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7.3. SR 02-21-2012~~` REQUEST FOR ACTION ..... Rive TO ITEM NUMBER Ma or and Ci Council 7.3 AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY Public Hearin Februa 21, 2012 erem Barnhart, Plannirl Mana er ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By Request by City of Elk River fox Ordinance Amendment to Cal Portner, Ci Administrator Section 30-934 Relating to Landscaping Requirements, Case No. REVIEWED BY OA 12-02 ACTION REQUESTED Staff and the Planning Commission recommend adoption of the ordinance as presented. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION One of the goals of the 2011 Visioning process is Beaut~cation, Have attractive and welcoming streetscapes at entrances and corridors. Individual tasks to achieve this goal include the preparation of plans and schematics to improve intersections and parkway medians (C1 and CS tasks). In addition to that, staff was to review and provide recommendations to incentivize improvements, beautification projects (C2). Landscaping requirements for commercial/industrial areas were also reviewed because these areas are the most visible within the city and create perceptions by the public about the feel of Elk River. Not wanting to be way ahead of the pack in terms of landscaping requirements, but also wanting to continue to enhance the improvement of properties with landscaping, staff reviewed comparable cities to understand the market requirements. In summary, the requirements for lot planting are: Numbers based on`` Perimeter Area City name l per x 1 per x Separate shrub requirement ` Notes Maple Grove ~ No number Otsego specified Andover lot 50 1 shrub per 20' bldg perimeter 180 sf parking Andover parking lot lot area 1 shrub per 20' sf parking lot area 3000 per land Rosemount (commercial) 8 or area 1 per 10 ft of bldg perimeter 1000 sf bldg Big Lake 50 area greater of 1000 sf bldg 1 per 30 site per, or 1/300 bldg Ramsey (business districts) 50 area footprint greater of Rogers No min. Blaine 3 per 2000 3.3 per 1000sf of building 1/3 split F~IkE1Eli B- N:\Public Bodies\City Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\02-21-2012\OA 12-02.docx Applying these requirements to three projects in the city, (Pizza Ranch, Sportech, and Greater Minnesota Credit Union: Sportech Pizza Ranch Grtr MN CU Lot perimeter Land area ~..._____~..~....... _.M .. __.~. __ Building area Requirement in: ~ .._. ______.... .~....___ .. Elk River _...M .............. 71 .. _. ~.._.. __~.........._ ___ 23 33 ~__~_.. ~ .......... ._...._.__ ~...._........ 57+parkinglot+' 18+parkinglot 26+parking Andover .......................................... . shrubs +shrubs ;lot+shrubs __ __.._... P ....... Ma le Grove 71 23 ~ 33 Rosemount (C) ~ 135 17 29 Big Lake 80 18 ___ 26 Blaine 120+267 shrubs£ 18+30 shrubs ;27+44 shrubs Based on these findings, staff and the Planning Commission propose some changes to the ordinance. These include changes to the application of credits, maintenance, performance guarantees, parking lot landscaping, and the number required. One of the key tenants of this amendment is a revision of the credit system, including the widening of it to allow for, and the encouragement of, the use of existing trees and the introduction of native grasses and plants. Additionally, the number of trees is increased by three, modestly bumping up the requirement. Attached are two documents, one is the complete landscaping ordinance (Section 30-934) as it would appeax in the ordinance book. The second is the official ordinance for signature. To save on publishing costs, the official ordinance only reflects changes to specific sections. Public Comment No comments for or against the proposal have been offered. Planning Commission Comment Staff and the Planning Commission discussed the introduction of native plantings, their impact on adjacent parcels, screening requirements, and general administration of the ordinance. The Planning Commission ultimately recommends approval of the document as it is presented to the Council. FINANCIAL IMPACT None ATTACHMENTS ^ Planning Commission Staff Report ^ Draft Ordinance ^ Official Draft Ordinance N:\Public Bodies\City Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\02-21-2012\OA 12-02.docx crtY°` RE VEST FOR ACTION ~ ~ ~ Q p Elk -~-~ River TO ITEM NUMBER Plamun Commission 4:2 AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY Februa 14, 2012 erem Barnhart, Plannin Mana er ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By Request by City of Elk River for Ordinance Amendment to Section 30-934 Relating to Landscaping Requirements, Public REVIEWED BY Hearing -Case No. OA 12-02 ACTION REQUESTED Staff recommends approval of the ordinance as drafted. OVERVIEW During the Visioning process undertaken in 2011, a key goal was to `beautify' the City of