5 \4 Item # 5.
ty of � MEMORANDUM
lkRiverTO: Planning Commission
FROM: Stephen Wensman, Planner
DATE: May 11, 1999
SUBJECT: Review Draft of Landscape and
Parking Ordinances
Request
Staff requests that the Planning Commission review the drafts of the
landscape and parking ordinances.
Attachments
• Landscape ordinance draft
• Parking ordinance draft
• Overview
At the April Planning Commission workshop, staff introduced a draft of the
landscape and parking ordinances for review. Staff is again providing this
item for review and guidance.
•
f:\shrdoc\planning\stevewen\pcmmo\I ndscp.doc
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River,MN 55330 • TDD&Phone: (612)441-7420 • Fax: (612)441-7425
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
900.30 - REGULATIONS ON SCREENING, LANDSCAPING, LIGHTING, STORAGE
AND OUTDOOR DISPLAYS
1. Intent and Purpose
a) The intent of this ordinance is to assist development proposals in meeting the
desired landscaping objectives and to set forth minimum yet flexible standards
for required landscape areas.
b) The objectives of landscaping are both utilitarian and aesthetic. The utilitarian
aspects of good landscape design include:
i) To have landscapes be compatible with each zoning district and the
intended use of the property.
ii) The screening of lighted areas and unattractive features.
iii) The prevention of glare from buildings, cars and other sources.
iv) The control of air pollution by the absorption of noxious gases and the
release of oxygen.
v) The minimization of water runoff and stabilization of soils.
• vi) The reduction of wind velocity and increase of surface water retention.
vii) The definition of access and circulation.
c) Aesthetic functional aspects and effects of good landscape design include:
i) The enhancement or the focusing of attention towards a feature such as
a building, main entrance, sign, etc.
ii) The provision of visual relief from monotonous features such as building
walls, large parking lots and streets.
iii) Adding of natural color and the attraction of wildlife.
iv) Preservation of existing natural or historic features. (Le., hedgerows,
wetlands, woodlands and prairie)
v) To provide well maintained landscapes.
A. The purpose of this ordinance is to clearly express
the City of Elk River' s intent for all properties to be
landscaped and maintained with great care. Properties shall be
landscaped to express sensitivity to environmental conditions as
well as aesthetic needs of the general public.
111
9.1
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
B. All landscaping must be designed to add visual b auty
• to the property. The quantity and quality of the design
should be compatible with each zoning district and the
intended use of the property. Individual review of the
landscape design will require consistency with areas which
have established unique concepts, design patterns, and a
high level of aesthetic value.
C. The preservation of desirable v-_ - . o - _ _- --
should be addressed prior to new construction or
expansion of an existing usc.
2 . Definitions
For purposes of this Section, the terms listed below shall
be defined as follows:
CALIPER: The length of a straight line measured through
the trunk of a tree six (6) inches above the ground for up
to and including a four (4) inch caliper size, and twelve
(12) inches above the ground for larger sizes.
CONIFEROUS/EVERGREEN TREE: A woody plant which, at
maturity, is at least thirty (30) feet or more in height,
with a single trunk, fully branched to the ground, having
foliage on the outermost portion of the branches
• year-around.
DECIDUOUS OVERSTORY SHADE TREE: A woody plant which, at
maturity, is thirty(30) feet or more in height, with a
single trunk unbranched for several feet above the ground,
having a defined crown, and which loses leaves annually.
DECIDUOUS UNDERSTORY ORNAMENTAL TREE: A woody plant which,
at maturity, is less than thirty (30) feet in height, with a
single trunk, unbranched for several feet above the ground
having a defined crown, and which loses leaves annually.
GROUND COVER: Plants which are used for accents and/or soil
stabilization and are typically 24-inches or less in height.
LANDSCAPE: Site amenities, including trees, shrubs, ground
covers, flowers, fencing, berms, retaining walls and other
outdoor furnishings.
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT: Heating, ventilation, exhaust, air
conditioning, and communication units integral to and
located on top, beside, or adjacent to a building.
SCREENING: A barrier which blocks all views from public
roads and adjacent differing land uses to off-street parking
areas, loading areas, service and utility areas, and
• mechanical equipment.
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Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
SIGNIFICANT TREE: A healthy deciduous tree measuring eight inches or greater in
• diameter, at a point four and a half feet above grade, or a healthy, coniferous tree
measuring ten feet in height or greater.
YARD: An open space on the same lot with a building or structure, which is unoccupied
and unobstructed from the ground up, except for accessory structures or otherwise
permitted by City ordinance. (See figure A).
YARD, FRONT: A yard extending along the full width of a front lot line between side lot
lines and from the front lot line to the nearest building line in depth. On a corner lot, the
front yard shall be on each street. (See figure A).
YARD, SIDE: A yard extending from the front yard to the rear yard and lying between
the side lot line and the nearest building line, or in the absence of such front or rear
yards, to the front or rear lot lines. (See figure A).
YARD, REAR:A yard extending along the full width of a rear lot line between side lot
lines and from the rear lot line to the nearest building line in depth. (See figure A).
Figure A.
•
3. Required Screening
Required screening may be achieved with fences, walls, earth berms, hedges, or other
landscape materials. All walls and fences shall be architecturally harmonious with the
principal building. The use of chain link fences equipped with slats is prohibited. Chain
link fences will be permitted only if covered with plant material or otherwise screened
during all seasons. Earth berms shall not exceed a slope of 3:1 without prior approval
from the City Engineer and due to special conditions or unique circumstances. The
screen shall be designed to provide effective visual barrier during all seasons (See fence
• regulations, section 900.20,6).
