Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/09/2015

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5.02: Review Landscape and Tree Preservation Plans Associated with the Preliminary Plat Application for Harvest Estates; case of NIK Management, Inc. City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. Board Member Valentine inquired about storm water compliance. City Planner Anderson replied that the engineering staff is responsible for storm water compliance but from what he can see, it appears to meet the minimum standards. There would not be tree loss directly related to storm water ponding. He pointed out that the proposed lot sizes are approximately a quarter of an acre and each site would get two front yard trees. He stated that a concern raised by residents that they would like to see more of a buffer has been addressed with the plan. He spoke about reforestation standards and their interpretations. Board Member Lewis asked about the area between phase one and two. City Planner Anderson replied that it will be ponding for the site. Board Member Lewis asked if it was a ponding area or Swale_ Community Development Director Gladhill stated his assumption that it is needed for storm water purposes. Board Member Lewis asked if there is any possibility for additional plantings in that area. City Planner Anderson replied that it is a possibility and the Board could make a request for additional plantings at the rim of the ponding area. Board Member Valentine stated it was worth looking at it if it wasn't going to create interference with storm water management. Community Development Director Gladhill stated this is an excellent example of how the ordinance is being applied and that we have more plantings with the reforestation requirements. He stated that Staff is looking for a policy direction on how the ordinance is interpreted and calculated to make sure the Board is accomplishing what it intended. Board Member Valentine stated that the ordinance would be unworkable without some flexibility and he is comfortable with the City' s interpretation of the ordinance in this case. City Planner Anderson stated that this is one of the benefits we should see with the Board reviewing proposed development plans. Board Member Hiatt said he could see the logic of two options and asked if the City is setting a precedent for other developers. He asked if the Board is giving flexibility without giving precedent.