Agenda - Planning Commission - 05/20/2003 - Special

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44 Site Plan Review: Alpine Acres May 16, 2003 Page 4 of 6 (10) overstory trees, twenty-four (24) ornamentals, and ninety-six (96) shrubs while the 4-unit buildings show eight (8) overstory trees, sixteen (16) ornamentals, and forty-eight (48) shrubs. The 4-unit buildings are meeting the minimum planting requirements but the 8-unit buildings are · short six (6) overstory trees and eight (8) ornamentals per building. However, if the additional plantings along Nowthen Blvd are included, they would only be short six (6) overstory trees (this does not alleviate the ornamental requirements because no ornamentals are included in the additional plantings). All species indicated on the species palette are acceptable according to' the Ramsey Tree Book. One species, American Elm (resistant variety) is actually considered a preferred species. However, there is some concern with the lack of diversity of species being planted. There needs to be a larger pool of species planted along Nowthen Blvd and it is strongly recommended that a larger pool of species be used around the buildings. This will enhance the site aesthetically as well as act as a buffer against disease/insect infestations that can devastate monoculture plantings. The City needs to receive plans showing the typical plantings for both the 6-unit buildings as well as the 3-unit buildings to determine if the plantings are adequate. Furthermore, .a revised landscaping plan that shows a larger mix of species and also indicates how the ornamental requirements will be met also should be submitted. Tree preserVation efforts may help offset, or even fulfill, the planting requirements but a more detailed plan needs to be submitted. Density Transitionin.~:. City Ordinances require a transition between higher density developments and lower density developments. The subject development is required to provide density transitioning along the western edge of the development as it is located adjacent to four existing single-family homes. The site plan is proposing to satisfy density transitioning requirements through the landscape buffer option. The buffer area must be a twenty-five (25) foot wide area located along the common boundary. This common boundary is roughly 1,000 feet in length, which would require a minimum of twenty (20) deciduous overstory trees, twenty (20) evergreens, and twenty (20) understory trees in the twenty-five foot wide buffer area. The site plan shows seventeen (17) deciduous, overstory trees, eighteen (18) evergreens, and eighteen (18) understory trees. The current landscaping plan either needs to be revised to meet the minimum requirements or a more detailed tree preservation plan needs to be submitted to determine if existing trees, that are to remain after completion of the development. According to the current plan, all species used for the density transitioning requirements are considered either acceptable or preferred as outlined in the Ramsey Tree Book. However, there needs to be a larger mix of species to ensure diversity and longevity. Currently, only three species are shown on the plan. A revised plan needs to be submitted that shows a more diverse species palette.