Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 04/17/2017

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Environmental Policy Board (EPB) 5. 2. Meeting Date: 04/17/2017 By: Chris Anderson, Community Development Information Title: Consider Landcape Plan for Riverstone Addition Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to consider the Landscape Plan for Riverstone Addition, a 293 lot, residential subdivision. The proposed development project includes a Zoning Amendment to rezone the property to a Planned Unit Development (PUD). The proposed housing is primarily smaller lot single family residential along with some attached townhome buildings as well. The project does include a small neighborhood park (to be maintained by a Home Owner's Association, HOA) as well as trails and other open space. Observations/Alternatives: The City's Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) identifies a small, non-native plant community in the northern portion of the site. Beyond that, there are no other significant natural areas on the property (it is essentially agricultural land currently). The Landscape Plan includes boulevard trees throughout the proposed development as well as a landscaped berm along the railroad tracks to the south and plantings along the proposed trails and neighborhood park as well. The overall number of plantings exceeds the minimum requirements outlined in City Code. All species are acceptable as is the size of trees. Staff has discussed with the Developer options of ground cover for the proposed berm. Staff has suggested that the berm be finished with a native seed mix that is not only more pollinator friendly, but also is an ideal opportunity to reduce maintenance costs (mowing and watering) for the HOA. The Developer was amenable to that suggestion and Staff has added that comment to the Staff Review Letter. The Landscaping Plan is generally acceptable with revisions as outlined in the Staff Review Letter. The site is generally devoid of any significant tree cover with the exception of the northwest corner of the property. That area will be developed with a later addition. At this time, a Tree Inventory is not critical as that area will not be impacted by improvements made with the first addition of the development. It is Staffs opinion that this can be addressed with a future addition of the overall development. Funding Source: All costs associated with processing the Application are the responsibility of the Developer. Action: Motion to recommend approval of the proposed Landscape Plan, contingent upon compliance of the Staff Review Letter. Attachments Site Location Map Landscape Plan Staff Review Letter