Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 03/30/2015 - Special

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Environmental Policy Board (EPB) 5. 3. Meeting Date: 03/30/2015 By: Chris Anderson, Community Development Information Title: Consider Landscape Plan Association with a Site Plan Application for Parkview East; Case of PSD, LLC Purpose/Background: The City has received an application for Preliminary Plat and Site Plan related to COR Parkview and Parkview East, located at the southwest corner of Rhinestone Street and Ramsey Parkway (the "Subject Property"). The project proposes a four (4) story apartment building consisting of 121 units. The application submittal includes a Landscape Plan in accordance with City Code. There are no significant trees on the Subject Property and thus a Tree Preservation Plan is not required. Observations/Alternatives: Within the COR, landscaping standards differ from the other zoning districts. The focus is more on the streetscape elements with a greater degree of creativity allowed for internal landscaping. The project will result in the new sidewalk/boulevard area being constructed along Sapphire Street, 145th Avenue, and Ramsey Parkway, while there is existing sidewalk and boulevard area along Rhinestone Street. Streetscape elements within the COR, such as trees, sidewalk width, and boulevard width, are determined based on the street designation defined in the COR Design Framework. However, the Design Framework was also created with the intent of having flexibility to allow for creative design. The Landscape Plan focuses on the streetscape. The proposed plantings are too narrowly spaced and will need to be reduced to allow for spacing of 30-35 feet on center. Additionally, the plan will need to be revised to identify the vision clearance triangle at all intersections and access points to ensure that no plantings are installed there (site line clearance). Trees should be planted in linear groups of 5-6 trees of one species rather than alternating tree species every other tree. Species and size of proposed plantings are acceptable. Streetscape is already established along the southern portion of Sapphire Street down to Sunwood Drive and Staff would suggest that that pattern be continued along the Subject Property for a consistent appearance. Along 145th Avenue, the plans indicate a sidewalk width of five (5) feet with a boulevard width of seven (7) feet. This stretch of sidewalk will need to be widened to six (6) feet. Sidewalk width along Ramsey Parkway is acceptable; however, the boulevard width is not identified. The boulevard will need to be a minimum width of six (6) feet. There are no details on any internal site landscaping. While the COR Design Framework does not specifically address internal site landscaping, it is rather common that some foundation plantings and/or parking lot landscaping is provided. Staff is trying to clarify with the applicant whether there are any additional plantings that will be provided within the Subject Property. A subsurface stormwater system is proposed to help manage runoff. The system will help achieve the LRRWMO's requirement that the first one (1) inch of rainfall be infiltrated on site. This system is designed with an overflow outlet that would allow runoff from larger events to be routed into existing storm sewer infrastructure in Sapphire Street where it will be discharged into a regional stormwater pond. Alternatives Option #1: Recommend approval of the Landscape Plan contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter