Minutes - Planning Commission - 10/06/1998

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within code restrictions for accessory building sizes, as well as the 35-percent lot coverage restriction. The Code requires exterior walls to consist of all natural or pre-fabricated stone panels, unless otherwise approved by City Council. He said the applicant is proposing a grooved plywood siding painted 'barn red' to match the trim on the principal building. The roof will be asphalt shingles. The building is proposed to be located between the volleyball courts and the east property line, which is a substantial distance from the Highway 10 corridor. Community Development Assistant Walther stated in regards to the landscaping plan, Mr. Gruber, through judicious grading and agreements with the County, was able to protect a significant amount of mature oak trees on the east and northwest sides of the parcel. He is therefore requesting a waiver from the requirement to plant 30 4-foot trees on the Highway 10 frontage. A sketch plan of the proposed landscaping was to be available for inspection at the meeting, however, Mr. Gruber stated due to short notice the landscape plan Would not be available until the October 13, 1998, City Council meeting. Community Development Assistant Walther stated Parks and Utilities Supervisor Mark Boos met with Mr. Gruber on the site to discuss landscaping concerns. The Planning Commission had previously approved screening around the ball fields with a vine covered chain link fence. Mr. Gruber's fence contractor has recommended against using vines as it may mis-align the fence over time due to wind and snow loading. Mr. Boos recommended that the entire footage proposed for vines be established with tree seedlings at 4 foot intervals, 50-percent of which should be conifers. The 4 foot spacing recognizes a typical 50-percent or greater mortality during the first years. Mr. Gruber explained he was able to save approximately 60 full grown oak and pine trees on the property. He stated after speaking with a landscaping expert he was advised vines would damage the fence. He said a berm was placed around the outskirts of the property and the fence is 6 feet higher. He indicated overgrowth behind the fence grows as tall as the fence and would provide additional screening of the property. He indicated planting numerous shrubs on the property that were not part of the original landscape plan. He requested the original agreement of 30 trees be reduced to 18 trees in the north front of the property along Highway 10 and that he be allowed to omit the vines near the fencing and instead plant seedlings. Regarding the proposed shed, he indicated it would be used for equipment storage and would be located away from Highway 10 and neighboring residents. Community Development Assistant Walther stated staff sent a copy of this case to residents on record who expressed an interest in this development project during its conditional use permit approval stages. Commissioner Jensen questioned the building's color of 'barn red' and stated the colors had not been presented prior to construction. She also stated concern regarding the construction materials for the shed. Mr. Gruber indicated color samples had been submitted to staff and said the 'barn red' color was chosen for the shed as it would not show dirt. He stated preference for treated plywood siding as opposed to a concrete shed due to the incredible price difference between the two, plywood being less expensive. Planning Commission/October 6, 1998 Page 3 of 13