Planning 2016-11-10 ITEM 4 - TMC CHAPTER 18.52 LANDSCAPING CODE UPDATE: STAFF REPORT

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Members of the Planning Commission L16 -0012, Revisions to TMC 18.52, Landscaping Code Staff Report November 2, 2016 TMC 18.52.040. Screening and Visibility: Most of this subsection is from either existing landscaping code or from TMC 18.28. The Visibility section is from the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design standards found in 18.28. TMC 18.52.050. Si2nilicant Tree Retention: This subsection is a mix taken from current code found in TMC 18.28 and language taken from the City of Tigard, Oregon landscaping code. The subsection includes an incentive to retain significant trees on a development site by allowing retained significant trees to be counted towards required landscaping trees. For each two percent of effective canopy cover provided by retained trees that is incorporated into the required landscaping, the applicant would receive a two percent reduction in the minimum landscape requirements. No more than 20% of the minimum landscape requirement may be reduced using this provision. TMC 18.52.060. Plant Material Requirements and Tree Standards: Most of this subsection is drawn from TMC 18.28. The proposed code requires diversity of tree and shrub genus and species, with the guidance drawn from the City of Portland's landscaping code. Item 49 in this subsection includes language added by the Planning Commission at its October 27, 2016 meeting when it reviewed amendments to the Zoning Code to address low impact development. New to the proposed landscaping code is providing standards based on the stature of the tree being planted. The code states a preference for large stature trees, but recognizes that not all sites can accommodate or are appropriate for large stature trees, such as street trees in the right -of -way. TMC 18.52.070. Soil Preparation, Planting, and Irritation: The current landscaping code does not provide guidance on soil preparation, which is key for plant survival and the health of trees. Most of this subsection is taken from TMC 18.28, which incorporated soil preparation standards for landscaping in the Urban Center in 2014. TMC 18.52.080. Maintenance and Pruning: The current landscape code does not address maintenance of plant material. The language of this new subsection is taken primarily from TMC 18.28 with some revisions by the Advisory Committee and PSE. TMC 18.52.090. Landscape Plan Requirements: The language in this subsection is a mix of current landscape code, TMC 18.52 and language from TMC 18.28. TMC 18.52.100. Procedures: A new subsection has been added to the landscaping chapter that identifies criteria for the consideration of landscape modifications and establishes penalties for violations to the landscaping code. REQUESTED ACTION Hold the public hearing on the proposed changes, deliberate and make a recommendation to the City Council. CL Page 5 of 5 11/3/2016 10:00 AM W: \\Long Range Projects\2016 Landscaping and Tree Code Update\Planning Commission \Staff Rpt. 11