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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-1-241. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. .'4. 11 City of ]�qrWh6atl<ijge PLANNING COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting August 1, 2024 CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair DISNEY at 6:31 p.m. This meeting was held in person and virtually, using Zoom video -teleconferencing technology. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Commission Members Present: Commission Members Absent: Staff Members Present: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Kristine Disney Daniel Graeve Krista Holub Michael Moore Patrick Quinn Syrma Quinones Jonathan Schelke Will Kerns Jana Easley, Planning Manager Stephanie Stevens, Senior Planner Janet Gassman, Landscape Planner Tammy Odean, Recording Secretary APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA It was moved by consensus to approve the order of the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — July 18, 2024 It was moved by Commissioner GRAEVE and seconded by Commissioner SCHELKE to approve the minutes of July 18, 2024, as written. Motion carried 6-0- 1 with Commissioner Holub abstaining. PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not appearing on the agenda.) No one wished to speak at this time. Planning Commission Minutes August 1, 2024 -1— 7. PUBLIC HEARING A. Case No. ZOA-24-04: An Ordinance repealing and re-enacting Article V of Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning the City's landscaping requirements and making conforming amendments therewith. Ms. Gassman gave a presentation on the nine topic areas analyzed for the proposed ordinance including irrigation, artificial turf, irrigated and non-functional turf, landscape specifications, low -density residential requirements, non -living landscape materials, waterwise design, maintenance, and the Streetscape plant list. Public Comment No one wished to speak. Commissioner SCHELKE asked if the requirement of 1/3 of the landscaping being live plant coverage is for new build along and existing landscaping. Ms. Stevens explained it is a requirement for all new residential development and if an existing property does a renovation, they property will need to conform. Commissioner SCHELKE inquired why artificial turf is only allowed in the side and back yards and not the front. Ms. Gassman mentioned it is general practice and less desirable and there are better alternatives. Ms. Easley added that artificial turf does not look great in a front yard when it needs repairs. Commissioner Quinn asked about how to follow the new landscape guidelines. Ms. Gassman explained there will be handouts and information in the guidebook and on the website referencing the Code, and she added that a permit is not needed to landscape a yard. In response to multiple questions from Commissioner HOLUB, Ms. Stevens reminded the Commission that the City will only be placing these requirements on the front yard and will not be looking at the side or backyards of a property; the first 25 feet of a driveway needs to be hard surface, which will distinguish the difference between driveway and gravel landscaping. Ms. Stevens also mentioned that 25% of the gross lot area needs to be landscaped. Ms. Gassman added that irrigation will be required on all new low -density developments to make sure required trees don't die. Commissioner HOLUB also inquired about reclaimed water use and if there are any requirements. Planning Commission Minutes - 2 — August 1, 2024 Ms. Gassman clarified that the City defers to Water District restrictions and requirements, currently there is not a reclaimed potable water system in use in the City, and the State regulates rainwater collection. In response to a question from Commissioner GRAEVE, Ms. Gassman clarified that 100% of a front yard can be mulch or gravel, but 30% inside the mulch/gravel needs to be live plants. Also, Ms. Easley said that if there is a 60% or larger renovation then that would trigger the new landscaping requirements. There was also discussion about the difference between native grasses, turf, and weeds; budgeting water use on plans; and landscaping maintenance requirements for multi -unit and commercial properties. Commissioner DISNEY asked how the landscaping code will be enforced and if the intent of this Code is to help us adapt to the changing environment. Ms. Easley explained the Planners work daily with the Community Service Officers and the guidebook will help with the educational piece of landscaping. Ms. Gassman added that we do need to learn how to adapt to the changing environment with uses of organic mulch compared to rocks and stone. It was recommended by Commissioner HOLUB and seconded by Commissioner QUINONES to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance repealing and re-enacting Article V of Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning landscaping requirements and making conforming amendments therewith. Motion approved 7-0. 8. OLD BUSINESS 9. NEW BUSINESS A. Upcoming Dates Ms. Easley mentioned that on the August 15 PC meeting will be a study session regarding the Lutheran Legacy Campus proposed zoning and about amending the Charter. She also asked the commissioners to keep and eye out for an email inviting them to the annual Boards and Commissions dinner on August 28 at Prospect Park. B. Project and Development Updates Planning Commission Minutes - 3 — August 1, 2024 Ms. Easley announced that the new Lutheran Hospital received the CO and will be moving from the old building to the new building on August 3. She added the medical office building is on a slower track and still under construction. C. Commissioner Updates Commissioner DISNEY mentioned that on August 2 is First Friday in which several creative organizations in Wheat Ridge that are trying to get traction to bring people to businesses on 38 h Avenue. Commissioner SCHELKE spoke of an article in the Denver Post for a new protective bike lane on 29t' Avenue from Sheridan to Zuni and would like to see the same thing go west on 2Wh Avenue in Wheat Ridge. 10. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner GRAEVE and seconded by Commissioner SCHE to adjourn the meeting at 7:56 p.m. Motion carried 6-0. Kris —tine Disney, Chai Tammy Ode , ecording Secretary Planning Commission Minutes - 4 — August 1, 2024