9.3
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
• a) Principal and Accessory Uses, all nonresidential principal and accessory uses
including off-street parking , cxccpt business signs, which arc
situated within fifty (50) fcct of a residential
district, within fifty(50)feet of a residential district, except business
signs, shall be screened from a residential district by a wall, fence and/or
landscaping of not less than eighty percent(80%)opacity at the time of maturity.
b) Loading and Service Areas All external loading and
service areas accessory to buildings shall be screened
from the ground level view when facing from adjacent
residential districts or public streets, except at
access points, with architectural enhancements, walls
and/or landscaping. Screen plantings and earth berming may be
substituted for the prescribed wall; however, such plantings must be of such type
as to provide maximum screening during all months of the year.
c) In all districts, mechanical equipment, and other
similar features shall be screened from adjacent
properties and public streets with the application of
landscaping, designed to be compatible with the
architectural tr atment of the principal structure or
in the event the above annot be accomplished,
painting of equipment to match the building.
Other Undesirable Visual Impacts that shall be screened from
• adjacent properties and public streets include, but are not limited to:
i) mechanical equipment
ii) trash storage
iii) on-site parking lots
iv) interior lot areas and perimeters
v) outdoor storage
vi) large unadorned building massings
vii) garage doors associated with auto-oriented uses
viii) vehicular stacking areas for drive-through uses
d) Double Fronted Residential lots along Double fronted residential
buildings and lots along said collector or arterial
streets shall have an additional depth of(10)feet to accommodate
vegetative screening along the back lot line, or shall be screened with
a fifteen (15) foot easement area with for landscaping
to be recorded with the County against these lots along with the recording of the
final plat. . Screening shall be accomplished by a
combination of earth berming and planting (See Subdivision
Ordinance, Section 1008.14, 5J).
e) Lighting from automobile headlights, direct or indirect canopy lights and other
sources shall be screened or directed away from the public right-of-way and
nearby or adjacent residential or agricultural conservation districts (See
• Lighting, Section 900.30, 7).
9.4
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
IPj) Where any townhome, manor home or apartment dwelling residential structure
abuts property zoned for less dense residential use, the higher density residential
use shall provide areas to mitigate possible adverse impacts.
g) Where parking abuts a public right-of-way, all vehicular use areas other than
necessary access drives are to be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the right-
of-way. Setback areas are to consist of low walls and fences, earthen berms, or
landscaping to screen the view of the cars form the right-of-way.
h) Walls, fences or planting screens may be permittcd if
thc nature or cxtcnt of thc use bcing screened is such
that a lesser dcgrcc of scrccning will adequately
promotc and protcct thc use -and cnjoymcnt of thc
propertics in thc adjacent residential district, or
that scrccning of thc typc reepaircd by this ordinancc
would interfere with the provision o-f adequate amounts
of light and air to said propertics .
Exceptions
i) A lesser degree of screening shall be allowed if the screening will
adequately promote and protect the use and enjoyment of the adjacent
residential district or that the required would interfere with the
provision of adequate amounts of light and air to said properties.
S ii) A lesser degree of screening shall be allowed when special problems
related to safety require enhanced visibility.
4. Landscaping
a) General Requirement Applicable to All Districts.
i) All exposed ground areas surrounding or within a
principal or accessory use, including street
boulevards, witch are not devoted to drives,
sidewalks, patios, or other such uses shall be
landscaped with grass, shrubs, trees, or other
living ornamental or native landscape materials.
ii) All landscaped areas shall be kept neat, clean
and uncluttered.
iii) No landscaped area shall be used for the parking
of vehicles, boats, trailers, snowmobiles, etc, or for the
storage or display of materials, supplies or
merchandise.
iv) Undisturbed areas of existing natural vegetation
may be left in their natural state but shall be maintained free of noxious
weeds, litter or debris.
9.5
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
i) Woodland Preservation: In order to retain, as far as practicable,
substantial tree stands as part of urban development, a Tree
Preservation Plan shall be submitted to the City prior to removing trees
or commencing construction if thresholds for allowable tree removal are
exceeded(See Tree Preservation Plan, Section 900.30, 6). A
reasonable attempt shall be made to preserve as
many existing trees as is practi al and to
incorporate them into the proposed development
ii) Slopes greater than three (3) feet horizontal to
one (l) 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, inslope of roadways, ponds,
sedimentation areas, and other water or wetland
features may not have a slope greater than 4 : 1 .
iii) Newly established turf areas of heavy shade shall be seeded with a
shade tolerant seed mix.
iv) Fences or landscaping placed upon drainage or utility easements are
subject to removal by the City or utility company if required for
maintenance or improvement(See Fences, Section 900.20, 6).
. vii . In all multi family and commercial zoning
districts, the maintained/manicured landscaped areas
shall have inground/undcrground irrigation systems.
