Citation in context
June 14, 2016 — Meeting Minutes
Cited passage
06-14-16 BOA Minutes June 14, 2016 Page 4 of 12 Staff is of the opinion that the proposed regulations are in the best interests of the citizenry as a whole and represent a fair balance between the encouragement of tree preservation, planting and landscaping, and the potential impact to the community. Staff is of the opinion that the adoption of the proposed regulations is a proactive step that the City can take to establish minimum landscape standards; provide standards for the protection, preservation and replacement of trees; to reduce tree loss and damage during construction; to promote tree species diversity; and, to maintain adequate tree canopy coverage citywide. The Plan Commission considered this request at its April 18, 2016 meeting and voted 6-0 to recommend approval as submitted. Recommendation is to approve the proposed regulations and text amendments as submitted
Mayor Sanger noted that this process has been going on for a very long time. He stated that the staff has spent many hours working on this project and includes public input. He added that this will help maintain the City’s status as a Tree City USA. In response to Alderman Garnholz’s question regarding wording in the ordinance on single-family homes (i.e. what “triggers” a site plan review, etc.) Louis Clayton stated that in the proposed regulations this is cross- referenced under Section 405.4040: Applicability. Mayor Sanger closed the public hearing. Alderman Garnholz introduced Bill No. 6560, an ordinance to approve the Tree and Landscape Regulations read for the first time by title only. Alderman Winings seconded.
The Plan Commission may approve a reduction up to 20 percent of the total required inches. For residential projects, individual trees that are removed do not require replacement. New trees are required if the lot does not meet the minimum tree canopy lot coverage for that zoning district through the preservation of Contributing and/or Landmark Trees. To encourage the preservation of existing trees, Landmark Trees preserved on site shall be calculated at 125 percent of their calculated tree canopy area. If the amount of tree canopy cover cannot be provided on site, a contribution to the City’s Forestry Fund at a rate of $0.60 per square foot deficiency is required. The Plan Commission may approve a reduction up to 20 percent of the total required square feet canopy cover. Tree Protection Measures Any construction, demolition, site work or similar activity which may injure existing trees requires the implementation of tree protection measures as set forth in the regulations or as determined by the City’s contracted landscape architect. In February 2016, the project was announced in the Cityviews newsletter and a project webpage was created. On February 29, the City hosted two workshops to present the proposed regulations and solicit feedback from developers/design professionals and the general public. Notice for the workshops was posted on the project webpage, and emailed directly to 4,600 subscribers through the City’s e-notification system. Approximately 25 people attended the two workshops. On March 1 the draft regulations and workshop presentation were uploaded to the project webpage, along with a link to an online survey.
Approximately 25 people attended the two workshops. On March 1 the draft regulations and workshop presentation were uploaded to the project webpage, along with a link to an online survey. As of April 11, 23 people had completed the survey and provided feedback. The regulations have been tested by the City’s contracted landscape architect using eight case studies of recently approved/reviewed projects located in different zoning districts and contexts. The role of the case studies is to test the canopy coverage method against the caliper replacement method, and to refine the requirements and methodology. If the regulations are adopted, staff anticipates the following impacts:
• An increase in the number of mature trees being preserved; • An increase in the number of native and canopy trees planted, and more diversity in tree species; • A decrease in the number of new trees planted since a one to one replacement is no longer required for residential projects; • A decrease in the amount of payments to the City’s Forestry Fund; • More flexibility for unique circumstances; and, • The cost to the applicants will not change as it relates to landscape review fees.
Alderman Garnholz introduced Bill No. 6560, an ordinance to approve the Tree and Landscape Regulations read for the first time by title only. Alderman Winings seconded. City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6560, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 405 (Zoning Regulations) of the Clayton City Code By Adding a New Article XXX: Trees and Landscaping Regulations, and Amending and/or Repealing Various Sections of Chapters 405, 410 (Overlay & Urban Design Districts) and 415 (Subdivision Regulations) to Update Cross References to Such Regulations, and Other Actions Related Thereto for the first time by title only. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote. Alderman Garnholz moved that the Board give unanimous consent to consideration for adoption of Bill No. 6560 on the day of its introduction. Alderman Winings seconded. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote. Alderman Garnholz introduced Bill No. Bill No. 6560, an ordinance to approve the Tree and Landscape Regulations to be read for the second time by title only. Alderman Winings seconded. City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6560, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 405 (Zoning Regulations) of the Clayton City Code By Adding a New Article XXX: Trees and Landscaping Regulations, and Amending and/or Repealing Various Sections of Chapters 405, 410 (Overlay & Urban Design Districts) and 415 (Subdivision Regulations) to Update Cross References to Such Regulations, and Other Actions Related Thereto for the second time by title only.
Alderman Winings seconded. City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6560, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 405 (Zoning Regulations) of the Clayton City Code By Adding a New Article XXX: Trees and Landscaping Regulations, and Amending and/or Repealing Various Sections of Chapters 405, 410 (Overlay & Urban Design Districts) and 415 (Subdivision Regulations) to Update Cross References to Such Regulations, and Other Actions Related Thereto for the second time by title only. Alderman Garnholz – Aye; Alderman Winings – Aye; Alderman Boulton – Aye; Alderman Berger – Aye; Alderman Lintz – Aye; Alderman Berkowitz – Aye; and Mayor Sanger – Aye. The bill was adopted and became Ordinance No. 6430 of the City of Clayton. A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT SUBDISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY ADDRESSED 8125 FORSYTH BOULEVARD