08-12-13 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

ANALYSIS The following is a summary of the proposed changes: Section 1.a. Definitions. The definition of "Foundation Landscape Zone" was modified to better define the zone. The definition of "Vehicular Hardscape" was added. Section 3. Canopy Cover Standards. The Canopy Coverage requirement is intended to mitigate the effects of impervious areas by intercepting rainfall, protecting pavement, reducing the heat island effect and improving aesthetics. These areas include loading drives, parking lots, driveways, drop -offs and other areas covered with a hard surface intended for vehicles. The minimum canopy coverage for all uses is 40 %. As noted, all hard surface areas are included for canopy coverage calculation purposes. However, industrial may have sizable working yards /exterior storage areas that 1) substantially increase the Canopy Coverage requirement; and 2) are extremely difficult or impractical to insert landscaping into. Staff is of the opinion that exempting these areas from the calculation requirement should be considered. The definition of Vehicular Hardscape was deleted and moved to the definition's section. Permitted exterior storage areas where added as an exemption. Section 4. Foundation Landscape Standards. The foundation planting requirements currently provide for plantings along all four sides of a building. While an allowance is made for loading areas, staff is of the opinion that in all practicality the provisions should only apply to street facing sides of the building and /or general parking areas. This is more of a concern in industrial areas where loading areas may take up more than one side of a building. The proposed changes eliminate the requirements for foundation planting on rear and sides but requires all front and street facing sides to include plantings. This includes sides facing private streets. Additionally, staff is proposing to allow trees planted within 30 feet of the building to be considered part of the foundation plantings. The purpose of this change is to provide for plantings within landscaped areas lying between the building and parking/hard surface areas. This also provides flexibility in locating landscaping to maximize view sheds. The substitution ratios for smaller plant materials was also changed allow for easier calculations. Section 5. Open Areas Landscape Standards. The substitution ratios for smaller plant materials was also changed allow for easier calculations.