Industrial zoning districts must have irrigation
systems within landscaped areas adjacent to public
right of way.
b) Landscaping Requirements in Multifamily Districts,
Commercial Districts, and Industrial Districts and
Nonresidential Uses in Residential Districts.
i) Application of Requirements. All properties
shall comply with the requirements of this
section when new development or expansions are to
occur on these properties, except for single
dwelling unit or two family unit lots.
ii) Landscape Plan Requirements. 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 (1) inch equals fifty (50)
feet and shall include the following information:
a) Name and address of property owner and/or
• developer
9.6
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
b) Name of project
• c) Name of preparer of plan
d) Date of plan preparation
e) Boundary lines of the property with
accurate dimensions. Note scale and north
arrow.
f) Locations of existing and proposed
buildings, parking lots, public roads,
easements and other improvements
g) Location, approximate size and common name
of existing trees, or provide a Tree Preservation Plan
if thresholds for allowable tree removal are exceeded(See Tree
Preservation Plan, Section 900.30, 6).
h) Planting schedule containing:
(a) symbols
(b) quantities
(c) common names and botanical names
(d) size of plant materials
(e) root condition specifications
(f) 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.
j ) Details of restoration of disturbed areas
including areas to be sodded and seeded.
k) Location of existing wetlands
111) Minimum Requirements. All open areas of a lot
which are not used for required parking areas,
drives or storage or other such uses 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 the perimeter of the
described area as measured in feet divided by
forty (40) rounded up to the nearest whole number.
a) OVERSTORY TREES. Not less than fifty
percent (50%) of the required trees rounded
• up to the nearest whole number shall be overstory
trees.
9.7
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
Sb) ORNAMENTAL TREES. Not less than twenty-
five percent (25%) of the required trees
rounded up to the nearest whole number shall be
ornamental trees.
c) CONIFEROUS TREES. Not less than twenty-
five percent (25%) of the required trees
rounded up to the nearest whole number shall be
coniferous trees.
d) IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH AN ADEQUATE BUFFER
ADDITIONAL LANDSCAPING OVER AND ABOVE THE
REQUIRED AMOUNT MAY BE REQUESTED BY THE
CITY.(See Required Screening, Section 900.30, 3).
e) MINIMUM SIZE AND ROOT CONDITION OF REQUIRED
TREES.
(1) overstory trees: two (2) inches in
diameter as measured six (6) inches
above the ground and trees must be
balled and burlapped.
(2) ornamental trees: one and one-half
(1 1/2) inches in diameter as measured
S six (6) inches above the ground and
trees must be balled and burlapped.
(3) coniferous trees: six (6) feet in
height and trees must be balled and
burlapped.
(4) The required tree sizes may be reduced by(50%)fifty
percent if the quantity of the said quantity of trees are
doubled except in front yards or in required screening
or buffer(See Required Screening, section 900.30, 3).
f) SPECIES.
(1) all required trees shall be comprised
of species which are classified as
overstory, ornamental, and coniferous
trees by the American Nurseryman' s
Association.
(2) not more than fifty percent (50%) of
the required number of overstory or
ornamental trees shall be comprised of
one species.
• (3) all plant materials shall be
indigenous to the appropriate hardiness
9.8
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
zone of the arca in which the City is
• to atcd and physical characteristics of the site. The
use of native and drought tolerant plant
materials are encouraged to meet
landscaping requirements.
g) CREDIT FOR OVERSIZING REQUIRED TREES. The
total number of required overstory trees
may be reduced by one tree for each new
deciduous tree measuring four and one-half
(4-1/2) inches or more in diameter, or each
new coniferous tree measuring ten (10) feet
or more in height, which is planted on the
lot or tract. In no event, however, shall
this credit result in a reduction in the
total number of required trees by more than
twenty-five percent (25%) .
h) CREDIT FOR EXISTING TREES.
(1) The total number of required new trees
may be offset by the retention of
existing trees within the construction zone as
approved by the City on the lot provided
that such trees satisfy the
requirements of this section as to
• size and species.
(2) A sliding scale shall be used to
determine the amount of credit for
existing trees. Existing trees between
four (4) inches in diameter and less
than eight (8) inches in diameter will
may receive credit for one (1) tree.
Existing trees eight (8) inches in
diameter or greater will may receive
credit for two (2) trees.
(3) Credit can not exceed fifty percent
(50%) of the total requirement.
i) 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. For(2) two years after planting, the property
owner shall be responsible for timely replacement of any dead
trees, shrubs and groundcover required by this section.
j ) PLACEMENT OF PLANT MATERIALS.
• (1) All required landscaping shall be
located on the lot occupied by the
9.9
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
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) Where applicable, deciduous overstory trees shall be
located in the front yard, between the public right-of-
ways and the principal or accessory use areas. The City
may approve alternatives if it meets the intent of the
ordinance.
(4) Deciduous overstory trees shall be located to provide
maximum shading of parking lots or structures and to
provide visual relief from large paved expanses or large
building massings.
(5) At all intersections, sight visibility
triangles shall be kept clear of
landscape materials that would
obstruct the sight lines of motorists
at intersecting streets.
IDFigure
k) IRRIGATION. Inground /underground
irrigation systems are required in all
maintained/manicured landscaped areas in
multi-family and commercial zoning
districts. Industrial zoning districts must
have irrigation systems within landscaped
areas adjacent to any public right-of-way.
An irrigation plan shall be submitted with the landscape plans.
•
9.10
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
(1) Irrigation systems should be designed in such a way so
• not to sprinkle buildings,parking lots or roadways.
(2) Irrigation systems should be automatically controlled
and capable of watering high-water requirement areas
on different schedules from low-water requirement
areas.
(3) Wherever feasible lawns or other high demand
landscape areas should be on separate irrigation zones
from trees, shrubs and garden areas.
(4) Rainfall or moisture sensing devices shall be used to
avoid operation during periods of increased rainfall.
