12/14/2005 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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The only portion of the new design guidelines that are not being completely met is the following requirement: • Buildings shall have a well- defined base, middle and top. The base should appear visually distinct from the middle and top part (cornice) of the building through the use of a change in building materials, color, window shape or size, an intermediate cornice line, sign band, an awning, or similar techniques. The project lacks a significant top, staff is including a condition of approval that would require the inclusion of a cornice element sufficient in size and constructed of durable materials. Building Height According to the Zoning Ordinance, no building within the LI (Light Industrial) zoning district may exceed 45 feet in height. At approximately 22 feet in height, the proposed facility complies with the ordinance. Landscaping The landscaping plan is generally compliant with city requirements with the exception of some material changes, boulevard trees, and the required buffer. The LI (Light Industrial) district requires side and rear lot lines adjacent to residential or commercial districts, public right -of -way, a landscape buffer area not less than 40 feet in depth containing an effective mix of screening including landscaping, planting, berming, or fencing. The submitted plans indicate a berm along the southern half of the west property line that along with the proposed landscaping should provide a substantial screen to the west, but the northern half of the west property line and the north property line appear to be lacking in appropriate screening. Staff notes that this berm was part of the mass grading plan that was approved for this entire industrial development by Conditional Use Permit. Each individual property within the project has been reviewed based on that grading plan as they have developed, so not all of those improvements have been completed until such time that development occurs. In this case there is not berm on the western property line at this time and it would need to be completed as part of this project not only for the purposes of grading and drainage, but also for the screening it will provide. An inspection of the existing site by staff proved that there are a number of existing trees that might provide some screening of the building, but their location must be verified. If they are located on the property and not within the roadway easement, staff can consider them as part of the buffer. The applicant will need to submit a revised landscape plan (and if necessary a grading plan) that addresses the need for a 40 foot wide screening buffer. This will need to be submitted prior to the item being heard by the City Council. • This application has drawn the attention of neighboring property owners and has brought to light issues with the screening of the Summit Fire building to the south. Staff is working towards addressing that issue at this time. As always, all sodded and landscaped areas shall require irrigation. The environmental board has specifically requested that all berms be irrigated as well to ensure survival of planting materials.