02-14-2012 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Plannuig Commission Minutes February 14, 2012 Page 2 STANDARDS, CHAl\TGING THE WORD "METAL", TO "MATERL~LS". • MOTION CARRIED 5-0. ~? Request b~- the Cit<- of Elk River for Ordinance Amendment to Section 30-93~ Relating to Landscaping Requirements. Public Hearing - Case '_~o. OA 12-02 The staff report was presented by Jeremy Barnhart. Mr. Barnhart reviewed the proposed changes to the Landscaping ordinance. Commissioner Johnson stated that «'al-Mart would not meet the proposed ordinance. Mr. Barnhart explained that staff did not analyze «'al-Mart's parking. ?dir. Barnhart noted that staff did an audit of the new Pizza Ranch site as a "test" and found that they would have met the new ordinance requirements. Commissioner Johnson asked if an applicant could request fewer, larger islands. 1\1r. Barnhart stated that could be negotiated. He stated that with all expansions, improvements are required in scale with the proposal and 100 percent compliance is not required. Commissioner Bell discussed the case of a previous business owner who stated he could not keep the required trees alive, due to the sandy soil; it was cost-prohibitive to haul water to them and drilling a well was not allowed. He asked if large-scale prairie plantings could be allowed in these situations. hir. Barnhart stated it's possible, but that the City Council would likely not allow prairie plantings if screening was required. There is still a requirement that the plantings be maintained, regardless of complexity. Commissioner ~x~estberg asked there would be a limit on the square footage allowed in • prairie plantings/grasses; such as in cases where the site is adjacent to a "manicured" property. Mr. Barnhart stated that the ordinance does not propose a limit, noting that prairie plantings and grasses are becoming more acceptable. However, he noted that it is not the goal to remove the tree requirement. Commissioner Johnson stated that he could envision an applicant trying to plant an entire lot. Commissioner Anderson stated that manicured lawns also have runoff, and prairie absorbs more water. Mr. Barnhart stated that language could be added to address the appropriateness of prairie plantings in keeping with neighborhood characteristics and visibility issues. Commissioner Lemke suggested using the language "native grasses and plants" instead of "prairie". Mr. Barnhart proposed striking G(1) regarding credits for oversize trees, but asked for the Commissioner's input. He noted that more maintenance is required to keep larger trees alive, but sometimes "instant" screening is desirable, and the credit could be utilized for the larger trees. After discussion, it was the consensus to leave in G(1), and remove the maximum credit reference. Vice Chair Anderson opened the public hearing. There being no comments for or against the proposed ordinance amendment, Vice Chair Anderson closed the public hearing. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE •