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Question: Should the common ownership requirement be reconsidered? <br />Existing Trees Off -Site <br />Under current standards, only trees on a project site can be credited towards the Density Transitioning standards. <br />However, oftentimes, there is significant tree cover abutting a project site that already provides relatively good <br />buffering or transitioning. Additionally, that existing tree cover further restricts growing space and represents <br />even more competition for water, nutrients, and sunlight. <br />Question: Should existing conditions off site be considered or included as part of the Density Transitioning <br />standards? <br />Definition of and Standards for Berming <br />City Code currently defines a berm as an "earthen mound designed to provide visual interest, screen undesirable <br />views, and/or decrease noise". Per current Density Transitioning standards, if a berm is included, the required <br />number of plantings can be reduced. However, City Code Section 117-110(2)b.4. states that berms cannot exceed <br />six (6) feet in height. There is no minimum height specified for berms. Berms can also be challenging if there are <br />existing trees off site, but near the property line. The equipment used to construct the berm can compact soil, <br />resulting in the potential decline in the health of existing trees. Furthermore, by adding more soil, there will be <br />less oxygen in the pore spaces, which is something that roots need (similar effect as planting a new tree too <br />deeply). <br />Questions: <br />• Should the definition of a berm be updated to specify that it must extend above the existing grade? <br />• Should a minimum height be specified for a berm? <br />• Is a maximum berm height necessary (or as long as it complies with allowable slope standards, does it <br />matter?)? <br />Alternatives to Landscaping <br />Presently, there is no specific consideration given to other forms of screening, such as privacy fencing. Staff is <br />assuming that the required number of plantings may have been originally set due to the size of trees at time of <br />installation. Evergreens are required to be six (6) feet in height; overstory trees are required to have a caliper of at <br />least 2.5 inches; ornamental/understory trees are required to have a caliper of at least 1.5 inches. Even when <br />planted really close together (for example, 10-15 feet on center), they still don't provide a significant amount of <br />screening/buffering for an existing neighborhood. It can take years for the trees to 'fill in' and accomplish their <br />intended purpose. <br />Question: Should privacy fencing be considered as an option (along with some landscaping and possibly <br />berming)? <br />Funding Source: <br />This is being handled as part of Staffs regular duties. <br />Action: <br />Provide Staff feedback on the various questions and aspects of the current Density Transitioning standards. <br />Attachments <br />City Code Section 117-110 (Density Transitioning) <br />Form Review <br />Inbox Reviewed By Date <br />Brian Hagen Brian Hagen 10/12/2022 02:40 PM <br />Form Started By: Chris Anderson Started On: 10/10/2022 09:50 AM <br />