2019.01.15 Planning Commission - Laserfiche WebLink

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Special Use Permit & Variances – Irondale High School Planning Commission Report; 1-15-19 Page 7 Building Height:  The proposed auditorium will be 52 feet tall from the lowest adjacent grade to the highest portion of the roofline, and will therefore require a variance in order to be built (see page 11). Landscaping:  The 35,245 square feet being added to the structure will require the planting of 35 canopy trees and 117 shrubs according to Zoning Code section 8-101(2)(D). Up to eight (8) of the required thirty-five (35) canopy trees can be substituted with ornamental trees at a 2:1 ratio.  The plans as shown include 32 canopy trees, 19 ornamental trees, and 95 shrubs. While the shrubs are under planted per code directives, the ornamental trees are overplanted to compensate. This is often times done due to lack of planting areas given that much of the green space on this lot needs to remain free and clear of obstructions to accommodate multi-sports.  The City Forester reviewed the plans and found the proposed mix and species of trees to be acceptable. His only suggestion was to use swamp white oak instead of the hybrid heritage oak (or use a mix of both species) IF the hybrid oak is not resistant to bur oak blight.  Code also requires that surface parking lot expansions of 50 stalls or greater shall include one raised island for every 50 stalls, with the island being at least 150 SF in area and containing at least one canopy tree. The applicants will be asked to revised their plans to show where required islands can be accommodated. Lot Access:  Access points to the site will largely remain consistent, but the SE entry to the parking lot will be slightly shifting south to accommodate the proposed parking reconfiguration. The new entry point will still meet the required 30 foot setback from the southern property line Water System(s):  As a condition of approval, Engineering comments in the 1/9/19 Engineering Memo (attached) shall be addressed.  The main highlights on water are that on-site lines will be private, proper permits will be needed, and hydrant standards and locations must be approved by the City. Sanitary System(s):  As a condition of approval, Engineering comments in the 1/9/19 Engineering Memo (attached) shall be addressed.  The main highlight on sewer service is that all on-site lines will be private, and some additional information on connection locations and pipe types must be shown.