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Employment Districts, where it is more common to have large buildings accompanied by large <br /> parking and maneuvering areas, leaving less areas for a healthy, thriving landscape. However, <br /> staff is not ready to provide any specific recommendations. The intention is to simply continue <br /> the discussion about potential ideas to improve the landscaping standards while not losing sight of <br /> their purpose. <br /> Board Member Hiatt stated that he is curious about applying the canopy cover formula to an <br /> industrial site and asked how close that would be to the adjustments approved on the Delta <br /> ModTech site. <br /> City Planner Anderson stated that the canopy cover formula may be the way to go but noted that <br /> would depend on the species of trees proposed. He noted that with the species proposed, Delta <br /> ModTech would have been at roughly 100,000 square feet of canopy cover and would have needed <br /> about 150,000 square feet in total. He noted that calculation does not exclude the stormwater pond <br /> area. He stated that the site probably would have been somewhat close under the formula if the <br /> stormwater pond area was excluded, as plantings are not allowed in that area, and perhaps if <br /> different species were chosen. He noted that he could bring additional information back to the <br /> Board at a future meeting. <br /> Board Member Hiatt stated that as the City continues to develop in the industrial park it makes <br /> sense to review this requirement as the landscaping plan is not realistic for those areas. He believed <br /> that the canopy cover formula would provide better guidance for those areas. <br /> City Planner Anderson noted that formula is also not prescriptive in stating a strict number of trees, <br /> which provides flexibility based on species. He encouraged the Board to perhaps consider <br /> specifying a minimum number of genus' to choose from and a minimum number/percentage of <br /> species that could be used to ensure sufficient diversity. <br /> Chairperson Valentine commented that he would like to see a sketch plan example in addition to <br /> staff supplying the numbers. He confirmed the consensus of the Board that a visual example would <br /> be helpful. <br /> Board Member Hiatt stated that he also likes the idea of including goals and the intent of the policy <br /> as that provides additional guidance to the developer. He asked if there are other elements of the <br /> policies from other communities that staff feels should be incorporated into the Ramsey policy. <br /> City Planner Anderson stated that he feels that there should be a reduced emphasis on the shrub <br /> requirements. He stated that while shrubs soften the facade of the building, he feels that the bulk <br /> of the landscaping should be provided through trees, both shade and ornamental. He explained <br /> that there are many more benefits provided by trees compared to shrubs, and shrubs are oftentimes <br /> removed after a number of years and/or oftentimes replaced with perennial plantings. <br /> Board Member Covart asked how long the trees lives. <br /> City Planner Anderson explained how the tree book was created. He stated that if the trees are <br /> well cared for, in a landscaped setting, they could live for over 40 to 50 years. He explained that <br /> trees that live for hundreds of years are in natural settings and typically not these developed <br /> landscaped areas. He stated that in a poorly maintained boulevard setting he could see the lifespan <br /> Environmental Policy Board/December 16, 2019 <br /> Page 3 of 5 <br />