Minutes - Planning Commission - 01/26/2023

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Councilmember Woestehoff referenced the concept of reserved parking and asked if stalls could be reserved for electric vehicles, should there be charging facilities in that location. Planning Manager Larson confirmed that could be done. Commissioner Van Scoy referenced the term "berth" which is mentioned for loading docks and asked if different language should be used. Planning Manager Larson stated that language already existed in code and confirmed that could be replaced with "designated loading zone". He provided details on landscaping and confirmed the consensus of the Commission on the proposed simplification to buffer zones. He reviewed the proposed changes to architectural standards. Commissioner Van Scoy stated that he would not see the necessity to screen loading docks from public right-of-way in an industrial area. Chairperson Bauer commented that the loading docks for Delta ModTech are visible from the residential area, and he does not see an issue with that. Commissioner Gengler stated that she would think of the sounds and activity of a loading dock, along with the visual impact, and therefore would support screening between loading docks and residential areas. Commissioner Hunt agreed that screening should be required when adjacent to a residential area but did not see the need to screen from a public right-of-way. Commissioner Anderson commented that he would also agree with buffering between loading docks and residential areas but could go either way. Councilmember Woestehoff agreed that the City does not want to be a burden to a business development but would agree with screening between a loading dock and residential use. He stated that he would not necessarily think screening would be necessary for public right-of-way or in an industrial area. He asked and received confirmation that buffering/screening could simply move trees that would be required to be planted to be moved to the desired area. Commissioner Van Scoy referenced the parking lot screening mentioned and asked if a berm would be required. Planning Manager Larson replied that the screening could also be provided through landscaping. Commissioner Van Scoy did not believe that type of screening currently exists and whether there would be a need. Planning Manager Larson commented that it is helpful with mitigating traffic issues from lights shining, but the screening would also assist in mitigating the impact of a parking lot visually. Planning Commission/ January 26, 2023 Page 12 of 16