(5) Irrigation systems should be operated between the hours
of 12:00 am and 8:00 am to reduce water loss due to
evaporation and reduce peak demand for water.
(6) The use of drought tolerant native species may be
substituted for the irrigation requirement as approved
by the City
5. Interior Parking Area
• Interior Parking areas shall comply with the following requirements unless an
alternative that is consistent with the intent of the requirements is granted by the City.
a) All off-street parking areas large enough for 40-100 parking stalls or with (2)or
more drive lanes shall include unpaved, landscaped islands that are reasonably
distributed throughout the parking area which will do the following:
i) These islands should be located to break up expanses of paved areas,
provide shade, define rows of parking and facilitate traffic control.
ii) Limit the rows of uninterrupted parking stalls to a maximum of 20
parking stalls.
b) All off-street parking areas large enough for more than 100 parking stalls shall
include unpaved, landscaped islands that are reasonably distributed throughout
the parking area which will do the following:
i) These islands should be located to break up expanses of paved areas,
provide shade, define rows of parking and facilitate traffic control.
ii) Limit the rows of uninterrupted parking stalls to a maximum of 15
parking stalls.
•
9.11
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
c) All landscaped islands shall have a minimum of 137.52 square feet of planting
area with non-compacted soil in order to adequately support and protect
landscaping.
d) Landscape islands shall be planted with at least one deciduous shade trees or
evergreen tree which may be in addition to the required minimum trees to
provide shade and provide screening.
e) Landscape islands should contain mulch and shrubs or groundcover other than
sod to minimize soil temperatures and to retain soil moisture.
All landscaped islands shall contain underground irrigation or native draught
tolerant species as approved by the City(See Irrigation, Section 900.30, 4b)).
6. Tree Preservation Plan
a) In order to retain, as far as practi able, substantial
tree stands as part of urban development a tree
preservation plan should be submitted to the City
prior to removing trees or commencing construction.
No land alteration, within a woodland shall occur until the City finds that the
land alteration complies with the following:
• i) The land alteration shall be conducted so that the maximum amount of
woodland is preserved. Tree preservation efforts can be maximized
through the clustering of structures,following tree preservation
practices and by the use of other innovative design techniques where
appropriate. Preserving clumps of trees is favored over individual trees.
ii) Data shall be provided describing as assessment of the trees present
prior to land alteration, the anticipated changes after the alteration, and
the actions required to satisfy the tree preservation policy. Although the
developer must retain the maximum amount of woodland possible, the
City recognizes that a certain amount of significant trees and tree cover
removal is an inevitable consequence of urban development.
iii) Removal Thresholds. In the following zoning districts listed in Column I,
a percentage of woodland may be removed without any obligation for
reforestation, but only up to and including the threshold percentage of
woodland listed in Column II If the land alteration results in woodland
removal that exceeds the percentage listed in Column II, then the
applicant shall be responsible for reforestation in accordance with the
standards of this section.
•
9.12
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
Column I Column II
• Zoning District Threshold
1. Aland Rla 25%
2. R1b,R1c, Rld, R2, R3, R4 30%
3. PUD negotiated
4. Cl, C2, C3, C4 50%
5. BP, II, 12 60%
6. SWF n/a
7. ME n/a
8. AT n/a
a) Reforestation
i) If the land alteration results in woodland removal beyond the woodland
removal threshold, the developer shall be required to replace the trees
as follows:
a) Tree replacement quantities will be predicated on total number
of diameter inches of significant trees removed beyond the
threshold limits.
b) Replacement trees should be of a species similar to the trees
which are lost or removed.
el c) Actual replacement quantities shall be adjusted based on the
type of woodland removed with the following guidelines:
(1) CONIFER OR SOFTWOOD-predominantly Poplar,
Boxelder, Cottonwood,Aspen, and Conifers- 75%
(2) MIXED HARDWOODS-predominantly Cherry, Birch
Walnut and Ironwood- 100%
(3) HARDWOODS-predominantly mature Oaks and Sugar
Maples - 125%
d) Replacement trees can be used to fulfill the minimum tree
requirements (See Minimum Requirements, Section 900.30, 4b)
iii).
b) Data requirement provided by a registered land surveyor, landscape architect,
orforester:
i) The size, species, condition, and location of all significant trees within
50 foot of the grading limit.
ii) Location, size, species, condition, and location of existing tree massings
• on site. On large wooded sites,forest measuration methods may be used
9.13
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
to determine total diameter inches of trees outside the area of the
11110 proposed land alteration.
iii) Location of tree massings adjacent to the site.
iv) Significant trees which will be lost due to the proposed land alteration.
Significant trees shall be considered lost as a result of
a) grade change greater than six (6) inches measured vertically
affecting a 33% (as measured on a horizontal plane) or more
within the tree's dripline or rootzone, whether permanent or
temporary.
b) utility construction resulting in cutting of 33%or more of the
tree's roots within the root zone.
c) mechanical injury to the trunk of a significant tree causing loss
of more than 33%of the bark.
v) The number, type and size of trees required to be replaced.
vi) The location of the replacement trees.
vii) Replacement trees shall meet American Nursery and shall be
S mulched to the dripline at the time of planting to reduce maintenance,
and reduce mortality.
viii) Proper precautions to protect trees during development shall be
indicated on grading plans submitted for plan review. Procedures for
preserving trees may include color markings, banding, and fencing of
significant trees to keep construction machinery and equipment a safe
distance from the trees. These precautions shall be included in the
landscape surety.
ix) A pest assessment of existing woodlands shall be provided with a for
pest management plan. Oak Wilt precautions shall be followed from
April 15 to July 1. Trees wounded within these times shall have wounds
covered ASAP to prevent infection.
x) Replacement trees shall be located adjacent to the development or
proposed structures or, if the requirements that cannot be met on the
said land, the trees may be planted on public lands as approved by the
City.
