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--------- 10 spaces); 2) placing parking along the east face ofthe building, adjacent to Victoria (adds 25 to 30 spaces but puts parking adjacent to resident rooms and requires a State waiver); 3) constructing a parking ramp - considered too expensive; 4) sharing parking with adjoining institutional uses. (MediaOne site no longer as excess space; nor does Rosewood complex.) 2.4 A building permit application for the parking lot expansion and other site improvements was submitted on May 9, 2000. The applicant provided information including a landscaping plan, a lighting plan, storm water runoff calculations, and an explanation of how the slope would be vegetated. Surface water will be retained on site, on the surface of the new parking lot which will be slightly lower (I foot) than the existing lot. In the past, residents were concerned about the removal of trees on the Lake Ridge property, which provides a visual and sound barrier between their properties and the nursing home. They also expressed concerns with the proposed slope between the property line and the parking area (2H: 1 V). Such a steep slope is only advisable if it has a soil erosion plan and is planted with naturalized plant material which does not need mowing. 2.5 The proposed grading plan and landscaping plan were reviewed by the City Engineering staff and have previously been reviewed by the Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation District. Grass Lake Water Management Organization must also review and approve of the plans. A Landscape Architect has been hired by Lake Ridge to complete a naturalized landscape and to review the methods (including retaining walls) for protection oflarge trees that may be saved. 2.6 Section 705.01B(6) of the City Code states that a permit for excavation and grading is required from the City Council for any filling or excavating on developed commerciallindustrial property where the site is greater than 2.5 acres and the proposed fill/excavation exceeds 5,000 cubic yards. The Lake Ridge parcel is 5.6 acres in size and the proposed excavation is estimated at over 13,000 cubic yards. Section 705.03 states, "all permits required to be issued by the City Council will be issued only after the appropriate notices have been sent to the adjacent property owners whose land might be affected by the excavating, grading, surfacing or filling, and a hearing held. The City Manager or designee will determine who the affected adjacent landowners are." 2.7 Section 1005.011 of the City Code states, "Where a business district abuts a residence district, any new development shall include a buffer zone. There shall be a protective strip of not less than ten feet (10') in width. This protective strip shall contain no structures, shall not be used for parking, off-street loading or storage and shall be landscaped. The landscape treatment shall include a compact screen wall or fence but shall not extend within fifteen feet (15') of the street right of way. The planting or fence design must be approved by the City Council as being in harmony with a residential neighborhood and providing sufficient screening of the commercial area. The hedge or fence shall be no less than six (6) nor more than six and one-half feet (6 Y2') in height. " In Lake Ridge's case, the terrain slopes down and away from the neighbors, reducing the impact of a 6 foot fence. The neighbors and the applicant have agreed that an 8 foot fence in most cases will have more of a positive affect as a screen for the parking lot. The staff concurs. Lake Ridge PF3221 - RCA(052200) - Page 2 of 3