07-07-1997 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES 4F THE REGULAR ORUNO P�RK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JULY 7, 1997 (#6- Tree Preservation- Continued) Wilson asketi Van Zomeren her opinion regarding commercial property. Van Zomeren said she has reviewed the zoning ardinance, code, and cornprehensive plan to see what is detailed regarding tree preservation. There are landscaping t-equirements noted for commercial property af l2%. Van Zomeren noted that the City of Minneapolis requires 2�%and questions whether 12% is adequate.. �an 2c�meren would like to see more developed site plan regulations for commercia.l properties. She sa.id she is in the process of recadifying the 2onin� codes. Van Zomeren noted the need far the City to determine how stringent zoning codes should be for the Highway 12 commercial area. She cited an example af excess parking and minimum landscaping requirec! for Rick's Super Vaiu in Navarre. She opined that additional trees and shrubs would improve sites and be an opp4rtumty for being a eaialy�st in improvin�commerciat areas. She acl�nowledged Council's decision to decline provading inpat in landscaping on a prior commercial application. Van Zameren noted�hat cor�metcial site plans are related but separate fram tree preservation. Wilson asked how commercial site plans interface with tree preservation. Van�pmeren said tree preservation should occur and noted examples of commercial areas where significant trees are located. Wilson questic�ned wh�ther tree preservation belortged in site plannin� or as a separate issue natin�the possibitity af requirement a buffer area in cammercial properties ta maintain the rural atmosphere. Van Zomeren said tree preservation cauld be part af the landscaping plan. Sea1 indicated the 12%landscaping r�uirement fails to state where the landscaping should he placed. Van Zomeren reviewed the existing ordinance and comprehensive plan which was distributed to Park Commissianers noting where buffering is indicated ta maintain a rt�ral feel ta property. She saw the references as bein�a starting point far providing needed pres�rvation. It was noted that the reyuirements are more general but have no specifics to hold owners to a standard. Examples�vere shown irt the comprehensive plan where enviranmental goals in�reserving natural resaurces were indicated(3.18), naturat resources to be included in develflpment proposals{3.21)and retention of vegetation by the lake prahibit�ng clear or thin cutting (3.22}requiring CUP in 0-75' setback. Van Zomeren nated there are slope restrictians over 18°l0. Gappa indicated bluff areas cannat be disturbed withaut a CUP according to the zoning ordinance(nat referenced in comprehensive plan). Van Zomer�n noted eavironmental comments. Wilson indicated the need for more specific requirements. Ilse noted that the cornprehensive plan is mare general ar semi-specific that cauld be developed in the zoning ardinance. z