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Page 4 of 11 zoning/land use review. The proposed parking lot modifications fall under the categories of repair, replacement, restoration, and maintenance as allowed as a continuation of a nonconforming use. 2. Special Requirements for the Neighborhood Business District - Section 1320.08, Subd. 5 - Building Exteriors, Site Features, and Site Development A. Buffer Yards – Legal Nonconforming and Flexibility Requested In the NB District, the City requires a 30 foot buffer strip adjacent to all residential uses outside of the neighborhood business district. The buffer yard is to be landscaped with a combination of evergreen trees and deciduous trees such that the use is substantially screened from the adjacent residences. The buffer yard landscaping may be in excess of the minimum landscaping requirements. The abutting parcels to the north and east are both residentially zoned. The Applicants will be removing existing bituminous curbing along the north property line and reinstalling curb and gutter as part of the project in the same location. No changes are proposed to the location of the parking lot along the west, north and south property lines. This existing portion of the parking lot is legal nonconforming as there is not a 30 foot buffer strip between the residential property to the north. The site plan shows there is 4.67 feet between the curbing and north property line. Two (2) of the three (3) trees along the north property line will be removed since they are nuisance trees. The Applicants had discussed adding a fence along the north boundary line as part of the project scope, but that is not shown on their site plans as part of this application review. Between the building and the eastern property line, the Applicants are proposing to adding pavement for a customer drop off area adjacent to the currently existing ADA customer ramp, plus 13 parking spaces. The Applicants’ narrative notes that the County Road E driveway and new parking were specifically located to minimize conflict with the roundabout design so this was not fully controlled by the site. The buffer area from the back of curb to the east property line ranges from 9.5 feet to 23.7 feet. Fives (5) trees are shown to be removed in this area as part of the project. The site plan shows that the existing trees and vegetation along the eastern property line will remain. To supplement, the Applicants’ are proposing to add vegetation under the canopy of trees for supplemental screening. The landscaping plan shows a variety of shrubs and three (3) of the required replacement trees in the buffer area. The City Council should discuss if the buffer yards are sufficient as proposed or if a recommended condition of approval should be added that would require additional landscaping and/or a fence between the adjacent residential properties. B. Lighting – Meets Requirements The existing parking lot has two flood lights attached to utility poles which will be removed. As part of the Site Plan Review, the Applicants have submitted a lighting and photometric plan. The NB District states that parking lot lighting shall not exceed 14 feet in height. The proposed fixtures will be hooded and downcast style fixture. Section 1325.05, Subd. 3 states that no lighting shall cast illumination that exceeds one foot candle on the travel lanes of