The attached Grand Avenue redevelopment plan streetscape drawing (exhibit III) illustrates the general landscaping concept: This plan should be used as the guide for site plan development in respect to the general locations of plant material to be provided. Details regarding specific varieties, exact quantities, and the minimum size at time of planting shall be provided and approved as part of the site plan submittal and shall meet the general guidelines in respect to the minimum plant size traditionally applied to development within the city. In the event that alternatives to what is shown on the attached Grand Avenue redevelopment plan planting pallet (exhibit IV) are desired, the minimum vegetation requirements specified within this ordinance will need to be provided and the original intent of the required vegetation met.
A. Open/Green Space: Due to the nature of the intended redevelopment in respect to existing development pattern, uses, and densities, the developer of the Taco John's PUD shall provide open space and landscaping to meet the intent of the city's open space requirements while preserving the ability to reasonably redevelop land within the Taco John's PUD. Plaza and streetscape areas along with any areas associated with outdoor pedestrian use may be counted toward fulfilling the minimum open space requirement, however, no lot within the Taco John's PUD shall contain more than eighty five percent (85%) impervious surface. In addition:
1. Streetscape plantings directly adjacent to a parcel can be counted toward the open space planting requirements for that parcel.
2. A twenty (20) square foot mass planting of perennial flowers or ornamental grasses may be substituted for three (3) shrubs.
3. No substitution for required trees is allowed.
4. The incorporation of evergreen vegetation is encouraged to provide winter substance within the landscape.
5. Vegetation required as part of the open space may be placed into off street parking areas or required buffers.
B. Streetscaping: A landscaped edge with hardscape elements or "streetscape" shall be provided along Grand Avenue and Fourth Street. These streetscapes are intended to provide desired green to the city, reinforce a district identity, bring human scale to adjoining buildings and provide traffic calming benefits.
The streetscape shall be accomplished in accordance with the Grand Avenue redevelopment plan streetscaping plans and shall include vegetation, furniture, and precast stone wall screening elements as shown in the plan. This streetscape shall be provided along both Grand Avenue and Fourth Street and shall be in lieu of a thirty foot (30') landscaped buffer park otherwise required along Fourth Street. Parking areas shall be screened to a minimum height of three feet (3') by the streetscaping.
C. Utilities: The placement of public utility easements within buffer parks is discouraged due to the potential conflict between trees and the need to access the lines for repair. Overstory trees and upright evergreen trees shall not be permitted within utility easements. The presence of utility easements shall not provide a basis for noncompliance with landscaping provisions found within this ordinance and within any applicable codes. (Ord. 1879, 8-9-2010)