City Planning Commission

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA WEDNESDAY, November 14, 2018 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 4:00 P.M. Planning Commission Members: Phil Folyer, Jesse Fox, Gary W. Green, Stan Jochim, Charles Matthews, Richard Siler, and Jared Von Tobel Adjunct Member(s): Jamie Baird & Tom Sahlberg Staff: Lisa Key, Kelsey Wright, Barbara Barker 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Review of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes: October 10, 2018 5. DISCUSSIONS/ PRESENTATIONS • CVSD Annexation & Proposed New High School- Superintendent Ben Small • Workshop on Street Tree Ordinance Amendments –Lisa Key • Planning Commission Work Program Workshop- All 6. Secretary’s Report • 2018 Code Amendment Update • Development Update 7. Planning Commissioner Reports 8. Citizens Comments 9. Adjournment Next Meeting: December 12, 2018 Non-hearing items scheduled, and their order, are only tentative and are subject to change. The Planning Commission may not address all items as listed and/or may continue certain items to a later session. The Commission reserves the right to take action on all items listed on the agenda. The Planning Commission provides at least 3 minutes for public comment and submission of written comments for inclusion into the public record and consideration by the Planning Commission is encouraged. For more information, please contact Planning & Engineering Services at 755-6708. The public is invited to attend. Parking and meeting rooms are accessible for persons with disabilities. Contact the City at 755-6700 with 48-hours advance notice for special accommodations.  PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10th, 2018 Planning Commission Members Present: Phil Folyer, Gary W. Green, Stan Jochim, Charles Matthews, Richard Siler, Jesse Fox Adjunct Member(s) Present: Jamie Baird, Tom Sahlberg Absent: Jared Von Tobel Staff Present: Lisa Key, Kelsey Wright Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. Roll Call: A quorum of members was present. Review of Agenda & Approval of Minutes: The Commission unanimously approved the agenda. Commissioner Folyer moved that the September 12th minutes be approved, seconded by Commissioner Siler. Minutes were approved with all ayes. Secretary’s Report: Lisa Key reported on the below listed items: o Introduced Scott Bernhard, City Engineer o Noted a correction to the Agenda – next meeting date is November 14th. o Provided copy of Updated Population Build-Out Analysis o Shared Strategic Plan Graphic Design o Noted that 3 Planning Commission Seats will be expiring at the end of the year, and discussed process for re-application. Action Items/ Discussions Presentations: A. Planning Commission Work Program Workshop: Lisa provided an overview of status and priority on each item on the Work Program list. Each Commissioner was then given the opportunity to share comments, priorities, and ideas. Among these was the request for an update at Planning Commission meetings on projects within the City so they can stay up to date with new buildings and developments, as well as updates to buildings which went through the Plan Review Committee. After discussing, it was decided that a development update should be added to the Secretary’s Report each meeting. In regard to landscaping, it was suggested that while reviewing the landscaping code, it should be taken into consideration how the required landscape will look in 5 years and 10 years, the ease of maintaining landscaping for the property owner, and consideration of existing landscaping on neighboring parcels. Discussion followed regarding who had jurisdiction for landscaping and street trees – the City or the HOAs. Lastly, it was recommended that the City attempt to standardize their processes as much as possible for the ease of applicants and staff efficiency. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 1|2 October 10th, 2018 B. Workshop on Street Tree Ordinance Amendments: Lisa Key presented on the current status of the Street Tree Brochure, and the initial revisions to the street tree code. She highlighted the history of revisions, inconsistency between documents, and the necessity to revise. She noted that this was the first of multiple workshops. Additional corrections were pointed out by Commissioners. Questions asked and answered. Planning Commissioner Reports: No reports at this time. Citizens Comments: Judy McGrady, Liberty Lake City Resident: Requested clarification on the street tree code to properly maintain one of her trees which was sunburned. She noted sign visibility issues of the Madson St sign at Appleway blocked by tree leaves and questioned whose responsibility it was to maintain that. She asked whether or not Aladdin was an arterial, noting that there is a heavy amount of traffic, and asked who is responsible for plowing that street in the winter. Lastly, Ms. McGrady suggested a broader form of communication/announcement to the community when the City makes major changes to important documents, like sections of City code. