Agenda - Council - 11/26/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I ,I I I I I I I I I ! I ! I I I I I I the lVlUSA, zoned the same, but currently consists of larger lots. One part of the ordinance would seem to indicate that no transitioning is required. Another part of the ordinance could be broadly interpreted to require a Level C Vegetative Buffer (45 foot wide landscape with overstory, evergreen, and understory trees). Additionally, there is always the possibility of an 'alternative agreed upon by the Developer and the City' if transitioning is determined to be appropriate in these instances. Given these facts, staff is asking the applicant to propose some. form of additional landscaping be located along the western border of the plat that can be discussed at the Planning Commission meeting. City Staff recommends approval of the sketch plan/preliminary plat contingent on compliance with City Staff Review Letter dated November 1, 2002. Citizen Input Rick Packer, Aa'con Development, noted the landscape buffer and pointed out there is a considerable amount of vegetation on this property as you go to the north and on the adjacent properties as you go to the south, lie stated if he planted additional evergreen trees, it would not accomplish much for screening, tie stated that along 153rd Avenue there are no trees so he would prefer to plant in that location since it is somewhat of a busy street. He stated they are not adverse if the Planning Commission believes it is needed but this is single-family backing single- family and the lots flare out as they go the rear. Chairperson Nixt asked if the trees are predominantly on the common property line with the property to the west. Mr. Packer stated the tree survey shows 12-inch trees and greater, and the thicket contains small Ash. The more mature trees are located towards the center of the lot. Principal Planner Trudgeon agreed the thicket is quite dense and as you go to the soUth the trees thin out. However, on the property to the south there are more trees on the individual property owner's land. Chairperson Nixt asked what the required screening would be with the Density Transition requirement. Principal Planner Trudgeon explained that with the strictest interpretation it would require a 45- foot buffer with eight trees per 100 feet. Chairperson Nixt noted that would mean 3,4 inch trees, which .are fairly small, and equal 50 trees along that area. He also noted that the Tree Preservation Plan would preserve 163 trees. Principal Planner Trudgeon stated the trees would have to be a combination of overstory, coniferous, and evergreen. No shrubs are required under the Density Transkion requirement but two new trees per lot would be required. He explained that shrubs could probably be required instead if the Planning Commission so directed. He stated the applicant has given thought to the development to minimize tree loss while the big equipment is on site. He stated that best management practices would occur during the grading and construction of the street. He noted Planning Commission/November 7, 2002 Page 10 of 16 -183-