HomeMy WebLinkAbout#12 - Landscape RequirementsSTAFF REPORT
DATE: 2/21/2023
REGULAR
MOTION
TO:
FROM:
AGENDA ITEM:
REVIWED BY:
City Council
Sophia Jensen, City Planner
Landscape Requirements Text Amendments
Sarah Evenson - HKGi Landscape Architect
1
BACKGROUND:
As the City continues to develop and uses of different intensities develop side by side the City should
review its standards for mitigating the impacts of a more intense use on a less intense use. One of the
ways cities do this is through landscaping standards. At the September 13, 2022 workshop, the City
Council directed staff to bring back to workshop screening standards that would address current concerns
and add clarity to the code requirements.
At the December 13th 2022 workshop, the City Council reviewed the proposed amendments to the
landscaping provisions related to screening, top soil, water, and other previously identified revisions that
would aid in executing the ordinance. Council directed staff to bring forward the items related to screening
for a public hearing while holding off on the top soil and watering provisions until further review is
completed. The proposed amendments have also been reviewed by the City's Landscape Architect.
ISSUE BEFORE CITY COUNCIL:
Should the City Council approve the propoed text amendment to section 105.12.480 Lanscape
Requirements?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS
City Code Article VIII Environmental Standards provides for the City’s tree preservation and landscaping
standards for new development. The purpose statement for this article is as follows: materials, and
provides for where landscaping should be located. In regards to perimeter landscaping that can provide a
transition between uses, landscaping is required in the setback areas, and to screen parking lots from
public spaces and adjacent residential properties. In addition, screening is required to provide visual and
noise separation of intensive uses from less intensive uses. The City Council, Planning Commission,
applicants, and staff have identified the need to update this section
STAFF REVIEW
Staff distributed the proposed amendment for staff re view and received recommendations from the City's
Landscape Architect HKGi.
1
2
PUBLIC COMMENT
A hearing notice was published in the Stillwater Gazette on January 13th, 2023. Staff has not received any
public comment on the text amendment.
PLANNING COMISSION
The Planning Commission recommended denial of the proposed text amendment at the January 23rd 2023
Planning Commission meeting based on the following items:
FISCAL IMPACT
None
OPTIONS
•Approve the proposed amendments.
•Amend the proposed amendments.
•Deny the proposed amendments.
RECCOMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the the proposed text amendments as presented.
“Move to adopt Ordinance No. 2023-04, amending the landscaping provisions in Section
105.12.480 Landscape Requirements as presented.”
AND
"Move to adopt summary of publication of Ordinance 2023-04 with approval of Resolution
No. 2023-11
ATTACHMENTS
1.Proposed Text Amendment
2.Existing Code Language
3.Ordinance No. 2023-04
4.Resolution No. 2023-011
5.City Council Workshop Minutes 9-13-2022
6.City Council Workshop Minutes 12-12-2022
7.Planning Commission Minutes 1-23-2023
•The screening text amendment (orange text) is to ambiguous.
•A defined table of requirements between uses should be incorporated.
•Further clarification of elevation of adjacent properties.
•Further clarification on screening from above language.
•Increase minimum tree height at time of planting.
•Add clarification for who determines if the screen height needs to be at the new 8ft requirement.
•Removal of the proposed language allowing the planning director to wave parking lot screening
requirements.
Text underlined orange text refers to additional screening updates based on council direction. Other updates are
depicted in underlined green text. Strikethrough text is removed language.
105.12.480 Landscape Requirements
All development sites shall be landscaped, as provided in this section, in order to control erosion and runoff,
moderate extremes of temperature and provide shade, aid in energy conservation, preserve habitat, provide visual
softening of, especially, urban development, and generally enhance the quality of the physical environment within
the city.
1.Landscape plan required. A landscaping plan is required for all new commercial, industrial, institutional,
and multifamily development, all planned unit developments, and all subdivisions, with the exception of
minor subdivisions, as defined in this chapter. The landscape plan shall be prepared by a certified
landscape architect, shall be drawn to a scale identified on the plan, and include the following:
1.The location, size, quantity, and species of all existing and proposed plant materials.
2.Methods for protecting existing trees and other landscape material, consistent with LEC
105.12.470.
3.The plant schedule shall depict the height and spread of each plant type at the time of planting
and atand atand at the time of maturity.
4.Structural and ground cover materials. All existing and proposed features such as buildings,
structures, parking areas, pervious and imperious pavements, signs, fences, walls, enclosures,
natural features, grading, property lines, easements, utilities, and driveways shall be clearly shown
on the plans.
