06-19-13 PC Special Meeting Minutes

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION –JUNE 19, 20137 underground waterline and other public infrastructure, the developer may be constrained in locating these required street trees. Perennials and Shrubberies –Exceeds Requirements The City Code requires that at least ten percent of the total landscaped area shall be covered with perennials and/or shrubbery. A total of 412 square feet of plantings is required in Phase I based on the Code. The applicant has proposed 2,824 square feet, or 68.5% of the total landscape coverage. It is important to note that if the proposed landscaping met the 25 percent coverage requirement, a total of 1,456 square feet of plantings would be required. The Master Plan calls for 75,730 square feet of landscape coverage, of which 7,573 would be required to be planted with perennials. For the site-wide landscaping plan, the applicant has proposed 16,836 square feet of plantings, or 22.2% of the overall landscape coverage. Planting Islands –Flexibility Requested At least ten percent of a parking area must be occupied by planting islands that are at least 150 square feet in size and have at least one tree. The proposed planting islands meet the size requirements and all islands include a tree planting. However, only 8.0% of the Phase I parking area is occupied by planting islands. For the Master Plan, planting islands comprise 9.3% of the total parking area. Tree Selection –Meets Requirements The proposed Linden, Crabapple, and Birch trees are appropriate for urbanized locations and should grow well in their proposed locations. D. Lighting –Section 1325.05 Subd. 3 –Meets Requirements The Phase I lighting plan meets the requirements outlined in Section 1325.05 Subd. 3. Light poles located around the parking area perimeter and exterior building light will be used to illuminate the site. All proposed lighting fixtures will be adequately hooded to direct light to the intended area. The submitted photometric plan does not show any meter readings outside of the site property lines that exceed Code requirements. The applicant has proposed including exterior light fixtures on all four sides of the building. These lights would be placed above each entryway and along the building facades between the individual bays. The developer is working with an electrical engineer to come upwith final schematics for the lighting, but they will match the overall design of the building and be decorative and consistent in style. E. Parking –Section 1325.06 Location –Flexibility Requested The City Code requires that off-street parking spaces be located at a minimum 20 feet from the right of way of any public street. The row of parking spaces on the northern end of the Phase I development are within approximately 8 feet of the Red Fox Road right of way. Staff is favorable to this proposal because the parking area will be adequately screened by tree plantings and a retaining wall. Off-Street Parking Spaces Required –Flexibility Requested