Elk River, in particular the `front yard'; the streets, medians, intersections, commercial and industrial areas of the city. It was felt that improvement of these areas would improve the perception of the city, and visitors' and residents' experience. Several action steps were identified under. this goal, including "Complete review, provide recommendations to incentivize improvements/ beautification" Further, a secondary goal has been. to encourage the use of native plants and grasses, both as a beautification asset and a reduction of areas required watering and maintenance. It is important that these areas be incorporated appropriately, however. City staff has reviewed city ordinances, in particular the City's landscaping ordinance as it applies to commercial and industrial districts, and feels that some modification to the requirements would be beneficial to the City. Staff reviewed a number of adjacent cities and their landscaping process. Staff's findings are summarized in the attached. spreadsheet. To better understand the application of these requirements, staff applied them to three recent projects, including Sportech (industrial), Pizza Ranch (restaurant/ retail), and Greater Minnesota Credit Union (office). Case Pile: OA 12-2 Page 2 Landscaping ordinance There is no one way to establish planting requirements among the cities. They use a combination of lot perimeter, building size, lot size, and building perimeter. The application of landscaping requirements in Elk River, Maple Grove, Rosemount, Big Lake, and Blaine is shown: Lot perimeter Land area Building area Requirement in: Elk River Andover Maple Grove Rosemount (C) Big Lake Blaine 71 57 +shrubs+ PL 71 135 +shrubs 80 120 + 267 shrubs 23 18+shrubs+ PL 23 17 +shrubs 18 18+ 30 shrubs 33 26 +shrubs PL 33 29 +shrubs 26 27+44 shrubs The application of these requirements suggests that we fall in the lower end of the spectrum, in terms of number of plants required. ANALYSIS Staff recommends changes to the ordinance as it applies to the number, credits, maintenance, parking lot design and placement. In summary, staffs recommended changes include: Credit -Staffs suggests adding a credit for the incorporation of native plant or prairie grasses. Maintenance -Staff suggests language reinforcing the replacement of trees. Performance guarantee -Staff suggests language that requires the property owner to request the return of financial guarantee, which is common practice. Landscape islands - In parking lot, staff suggests language outlining a minimum ratio of parking lot islands to parking stalls. Placement -Trees be installed along the front property line, as a mechanism to canopy the street with trees. Number -The tree requirements shall be 3, plus the perimeter of the site, divided by 40. This represents an increase of three trees per commercial and industrial lot ATTACHMENTS ^ Draft ordinance ^ Requirement comparison N:\Departments\Community Development\Planning\Case Files\OA\OA 12-02 Landscaping Guidelines\OA 12-2 SR to PC Landscaping 2-1412 final.docl Sportech Pizza Ranch Grtr MN CU Case File: OA 12-2 Page 3 Landscaping ordinance Action T~lotion by Second by Vote Follow Up N:\Departments\Community Development\Planning\Case Files\OA\OA 12-02 Landscaping Guidelines\OA 12-2 SR to PC Landscaping 2-1412 final.docc L ~ 0 0 ~ ~ V ~ ~ ~ N ~-+ ° ° M z z °- w ~ z ~ v L L CA ~ ~ ~_ = a o a~ ~ ~ ' ~ ~ °' °o c ~ L ~ ~ E • m ~ ~ Q. N ~ ~ "a Q ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ H "O ~= O ~ O O ~ Q N L N N ~ ~ L L L + + O ~ Q Q ~ 'N O +, O ~ O C ~ .Q • L ~ a L '~ L ~ L ~ L Q- ~ }' o Q n „ a a ~ m c ~ ~ r+ ~ M +' o co ~ L co ~, L ~ ~ Y f0 '~ 'a ~ X ~ L ~ ~ O N ~ Q ~ N ON ~ Q `~ O O O `' 0 O O O Q o 0 ~ ~ a-I f6 M f6 r1 r-I M L Q1 L Q O X ~ O O O ~ L Q~ L Q I-I ~ _ V . V L ~+ ~ L v N O ~ "~ O - ~ ~ ~ O ~ Y m > L ~ ~ ~ ~ +' p t a Q ~' ~ ~ ~ ~ N ~ O ~ ~ ~ y i N ~, ~ N "a "O ~ ~ ~ G~0 •~ ca ~ CU co z u ~ o a a ~ m ~ ° m ~ Sec. 30-934. - Iandscaping_ (a) General requirements The following general requirements are applicable to all districts: (1) All exposed ground areas surrounding or within a principal or accessory use, including street boulevards, which are not devoted to drives, sidewalks, patios, or other such uses shall be landscaped with grass, shrubs, trees, or other living ornamental landscape materials. (2) All landscaped areas shall be kept neat, clean and uncluttered. (3) No landscaped area shall be used for the parking of vehicles or the storage or display of materials, supplies or merchandise. (4) Undisturbed areas of existing natural vegetation maintained free of noxious weeds need not be altered. (5) A reasonable attempt shall be made to preserve as many existing trees as is practical and to incorporate them into the proposed development plan. (6) Slopes greater than three feet horizontal to one foot vertical (3:1) will not