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2|2 October 10th, 2018  PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th, 2018 Planning Commission Members Present: Phil Folyer, Gary W. Green, Stan Jochim, Charles Matthews, Richard Siler Adjunct Member(s) Present: Jamie Baird Absent: Tom Sahlberg, Jesse Fox, Jared Von Tobel Staff Present: Lisa Key, Kelsey Wright Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. Roll Call: A quorum of members was present. Review of Agenda: August 8th minutes were approved. Commissioner Jochim commented that Richard Siler expressed interest in participating in the Steering Committees for Trailhead. Commissioner Jochim also volunteered himself if the City needed a second participant. Action Items/ Discussions Presentations: A. Land Quality Analysis Update: Lisa Key presented on the findings from the updated Land Quantity Analysis which previously overstated the City’s growth. Lisa discussed methodology used in the original LQA, her methods for revising the original LQA based on actual build out through 2018, and methods for projecting build out and population growth. Questions asked and answered. B. Planning Commission Work Program Workshop: Lisa Key presented on a rough draft work program to highlight upcoming projects and priorities. Lisa requested input from the planning commission on which topics are priorities to them, what they would like to be involved in, and what they are interested in receiving updates on that they may not work on directly. Discussion followed regarding the need for code revisions and process streamlining, as well as the connection between HOAs and the City. Questions asked and answered. It was recommended that draft work program be brought back for further discussion at the October meeting. Secretary’s Report: Lisa Key reported on two items: o There is a short course on local planning coming up in Spokane, let Lisa know if you are interested in attending. o Status of hiring process for civil engineer/project manager – One round of interviews complete. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 1|2 September 12th, 2018 Planning Commissioner Reports: No reports at this time. Citizens Comments: One citizen commented – he was curious about infrastructure permits, if there were any plans for or what the process would be to get fiber optic network providers. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2|2 September 12th, 2018  PROPOSED STREET TREE ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS Summary & Intent Statement: The attached draft amendments are intended to clarify, simplify, consolidate, eliminate conflicting requirements and create consistency where needed, and provide better guidance and more specific standards for the implementation of City requirements related specifically to street trees and tree maintenance requirements. Amendments to the following sections of City Code and Adopted Design Standards are proposed to accomplish this: • City Code §10-1C: Definitions • City Code §10-3C-4: Street Trees • City Code §10-3I-3: General Outdoor Maintenance Requirements • City Code §8-6: Trees (To be repealed) • Engineering Design Standards (as adopted by Ordinance 241), Section 3.3: Curbs, Gutters, Pedestrian Buffer Strips & Sidewalks With regard to City Code §8-6, many of the requirements were duplicated (or in conflict with) requirements detailed in City Code §10-3 and the City’s Engineering Standards. Requirements associated with maintenance that were not reflected in City Code §10-3 were moved to §10-3, and we propose the repeal of §8-6, to eliminate duplication and the confusion caused by similar content in two different sections of code. PLEASE NOTE: Things that have been revised since the last PC Workshop have been highlighted in yellow. DEVELOPMENT CODE TITLE 10 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Article 10-1C Definitions B. Definitions: Street tree – Any tree planted on land lying between private property lines on either side of any streets, avenues or ways within the city, in roundabouts or medians within the public right-of-way, or in trees wells located in sidewalks on public right-of-way or in public access easements. CHAPTER 3 DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS Article 10-3C-4 Street Trees Street trees shall be planted for all developments that are subject to Land Division or Site Design Review. Requirements for street tree planting strips are provided in Section 10-3G-2 - Transportation Improvements. Planting of unimproved streets shall be deferred until the construction of curbs and sidewalks. Street trees shall conform to the following standards and guidelines: Page | 1 A. Landscaping Plan Required. A landscape plan is required and shall be submitted and reviewed prior to any permit issuance or development approval. All landscape plans shall conform to the requirements in Section 10-4C-3. The landscape plan shall be prepared or approved by a licensed landscape architect with the landscape architect's stamp on the plans. B. Acceptable Street Trees. Acceptable street trees shall be considered any species of tree determined or approved by city staff for planting on rights-of-way and other public lands. The following sections C – F contain guidance for selecting species of trees for proposed for planting on rights-of-way and other public lands All individual specimens to be planted must meet industry-accepted standards of quality established within the American National Standards Institute’s “Z60.1 American Standards for Nursery Stock” as published by AmericanHort. C. Growth Characteristics. Trees shall be selected based on the compatibility of their growth characteristics with site conditions, including but not limited to: available space for trees to grow above and below ground; required clearances for traffic, visibility and other infrastructure; soil conditions; and, exposure. The following should guide tree selection: 1. Provide a broad canopy where shade is desired. 2. Use low-growing trees for spaces under utility wires. 