7 . Lighting
a) Artificial lighting shall be planned, designed,
constructed and maintained consistent with the
• following standards:
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Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
i) Lighting shall be directed away from the public
410 right-of-way and nearby or adjacent residential
or agricultural conservation districts.
ii) Commercial parking lots shall be lighted to a
minimum level of three (3) foot candles. Other
parking lots shall be lighted to a minimum level
of one and one half (1-1/2) foot candles.
iii) Lighting at the periphery of the site and building shall be directed
downward, and individual lights shall not exceedfifteen (15)foot-
candles at ground level.
iv) All sources of artificial lights shall be so
fixed, dircctcd, designed or sized so that thc
minimum subtotal of thcir illumination will not
increase thc level of illumination on any nearby
residential property by more than 0. 1 foot
candles in or within twenty five (25) feet of a
dwelling nor more than 0 . 5 foot candles on any
part of the property. Maximum site illumination shall not
exceed one (1)foot-candle at ground level when measured at any
boundary line with an adjoining residential property or any public
property.
v) Canopy lighting shall only be permitted under the canopy structure, and
consist of canister spot lights recessed into the canopy. No portion of
the light source or fixture may extend below the bottom face of the
canopy. Canopy illumination may not exceed one hundredfifteen (115)
foot-candles below the canopy at ground level. The facia of the canopy
shall not be illuminated, except for permitted canopy signage.
vi) Except for permitted wall signs, the building and or canopy fascia shall
not be illuminated.
vii) Glare, whether direct or reflected as different
from general illumination, shall not be visible
from beyond the limits of the immediate site from
which it originates .
7 . Enforcement.
a) 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.
i) Replacement of any dead trees, shrubs, ground
covers and sodding shall be responsibility of the
property owner for two years after the issuance of a building
• permit.
9.15
Draft of Landscape Ordinance Amendment/900.30sw
April 13, 1999
• b) Inspection. Twelve (12) 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 ordinance and
implementation of the approved landscape plan.
c) 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.
d) Performance Guarantee. If required landscape
improvements have not been completed at the time a
certificate of occupancy is requested for a property, a letter of credit or a cash
in an amount equal to approximately 100% of the value of the uncompleted
landscape improvements shall be supplied to the City which shall be released
upon completion of the required landscape improvements. Developers who have
posted a previous letter of credit or cash escrow in connection with the
installation of public improvements shall not be required to post a separate
guarantee, but the letter of credit or cash escrow shall remain in place in an
amount equal to approximately 100% of the value of uncompleted landscape
improvements until all required landscape improvements
are completed.
111
e) If the above items are not completed in a timely manner, the City may enter the
lot,perform the work and apply the letter of credit or cash escrow toward the
cost. Upon satisfactory completion of the landscaping, the financial guarantee,
without interest, less any draw made by the City, shall be returned to the person
who deposited the funds with the City.
•
9.16
Draft/February 10, 1999/900-24sw
900.24 - PARKING AND LOADING REGULATIONS
410 All parking hereafter constructed or maintained shall conform
with the provisions of this section and any other ordinances or
regulations of the City.
1. Minimum Size Regulations. Each parking space and drive
aisle shall comply with City standards set forth in adopted
site design requirements for minimum size as set forth in
the table below. All loading spaces shall be sufficient to
meet the requirements of each use and shall provide adequate
space for storage and maneuvering of the vehicles they are
designed to serve.
STANDARD VEHICLE
Stall Width
Parking Angle Including Stall Length Aisle Width
Striping
90 Degrees 9 Feet 20 Feet 24 Feet
60 Degrees 9 Feet 23 Feet 15 Feet
45 Degrees 9 Feet 27 Feet 12 Feet
VEHICLES FOR HANDICAPPED
Stall Width
Parking Angle Including Stall Length Aisle Width
•
Striping
90 Degrees 13 Feet 20 Feet 24 Feet
60 Degrees 13 Feet 23 Feet 15 Feet
45 Degrees 13 Feet 27 Feet 12 Feet
The stall length can be reduced by the amount of the curb
over-hang up to a maximum of two (2) feet.
2 . Reduction and Use of Parking and Loading Space.
a) On-site parking facilities existing on the effective
date of this ordinance shall not be reduced in size to
an amount less than that authorized under this
ordinance for a similar new building or use except
following express authorization of the Council
pursuant to the provisions for obtaining a conditional
use permit.
b) Required parking or loading space shall not be used
for storage of goods or for storage of vehicles that
are inoperable or for sale or rent.
c) Any off-street parking space in connection with
existing buildings or structures, on the effective
date of this ordinance, shall not be removed, enlarged
411 or altered, except in conformance with the
requirements of this ordinance.
3. Computing Requirements. In computing the number of such
• parking spaces required, the following rules shall govern:
a) Floor space shall mean the gross floor area of the
specific use.
b) Where fractional spaces result, the parking spaces
required shall be construed to be the next largest
whole number.
c) The parking space requirement for a use not
specifically mentioned herein shall be the same as
required for use of a similar nature.
d) Pursuant to the provisions, for obtaining a
conditional use permit, the Council may reduce the
number of off-street parking spaces required hereby
following the establishment of a public off-street
parking area which serves the applicable use.
