Minutes - Planning Commission - 04/01/2004

Home

Associate Planner Wald explained that among further discussion of Staff, they felt that if a plan came in with 5% residential, but it was a good plan, they would not want to be forced to deny it. This allows Staff to review each plan on its own merit. Vice Chair Johnson stated it allows a huge amount of flexibility. Associate Planner Wald agreed, but indicated there are a lot of regulations that require certain things to happen in the PUD environment, so Staff feels confident in this particular flexibility. Commissioner Van Scoy stated it makes him a little uncomfortable. He indicated that if a developer came in and wanted to make it 95% commercial, he is not sure they could legally deny it. Vice Chair Johnson stated there are some places you want absolute requirements, but it does take away the flexibility. Motion by Vice Chair Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Jeffrey to recommend to the City Council adoption of the PU-PUD ordinance as revised by City Staff. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners Jeffrey, Brauer, Shepherd, Van Scoy, and Watson. Voting No.' None. Absent: Chairperson Nixt. Case #6 Proposed Amendments to landscape Requirements in the B-1 Business, B-2 Business, E-1 Employment, E-2 Employment and H-1 Highway 10 Business Zoning Districts Presentation Community Development Director Frolik advised as part of implementing the 2001 Comprehensive Plan, City Staff, The Planning Commission and the City Council have been involved in implementing the new Plan by reviewing and rewriting City Code Chapter 9, zoning and subdivision regulations. In 2003, the commercial and employment districts were amended. She indicated Staff has encountered difficulty in applying the new landscaping requirements in the business and employment districts. She stated current ordinance states that one tree is required for every 40 lineal feet of site perimeter That is proposed to be changed to 1 tree for every 50 lineal feet, or 1 tree per 1,000 square foot of building area, whichever is greater. She indicated the current requirement for 5 shrubs per tree was proving to be the most difficult requirement to apply to site plans. She stated Staff is proposing to change that to 1 shrub per 30 lineal feet of site perimeter or 1 shrub per 300 square feet of building area, whichever is greater. Text is also being added to address building expansions, with 1 additional tree for every 1,000 square feet of building expansion area. She stated there are some other minor changes to the landscaping requirements that are considered 'housekeeping' items. Community Development Director Frolik indicated City Staff recommends approval of the proposed landscaping amendments. Planning Commission/April 1, 2004 Page 16 of 22