Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 05/20/2020

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City Planner Anderson replied that in other zoning districts the minimum size is 162 square feet, but The COR district has its own set of standards and does not include a minimum size. He noted that a recommendation could be made to ensure that the islands be large enough to ensure adequate soil volume for plantings. Board Member Moore stated that from the map, it appears that there is not a lot of opportunity for planting trees and greenery. She asked if there would be a way that the business could implement other measures to make the building green in return for less plantings required. City Planner Anderson stated that there is always room for discussion. He stated that there is flexibility in landscaping requirements within The COR, noting that the focus was on the public street side of the building and not the internal plantings. He stated that he is not one to require plantings in areas where they would not survive but noted that there would appear to be room for plantings along Veterans Drive. He stated that perhaps three to six trees could act as boulevard trees along Veterans Drive. He stated that staff will have that conversation with the development group related to increasing landscaping on the Veterans Drive side of the property. Chairperson Valentine stated that he would support that conversation to encourage the developer to include additional trees. Board Member Little stated that he is hesitant to see trees planted in the landscaping islands because it is not the best environment to support a tree. City Planner Anderson thanked Board Member Little for his input, noting that he does not like to set trees up for failure. He noted that if the tree can be healthy in that environment, there is an added benefit aesthetically and from a shade standpoint. He agreed that shrubs and perennials tend to exist better in those parking lot islands. Board Member Hiatt agreed that if there are ways the builder could be creative in the building materials that could be a good trade off, rather than requiring trees to be planted where they may not be successful. He asked if there are any buildings in The COR designated as LEED Certified, noting that perhaps this could be an opportunity. City Planner Anderson replied that the VA clinic is LEED Certified. He stated that LEED Certification is fairly expensive,and some people instead choose to incorporate some of the LEED elements without becoming certified. He stated that the Allina Clinic is not LEED certified but has incorporated some of those elements in the building. Board Member Hiatt stated that he would support staff suggesting that the developer incorporate LEED elements, if possible. Motion by Board Member Hiatt and seconded by Board Member Covart to recommend approval of the Landscape Plan contingent upon compliance with the staff review letter and directing staff and the developer to explore any potential green or LEED elements that may potentially be incorporated into the building. A roll call vote was performed by the City Planner: Environmental Policy Board/May 20, 2020 Page 5 of 7