5.2.
Environmental Policy Board (EPB)
- Meeting Date:
- 12/18/2017
- By:
- Chris Anderson, Community Development
Information
Title:
Review Landscaping Plan for New Elementary School
Purpose/Background:
A new elementary school is proposed to be constructed on Nowthen Blvd, directly east of 170th Ave. This would be in addition to the existing Ramsey Elementary School, not replacing it. The project includes a 90,000 square foot building footprint, plus outdoor play spaces, parking, and a bus corral. The intention is for the new school to be open for the 2019-2020 school year.
Observations/Alternatives:
The majority of the site presently is considered 'planted or cultivated vegetation', meaning that it has been actively farmed. However, in the northern portion of the site, there are two areas that are addressed in the City's Natural Resources Inventory (NRI). One it classified as a non-native or altered plant community, which is considered semi-natural and does not qualify for a quality rating. The other is a small portion of an oak woodland-brushland, which was considered to be a moderate quality natural area in the NRI. Neither of these areas will be impacted by the proposed improvements.
The landscaping standards of the B-1 Business District are being applied as there are no specific standards identified in the Public/Quasi-Public District. The landscaping requirements are based on the linear footage of the site and/or the square footage of the building, plus the number of proposed parking stalls. The proposed Plant Schedule meets or exceeds the required plantings. However, there are a few revisions requested that are outlined in the Staff Review Letter.
The plans do indicate that irrigation will be provided. The plans specify that the system shall include not only a rain sensor but also some form of water efficient technology. Furthermore, there will be two separate sources for water for the irrigation system. One source is proposed to be the stormwater pond. The project is proposing to reuse the stormwater to irrigate the play spaces, around the perimeter, and within the parking lot. The second source will be through the municipal water system and that will provide the irrigation around the building.
The landscaping standards of the B-1 Business District are being applied as there are no specific standards identified in the Public/Quasi-Public District. The landscaping requirements are based on the linear footage of the site and/or the square footage of the building, plus the number of proposed parking stalls. The proposed Plant Schedule meets or exceeds the required plantings. However, there are a few revisions requested that are outlined in the Staff Review Letter.
The plans do indicate that irrigation will be provided. The plans specify that the system shall include not only a rain sensor but also some form of water efficient technology. Furthermore, there will be two separate sources for water for the irrigation system. One source is proposed to be the stormwater pond. The project is proposing to reuse the stormwater to irrigate the play spaces, around the perimeter, and within the parking lot. The second source will be through the municipal water system and that will provide the irrigation around the building.
Funding Source:
All costs associated with this request are the responsibility of the Applicant.
Action:
Motion to recommend approval of the Landscape Plan contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Hagen | JoAnn Shaw | 12/15/2017 10:04 AM |
- Form Started By:
- Chris Anderson
- Started On:
- 12/14/2017 12:41 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 12/15/2017