be permitted without approval by the city. Only under special conditions or unique circumstances will steeper slopes be permitted. Slopes adjacent to pedestrian systems, inslopes of roadways, ponding, sedimentation areas, and other water or wetland features may not have a slope greater than 4:1. (7) In all multifamily, commercial and industrial zoning districts, the maintained/manicured landscaped areas shall have inground/underground irrigation systems. Native ~;-rasses ane~ plant areas need not be irrigated. (b) Multifamily districts and nonresidential uses in residential districts. Landscaping requirements for multifamily districts and nonresidential uses in residential districts are as follows: (1) Applicability of requirements. All properties shall comply with the requirements of this subdivision when new development or expansions are to occur on these properties, except for single-family dwelling unit or two-family dwelling unit lots. (2) Landscape plan. Landscape plans shall be prepared by a landscape architect or other qualified individual acceptable to the city. Landscape plans shall be drawn to a scale of not less than one inch equals 50 feet and shall include the following information: a. The name and address of the property owner and/or developer. b. The name of the project. c. The name of the prepares of the plan. d. The date of plan preparation. e. Boundary lines of the property with accurate dimensions, and note with scale and north arrow. f. The locations of existing and proposed buildings, parking lots, public roads, easements and other improvements. g. The location, approximate size and common name of existing trees. h. A planting schedule containing: 1. Symbols. 2. Quantities. 3. Common names and botanical names. 4. Size of plant materials. 5. Root condition specifications. 6. Special planting instructions. i. Planting details illustrating proposed locations of all new plant material, including proposed walls, fences, planters, landscaped islands, and other landscaping-related improvements. Details of restoration of disturbed areas, including areas to be sodded and seeded. k. Location of existing wetlands. (3) Minimum requirements. All open areas of a lot which are not used and improved for required parking areas, drives or storage shall be landscaped with a combination of overstory trees, ornamental trees, coniferous trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf or ground cover materials. The number of trees on the lot, tract, or parcel shall not be less than three. plus the perimeter of the described area as measured in feet divided by 40. a. Overstory trees. Fifty percent of the required trees shall be overstory trees. b. Ornamental trees. Twenty-five percent of the required trees shall be ornamental trees. c. Coniferous trees. Twenty-five percent of the required trees shall be coniferous trees. d. Additional landscaping. In order to accomplish an adequate buffer or screenin~~, additional landscaping over and above the required amount may be req:~t-e~ re uirecl by the city. e. Minimum side and root condition of trees. Minimum size and root condition of required trees shall be as follows: C-verstory trees shall be two inches in diameter as measured six inches above the ground, and trees must be balled and burlapped. 2. Ornamental trees shall be 11h inches in diameter as measured six inches above the ground, and trees must be balled and burlapped. 3. Coniferous trees shall be six feet in height, and trees must be balled and burlapped. f. Species. All required trees shall be of species which are classified as overstory, ornamental, and coniferous trees by the American Nurseryman's Association. 2. Not more than 50 percent of the required number of overstory or ornamental trees shall be composed of one species. 3. All plant materials shall be indigenous to the hardiness zone of the area in which the city is located. The use of drought tolerant plant materials are encouraged to meet landscaping requirements. g. Credits 7. for oversitiing required trees. The total number of required overstory trees may be reduced by one tree for each new deciduous tree measuring 41h inches or more in diameter, or each new coniferous tree measuring ten feet or more in height, which is planted on the lot or tract -, - , . 13-2_C~~for existing trees. The total number of required new trees may be offset by the retention of existing trees on the lot provided that such trees satisfy the requirements of this section as to size and species. A sliding scale shall be used to determine the amount of credit for existing trees. Existing trees between four inches in diameter and less than eight inches in diameter will receive credit for one tree. Existing trees eight inches in diameter or greater will receive credit for two trees. r:~.,.a:~ --~~~~°. 3. Credit fs>r native asses and. lent communities. 