Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 06/17/2024

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5.2. Environmental Policy Board (EPB) Meeting Date: 06/17/2024 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Promote economic growth and development. Information Title: Consider Landscape Plan for Take 5 Oil (Project No. 24-109); Case of DSGW Architects Purpose/Background: The City has received an application from DSGW Architects (the "Applicant") for Site Plan review of a proposed Take 5 Oil Change business, which will be located at 7990 Sunwood Drive NW (the "Subject Property"). The Subject Property is south and southwest of the Aldi grocery store currently under construction. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: Project Overview The Applicant is proposing to construct a single story, 1,860 square foot building on the Subject Property. There will be two different points of access, both coming off of Sunwood Drive (one south of the round about and the other west of the round about). The Site Plan also includes a concept for a 3,000 square foot building that will be constructed in the future (separate user, and this would be subject to Site Plan review if/when it does come forward). The proposed building will have three (3) bays that will be accessed from the west. The project will include internal sidewalks so that customers and employees can safely walk to other businesses or amenities in the area. Natural Resources Inventory and Minnesota Land Cover Classification System According to the City's Natural Resources Inventory (NRI), there are no native plant communities on the Subject Property. Additionally, the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) classifies the Subject Property as 'Urban with Little Vegetative Cover'. There are no existing trees on the Subject Property and thus, there is no need for a tree inventory. Landscape Plan As the Environmental Policy Board knows, the COR Design Framework emphasizes the streetscape over internal plantings. However, as previously noted, the Subject Property does not have any frontage along Sunwood Drive. The Applicant still included a Landscape Plan, which does include a nice mix of evergreens and deciduous trees and shrubs. All species are acceptable and meet the minimum size requirements. The Landscape Plan also includes turfed areas both east and south of the building. Funding Source: All costs associated with this project are the Applicant's responsibility. Recommendation: Staff recommends approving the Landscape Plan. Outcome/Action: Motion to recommend approval of the Landscape Plan for Take 5 Oil.