architectural features and not illuminate the entire building facade.

(7)All canopy luminaries shall be fully recessed and utilize flat lenses.

(8)Promotional beacons, search lights, laser source lights, strobe lights or any similar light when projected above the horizon, and lighting used for causing sky glow to attract attention in excess of the lighting used to provide safety, security and utility are prohibited. Projects that want to integrate lines or rows of lights within a defined pedestrian plaza may seek administrative approval upon submission of lighting specifications. Such lights shall not be placed permanently on building exteriors.

Unified Development Code of Forsyth County - 21 - 44 -

(F)Screening. In addition to the regulations set forth in Chapter 12 and Chapter 14, the following standards shall apply:

(1)Accessory site features including, but not limited to, meters, meter boxes, electrical transformers, and other equipment located on the ground shall be screened from view from public rights-of-way, residential uses, or any residential or agricultural zoning category by placement behind the main building, 100% opaque fencing, a six (6) foot berm and/or a vegetative screen planted according to County buffer standards.

(2)Roof mounted equipment and other accessories shall be screened from view from the public rights-of-way, residential uses or any residential or agricultural zoning category by a parapet, gable roof, roof screen, or other architectural feature. Roof equipment and roof screens shall be finished to match the roof or parapet wall. When the relationship between building roofs and adjoining public streets and/or residential developments make screening of roof equipment impossible (e.g. road higher than roof), a parapet of no less than five (5) feet in height shall be installed.

(3)All dumpsters and compactors shall be enclosed on three sides by materials and architectural elements to match the primary structure and gated on the fourth side.

(a)The enclosure shall be at least one (1) foot taller than the highest point of the dumpster or compactor.

(b)The gate shall be composed of decorative metal or other durable materials which shall reach the height of the three sided enclosure and with colors coordinated with those of the primary structure. Chain link material is prohibited.

(c)All dumpsters and compactors shall be equipped with lids.

(4)Loading areas shall be screened from rights-of-way, residential uses, or any residential or agricultural zoning category by placement behind the main building or appropriately scaled wall, the use of earthen berms that are no less than five (5) feet in height and/or a vegetative screen planted according to County buffer standards.

(5)Businesses requiring a fleet of service vehicles shall park such vehicles behind the building or otherwise provide adequate screening to ensure the vehicles are not visible from the public right-of-way.

(6)Drive-throughs and stacking lanes for any facility type, when contiguous to any right-of way, residential use, or pedestrian gathering area shall be obscured from view by an earthen berm and/or a vegetative screen, that is no less than six (6) feet in height planted according to County buffer standards.

(a)Stacking lanes and bypass lanes shall be designed in a manner so that vehicle queuing does not interfere with access driveways, interparcel connections, or maneuverability in and out of off-street parking spaces. No drive-through shall exit directly onto the right-of-way.

(b)Car wash openings shall be oriented away from the right-of-way.

(7)Storage of shopping carts shall be located indoors. Where indoor storage is not feasible, shopping carts shall be located adjacent to the building and screened by an enclosure made of masonry to match the exterior building materials.

(a)Shopping cart corrals in parking areas shall be curbed within parking islands so that additional railings are not required for secure cart positioning.

(b)Parking islands that contain cart corrals must include four hundred (400) square feet of landscaped space.

(c)One (1) identifying sign at the rear of each corral is permitted for visibility within the parking lot.

(8)Walls or fences when visible from the right-of-way, or from any residential property, shall complement the exterior materials of the primary structure on site.

(9)In order to decrease noise and disturbance to residential areas, all fencing visible from residential properties shall be shielded from view by an earthen berm with a vegetative screen that is no less than six (6) feet in height, planted according to County buffer standards.

§ 21-11.7

Signage.

The following regulations are the minimum standards intended to promote an appropriate and cohesive identification program within the Buford Highway Overlay District. A detailed signage plan is required to be submitted that addresses and conforms to all provisions set forth in this section. The signage plan shall address sign dimensions, materials, height, color scheme, lighting, and location of each sign on the building and on the ground.

All permissible sign types shall meet the respective requirements of the Forsyth County Sign Ordinance. In addition to Ordinance 74 (Sign Ordinance), the following shall apply:

Unified Development Code of Forsyth County - 21 - 45 -

(A)Monument sign structures and base materials shall be compatible with the color, texture, material, and architectural design of the principal building.

(B)Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall adhere to standards outlined in the chart below:

Table 21.11

(F) Any exterior light source shall be completely shielded and directed solely on the sign and not upon any other object or adjacent properties. (G) Wall mounted raceways shall be painted to match the adjoining structure. (H) Temporary signs, including inflatable or forced-air signs, tarps, banners, sign dancers, and any sign mounted on wheels, are prohibited within the boundary of the Buford Highway Overlay.
(I) Fuel station canopy signs are allowed, one per road frontage not to exceed twenty (20) square feet.
	Sign must be flush against the canopy fascia. The canopy shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in
	height from the ground to the top of the fascia.
(J) Electronic message boards (EMBs) or changeable copy signs are permitted, one (1) per road frontage
for the following uses only: (1) Fuel station monument signs. The total electronic or changeable copy area for each sign shall not exceed forty-six (46) square feet.	for the following uses only:
		Fuel station monument signs. The total electronic or changeable copy area for each sign shall not
		exceed forty-six (46) square feet.

Reading grid · rebuilt for display · verify at source (p. 343) ↗

§ 21-11.8

Fuel Stations.

