PC Packet 07-15-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• At least one overstory tree shall be provided for every 500 SF of landscaped area on the entire site. Again, some interpretation is needed as the ordinance isn't specific as to whether perimeter trees can be counted towards meeting this standard. The site contains 28,020 SF of landscaped area (non-building and parking lot). At a ratio of 1 tree/500 SF, this totals 56 total trees. Staff interprets that perimeter trees can be included. Staff would also argue evergreen trees can be included as they can reach heights comparable to many overstory trees, plus they provide year round interest. Ornamental trees are required to be included into the plan (see next condition) but it isn't specified as to how they should be allocated (shrub or tree). Additionally, 9 Old Highway 8 NW boulevard trees exist and must be preserved. Thus, including all these trees the Landscape Plan contains 60 total trees (30 overstory, 9 evergreen, 13 ornamental, and 9 boulevard). Staff finds this standard is met. • The landscape plan shall include a full complement of overstory, ornamental and evergreen trees, shrubbery, and ground covers that are hardy and appropriate for the locations in which they are planted, and which provide year-round color and interest. Comments regarding this standard are forthcoming. The City Forester has yet to provide comments. These comments will be prepared prior to Council consideration. The applicant will be required to work with the City Forester to ensure this standard is met. • For parking areas abutting I-35W or I-694, there shall be a landscape buffer to heights of 3', consisting of berms, shrubbery, ornamental trees, or a combination that will screen the view of automobile headlights from the highways. This standard is not applicable to the Site Plan. No areas of the site abut I-35W or 1-694. As noted in the above analysis, nearly all landscaping standards are met. Recommendations from the City Forester are forthcoming and the applicant has been advised these recommendations will have to be incorporated into the final Landscape Plan. Signage No sign details have been provided. The applicant will be required to obtain separate Sign Permits and meet the signage standards of Zoning Code Section 6-750(4). These standards allow wall signs on each façade facing a public street and one ground sign permit street frontage. This equates to 3 wall signs and 3 ground signs. Size details are provided in Section 6-750(4). Because the building abuts three street frontages, meeting these requirements should not be problematic. Lighting Zoning Section 6-750(5) specifies minimal lighting standards. Specifically, it states that "all exterior lighting levels shall be consistent with the character and intensity of surrounding area and designed to relate to building architecture and landscaping." Additionally, the standard states that "lighting located adjacent to walkways and entrances to buildings shall not exceed 15' in height" and that"parking lot lighting shall consist of cutoff fixtures and shall be located below the mature height of trees located in parking lot islands".