5.Seeding, sodding, and ground cover materials
6. Provisions for irrigation and other water supplies.
7.Elevation view, details, and cross-sections of all required screening.
8. Special planting instructions.
9.City standard plan notes and drawings planting details, as well as any additional planting
instructions and notes.
10. Utilities and driveways shall also be clearly shown on the plans.
2.Design considerations. The following design concepts and requirements shall be considered when
developing a landscape plan.
1.To the maximum extent possible, the landscape plan shall incorporate, preserve and protect,
existing significant trees and other healthy, non-invasive vegetation and other vegetation on the
site.
2.Landscaped areas should be of adequate size to allow for healthy proper plant growth, to a typical
mature size without impeding on roads, walks, trails, buildings or other areas needed for service
access or public safety. Planting areas should protect plantings from vehicular and pedestrian
traffic, and provide adequate areas for plant maintenance.
3.A variety of trees and shrubs should be used to provide visual interest year-round. No more than
50 percent of the required number of trees and shrubs may consist of any one species. A minimum
of 25 percent of the required number of trees shall be deciduous shade trees, and a minimum of 25
percent shall be coniferous trees. Ornamental trees may be used when applied towards landscaping
requirements. However, the number of trees shall not exceed 15 percent of the required amount.
4.Final slopes greater than 3:1 will not be permitted without special treatment such as terracing,
retaining walls, erosion control blankets, or special ground covers.
5.All plant materials, except trees planted per the tree replacement schedule, shall meet the following
minimum size standards in Table 6-1. Trees planted per the tree replacement schedule shall meet
the minimum requirements outlined in LEC 105.12.470(c)(8)d.
Table 6-1: Minimum Size Standards for Landscape Materials
6. As an alternative to the minimum standards for landscape materials, a landscape plan prepared by
a qualified professional certifying that said plan will meet the intent of this section may be
submitted.
7.As a general rule, trees should be planted ten feet away from all utilities including water and sewer
stubs unless approved by the city's landscape architect.
3.Landscaping of setback areas. All required setbacks not occupied by buildings, parking, paths or plazas
shall be landscaped with turf grass, native grass, trees, shrubs, vines, perennial flowering plants, and
surrounding pervious ground cover.
1.A minimum of one tree per lot or one tree for every 50 feet of street frontage, lake shore or stream
frontage, or fraction thereof shall be planted at the time of development. The total tree requirement
will be whichever quantity is greater.
1.Trees adjacent to streets shall be planted within the front yard and may be arranged in a
cluster or placed at regular intervals to best complement existing landscape design patterns
in the area.
2.Salt tolerance, species soil compatibility, and root structure should be considered when
selecting tree species adjacent to streets, sidewalks and parking areas.
3.Where property abuts a lake or stream, trees shall be planted at intervals of no more than
50 feet along the shoreline, except where natural vegetation is sufficient to meet this
requirement.
Plant Type Minimum Size at Planting**
Trees:
Evergreen 6 feet in height
Deciduous--shade 2.5 inches caliper, measured six inches from base
Deciduous--ornamental 2 inches caliper, measured six inches from base
Shrubs:
Evergreen # five container*
Deciduous # five container*
Shrubs used for screening (evergreen or
deciduous) # five container*
* Approximately five gallons.
**See American Standards for Nursery Stock, ANSI 260.1-2004 for exact specifications.
* This table and its requirements do not apply to the tree replacement schedule.
2.In addition to the requirements of subsection (c)(1) of this section, a minimum of five trees shall
be planted for every one acre of land that is disturbed by development activity. Such trees may be
used for parking lot landscaping or screening as specified in subsections (d) and (e) of this section.
4.Interior parking lot landscaping. The purpose of interior parking lot landscaping is to minimize the
expansive appearance of parking lots and provide shaded parking areas. Landscaping shall consist of
planting islands, medians and borders, comprising the required planting area specified under subsection
(d)(1) of this section.
1.At least five percent of the interior area of parking lots with more than 30 spaces shall be devoted
to landscape planting areas. Areas may consist of islands or corner planting beds.