'I`he total number of re aired trees rnay lee c:~ffset l~v the Tsro~~sic:)n c.af native ~.;xasses and zvildflot~~ers. 1?Ianting or t~?reservatioxa of nativ~~l.antinl; comn~.uniti.es will. receive. credit fc>r one tree ~7c.r 500 feet of native ~~rass area. Credits tiiay not exceed 50~'e~ of the total requirement, h. 1?urposely left blank Maintenance. The property owner of the lot upon which required landscaping or screening is located shall maintain all materials in a sightly and healthy growing condition. frees re~nc>ved clue to dama,~,e, disease, or death shall be replaced. Placement of plant materials. All required landscaping shall be located on the lot occupied by the use, building, facility, or structures. No landscaping shall be located within any public right-of--way unless approved by the city. 2. Plant materials shall be located to provide reasonable access to all utilities. 3. At all intersections, sight visibility triangles shall be kept clear of landscape materials that would obstruct the sight lines of motorists at intersecting streets. (c) Installation. All landscape improvements required by this subsection shall be installed by the owner no later than one year after the issuance of a building permit for the subject property. Replacement of any dead trees, shrubs, ground covers and sodding shall be responsibility of the property owner. (d) Inspection. Twelve months after the date of issuance of a building permit, the city may conduct a field inspection of the subject site to assure compliance with the requirements of this subdivision and implementation of the approved landscape plan. (e) Exceptions and adjustments. Where a strict application of this subsection is not possible due to unique topographic landform, irregular lot shape or historic features worthy of preservation, the applicant may present an alternative landscape and screening plan to the city for alternate approval. (f) Performance guarantee. If required landscape improvements have not been completed at the time a certificate is requested for occupancy of a property, a financial guarantee to ensure completion of the improvements shall be supplied prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy. The financial guarantee shall be in an amount equal to approximately 100 percent of the value of the uncompleted landscape improvements, and shall be released one year after completion of the required landscape improvements f<>Il«win~; written request from the property- owner. Developers who have posted a previous financial guarantee in connection with the installation of public improvements shall not be required to post a separate guarantee, but the financial guarantee shall remain in place in an amount equal to approximately 100 percent of the value of uncompleted landscape improvements until all required landscape improvements are completed. Sec. 30-935. -Landscaped islands in off-street parking areas. (a) All off-street parking areas shall include unpaved, landscaped islands that are reasonably distributed throughout the parking area. These islands should be located to break up expanses of paved areas and facilitate traffic control. Islands shall be. provided in a ratio e-sf at least, one island tsar "1.5 parking spaces. (b) Landscaped islands shall be equal to the size of a parking stall, at mirsi~nun~.. Tlae provisicsn caf fever, but larger parking lot islands is encouraged. ORDINANCE NO. 12 - CITY OF ELK RIVER AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER AMENDING PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 30, ARTICLE VI, SUBDIVISION IV, SECTION 30-934 AND SECTION 30-935, OF THE ELK RIVER, MINNESOTA, CITY CODE ALL PERTAINING TO LANDSCAPING The Ciry Council of the City of Elk River does hereby ordain as follows: Section 1. That Section 30-934 (a) of the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances, titled General Requirements, paragraph 7 shall be amended to read as follows: In all multifamily, commercial and. industrial zoning districts, the maintained/manicured landscaped areas shall have inground/underground irrigation systems. ~atiti-e grasses anal plant areas geed not: be irs-i.gated. Section 2. That Section 30-934 (3) of the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances, titled Minimum requirements, shall be amended to read as follows: Minimum reguirrments. All open areas of a lot which are not used and improved for required parking areas, drives or storage shall be landscaped with a combination of overstory trees, ornamental trees, coniferous trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf or ground cover materials. The number of trees on the lot, tract, or parcel shall not be less than three plus the perimeter of the described area as measured in feet divided by 40. a. Overstory trees. Fifty percent of the required trees shall be overstory trees. b. Ornamental trees. Twenty-five percent of the required trees shall be ornamental trees. c. Coniferous trees. Twenty-five percent of the required trees shall be coniferous trees. d. Additional landscaping. In order to accomplish an adequate buffer car. screening?, additional landscaping over and above the required amount may be ri~e~:~at~l-reat~ tired by the city. e. Minimum side and root condition of trees. Minimum size and root condition of required trees shall be as follows: Overstory trees shall be two inches in diameter as measured six inches above the ground, and trees must be balled and burlapped. 