#12 - Landscape Requirements - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes: 1-23-23 2 M/S/P: Steil / Vrieze moved to recommend to deny adoption of the proposed text amendment, amending the landscape provisions in Section 105.12.480 Landscape Requirements as presented Vote: 4-0, motion carried. During discussion, Commissioner Steil commented that he thinks this is a good start, but it needs to be more specific to what the Planning Commission is looking for, regarding tables, and more clear-cut examples to prevent future problems any new development as this is too vague. Commissioner Vrieze stated that the elevation requirement, the tree preservation portion and the parking lot screening is appreciated. He stated that he wants to see is having a define table showing the difference of the landscaping requirements between each zoning uses, and define “screening from above” or strike that from the language, as it is too ambiguous. Commissioner Rehkamp concurs with Steil and Vrieze, and stated that he wants a table that addresses adjoining land-use, how it zoned and the implications of elevation and what it looks like for adjoining properties. Commissioner Chair Risner stated that he is in agreement with much of the language, but stated that there needs to be a better definition between zones. He asked the commissioners to be very specific on facts and findings to be presented to the City Council, potentially going thru each section. Commissioner Vrieze agrees with Risner regarding the green text is fine, but the orange text needs to be more definitive. For #6, he would like to see a defined table showing what the screen requirements are for each specific uses, and each zoning district and the definition of elevation of adjacent properties. Commissioner Steil wants the tree height, and who determines what height is needed per each project to be more defined. Commissioner Chair Risner doesn’t think the parking lot screening requirement decision should be left up to the Planning Director as it leave too much subjugation. He believes that sentence in item #5 “whereupon this requirement may be waived by the Planning Director” should be removed and that the applicant should have to apply for a variance. New/Unfinished Business N/A Communications/Updates - City Council Updates a) City Council Updates i. Impervious Surface Text Amendment – 1/17/2023 was approved ii. Conditional Use Permit – Upper 33rd St – 1/17/2023 was approved Upcoming Meetings a) February 13, 2023 b) Joint Session with City Council on February 15th 2023 c) February 27, 2023 Meeting adjourned at 7:37 PM. Respectfully submitted, Diane Wendt Permit Technician