2. Shade trees shall be provided within the interior of parking lots (in islands or corner planting
beds) in accordance with the following table:
Table 6-2: Minimum Required Tree Planting for Parking Lots
5.Perimeter parking lot landscaping. Parking areas, and especially vehicle headlights, shall be screened
from public streets and sidewalks, public open space, and adjacent residential properties. Where applicable
an applicant may demonstrate that distance and/or finished grades would achieve this objective,
whereupon this requirement may be waived by the Planning Director. The perimeter of parking areas shall
be screened as follows:
1.With the exception of VMX area, a landscaped frontage strip at least five eight feet wide shall be
provided between parking areas and public streets, sidewalks, or paths. If a parking area contains
over 100 spaces, the frontage strip shall be increased to eight twelve feet in width.
1.Within the frontage strip, screening shall consist of either a masonry wall, fence, berm, or
hedge or combination that forms a screen a minimum of 3 1/2 and a maximum of four feet
in height, and not less than 50 percent opaque on a year-round basis.
2.Trees shall be planted at a minimum of one deciduous tree per 50 linear feet within the
frontage strip.
2.Alongside and rear property lines abutting residential properties or districts, screening shall be
provided, consisting of either a masonry wall, fence or berm in combination with landscape
material that forms a screen a minimum of four feet in height, a maximum of six feet in height,
and not less than 90 percent opaque on a year-round basis. Landscape material shall include trees,
planted at a minimum of one deciduous or coniferous tree per 40 linear feet along the property
line.
Number of Parking Spaces Minimum Required Tree Planting
0—30 None required
31—100 1 tree per 10 spaces or fraction thereof
101+ 1 tree per 15 spaces or fraction thereof
Figure A: Example cross-section view of perimeter parking lot landscape screening.
Figure B: Example elevation view of perimeter parking lot landscape screening.
6.Screening. Screening shall be used to provide visual and noise separation of more intensive uses from less
intensive uses. Where screening is required in the city Code between uses or districts, it shall consist of
either a masonry wall or fence, or berm in combination with landscape material that forms a screen at least
six feet in height, and not less than 90 percent opaque on a year-round basis. Top of wall or fence shall be
a minimum of six feet above the elevation along the property line(s) from which screening of the less
intensive use is required. The City may require screening at least eight feet in height were the difference
in intensity of uses is greater, such as between lots planned for development with single-family attached
and detached residential development and certain service uses such as self-service storage and trade shops,
automotive/vehicular uses, or industrial and extractive uses. Landscape material shall include trees,
planted at a minimum of one deciduous or coniferous tree per 25 40 linear feet along the property line.
Screening trees shall be adequately sized and offset from the property line so as not to overhang adjacent
properties upon reaching mature size. Additional landscape material, such as shade trees or trellises, may
be required to partially screen views from above.
Figure C: Example cross-section of screening between land uses.
Figure D: Example elevation view of screening between land uses.
7.Maintenance and installation of materials. Installation and maintenance of all landscape materials shall
comply with the following standards:
1.All landscape materials shall be installed to current industry standards. Special attention must be
paid to initial soil preparation, drainage, and proper initial planting of plant root mass.
2.Irrigation or other water supply adequate to support the specified plant materials shall be provided
at the time of, or immediately after, plant installation.
3. All required landscaping and screening features shall be kept free of refuse and debris.
4.All landscape plantings, seeded, and sodded areas shall be maintained to manage weeds and ensure
establishment of intended plant materials.
5.All landscape materials shall be guaranteed for two years. Any landscape material that dies, has a
dead or broken central leader, exhibits 30% or more crown death, is damaged by construction, or
becomes diseased before the end of the second year after installation shall be replaced by the
developer.
6.For nonresidential projects, continuing maintenance and replacement of landscape materials shall
be the responsibility of the property owner, including after beyond two years of initial installation.
Improvements identified on the landscape plan, including non-plant materials, such as fencing,
shall be maintained for the life of the project for which the plan was required.
8.Financial security. The city will require that a financial security, in a form acceptable to the city, be
provided as part of a development agreement or applicable permit to ensure compliance and performance
of the landscape plan. The financial security will be released to the applicant upon verification by the city
that the landscape plan was followed, and that all landscape materials are planted and in a reasonable state
of health. The financial security may be used to replace any landscape materials that have become
damaged or diseased after planting. Adequate security must be met retained to ensure performance for at
least two years after the installations have been completed.
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-04
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAKE ELMO CITY CODE BY
AMENDING THE LANDSCAPE REQUREIMETNS
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 105 Zoning; Chapter
105.12: Zoning Code, Section 480 Landscape Requirements is hereby amended by changing the following
section (Proposed language is underlined, deleted language is shown with strikethrough):
105.12.480 Landscape Requirements
All development sites shall be landscaped, as provided in this section, in order to control erosion and runoff,
moderate extremes of temperature and provide shade, aid in energy conservation, preserve habitat, provide visual
softening of, especially, urban development, and generally enhance the quality of the physical environment within
the city.
