Title
Discussion on Landscaping Regulations
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Summary:
Discussion on changes to the landscaping regulations.
Background:
Historically, there have been two main components of the landscaping/greenspace requirements in the City of Brookings. For multi-family uses, the greenspace requirements was based upon 300 square feet per unit regardless of the number of bedrooms within each unit as well as tree plantings based upon the amount of surfacing occurring on the lot. Commercial and industrial uses had similar tree planting requirements. The Planning Commission discussed landscaping/greenspace requirements during the April Planning Commission meeting and provided staff with the following guidance for drafting changes to the landscaping regulations:
• Landscaping should add value through aesthetic improvements to the property.
• Landscaping with greenspace should help control density.
• Drainage improvements are acceptable within the yard requirements.
• Plant life and vegetation is viewed as a higher priority than square footage (quality vs. quantity).
Utilizing the guidance from the Planning Commission, staff drafted landscaping regulations with similarities to the current surface based requirements.
The most significant change in the greenspace requirements is the removal of the 300 square feet per unit for multi-family uses. While this reduction appears to be a significant change, the reality is often the additional greenspace was not usable greenspace in the aspect of it was added to the setbacks along the perimeter of the property and accounted for a few additional feet in width. In addition, drainage improvements qualify as meeting the greenspace requirement. If this change is acceptable, the greenspace requirement becomes the setbacks for the particular district in which it is located. To ensure the greenspace remains open and free of obstructions, staff is recommending parking, storage, merchandise and accessory structures are not allowed within the setback area. As an example, the current zoning regulations allow accessory structures to be five feet from the property line as well as the conversion of fifty percent of the required landscaped area may be used for parking spaces in excess of the minimum requirement.
Other notable changes include the addition of foundation plantings, which would be required around the perimeter of all multi-family buildings and at a minimum along one foundation of a commercial or industrial use. The intent is to provide additional areas for vegetation to help with runoff from roofs, provide a visual break along facades, create separation between parking areas and buildings, and enhance entrances to buildings. The planting strip in commercial and industrial zones is proposed to be increased from eight to ten feet with a minimum five foot strip along the side lot line. In addition, language is proposed to require fifty percent of the rear yard of single and two-family uses to be maintained in a landscape area.
Questions to consider:
1. Should tree plantings be based upon the amount of surfacing or developable area?
2. What is the appropriate ratio of tree plantings to surfacing/developable area?
3. What is the appropriate amount of surfacing to initiate incorporation of interior parking lot landscaping?
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Attachments:
Landscaping Draft