08-24-2015 Council Work Session Packet

Home Browse Search

MEMORANDUM TO: ORONO CITY COUNCIL FROM: JEREMY BARNHART, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR SUBJECT: LIVING WALL DATE: AUGUST 24, 2015 At the July 27, 2015 Council meeting, under public comments, James Mandel approached the Council with concerns related to the construction of a row of arborvitae in the lot adjacent to theirs, with the perceived intent to block their view of the lake. They anticipate the neighbors planting more trees, further blocking their view. In addition, the Mandels and their neighbors the Russins have voiced concerns and filed complaints with lighting affecting the enjoyment of their property. A majority of the Councilmembers directed staff to proceed with developing language to address these concerns. The Planning Commission will review a draft of an ordinance that will define a living wall, and prohibit the placement of these walls in the Lake yard. Further, the Commission will review an ordinance that in some way limits lighting impacts on adjacent property, and could include a cap on light levels at the property line, length (time) of illumination, or other regulations. While not fully vetted, staff is considering the following conceptual amendments: Living wall means a combination of plants that reach a height at maturity greater than 6 feet, planted or placed such that their spacing is equal to the width of the plant at maturity. Living walls are prohibited in the Lake yard. (The Council may wish to exclude them in the Average Lake Setback) Exterior lighting in all residential districts shall be shielded so as to not impact neighboring properties. Acceptable measures may include screening or shielding such that no light is measurable at the property line, or the light source is facilitated by a timing or other mechanism. Both of these issues are complex, staff seeks direction prior to finalizing the ordinance. The City Council will likely receive the Planning Commission recommendation at their meeting on October 12. Item 04