1. Landscape plan required. A landscaping plan is required for all new commercial, industrial, institutional,
and multifamily development, all planned unit developments, and all subdivisions, with the exception of
minor subdivisions, as defined in this chapter. The landscape plan shall be prepared by a certified
landscape architect, shall be drawn to a scale identified on the plan, and include the following:
1. The location, size, quantity, and species of all existing and proposed plant materials.
2. Methods for protecting existing trees and other landscape material, consistent with LEC
105.12.470.
3. The plant schedule shall depict the height and spread of each plant type at the time of planting at
the time of maturity.
4. Structural and ground cover materials. All existing and proposed features such as buildings,
structures, parking areas, pervious and imperious pavements, signs, fences, walls, enclosures,
natural features, grading, property lines, easements, utilities, and driveways shall be clearly shown
on the plans.
5. Seeding, sodding, and ground cover materials
6. Provisions for irrigation and other water supplies.
7. Elevation view, details, and cross-sections of all required screening.
8. Special planting instructions.
9. City standard plan notes and drawings planting details, as well as any additional planting
instructions and notes.
10. Utilities and driveways shall also be clearly shown on the plans.
2. Design considerations. The following design concepts and requirements shall be considered when
developing a landscape plan.
1. To the maximum extent possible, the landscape plan shall incorporate, preserve and protect,
existing significant trees and other healthy, non-invasive vegetation and other vegetation on the
site.
2. Landscaped areas should be of adequate size to allow for healthy proper plant growth, to a typical
mature size without impeding on roads, walks, trails, buildings or other areas needed for service
access or public safety. Planting areas should protect plantings from vehicular and pedestrian
traffic, and provide adequate areas for plant maintenance.
3. A variety of trees and shrubs should be used to provide visual interest year-round. No more than
50 percent of the required number of trees and shrubs may consist of any one species. A minimum
of 25 percent of the required number of trees shall be deciduous shade trees, and a minimum of 25
percent shall be coniferous trees. Ornamental trees may be used when applied towards landscaping
requirements. However, the number of trees shall not exceed 15 percent of the required amount.
4. Final slopes greater than 3:1 will not be permitted without special treatment such as terracing,
retaining walls, erosion control blankets, or special ground covers.
5. All plant materials, except trees planted per the tree replacement schedule, shall meet the following
minimum size standards in Table 6-1. Trees planted per the tree replacement schedule shall meet
the minimum requirements outlined in LEC 105.12.470(c)(8)d.
Table 6-1: Minimum Size Standards for Landscape Materials
6. As an alternative to the minimum standards for landscape materials, a landscape plan prepared by
a qualified professional certifying that said plan will meet the intent of this section may be
submitted.
7. As a general rule, trees should be planted ten feet away from all utilities including water and sewer
stubs unless approved by the city's landscape architect.
3. Landscaping of setback areas. All required setbacks not occupied by buildings, parking, paths or plazas
shall be landscaped with turf grass, native grass, trees, shrubs, vines, perennial flowering plants, and
surrounding pervious ground cover.
1. A minimum of one tree per lot or one tree for every 50 feet of street frontage, lake shore or stream
frontage, or fraction thereof shall be planted at the time of development. The total tree requirement
will be whichever quantity is greater.
Plant Type Minimum Size at Planting**
Trees:
Evergreen 6 feet in height
Deciduous--shade 2.5 inches caliper, measured six inches from base
Deciduous--ornamental 2 inches caliper, measured six inches from base
Shrubs:
Evergreen # five container*
Deciduous # five container*
Shrubs used for screening (evergreen or
deciduous) # five container*
* Approximately five gallons.
**See American Standards for Nursery Stock, ANSI 260.1-2004 for exact specifications.
* This table and its requirements do not apply to the tree replacement schedule.
1. Trees adjacent to streets shall be planted within the front yard and may be arranged in a
cluster or placed at regular intervals to best complement existing landscape design patterns
in the area.
2. Salt tolerance, species soil compatibility, and root structure should be considered when
selecting tree species adjacent to streets, sidewalks and parking areas.
3. Where property abuts a lake or stream, trees shall be planted at intervals of no more than
50 feet along the shoreline, except where natural vegetation is sufficient to meet this
requirement.
