02/13/2013 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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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 uses often have sizable loading areas and working yards 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. In addition, the board may wish to consider different Canopy Coverage levels based on the land use type. Commercial and Industrial areas tend to have somewhat different site characteristics. The board may wish to consider reducing the coverage percentage for industrial properties. Staff would also like to further review the existing 40% requirement for commercial uses. Foundation Plantings 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. Residential Lawn Requirements The City requires all residential properties to install landscaping including ornamental grass i.e., sod or seed prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. However, the specific citation was inadvertently deleted when the revised ordinance was adopted. Staff is proposing language be added addressing minimum residential landscaping requirements. REQUESTED BOARD DIRECTION Staff is requesting board direction to pursue possible amendments to the landscaping requirements. ATTACHMENTS None. • Page 2 Landscaping Regulations P & Z Report 2/13/13