AgdaPkt 2004-05-10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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II' I . "' ,. - I.A -1..( ~ Tree RemovallLandscaaina: - The developer has submitted an arborist report that identifies a total of 29 trees on the property, varying in size and height. About half of the trees have diameters greater th,1n 12 inches, and are dassified as heritage trees. Heritage trees require special tree removal permits from the City. . The arborist is recommending that 15 trees be removed, with diameters ranging from 4 inches to 33 inches, and heights from 6 ft. to 45 ft. Of those trees, nine are heritage trees. According to the City Arborist who previously visited the site and reviewed the developer's arborist report, most of the trees are not of "high value", i.e. they tend to decay easily, the root system is sensitive, there is high maintenance, and the foliage is brittle. The developer plans to install accent trees and planting along Va Iota Road and along the private street. Each lot will have a tree in the front yard and some lawn area. The landscaping will be in the front yards and will be maintained by the homeowner's association. Staff beiieves that it is appropriate to remove the heritage trees for several reasons. First, they are not really specimen trees of "high value": Secondly staff will require that larger and more trees be planted to compensate for the loss of trees and to mitigate the privacy issue. Typically city guidelines require 15 gallon trees with a minimum of 20% being 24- -' inch box. However, the developer is proposing 36-inch and 24-inch box size as mitigation. The conceptual landscape plan shows these sizes. The applicant shall submit a detailed landscape and irrigation plan for review and approval by staff. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The Planning Commission certified a Negative Declaration for the previous nine-unit project in 1996 (EA 10903-5). That document determined that the potential environmental impact of the project is insignificant with the incorporation of certain mitigation measures. The new 8-unit project falls within the scope of that document and no other environrnental determination is necessary. The same mitigation measures of EA 10903-5 would apply to this project except for the redesign of the elevations and Jandscape improvements. The applicant has essentially redesigned the project to incorporate these measures. Those pertinent mitigation measures have been made conditions of appraval. PROJECT RECOMMENDATION: The project is an attractive, high quality, "infill" residential development, keeping with the surrounding densities and residential types. It will have substantial landscaping around its periphery, and along the public frontage. Most of the opponents of the previous project are now in support of this new project. Finally, this project will increase the housing supply within an established neighborhood. '-