2. In addition to the requirements of subsection (c)(1) of this section, a minimum of five trees shall
be planted for every one acre of land that is disturbed by development activity. Such trees may be
used for parking lot landscaping or screening as specified in subsections (d) and (e) of this section.
4. Interior parking lot landscaping. The purpose of interior parking lot landscaping is to minimize the
expansive appearance of parking lots and provide shaded parking areas. Landscaping shall consist of
planting islands, medians and borders, comprising the required planting area specified under subsection
(d)(1) of this section.
1. At least five percent of the interior area of parking lots with more than 30 spaces shall be devoted
to landscape planting areas. Areas may consist of islands or corner planting beds.
2. Shade trees shall be provided within the interior of parking lots (in islands or corner planting
beds) in accordance with the following table:
Table 6-2: Minimum Required Tree Planting for Parking Lots
5. Perimeter parking lot landscaping. Parking areas, and especially vehicle headlights, shall be screened
from public streets and sidewalks, public open space, and adjacent residential properties. Where applicable
an applicant may demonstrate that distance and/or finished grades would achieve this objective,
whereupon this requirement may be waived by the Planning Director. The perimeter of parking areas shall
be screened as follows:
1. With the exception of VMX area, a landscaped frontage strip at least five eight feet wide shall be
provided between parking areas and public streets, sidewalks, or paths. If a parking area contains
over 100 spaces, the frontage strip shall be increased to eight twelve feet in width.
1. Within the frontage strip, screening shall consist of either a masonry wall, fence, berm, or
hedge or combination that forms a screen a minimum of 3 1/2 and a maximum of four feet
in height, and not less than 50 percent opaque on a year-round basis.
2. Trees shall be planted at a minimum of one deciduous tree per 50 linear feet within the
frontage strip.
2. Alongside and rear property lines abutting residential properties or districts, screening shall be
provided, consisting of either a masonry wall, fence or berm in combination with landscape
material that forms a screen a minimum of four feet in height, a maximum of six feet in height,
and not less than 90 percent opaque on a year-round basis. Landscape material shall include trees,
Number of Parking Spaces Minimum Required Tree Planting
0—30 None required
31—100 1 tree per 10 spaces or fraction thereof
101+ 1 tree per 15 spaces or fraction thereof
planted at a minimum of one deciduous or coniferous tree per 40 linear feet along the property
line.
Figure A: Example cross-section view of perimeter parking lot landscape screening.
Figure B: Example elevation view of perimeter parking lot landscape screening.
6.Screening. Screening shall be used to provide visual and noise separation of more intensive uses from less
intensive uses. Where screening is required in the city Code between uses or districts, it shall consist of
either a masonry wall or fence, or berm in combination with landscape material that forms a screen at least
six feet in height, and not less than 90 percent opaque on a year-round basis. Top of wall or fence shall be
a minimum of six feet above the elevation along the property line(s) from which screening of the less
intensive use is required. The City may require screening at least eight feet in height were the difference
in intensity of uses is greater, such as between lots planned for development with single-family attached
and detached residential development and certain service uses such as self-service storage and trade shops,
automotive/vehicular uses, or industrial and extractive uses. Landscape material shall include trees,
planted at a minimum of one deciduous or coniferous tree per 25 40 linear feet along the property line.
Screening trees shall be adequately sized and offset from the property line so as not to overhang adjacent
properties upon reaching mature size. Additional landscape material, such as shade trees or trellises, may
be required to partially screen views from above.
Figure C: Example cross-section of screening between land uses.
Figure D: Example elevation view of screening between land uses.
7.Maintenance and installation of materials. Installation and maintenance of all landscape materials shall
comply with the following standards:
1.All landscape materials shall be installed to current industry standards. Special attention must be
paid to initial soil preparation, drainage, and proper initial planting of plant root mass.
2.Irrigation or other water supply adequate to support the specified plant materials shall be provided
at the time of, or immediately after, plant installation.
3. All required landscaping and screening features shall be kept free of refuse and debris.
4.All landscape plantings, seeded, and sodded areas shall be maintained to manage weeds and ensure
establishment of intended plant materials.
5.All landscape materials shall be guaranteed for two years. Any landscape material that dies, has a
dead or broken central leader, exhibits 30% or more crown death, is damaged by construction, or
becomes diseased before the end of the second year after installation shall be replaced by the
developer.
6. For nonresidential projects, continuing maintenance and replacement of landscape materials shall
be the responsibility of the property owner, including after beyond two years of initial installation.
Improvements identified on the landscape plan, including non-plant materials, such as fencing,
shall be maintained for the life of the project for which the plan was required.