2. Ornamental trees shall be l lh inches in diameter as measured six inches above the ground, and trees must be balled and burlapped. 3. Coniferous trees shall be six feet in height, and trees must be balled and burlapped. Section 3. That Section 30-934 (3) (g) of the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances, shall be deleted. Section 4. That Section 30-934 (3) (h) of the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances, shall be deleted and purposely left blank. Section 5. That Section 30-934 (3) (g) of the City of E& River Code of Ordinances, shall be added to read as follows: Credits 7. for oversi~ing required trees. The total number of required overstory trees may be reduced by one tree for each new deciduous tree measuring 4'h inches or more in diameter, or each new coniferous tree measuring ten feet or more in height, which is planted on the lot or tract. :, ., 2_£~for existing trees. The total number of required new trees may be offset by the retention of existing trees on the lot provided that such trees satisfy the requirements of this section as to size and species. A sliding scale shall be used to determine the amount of credit for existing trees. Existing trees between four inches in diameter and less than eight inches in diameter will receive credit for one tree. Existing trees eight inches in diameter or greater will receive credit for two trees. 3 for native s~;r~z5se5 and t~lant communities `l"he total numbE;r ref required trees mad- be c>ff5et by the pro~ri5ion of native gra~5e5 and «ildflo~vers. Planting c>r preservation of native planting coansnunities tivill receive. credit for one tree. per 300 feet of nati~>e ~-rass area. Credits may not: exceed 50°,'0 of the total: requirement. Secrion 6. That Section 30-934 (3) (i) of the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances, shall be amended to read as follows: Maintenance. The property owner of the lot upon which required landscaping or screening is located shall maintain all materials in a sightly and healthy growing condition. Trees remo~~ed due to damage disease or death shall be replaced. Secrion 7. That Section 30-934 (3) (f) of the City of Elk River .Code of Ordinances, shall be amended to read as follows: Performance guarantee. If required landscape improvements have not been completed at the time a certificate is requested for occupanry of a property, a financial guarantee to ensure completion of the improvements shall be supplied prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy. The financial guarantee shall be in an amount equal to approximately 100 percent of the value of the uncompleted landscape improvements, and shall be released one year after completion of the required landscape improvements following written rec~uuest from tlxe t~ropez-ty oi`Trzer. Developers who have posted a previous financial guarantee in connection with. the installation of public improvements shall not be required to post a separate guarantee, but the financial guarantee shall remain in place in an amount equal to approximately 100 percent of the value of uncompleted landscape improvements until all required landscape improvements are completed. Section 8. That Section 30-935 of the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances, titled Landscaped islands in off street parking areas, shall be amended to read as follows: (a) All off-street parking areas shall include unpaved, landscaped islands that are reasonably distributed throughout the parking area. These islands should be located to break up expanses of paved. areas and facilitate traffic control. I51~ndS sh~11 l~e~arovidecl in a ratio of at least ox~e island x~er 15 parki.n,g Spaces. (b) Landscaped islands shall be equal to the size of a parking stall at txiixaimum. The provision of fewer, but lar,~;er parkin; lot islands i.s encourai;ed. Section 9. That this ordinance shall take effect upon publication as provided by law. