Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 01/14/2019

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5.01: Consider Landscape Plan for a Proposed Expansion of Parking for Pleasureland RV (Project No. 18-129) City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the applicant desires to expand the surface parking area of their property located at 7900 Riverdale Drive NW to accommodate additional display area for their merchandise. The applicant has submitted civil engineering plans relating to drainage, grading, utilities, and landscaping (although no formal application has been received yet) for review by the City. He stated that staff recommends approval of the proposed landscaping, contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter. While there are some necessary revisions to the proposed landscaping, they are relatively minor and should not result in significant plan changes. The primary focus is ensuring that the project provides the required bufferyard and screening from the adjacent, existing residential parcel. Board Member Moore referenced the significant tree coverage between the residential property and commercial property and asked if the resident has been contacted to ask if they believe that is enough buffering. City Planner Anderson stated that an official application has not yet been submitted by the applicant and therefore there has been no notification to the neighboring property owner. He anticipated that the applicant would bring forward an official application in the spring and was simply looking for input at this time. Chair Valentine asked and received confirmation that the residential property would receive notification when the proposal is formally considered and would be given an opportunity to comment at that time. City Council Liaison LeTourneau stated that he is pleased that the mature trees exist as a buffer to the adjacent homeowner but asked if that is sufficient buffering or whether additional buffering would be required. He stated that at some point those trees could be removed and perhaps a discussion should occur on minimum screening from the potential applicant. Board Member Bernard stated that he believes that the commercial property should move forward as if there were no trees on the residential property and go forward with the fencing and required buffering. He stated that he would not support leaving the property as is without adding additional buffering. Board Member Hiatt agreed that any opportunity to encourage additional trees should be pursued, especially in an area that does not have a lot of growth. He stated that silver maples are listed and asked how specific the City can be on the tree species. He stated that he would love to see evergreens. City Planner Anderson stated that at a minimum there are standards within City Code which specify a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. He stated that language could be used to specify at least 25 percent of the trees should be evergreens. He noted that evergreens will always be preferred because they provide year-round buffering. Motion by Board Member Hiatt and seconded by Board Member Covart, to recommend approval of the proposed landscaping, contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter. Environmental Policy Board / December 10, 2018 Page 2 of 4