Consider Amendment to Landscape Plan for Vistas at North Commons

Vistas at North Commons is a twelve (12) lot subdivision located on the north side of Bunker Lake Blvd, between Center Street and Zeolite Street (the "Subject Property").  The subdivision received all the necessary approvals earlier this year and is now under construction.  Subsequent to plan development and the entitlement process, ownership of the project was transferred to Morning Sun Homes.  They are nearing completion of the first home and were attempting to complete the landscaping on site when they approached the City to inquire about the possibility of eliminating the use of a seed mix and finishing the entire site with sod.

The original developer had proposed use of a general roadside seed mix to establish vegetation on the back side of a slope in the rear yards that leads down to the trail along Bunker Lake Blvd.  As part of the initial review, Staff had suggested that if a seed mix was going to be used, it should be one that includes native species, such as a dry or mesic prairie mix.  In December of 2016, the EPB did recommend approval of the Landscape Plan contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter.

Although it is not known specifically why the original developer had proposed a seed mix in the rear yards initially, it is assumed it was an attempt to reduce costs.  The approved Landscape Plan would require the first ten (10) feet adjacent to the trail to be seeded.  The current developer has requested to amend the Landscape Plan to utilize sod across all portions of the development (excluding the ditch area adjacent to Bunker Lake Blvd).  It is his opinion that it will provide more of a finished appearance.

Staff really has no objection to the requested amendment.  Had the original plan not proposed use of a seed mix initially, Staff would not have recommended use of a native mix along this narrow corridor.  Use of sod rather than seed should also help reduce/eliminate erosion concerns along this slope (getting seed established there in the past proved rather challenging).  No other changes to the Landscape Plan have been requested.

Motion to recommend approval of the requested amendment to the Landscape Plan to allow the use of sod rather than a seed mix.