3. Select trees which can be “limbed-up” as the tree growsto accommodate vision clearance requirements. 4. Use narrow or “columnar” or other similar trees with narrow or upright growth forms, where awnings or other building features may limit growth, or where greater visibility is desired between buildings and the street. 5. Use species with similar characteristics on the same block for design continuity. 6. Avoid using trees that are susceptible to insect damage, and avoid using trees that produce excessive seeds or fruit. 7. Select trees that are well-adapted to the environment, including soil, wind, sun exposure, deicing chemicals, and exhaust. Drought-resistant trees should be used in areas with sandy or rocky soil. 8. Use deciduous trees for summer shade and winter sun. D. Size at Planting. The minimum caliper size at planting shall be 2 inches to 2.5 inches. E. Size at Maturity. The following size classes which categorize tree species’ size at maturity are set forth as follows, and are referenced throughout other provisions of this section. [See Paragraph H of this Section for a list of acceptable street tree species.] 1. Class I Trees (Small Trees) are 20’-30’ tall at maturity. Examples include but are not limited to: Page | 2  Crataegus x lavallei - Lavalle Hawthorne Maackia amurensis - Amur Maackia Malus x 'Spring Snow' – Spring Snow Crabapple (fruitless) Parrotia persica - Persian Parrotia 2. Class II Trees (Medium Trees) are 30’-50’ tall at maturity. Examples include but are not limited to: Acer platanoides 'Crimson King' - Crimson King Norway Maple Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Skycole’ - Skyline Thornless Honeylocust Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ – Redmond Linden Tilia tomentosa ‘Sterling’ – Sterling Silver Linden 3. Class III Trees (Large Trees) are in excess of 50’ tall at maturity. Examples include but are not limited to: Acer x freemanii 'Autumn Blaze' - Autumn Blaze Maple Acer saccharum spp. - Sugar Maple Varieties Ginkgo biloba - Maidenhair Tree Liriodendron tulipifera - Tulip Tree F. Spacing and Location. Street trees shall be planted within existing and proposed planting strips, and in sidewalk tree wells on streets without planting strips. The use of grass in sidewalk tree wells is discouraged and if necessary, shall only be utilized in a manner approved by the City. Street tree spacing shall be based upon the type of tree(s) selected and the canopy size at maturity. 1. Spacing. The spacing of Street Trees should be based upon the size of the tree selected and the canopy size at maturity, in accordance with the three species classes listed below: a. Class I Trees (Small Trees) : 15 - 30 feet b. Class II Trees (Medium Trees): 30 - 40 feet c. Class III Trees (Large Trees): 40 - 50 feet d. Exceptions - special plantings designed or approved by a landscape professional or certified arborist. 2. Street trees should be planted in accordance with the following standards: a. Root Barriers. Linear root barriers shall be installed when planting a street tree located 8 feet or less from hardscape (including, but not limited to pavement, curbing, sidewalks, and pedestrian ramps). The barrier shall be 18” in height and sized to fit the perimeter of planting strip or tree well. The top of the barrier shall be above the soil line. Page | 3  b. Root Barrier Standard Installation Standards. Root barriers shall be installed as per the root barrier installation standards detailed below: c. Tree Rings. A mulched tree ring at least three feet (3’) in diameter, and 2 inches to 3 inches deep is required in planting strips that incorporate turf grass. d. Additional Standards for Trees Planted in Tree Wells. i. A permanent, hard walking surface at least four feet (4’) wide shall be provided between the tree well and any structure, obstruction, lawn or landscaped areas. Page | 4  ii. Tree wells cut out of hardscape shall be at least 4 feet by 4 feet to allow air and water to the root area. iii. Dimensions of the root barrier shall be adjusted to accommodate the dimension of tree well. 3. Distance from Curb and Sidewalk. The distance trees may be planted from curbs or curblines and sidewalks will be in accordance with the three size classes listed in G below, and no trees may be planted closer to any curb or sidewalk than the following: a. Class I Trees (Small Trees) - two feet (minimum planting strip width of four feet) b. Class II Trees (Medium Trees) - three feet (minimum planting strip width of six feet) c. Class III Trees (Large Trees) - four feet (minimum planting strip width of eight feet) The City may require increased distances from curbs and/or sidewalks on Arterial and Collector streets to accommodate snow removal , vertical clearances, and visibility at intersections. 