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<br />Planning & Zoning Commission <br />December 17, 2009 <br />Page 2 of2 <br /> <br />Suggested Requirements: <br /> <br />Minimum landscaping requirement of 6% is amended as landscaping must be provided <br />along the front property line and along the side property lines in a minimum of four feet <br />wide planting strip with a combination of trees and shrubs. Minimum 2" caliper tree at 20' <br />on center and minimum 5 gallons shrub in between trees at 3' on center are suggested. <br />In addition, the City's recommended trees, plants list, and specification shall apply for <br />minimum landscaping standards in La Porte. <br /> <br />For tree preservation, the current provision of the City's control area within 15 feet of any <br />street right-of-way line or easement abutting the required front yard and within 10 feet if <br />abutting the required side yard will be amended with an overall developed site area. In <br />addition, a person desirous of developing the property shall obtain a clearing permit from <br />the City. The intent is to encourage the preservation of existing large trees on the <br />development tract as a whole. The enforcement officer shall determine the type and <br />number of replacement trees in order to allow clearing of buildable areas only. <br /> <br />However, current provisions in the Code of Ordinances have no requirements for tree <br />fund in case there is no room for the trees to be planted at the developed site. Hence, a <br />provision for the tree fund is introduced. <br /> <br />Conclusions: <br /> <br />It is staff's opinion that the above measures will protect urban environment of the City <br />from unreasonable harming of tree/plants during development and predevelopment <br />activities. Draft Ordinance showing proposed changes and strike outs is attached for <br />reVIew. <br /> <br />Staff seeks input and guidance from the Commission in order to address landscaping and <br />other beautification measures within the City. <br /> <br />Actions available to the Commission are as follows: <br /> <br />. Set a public hearing date. <br />· Provide other directions to staff. <br />· Continue workshop until next meeting. <br />