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this day of 2012. John J Dietz, Mayor ATTEST: Tina Allard, City Clerk CCN~d u~- ~la~l~~ ORDINANCE NO. 12 - CITY OF ELK RIVER ~'`eN. 7.3 ~~~~~ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER AMENDING CHAPTER 30, ARTICLE VI, SUBDIVISION IV, SECTION 30-934 AND SECTION 30-935, OF THE ELK RIVER, MINNESOTA, CITY CODE ALL PERTAINING TO LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS The City Council of the City of Elk River does hereby ordain as follows: Section 1. That Paragraph (7) of Section 30-934 (a) of the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances, titled General Requirements, shall be amended to read as follows: (7) In all multifamily, commercial and industrial zoning districts, the maintained/manicured landscaped areas shall have inground/underground irrigation systems. Native grasses and plant areas Wesel .not be irris~,arated. Section 2. That the introductory paragraph and subparagraphs (d), (g), (h), and (i) of Paragraph (3) of Section 30-934 (b) of the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances, shall be amended to read as follows: Minimum requirements. All open areas of a lot which are not used and improved for required parking areas, drives or storage shall be landscaped with a combination of overstory trees, ornamental trees, coniferous trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf or ground cover materials. The number of trees on the lot, tract, or parcel shall not be less than three plus the perimeter of the described area as measured in feet divided by 40. d. Additionallandreaping. In order to accomplish an adequate buffer or. sc____ reeving, additional landscaping over and above the required amount may be req~.~eel-rec aired by the city. g. Credit. 7. for oversi~ing required trees. The total number of required overstory trees may be reduced by one tree for each new deciduous tree measuring 41/z inches or more in diameter, or each new coniferous tree measuring ten feet or more in height, which is planted on the lot or tract.~r 7 1 ~2_~-for existing trees. The total number of required new trees may be offset by the retention of existing trees on the lot provided that such trees satisfy the requirements of this section as to size and species. A sliding scale shall be used to determine the amount of credit for existing trees. Existing trees between four inches in diameter and less than eight inches in diameter will receive credit for one tree. Existing trees eight inches in diameter or greater will receive credit for two trees. 1 _ _ . . 3 for native c~rras~c~s and plant commututies. The total number of required trees tnav be. offset by the pro~-iGion of native grasses and v:~zldflowc.rs. Planting; or. preservation raf native planting communities ti~~ill recei~•e credit for onf• tree per 500 scauare feet r~f`n~ttidc: grass area. Credits ma}~ not exceed 50°,~« of the total. requirement. h. PumT self- left blank i. Maintenance. The property owner of the lot upon which required la ~ g or screening is located shall maintain all materials in a sightly and healthy growing conditi n. 'I"ree, removed due to d~a~e. disease, or death shall be replaced. Section 3. That Section 30-934 (~ of the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances, shall be amended to read as follows: (fl Performance guarantee. If required landscape improvements have not been completed at the time a certificate is requested for occupanry of a property, a financial guarantee to ensure completion of the improvements shall be supplied prior to issuance of the certificate of occupanry. The financial guarantee shall be in an amount equal to approximately 100 percent of the value of the uncompleted landscape improvements, and shall be released one year after completion of the required landscape improvements follow-in~~r `~~rity,=ten .request from the pt:oper . =owner.. Developers who have posted a previous financial guarantee in connection with the installation of public improvements shall not be required to post a separate guarantee, but the financial guarantee shall remain in place in an amount equal to approximately 100 percent of the value of uncompleted landscape improvements until all required landscape improvements are completed. Section 4. That Section 30-935 of the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances, titled Landscaped islands in off street parking areas, shall be amended to read as follows: (a) All off-street parking areas shall include unpaved, landscaped islands that are reasonably distributed throughout the parking area. These islands should be located to break up expanses of paved areas and facilitate traffic control. Islands Shall be _provided in ~ ratio c,f at least one island per 15 parl~ing spaces. (b) Landscaped islands shall be equal to the size of a parking stall, at. minimum. Th.e provision of fedver. but larger parking lot islands is encouraged. Section 5. That this ordinance shall take effect upon adoption as provided by law. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this day of 2012. John J Dietz, Mayor ATTEST: Tina Allard, City Clerk