Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 01/23/2023

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job filling in the gaps between the trees with long grasses. She noted that the grass grows quickly, while the trees are still growing. Senior Planner Anderson referenced the previous case which proposes a native seed mix. He noted that if that is planted near trees, that might not be the best environment as some of those mixes require full sun. He noted that there would also be caution that the planted area can be overrun with invasives but agreed that other plantings can provide transitioning. Board Member Little agreed that he would be in favor of a sunset for the transitioning requirement so that a homeowner is not liable 30 years later. He stated that there is a development behind his home and there is no way he could plant things that would provide immediate screening and therefore he would be interested in seeing a fence as part of the transitioning. He noted that many people would prefer a fence compared to waiting decades for a barrier to grow in. Board Member Arts asked if there is a minimum height requirement for plantings. Senior Planner Anderson confirmed that there are requirements and provided those details. Board Member Arts asked if there would be significant cost difference in requiring taller trees, such as eight feet rather than six feet. Senior Planner Anderson replied that taller trees can be purchased to somewhat provide more immediate screening, but more damage can be done to the roots in the transition process and therefore there is often more dieback in the canopy of the tree while its attempting to regrow its roots. He stated that the general rule is for every inch of caliper there is one year of shock before its root system has been replenished to the point there is noticeable above ground growth. Chairperson Moore asked if the full-sized trees are shown on landscaping plans. Senior Planner Anderson confirmed that generally speaking the plan would show the full-sized canopy of the tree. He recognized that it is difficult to imagine what landscaping would look like once completed compared to what is shown on the plan, which is why he provided the photos for assistance. Board Member Arts asked if the photos with the large pine trees were from the development on the south side of Alpine and asked the height of that berm. He noted that the Board could use that for context when driving by the site. Senior Planner Anderson confirmed that is one of the developments on the south side of Alpine. He noted that berm fluctuates in height from three to four feet in some areas to other areas where there is not an increase in height because of the existing conditions of the site (drainage patterns, existing vegetation, etc.). Board Member Fetterley commented that berms can be done very nicely and provide immediate transition because plantings take time. She stated that while she does not love the idea of fencing, she would wonder if there was a reason that was not included as an option for transitioning. Environmental Policy Board / October 17, 2022 Page 4 of 6