Agenda - Council - 01/28/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that Delta ModTech, the applicant, is a new industrial business that received its approvals earlier this year and has contacted the City with proposed revisions to their approved Landscape Plan. The property itself is located at 8445 Bunker Lake Boulevard and is zoned E-3 Employment. The subject property does abut an existing residential property that is zoned R-3 Residential (High Density). The applicant has noted that there were no proposed revisions to the landscaping border with this residential property nor were there any tree reductions proposed along the public street frontage. The proposed reduced tree plantings are mostly along the northern and eastern property boundaries, which presumably abut future industrial projects. He recommended approval of the revised Landscape Plan. He also asked for direction on whether staff should proceed with research on possible planting requirement amendments. Board Member Hiatt asked if the reduction in trees is based on the thought that the plantings would be too heavy as originally proposed. City Planner Anderson confirmed that the applicant attempted to comply with the code but feels that number of plantings would require removal and thinning as the trees mature and grow larger. He stated that with how dense the plantings were proposed there would be competition for sun and nutrients. He stated that even the amended landscaping plan is an investment of over $100,000. Board Member Hiatt stated that it would appear that the amended plan would have the potential to create healthier trees and landscaping. Board Member Covart asked if industrial development is planned to the north and east. City Planner Anderson confirmed that the sites to the north and east are also zoned E-3, which is industrial and therefore would be a similar type user with similar landscaping requirements. He explained that space for landscaping becomes more challenging with large industrial buildings and the required elements such as parking and stormwater ponding. Board Member Hiatt asked if the required trees and shrubs was determined based on the amount of land and not the available greenspace. City Planner Anderson explained how the tree and shrub calculations are determined. Board Member Hiatt stated that as the industrial parks are evolving to larger buildings, it would be helpful to have flexibility to accommodate larger buildings and less greenspace. Board Member Fetterley stated that it does not appear there are other areas to accommodate additional trees or shrubs. City Planner Anderson confirmed that there would not be additional room onsite. He believed that the amended plan will result in a better product and will still be well landscaped. Board Member Hiatt asked if there would be concern with setting precedent for other companies that would like to minimize their contribution to landscaping. Environmental Policy Board / November 18, 2019 Page 2 of 6