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5.01: Sketch Plan for Villas at North Fork City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the purpose of the case it to introduce the EPB to the proposed Sketch Plan for the Villas at North Fork. He noted that the proposed development is located along the south side of Alpine Drive, immediately west of the Riverstone project and directly south of Lake Itasca. He noted that more detailed plans, including Landscape and Tree Preservation plans, will be developed in the coming months as part of the Preliminary Plat package. He reviewed details of the Sketch Plan, noting that the proposed plan would require a Comprehensive Plan amendment for the density and to obtain City sewer and water service to the parcel. He compared the property to the natural resources inventory of the City, noting that this would be a semi -natural area. He stated that the zoning code mentions front yard trees, noting that City staff is pushing to make that more specific to call those boulevard trees. He stated that one recommendation could be to require boulevard trees. He stated that other suggestions could be regarding natural landscapes which could eliminate preserved turf and irrigated landscaping. He stated that this is a different way to approach these requests and provide the EPB with an opportunity to provide input earlier in the review process. Board Member Hiatt stated that the center section is defined as passive park and asked if that implies a native landscape. City Planner stated that at this point there is not that level of detail but stated that his assumption would be that would be manicured. Board Member Hiatt stated that there could be potential to encourage a rain garden or landscape that would encourage pollinators. He stated that he could not picture incorporating a tree into the front yard of a townhome where the driveway encompasses the majority of space. He noted that native landscape, encouragement of rain garden and pollinator plantings would be a good fit for that center area. City Planner Anderson noted that general comment for opportunities is helpful for this stage. Board Member Hiatt stated that would be a good opportunity for a tradeoff to provide natural landscape or rain garden in return for the high density. Chairperson Stodola stated that it does not appear there is a neighborhood adjacent this property. City Planner Anderson identified the adjacent parcel that has been approved for the Riverstone development, which is a combination of small lot single-family residential and two townhome products. He stated that it will realistically take multiple years for all phases of the Riverstone development to be built out. Councilmember LeTourneau referenced the passive park, noting that it is difficult to determine the size of that parcel. He stated that he likes the idea of incorporating native landscape. He stated that perhaps the ponding areas could be combined with native and/or pollinator friendly plantings. He stated that if the ponds are stormwater ponds, perhaps the development could draw from the stormwater ponds for irrigation to mitigate the water use. Environmental Policy Board / October 16, 2017 Page 2 of 9