4. Interior Parking Area (See Section 900.30,4)
5 . Yards/Parking Setbacks. On-site parking and loading
facilities shall not be subject to the front yard, side
yard, and rear yard regulations for the district in which
parking is located, except that:
a) In multifamily, commercial, industrial districts, no
parking ar a, drivc isle or loading space shall be
located within ten (10)feet of any property lines
except that zero lot lincd developments may have
parking that abuts the zero lot lined property
boundaries. Further, non single family residential
uses located in single family residential or
agricultural conservation districts shall also be
subject to these rcquiremcnto. non-single family uses located in
single family residential or agricultural conservation districts shall be subject to
the following requirements:
i) parking areas, drive isles, and loading spaces
shall be set back ten (10) feet from any property
lines with the exception of zero lot lined
developments.
ii) Zero lot line developments may have parking that
abuts the zero lot lined property boundaries,
except where adjacent a public right-of-way or
residential use (See Screening, section 900.30,1).
iii) . . . •. . • ._ •.
shall be located within frvc (5)feet of a side or rear property line.
•
9.91
b) In a C-3 Highway Commercial District, I-1 Light
S Industrial District, and I-2 Medium Industrial
District, ire parking or and loading spaces shall be
locatcd within setback thirty (30) feet, rather than ten, of
from any property line that abuts any residential or
agricultural conservation district unless separated by
right-of-way.
c) In single family residential zoning districts
driveways and parking areas shall be set back five (5)
feet from side or rear property lines.
6. Buffer Fences and Planting Screens. All On-site parking
areas within fifty(50)feet of near or abutting residential
districts shall be screened fromsuchdistricts by a buffcr fcncc
of adequate design or a planting buffer screen; plans of
such screen or fcncc shall be submitted for approval as a
part of the required site plan, and such fence or
landscaping shall be installed as a part of the initial wall,
fence and/or landscaping of not less than eighty percent(80%) opacity at the time of
maturity. Plans of such screen or fence shall be submitted
for approval as a part of the required site plan, and such
fence or landscaping shall be installed as a part of the
initial construction (See Screening, section 900.30,1).
• 7 . Access.
a) Parking spaces shall have proper access from a public
right-of-way.
b) The number and width of access drives shall be so
located as to minimize traffic congestion and abnormal
traffic hazard.
c) Vehicular access to business or industrial uses across
property in any residential district shall be
prohibited.
d) The number and type of access drives onto arterial or
collector streets may be controlled and limited in the
interest of public safety and efficient traffic flow.
e) Access drives to principal structures which traverse
wooded, steep or open fields, shall be constructed and
maintained to a width and base material sufficient to
support access by emergency vehicles .
8 . Location of Parking Facilities and Combined Facilities.
a) Required on-site parking space shall be provided on
the same lot as the principal building or use,
•
9.92
b) Exception: combined or joint parking facilities may be
• provided for two (2) or more buildings or uses in
commercial and industrial districts provided that the
total number of spaces is not less than the sum of the
requirements for each building or use.
c) The proposed combined parking space shall be within
four hundred (400) feet of the entrance of the use it
will serve. A properly drawn legal instrument,
approved by the City, executed by the parties
concerned, for joint use of the off-street parking
facilities shall be filed with the County Recorder' s
office.
d) In the CBD,parking is a shared system. Only stalls designated for residential
uses or fleet vehicles are to be restricted or reserved. Developers will be
required to provide parking based on the parking demand for their project's
particular tenant mix considering parking demand of existing uses and existing
supply, both on and off-street. Upon construction, new parking lots will become
part of a shared system.
9. Demonstrated Parking. The total number of required parking
stalls initially constructed may be reduced, Uses of property which do not
require the total numbcr of stalls as sct forth in this
ordinance may be reduce the number of parking stalls
• initially constructed. However, it must be demonstrated on
the approved site plan that the required number of stalls
can be constructed on site to meet the requirements set
forth in this ordinance. This demonstrated parking area
shall be installed upon request by the City.
10. Design
a) Parking should be located to the rear or side of buildings to minimize the visual
impact of parking and allow pedestrian access without walking through parking
lots.
b) Where appropriate, building entrances should be oriented towards the street for
safe and convenient pedestrian access.
c) Pedestrian access should be provided through large parking lots from sidewalks
to building entrances.
d) All off-street parking areas large enough for more than 300 parking stalls shall
include landscaped pedestrian walkways connecting building entrances,
perimeter sidewalks, and adjacent buildings.
e) Parking shall be screened from the public right-of-way(See screening, section
900.30,1h)).
9.93
• 3 . Construction and Maintenance.
a) All off-street parking areas and access drives shall
be paved with a dust-free, all-weather surface with
proper surface drainage, as required by the City
Engineer.
b) The operator of the principal building or use shall
maintain parking and loading areas, access drives and
yard areas in a neat and serviceable condition.
c) The City may exempt a paved off-street parking area
for the following:
i) Agricultural uses
ii) Where installing a paved off-street parking area
presents a hardship due to the uniqueness of the
business or other conditions .