These regulations shall apply to all fuel stations including convenience stores with fuel dispensing units.

(A)Access and Internal Circulation. Provisions for on-site stacking lanes should be provided to supply adequate room around the fuel dispensing units without creating traffic congestion either in adjacent vehicular travel lanes or along the rights-of-way external to the development. If an applicant wishes to request an exemption to this provision, a statement signed by a state licensed engineer shall be submitted to the Planning and Community Development Department, which states that stacking lanes with additional queuing space are not necessary. Any stacking lanes that are provided shall be identified on the site plan.

Unified Development Code of Forsyth County - 21 - 46 -

(B)Setbacks. Fuel dispensing units in NS and UV districts shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from all rights-of-way.

(C)Parking. No trailers or vehicles shall be parked with the intention of advertising the trailer or vehicle for sale or rent.

(D)Architectural Design.

(1)All site walls, screen walls, fuel dispensing unit canopies, canopy support columns and other outdoor covered areas shall be architecturally integrated with the building using similar materials, colors, and detailing. The design of a facility that shares access with a commercial center shall be designed to reflect the design elements of that center.

(2)Business identity, either by awnings, accent bands, paint or other applied color schemes, signage, parapet details and other design embellishments shall not be a dominant architectural feature.

(3)Building accents shall be expressed through differing materials or architectural detailing rather than applied finishes such as paint.

(4)Either a fuel dispensing unit curb or bollard is required for protection of fuel dispensing units.

(E)Canopy.

(1)Lighted or painted bands of corporate color are prohibited.

(2)The sides (fascia) of the canopy shall extend below the canopy roof 12 inches to minimize the direct view of the light from adjoining property.

(3)Lighting shall not be mounted on the top of the canopy and the sides shall not be illuminated either internally or externally. This requirement does not pertain to signage attached to the canopy that is internally illuminated.

(4)Canopies in NS and UV districts shall not extend closer than 35 feet to any right-of-way.

(F)Display and Storage.

(1)All display items for sale shall be located within the main building or within designated areas that are screened from rights-of-way.

(2)Promotional displays shall not impede pedestrian ingress and egress or vehicular traffic sight lines.

(3)Soft drinks, candy, cigarettes and other similar item dispensers may not be located outside the main building unless the dispenser is enclosed or set behind a masonry partition that matches the principal building in material and color.

(G)Landscaping. One continuous row of evergreen trees shall be planted for fifty (50%) percent of the entire length of fuel dispensing unit areas that are adjacent to rights-of-way. Such trees shall be planted no farther apart than ten (10) feet on center.

§ 21-11.9

Vehicle Sales, Service, Parts and Repair Facilities.

Establishments that sell, lease or rent vehicles and those that provide vehicle service, parts and/or repair must provide parking specifically identified and devoted to customers. Multilevel parking decks or structures are permitted, provided that such decks/structures 1) have the same architectural treatment as the principal building(s) of the establishment, 2) have a height that does not exceed the height of the principal building(s), and 3) are set back a minimum of 150 feet from all residentially zoned properties.

Adequate space must be allocated, specifically identified, and reserved on the site for the unloading of vehicles brought to the site by vehicle carriers. No trailers or vehicles shall be parked in customer parking or unloading areas with the intention of advertising the trailer or vehicle for sale or rent. Outside loudspeakers shall not be permitted. In addition, such facilities shall comply with the following:

(A)Architectural Design.

(1)A facility that shares access with a commercial center shall be designed to reflect the design elements of that center.

(2)Business identity, either by awnings, accent bands, paint or other applied color schemes, signage, parapet details and other design embellishments shall not be a dominant architectural feature.

(3)Building accents shall be expressed through differing materials and architectural detailing rather than through applied finishes such as paint.

(B)Display and Storage.

(1)All accessory retail merchandise such as vehicle parts, tires, lubricants, fuels, or other materials shall be stored within the building(s).

(C)Business Office.

(1)A permanent structure for the use of a business or sales office is required for all vehicle sales, leasing and rental establishments.

Unified Development Code of Forsyth County - 21 - 47 -

§ 21-11.10

Vehicle Service, Parts and Repair Facilities, Not Including Vehicle Sales.

21-11.10 Vehicle Service, Parts and Repair Facilities, Not Including Vehicle Sales. The following

regulations shall apply to all vehicle service, parts and repair facilities including car washes (self-service or staffed) when not combined with vehicle sales, leasing or rental activities.

(A)Access and Internal Circulation.

(1)Access to service bays shall be from the side or rear of the establishment or related screening devices or methods such as landscaping shall be used to partially screen the view from the right-of-way into service work areas.

(B)Architectural Design.

(1)A facility that shares access with a commercial center shall be designed to reflect the design elements of that center.

(2)Business identity, either by awnings, accent bands, paint or other applied color schemes, signage, parapet details and other design embellishments shall not be a dominant architectural feature.

(3)Building accents shall be expressed through differing materials or architectural detailing and not through applied finishes such as paint.

(C)Display and Storage.

(1)All retail merchandise such as vehicle parts, tires, lubricants, fuels, or other materials shall be stored within the building(s).

§ 21-11.11

Flags.

A single flag shall be allowed per site with the flag pole being a maximum of 60 feet in height and the flag area being a maximum of 150 square feet.

Unified Development Code of Forsyth County - 21 - 48 -ARTICLE XII, COAL MOUNTAIN OVERLAY DISTRICT: