Morrisville Land Use Plan 2021

Screening & Buffering Due in part to Morrisville experiencing much of its growth over the past 20 years, modern buffering and screening standards have been effectively applied in the majority of cases where incompatible uses are adjacent or in close proximity to one another. This includes uses of differing intensities, such as residential homes near industrial busi- nesses, that can impact the character and quality of these developments. In addition, the Land Use Plan identifies areas of Morrisville where a mix of uses is appropriate and buffering standards may be relaxed to better foster connectivity between complementary uses. Careful consideration of design principles in these areas will be essential to avoid compatibility issues. The Town should continue to require appropriate screening and buffering between properties that are incompatible due to the nature of their use. This could include fences, berms, landscaping, and other improve- ments to separate these uses physically and visually. Screening and buffering should continue to be consid- ered for commercial and industrial developments where appropriate to block views of less attractive areas, such as industrial operations, storage areas, and loading docks. This should include screening and landscaping for surface parking lots to reduce the visibility of expansive paved areas.

Drive-Throughs Drive-throughs offer a convenient alternative for patrons looking to purchase goods or services in a hurry and have become an essential component to many businesses. However, drive-throughs present challenges in regard to site design as they require frequent curb cuts, large setbacks, and wide asphalt drive aisles. When located in areas where high levels of walkability is desired, drive throughs can often be disruptive to the pedestrian experience. The Town should carefully consider where and how drive- throughs are built in Morrisville. If allowed in areas where pedestrian activity is a priority, the Town should consider requiring enhanced design standards such as orienting drive aisles to the side or rear of buildings, screening drive aisles with masonry walls, and limiting sites to one, narrow drive aisle lane between the building and the street. Imple- menting these measures will help ensure drive-throughs and walkable areas can coexist harmoniously.

Industrial

Residential

Buffer

Preferred Incompatible land uses properly buffered or screened

Preferred Single, narrow drive through aisle oriented to the rear of main building

Industrial

Residential

Not Preferred Incompatible land uses without proper buffering or screening

Not Preferred Double drive-through aisles and parking between the building and the street

46 Morrisville Land Use Plan | Chapter 5 – Land Use Considerations