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<br />Staff Report <br /> <br />December 17, 2009 <br /> <br />LANDSCAPING <br />Discussion Paper <br /> <br />Back2round: <br /> <br />Recent developments have generated preliminary discussion on possible addition of <br />landscaping standards to Chapter 106 (Zoning) of the Code of Ordinances. The purpose <br />is to enhance the overall impression of the City, to have quality developments along <br />major thoroughfares, and eventually attract new sustainable businesses to La Porte. Staff <br />analyzed the situation thoroughly and presents this item to the Planning and Zoning <br />Commission for discussion and further guidance in order for possible changes to the <br />Code of Ordinances relating to landscaping, tree preservation, tree replacement and <br />establishing tree fund in La Porte. <br /> <br />Existin2 Requirements: <br /> <br />Current ordinances require minimum landscaping to be 6%. Total area of landscaping is <br />calculated as follows: <br />a. Compute total developed site area. <br />b. Deduct total area of roofed over improvements from the developed site area. <br />c. Minimum landscaping requirement (6%) is based on the total remaining <br />developed site area. <br /> <br />However, no specifications for trees and shrubs are available for the planting plans. <br />Grass, ground cover, flowering and non-flowering plants may be used for required <br />landscaping. <br /> <br />A provision for Tree Preservation allows City a control only within 15 feet of the street <br />right-of-way (ROW) line or easement line abutting front yard or within 10 feet of the <br />street right-of-way line or easement line abutting required side yard with a trunk <br />exceeding six inches in diameter at a point 18 inches above the natural ground level, <br />should not be removed or destroyed until the City representative declares it hazardous to <br />pedestrian or vehicular traffic. <br /> <br />In the case of removal or damage to a native tree, tree replacement of one or more newly <br />planted trees is required by the ordinances. In addition, a tree must comply with the <br />recommended tree list of the City (see attached). The enforcement officer shall determine <br />the type and number of replacement trees. <br /> <br />EXHIBIT A <br />