Landscape OrdinanceMay 24, 1984
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To: Planning & Zoning Commission
From: Jim Kerrigan
Re: Landscape Ordinance
Attached is possible language that could be added to the zoning ordinance
to more clearly define landscape requirements the Planning and Zoning Commission
wish a developer to comply with in preparing building plans. In considering a
landscape ordinance there are two extreme possibilities, very elaborate detailed
requirements (i.e. Bloomington, Eden Prairie) or no specific requirements (the
present situation for Hopkins). It appears your newer communities that are now
in the process of being agressively developed lean towards quite a bit of detail.
On the other hand, the older cities which are for the most part, fairly built -up
have very limited landscape ordinances.
As I have already stated a number of times, I do not feel Hopkins should
have too much of a detailed landscape ordinance for the following reasons:
- Hopkins is almost totally developed, and thus we are almost in an
after the fact situation. How much impact any such ordinance will
have at this "stage of the game" is questionable.
- Too much written detail and specifics may produce plans which only
meet the ordinance requirements and may be of a lower quality than
would the developer be given some leeway and discretion, being aware
the plan must be approved by the Commission and Council. Also the
more detailed ordinance has the possibility of creating landscaping
which becomes very regimented and unvaried.
Elaborate requirements have the potential of creating additional
costs which hinder development /redevelopment plans, especially those
of the smaller developer or building owner that wishes to expand or
improve his structure.
- Landscaping is subjective and individual. What one individual thinks
looks good the next doesn't.
On the format I've proposed all development requiring a CUP would be
required to provide a landscape plan. For larger construction projects over
$75,000 they would be required to comply with more detailed specifics.
Whatever the Commission does agree on as relates to this matter will
have to be reviewed by the City Attorney.
is
427.48
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(10) In all zoning districts the lot area which is not devoted to off - street
parking, off - street loading, sidewalks, driveways, building site, or
other requirements, shall be planted and maintained with grass, shrubs,
or other acceptable vegetation or treatment generally used in landscaping.
In addition to the above landscaping requirements all applications for
Conditional Use Permit approvals after (date of adoption of ordinance and
as specified under 427.26(c) shall be required to comply with the following
minimum requirements:
(a) Screening of all mechanical equipment located on a roof where visible
from abutting properties or street.
(b) Parking area that accomodates more than 20 cars shall be landscaped
and planted abutting the perimeter and throughout the lot to the
extent of at least 3% (excluding landscaping abutting the parking
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area and any public right -of -way) of the actual surfaced area.
(c) The minimum number of coniferious trees or deciduous overstory trees
on any given site shall be as indicated below (these are in addition
to other understory trees, shrubs, flowers, and ground cover).
(i) For all "B" or "I" zoned sites except those located within a
B -2 District
(a) one (1) tree per 1000 square feet of gross building floor area or
(b) one (1) tree per 50 lineal feet of site perimeter (which ever
is greater of the above)
(ii) Multi- residential sites over four (4) units
(a) one (1) tree per dwelling unit
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Required trees shall be a minimum plant size as follows:
breas (,
(1) Deciduous trees 2.5 inches in diameter as measured s
above the ground
(2) Coniferious trees 6 feet in height
0) Shrubs uEP-d for scr ip - inchaS in h_Qgh '
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(d) Where natural materials such as trees or hedge are approved in
lieu of required screening by means of wall or fences, the density
and species of such plantings shall be such to achieve 50 percent
opacity year around.
The Commission may grant a waiver to any of the above requirements where such
enforcement restricts compliance with off - street parking requirements.
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