4 . Curbing
a) All driving areas and parking areas which are
accessory to multiple family, commercial, business
park, or high use institutional developments, shall be
• bounded by a B612 concrete curb and gutter. "High use
institutional development" shall include hospitals,
schools, public buildings, and other similar uses.
b) All driving areas and parking areas which are
accessory to industrial or low use institutional
developments shall contain a B6-12 concrete curb and
gutter on the portions of such areas which front on a
public right-of-way extending back to the building
wall. Concrete curb and gutter or curb only may be
required on the perimeter of any other driving or
parking areas where necessary for drainage or traffic
control. "Low use institutional developments" shall
include churches, parks, private clubs, and other
similar uses.
c) Curbing shall be required around islands in pavement.
d) Curb cuts and ramps for the handicapped shall be
installed as required by Minnesota State Building
Code.
e) Exception. The City may exempt curbing:
i) Where the parking lot directly abuts a sidewalk
which is sufficiently higher than the grade of
411
9.94
the parking lot to substitute for the curbing
• requirements; or
ii) Where the City has approved future expansion of
the parking lot.
iii) Where installing concrete curb and gutter
presents a hardship due to the uniqueness of the
business or other conditions.
13. Lighting. Lighting shall be directed away from the public
agricultural conservation districts. Parking lots shall be
lighted to a minimum level of one (1) foot candle.
(See Lighting, section 900 . 30, 1f)
14. Required Number of On-site Parking Spaces. On-site parking
areas of sufficient size to provide parking for patrons,
customers, suppliers, visitors and employees shall be
provided on the premises of each use. The minimum number of
required on-site parking spaces for the following uses shall
be as follows:
a) Assembly/Churches
i) ASSEMBLY OR EXHIBITION HALL, AUDITORIUM, THEATER
• OR SPORTS ARENA. One (1) parking space for each
three (3) seats, based upon design capacity.
ii) CHURCHES AND FUNERAL PARLORS. One (1) parking
space for each three (3) seats, based on the
design capacity of the main seating area.
b) Dwellings.
i) MOBILE HOME PARKS. According to standards set
forth in section entitled "Mobile Home Park
Requirements. "
ii) MOTEL OR HOTEL. Five (5) spaces plus one (1)
parking space for each rental room or suite.
iii) MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING. Two and one-half ( 2
1/2) parking spaces per dwelling unit, one (1)
space of which must be completely enclosed.
iv) NURSING HOME. One (1) space for every four (4)
patients or residents based on the maximum
capacity of the building, plus one (1) space per
employee on the major shift, plus one (1) space
per vehicle owned by the building management.
•
9.95
v) SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING. One (1) parking space
• per unit, plus one (1) space for each employee
who is not a resident of the building.
vi) SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING. One (1) enclosed parking
space plus two (2) off-street spaces. No garage
shall be converted into living space unless other
acceptable on-site parking space is provided.
vii) TWO-FAMILY DWELLING. Two spaces per dwelling
unit.
c) Hospitals. One (1) parking space for each two (2)
hospital beds, plus one (1) space for each employee on
the major shift.
d) Offices.
i) BANKS. One (1) space per two hundred (200)
square feet of floor area, plus room to stack
five (5) vehicles per drive-through lane.
ii) OFFICE BUILDINGS. One (1) parking space for each
three hundred (300) square feet of floor area.
iii) MEDICAL AND DENTAL CLINICS. One parking space for
• each two hundred (200) square feet of floor area.
e) Public Buildings.
i) MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION BUILDINGS. One (1)
parking space for each three hundred (300) square
feet of floor area.
ii) COMMUNITY CENTER. Adequate parking shall be
provided based on the uses contained within the
community center and required in this ordinance.
iii) PUBLIC LIBRARY, MUSEUM, ART GALLERIES, POST
OFFICE AND OTHER PUBLIC SERVICE BUILDINGS. One
(1) parking space for every three hundred (300)
square feet of floor area.
f) Recreation.
i) GENERAL STANDARDS. One (1) parking space per
four (4) expected patrons at capacity.
ii) ARCHERY OR GOLF DRIVING RANGE. One (1) parking
space per tee or target, plus one (1) parking
space per employee on the largest work shift.
•
9.96
iii) ATHLETIC CLUB OR FITNESS CENTER. One parking
• space for each two hundred (200) square feet of
floor area.
iv) BOWLING ALLEY. Five (5) parking spaces for each
bowling lane.
v) GOLF COURSE, GOLF CLUBHOUSE AND COUNTRY CLUB.
Thirty (30) spaces per each nine (9) holes plus
one (1) parking space for each five hundred (500)
square feet of floor area in the principal
structure.
vi) MINIATURE GOLF. One and one-half (1 1/2) parking
spaces per hole, plus one (1) space per employee
on the largest work shift.
vii) PRIVATE SWIMMING FACILITY. One (1) parking space
per seventy-five (75) square feet of gross water
area, plus one parking space per employee on the
largest shift.
viii) PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL. Twenty (20) parking
spaces, plus one (1) space for each five hundred
(500) square feet of floor area in the principal
structure.
411 ix) SKATING RINK, ICE OR ROLLER. One (1) parking
space per three hundred (300) square feet of
gross floor area, plus one (1) parking space per
employee on the largest work shift.
x) TENNIS, RACQUETBALL, HANDBALL COURTS. Four (4)
parking spaces per court, plus one (1) parking
space per employee on the largest work shift.
g) Research.
i) RESEARCH, EXPERIMENTAL OR TESTING STATIONS. One
(1) parking space for each employee on the major
shift or one (1) parking space for each five
hundred (500) square feet of floor area within
the building, whichever is greater.
h) Restaurants/Bars.
i) CLASS II RESTAURANT. One parking space for each
forty (40) square feet of indoor or outdoor
customer area, but not less than six (6) spaces,
plus room to stack a minimum of five (5) vehicles
per drive-through lane.
