Minutes - Council - 03/23/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #12: Introduce Ordinance to Amend Landscape Requirements in the R-l, R-2 and R-3 Residential Districts Community Development Director Frolik explained the proposed amendments to the landscape requirements in the R-l, R-2 and R-3 would be based on mature canopy cover rather than stem counts. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on March 11, 2003 and recommended approval. Councihnember Elvig asked if the Environmental Policy Task Force was involved in this ordinance. Community Development Director Frolik responded in the affirmative. She explained the Environmental Policy Task Force recommends the size of the plantings be decreased. There is a better survival rate with the smaller sizes, as they are not as traumatized with moving. Motion by Councilmember Kurak, seconded by Councilmember Strommen, to introduce an ordinance amending landscape requirements in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Residential districts. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Kurak, Strommen, Cook, Elvig, Pearson, and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Mayor Gamec inquired if a property owner has the right to cut all the trees down after moving onto a property. Community Development Director Frolik responded in the affirmative. She explained the City does not infi'inge on private property with tree preservation. Counci hnember Strommen explained the Environmental Policy Task Force has tried to approach this through public education and making people aware. Case #13: Introduce Ordinance to Amend Architectural Standards for R-2 and R-3 Residential Districts Associate Planner Geisler explained that the Council discussed architectural standards for multifamily development at its July 29, 2003 work session. Since then, staff has been working with the Housing Committee and the Planning Commission to draft new standards for the R-2 and R-3 Residential zoning districts. Architectural standards include four major elements, which include materials, structural orientation, a minimum of three colors for each building, and a minimum of two of seven architectural elements. Staff is looking for suggested changes fi'om the Council on the proposed standards. The Planning Commission and staff recommend the introduction of the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Kurak inquired about architectural standards for townhomes and setback requirements. She stated they need to make sure this is addressed soon, as there are other developments that will be coming in soon. City Council/March 23, 2004 Page 18 of 26