08-18-1979 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JULY 7» 1997 •A '■ (#6 - Tree Preservation - Continued) Wilson asked Van Zomeren her opimon regarding commercial property. Van Zomeren siud she has reviewed the zoning ordinance, code, and comprehensive plan to see what b detailed regarding tree preservatioa There are landscaping requirements noted for commercial property of 12%. Van Zomeren noted that the City of Minneapolis requires 20% and questions whether 12% b adequate.. Van Zomoen would like to see more developed site plan regulations for commercial properties. She said she is in the process of recodifying the zoning codes. Van Zomeren noted the need for the City to determine how stringent zoning codes should be for the Highway 12 commercial area. She cited an example of excess parking and tninimitm landscaping required for Rick's Super Valu in Navarre. She opined that ad(fitiooal trees and shrubs would inq>rove rites and be an opportunty for being a cata^ in in^ffoving commercial areas. She acknowledged CounciTs dedrion to decline provichng mput in landscaping on a prior commercial applicatkm. Van Zomeren noted that commercial site plans are related but separate from tree preservatioa Wilson asked how commercial rite frfans interface with tree preservation. Van Zomeren said tree preservation should occur and noted examples of commercial areas where significant trees are located. Wilson questioned whether tree preservation belonged in site planning or as a separate issue noting the possibility of requirement a buffer area in commercial properties to maintain the rurid atmosphere. Van Zomeren said tree preservation could be part of the landscaping plan. Beal mdicated the 12% landscaping requirement frils to state where the landscaping should be placed. Van Zomeren reviewed the existing ordinance and comprehensive plan which was distributed to Park Commisrioners noting where buffering b indicated to maintain a rural fed to property. She saw the references as bring a starting point for providing needed preservatioa It was noted that the requirements are more general but have no specifics to hold owners to a standard. ♦ Examples were shown in the comprehensive plan where environmentd goals in preserving natural resources were indicated (3.18), natural resources to be included in development proposals (3.21) and retention of vegetation by the lake prohibiting clear or thin cutting (3.22) requiring CUP in 0-75’ setback. Van Zomeren noted there arc slope restrictions over 18%. Gappa indicated bluff areas cannot be disturbed without a CUP according to the zoning ordinance (not referenced in comprehensive plan). Van Zomeren noted environmental comments. Wilson indicated the need for more specific requirements. Use noted that the comprehensive plan b more general or semi-specific that could be developed in the zoning ordinance.