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Mayor and City Coun August 1979 Page Three From a planning perspective, it is felt that parking can be located in front or side yards provided that proper screening and /or landscaping is provided. b. Screening and Landscaping. General notes on screening and landscaping have been provided on the proposed site plan, however, a landscape plan has not been submitted. In discussing this with the applicant, he indicated that a row of existing weeping willows and evergreens, plus some young trees (1 1 /2dia.) which he has planted would border the property on the south. An existing wooden fence ranging from six to ten feet in height will border the east side of the property and enclose the outdoor storage area In light of the previous discussion on allowing parking in front or side yards abutting residential property, this issue is viewed as being critical. In terms of adequate screening, it should be noted that while weeping willows provide dense cover in summer months, they are virtually worthless as a screen in colder seasons. While an earth berm and plantings would potentially provide a good buffer, there does not appear to be enough room left at the southern border of the property (10 feet) to construct such a berm. As such, the City may wish to require a screening fence along the southern border of the property. Until such time as a landscape plan is submitted to this office for review, no recommendation can be made as to the acceptability of the proposed buffering. 3. Outdoor Storage. In evaluating the previous request, there was some discussion as to maintenance of the semi — trailers which were to be kept at the rear of the property. The only way the City can maintain control over this is to only allow the outdoor storage as a conditional use. In this fashion, if complaints are received the conditional use permit can be revoked and the outdoor storage eliminated. RECOMMENDATION Although the issue of landscaping and screening is considered important and has certainly not been resolved, it need not necessarily hold up the review process. Since the building conforms to other Ordinance requirements, it is felt that a building permit could be approved, but the City could require that prior to issuance of an occupancy permit, an acceptable landscape plan must be approved. Therefore, it is recommended that the building permit be approved contingent upon the following issues being resolved: 1. Resubdivision of the two lots into one parcel should be required. 2. Outdoor storage should be allowed only on a conditional use basis. Page 4