02-15-2018 Planning Commission Packet

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As presented, planning staff does not foresee any concerns with the lighting plan and lighting installed would be subject to compliance with 903.020.I. Landscape Plan The landscape plan as presented appears to provide adequate screening along the south property line which was a concern during the previous review of this property. The evergreens proposed are spaced about 16 feet on center. This would create a relatively loose screen for a single row. As a suggestion to the Applicant, we would ask them to consider 12 foot on center for the White Spruce/Black Hills Spruce. As presented, the screening proposed would be sufficient, but we’d just ask that they review the spacing proposed to tighten it up a bit. With regards to tree preservation and replacement, the grading necessary for the project will be challenging preservation of existing trees on the site. This site would require replacement of 53 caliper inches and the plan submitted exceeds that. The City Engineer has noted that the demolition plan calls out to save trees, as possible, along a majority of the south property line. As a condition of approval, the Applicant should establish a “no disturbance” zone around the drip line of the adjacent oaks trees along the south property line. This was a concern of the residents noted in the previous review and efforts should continue to be made to protect those trees. Additionally, the City Engineer has suggested that the Applicant stake the property line so we can look at the significant trees near it, then have them stake cuts and fills in the area of those significant trees. This will then allow us to determine in the field if they can or should be saved by adjusting the grading slightly. Again, there is no guarantee for saving existing trees and the replacement of trees as proposed exceeds the threshold required. Our goal is that attempts should be made to preserve existing significant trees wherever realistically possible. A difference in the landscape plan that should be brought to your attention is that there is no longer a fence proposed along the south property line behind 81 & 91 Iona Lane. During the townhome proposal this condition was added due to potential headlight glare in the gaps between the units and to shield the road turnaround. This fence was not permanent and was to remain until the trees had grown to act a screening mechanism. With this proposal, staff believes a fence is no longer necessary behind these two homes given there will be no headlight glare. Lastly, staff would request the Applicant considering additional landscaping/shrubs or a railing along the path (placement on west side of path) that runs between the building and stormwater pond. This is a senior/assisted facility, meaning residents of very low mobility. With the path running along this edge, staff believes this would be an added safety measure for accidental mishaps. Based on the above, city staff would require the following conditions with regards to landscaping plan:  The Applicant should prepare a grading plan which has the least impact and grading disturbance along the south property line to permit the existing tree survival wherever possible. This includes, but is not limited to, establishing a “no disturbance” zone around the drip line of the oak trees on neighboring private property;  Planning staff would recommend the addition of pond plantings to enhance the visual impact of the project from Rice Street. The design of the plantings should be coordinated with and approved by the Ramsey Washington County Watershed District. This redesigned plan should incorporate a safety element between the stormwater pond and path.  The Developer shall enter into a maintenance agreement with the City or the Watershed District to ensure drainage and aesthetics of pond are adequately maintained;