8. Financial security. The city will require that a financial security, in a form acceptable to the city, be
provided as part of a development agreement or applicable permit to ensure compliance and performance
of the landscape plan. The financial security will be released to the applicant upon verification by the city
that the landscape plan was followed, and that all landscape materials are planted and in a reasonable state
of health. The financial security may be used to replace any landscape materials that have become
damaged or diseased after planting. Adequate security must be met retained to ensure performance for at
least two years after the installations have been completed.
SECTION 2. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption and
publication in the official newspaper of the City of Lake Elmo.
SECTION 3. Adoption Date. This Ordinance 2023-04 was adopted on this ______day of _______, 2023,
by a vote of __ Ayes and ___Nays.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
_________________________________
Charles Cadenhead, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Julie Johnson, City Clerk
This Ordinance 2023-04 was published on the ____ day of ___________________, 2023.
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-011
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF A SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE
2023-04
WHEREAS, the Lake Elmo City Council has adopted Ordinance No. 2023-04, an ordinance that
amends Title 105 Zoning; Chapter 105.12: Zoning Code, Section 480 Landscape Requirements
WHEREAS, the ordinance is lengthy; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, section 412.191, subd. 4, allows publication by title and
summary in the case of lengthy ordinances or those containing charts or maps; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes that the following summary would clearly inform
the public of the intent and effect of the ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo
that the City Clerk shall cause the following summary of Ordinance No. 2023-04 to be published in
the official newspaper in lieu of the entire ordinance:
Public Notice
The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo has adopted Ordinance No. 2023-04, an ordinance that
amends the City Code language in the Zoning Ordinance. This ordinance alters language in the
City Code to update the amenities eligible for bonus density. The following is a summary of the
adopted ordinance language:
Ordinance 2023-04 includes the following elements to amend Title 105 Zoning; Chapter 105.12:
Zoning Code, Section 480 Landscape Requirements for language regarding screening
requirements.
The full text of Ordinance 2023-04 is available for inspection at Lake Elmo City Offices during
regular business hours.
1. Amended the landscape requirements section to enhance screening requirements and make
revisions that aid in executing the ordinance.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City C ouncil of the City of Lake Elmo that the City
Administrator keep a copy of the ordinance at City Hall for public inspection and that a full copy of
the ordinance be placed in a public location within the City.
Dated: February 21st, 2023
___________________________________
Charles Cadenhead, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Julie Johnson, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes: 1-23-23
1
City of Lake Elmo Planning Commission
Meeting
City Council Chambers – 3800 Laverne
Avenue North
Minutes of Regular Meeting of
January 23, 2023
CALL TO ORDER: Commission Chair Risner called to order the meeting of the Lake Elmo Planning Commission
at 7:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Risner, Rehkamp, Steil, Vrieze
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: City Planner Sophia Jensen
Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 PM
Approve Agenda:
M/S/P: Vrieze / Steil: made a motion to approve the agenda. Vote: 4-0, motion carried unanimously
Approve Minutes:
M/S/P: Steil / Rehkamp made a motion to approve the 1-9-23 meeting minutes. Vote: 4-0, motion carried
unanimously.
Public Hearing:
a)Text Amendment- Landscaping Ordinance. The City of Lake Elmo has initiated a zoning text amendment to
amend the landscape requirements section of Article VIII Environmental Performance Standards.
As the City continues to develop and uses of different intensities develop side by side the City should review its
standards for mitigating the impacts of a more intense use on a less intense use. One of the ways cities do this is
through landscaping standards. At the September 13, 2022 workshop, the City Council directed staff to bring back
to workshop screening standards that would address current concerns and add clarity to the code requirements.
At the December 13th 2022 workshop, the City Council reviewed the proposed amendments to the landscaping
provisions related to screening, top soil, water, and other previously identified revisions that would aid in executing
the ordinance. Council directed staff to bring forward the items related to screening for a public hearing while
holding off on the top soil and watering provisions until further review is completed. The proposed amendments
have also been reviewed by the City's Landscape Architect.
Revising the landscape ordinance is an item within the Planning Commission work plan for 2023.
City Planner Jensen gave presentation and answered questions.
M/S/P: Steil / Vrieze moved to open the public hearing at 7:21 PM. Vote: 4-0, motion carried unanimously.
No response from the public
M/S/P: Rehkamp / Steil moved to close the public hearing at 7:22 PM. Vote: 4-0, motion carried unanimously.
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