•
9.97
ii) CLASS I RESTAURANTS. One (1) parking space for
• each one hundred (100) square feet of indoor or
outdoor customer area, or one (1) parking space
for each four (4) seats plus five (5) additional
spaces, whichever is greater.
iii) NIGHT CLUB, TAVERN OR BAR. One (1) parking space
for every fifty (50) square feet of floor area.
i) Sales/Service.
i) AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION AND REPAIR. One (1)
parking space for each three hundred (300) square
feet of floor area.
ii) AUTO SALES, TRAILER SALES, MARINE AND BOAT SALES,
IMPLEMENT SALES, GARDEN SUPPLY STORE, BUILDING
MATERIALS SALES. One (1) parking space for each
five hundred (500) square feet of floor area.
Open sales or rental lots shall also provide one
parking space for each five thousand (5, 000)
square feet of land which is to be used for sales
and display area.
iii) CONVENIENCE STORE. At least one (1) parking
space per two hundred (200) square feet of floor
area, but not less than six (6) spaces.
•
iv) FURNITURE STORE, APPLIANCE STORE, WHOLESALE, AND
FURNITURE AND APPLIANCE REPAIRS. One (1) parking
space for each five hundred (500) square feet of
floor area, up to six thousand (6, 000) square
feet and then one (1) space for each additional
eight hundred (800) square feet of floor area,
but not less than six (6) spaces.
v) RETAIL STORES. One (1) parking space for each
two hundred (200) square feet of floor area.
vi) SUPERMARKETS, DISCOUNT HOUSES. At lease one (1)
parking space for each two hundred (200) square
feet of floor area.
vii) VETERINARIAN CLINICS. One (1) parking space for
every two hundred-fifty (250) square feet of
floor area.
j ) Schools.
i) DAYCARE, NURSERY AND PRESCHOOLS. One (1) parking
space per teacher or employee, plus one (1) space
• per twelve (12) individuals receiving care.
9.98
ii) PUBLIC ELEMENTARY, JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL OR SIMILAR
. PRIVATE SCHOOL. Two (2) parking spaces for each
classroom.
iii) SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL. One (1) parking space for
each classroom plus one (1) parking space for
each three (3) students, based upon design
capacity.
k) Warehouse/Manufacturing.
i) STORAGE OR WAREHOUSE ESTABLISHMENTS. One (1)
parking space for each two (2) employees on the
major shift or one (1) parking space for each two
thousand (2, 000) square feet of floor area,
whichever is greater, plus one (1) space for each
company motor vehicle when customarily kept on
the premises. These requirements shall not apply
to mini-storage buildings .
ii) MANUFACTURING; FABRICATING; GENERAL INDUSTRIAL.
Six (6) stalls plus one off-street parking space
for each 500 square feet of floor area.
iii) MINI OR SELF STORAGE FACILITIES. One (1) parking
stall for each four hundred (400) square feet of
office space or four (4) stalls, whichever is
•
greater.
15 . Handicap Accessible Parking.
a) To determine the handicapped accessible stall
requirements, first determine the total number of
stalls in your lot. Then use Table A to determine the
breakdown required of standard and "Van Accessible"
stalls.
TABLE A
Total Stalls Accessible Stalls "Van Accessible"
Stalls
a) to 25 1 1
b) to 50 2 1
c) to 75 3 1
d) to 100 4 1
e) to 150 5 1
f) to 200 6 1
g) to 300 7 1
h) to 400 8 1
i) to 500 9 1
j ) and over 2% of Total 1 in every 8
• 16. Off Street Loading and Overhead Doors
9.99
a) Location - All required loading or unloading into or
• out of railroad cars or trucks in excess of 3/4 ton
capacity shall be conducted at facilities specifically
designed or designated for that purpose. These
facilities shall be located upon the lot of the
principal use for which they are required.
b) Access - Each required off-street loading berth and
overhead doors shall be so designed as to avoid
interference with other vehicular, pedestrian or rail
access or use of public streets, alleys, or other
public transport systems. These areas should include
maneuvering area that does not interfere with parking
stalls and designated drive aisles.
c) Surfacing - All off-street loading facilities,
including loading berths and maneuvering areas, shall
be surfaced with a hard, all-weather, dust-free,
durable surfacing material and shall be well drained
and landscaped and shall be maintained in good
condition.
d) Landscaping and Screening All loading bertha and
ovcrh ad doors shall be screened from view from the
property across the street frontage and/or from the
zoning district boundary when the adjacent property or
property across the street frontage or side street
• frontage is zoned or used for residential purposes.
Said screening shall be accomplished by a solid wall
not less than six (6) feet in height and shall be so
designed as to be architecturally harmonious with the
principal structure. Screen plantings and earth
bcrming may be substituted for the prescribed wall;
however, such plantings must be of such type as to
provide maximum screening during all months of the
year.(See Screening, Section 900.30, 3b.)
e) Design - Loading areas and overhead doors should be
designed to reflect harmonious compatibility with the
principal structure. Architectural techniques are
encouraged to reduce the visual impacts there may be
on adjacent properties or roadways.
9.100