Consider Landscape Plan for North Commons Second Addition (COR THREE/Project No. 16-63)

The City has received an application for a Major Plat known as North Commons Second Addition, located north of Bunker Lake Blvd and west of Zeolite Street.  The proposed Plat would create thirteen (13) new residential lots. The proposed lots are similar in nature to what exists on the north side of 148th Lane, however are slightly larger and wider.  The proposed use and lot dimensions comply with The COR Zoning District standards.

The project is subject to the landscaping requirements outlined in The COR Design Framework.  The planting requirements for Local Streets, which Zeolite and 148th Lane are both classified as, include boulevard trees spaced at thirty-five (35) feet on center, rather than the more traditional two (2) front yard trees.  The Landscape Plan, prepared by Landform and dated June 2, 2016, includes a combination of four (4) species that will be installed within the boulevard.  The Developer will be installing thirteen (13) boulevard trees (those that are not directly adjacent to a proposed home) while Home Builders will be responsible for the trees directly adjacent to their lot(s).

The species, size, and root stock are all acceptable; however, Staff has requested that a note be added to the Landscape Plan that specifies branching shall not begin lower than six (6) feet above grade to help limit potential conflicts with pedestrians and vehicles.  Furthermore, Staff has requested a note be added to the plan that specifies deviations from the Plant Schedule must be approved by the City prior to tree installation.  This will help maintain a more consistent appearance and eliminate the potential of a prohibited species from being installed.  Staff has also requested that the Vision Clearance Triangle be added to the plan and, if necessary, plantings be adjusted to ensure sight lines are maintained.

The Natural Resources Inventory identifies this site as Urban with Little Vegetative Cover.  Thus, there are no significant or high value natural areas within the site.  Also, there is no significant tree cover meaning that a Tree Inventory is not required.

The site is within a Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA), therefore, the Engineering Department is recommending that the stormwater pond in the rear yards be eliminated as infiltration is not permitted in a DWSMA.  Rather, a payment in lieu of the stormwater management would be collected and applied toward a regional infiltration plan that the City is currently working toward (this would also address compliance with the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization's infiltration requirements).

The Landscape Plan is generally acceptable with necessary revisions outlined in the attached Staff Review Letter.  Staff would recommend approving the Landscape Plan, prepared by Landform and dated June 2, 2016, contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter dated June 17, 2017.

The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with the application.

Motion to recommend approval of the Landscape Plan contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter dated June 17, 2016.