4. Separation Distances from Other Infrastructure Fixtures. No street tree shall be planted closer than the following separation distances, unless a design deviation has been granted by the City: a. 35 feet from any street corner, cross walk, or intersection; b. 15 feet from the edge of any driveway; c. 25 feet from any street light luminaire (15 feet may be allowed when it can be demonstrated that the lighting pattern will not be affected); d. 15 feet from any fire hydrant; e. 15 feet from any utility poles; f. 10 lateral feet from any overhead utility line; g. Five (5) lateral feet from any underground water line, sewer line transmission line, conduit, or other utility; h. 10 feet from any curb cut for drainage; and, i. 10 feet from any dry well. E. Planting Standards. The following standards should be followed in the planting of street trees: 1. Trees with balled and burlapped roots should be planted in accordance with the following planting detail: Page | 5 Page | 6 2. Container trees should be planted in accordance with the following planting detail: F. Soil Preparation, Planting, and Care. The developer or abutting property owner, as applicable, shall be responsible for ensuring the planting of street trees, including soil preparation, ground cover material, staking, and temporary irrigation for two years after planting. The developer or abutting property owner, as applicable, shall also be responsible for ensuring the tree care Page | 7  (pruning, irrigating, fertilization, and replacement as necessary). Note: if at any time a street tree is substantially damaged by a vehicle or other means, it shall be the responsibility of the person causing the damage to replace the tree with one of similar species and size. Contact the City of Liberty Lake for additional information on street tree planting, pruning, and replacement. G. Assurances. The City may require the developer to obtain bonding or other assurances as established in Section 10-4C-5, subsection D to ensure the planting of the tree(s) and care during the first two years after planting. H. Street Tree List. The following list constitutes example Street Tree species for the City of Liberty Lake, Washington. The City of Liberty Lake is a Tree City USA and the program emphasizes native species and encourages species diversity. 1. Class I Trees (Small Trees): Acer grandidendatum “Schmidt” - Rocky Mt. Glow Maple Acer ginnala “Flame” - Flame Maple Acer griseum - Paperbark Maple Crataegus x lavallei - Lavalle Hawthorne Crataegus viridis ’Winter King’ - Winter King Hawthorn Maackia amurensis - Amur Maackia Malus x 'Spring Snow' – Spring Snow Crabapple (fruitless) Parrotia persica - Persian Parrotia 2. Class II Trees (Medium Trees): Acer campestre - Hedge Maple Acer platanoides 'Crimson King' - Crimson King Norway Maple Acer truncatum × Acer platanoides 'Norwegian Sunset' - Norwegian Sunset Maple Cercidiphyllum japonicum - Katsura Tree Fraxinus excelsior ‘Aureafolia’ - Golden Desert Ash Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Skycole’ - Skyline Thornless Honeylocust Celtis spp. - Hackberry Varieties Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ – Redmond Linden Tilia cordata – Littleleaf Linden Tilia tomentosa ‘Sterling’ – Sterling Silver Linden 3. Class III Trees (Large Trees) Acer x freemanii 'Autumn Blaze' - Autumn Blaze Maple Page | 8  Acer saccharum spp. - Sugar Maple Varieties Ginkgo biloba - Maidenhair Tree Liriodendron tulipifera - Tulip Tree Liquidambar styraciflua - Sweetgum Platanus x acerifolia ‘Bloodgood’ - London Plane Tree Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat' - Aristocrat Pear 4. Other trees, with characteristics similar to the above listed trees, and consistent with paragraph B of this section, may be used with prior approval from City staff. 5. Not Recommended. The following tree species are generally NOT recommended for use as street trees: Ailanthus Aspens/Poplars Birch Elms Dogwoods Fruit trees of any kind (including ornamental fruit trees) Silver Maple Willows Article 10-3I-3 General Outdoor Maintenance Requirements A. Maintenance Requirements. It is the responsibility of the owner of any property, improved or unimproved, to maintain the outdoor areas of the property and adjacent rights of way in a manner that complies with the following requirements: 1. Holes, tanks, and child traps. Remove, or fill where filling will abate the nuisance, all holes, cisterns, open cesspools, open or unsanitary septic tanks, excavations, open foundations, refrigerators, freezers, or iceboxes with unlocked attached doors and any other similar substance, material or condition which may endanger neighboring property or the health or safety of the public or the occupants of the property. 2. Unsecured structures. Board over or otherwise secure, and maintain, all open or broken exterior doors, windows, or apertures of any structure so as to prevent access by unauthorized persons through such openings. 3. Vermin harborage. Remove or repair and prevent, any condition that provides a place where vermin gain shelter, feed, or breed. Page | 9  4. Emergency access routes. Remove and maintain all brush, vines, overgrowth and other vegetation located within 10 feet of a structure or within 10 feet of a property line which is likely to obstruct or impede the necessary passage of fire or other emergency personnel. 5. Thickets that conceal hazards. Cut, remove, and maintain all vines and other thickets when such growth is found to be: a. Concealing trash and debris; or b. Creating vermin harborage; or c. Creating harborage for people involved in criminal activity or for products used for criminal activity. 6. Overgrown lawn areas, fields, and vegetation. Weeds, grass, or other uncultivated vegetation prohibited by this Code whether located on developed or undeveloped property shall be cut and removed. A property owner has a further duty to remove or destroy all uncultivated grass and weeds, including dead shrubs, bushes and trees which have no appreciable, practical use or value to the property, create a fire hazard or pose a menace to public health, safety or welfare. The word “weeds” shall include noxious weeds regulated pursuant to RCW Chapter 17.10. Page | 10  7. Trash and debris. Remove and maintain, unless specifically authorized by ordinance to do otherwise: a. All household garbage, offal, dead animals, animal and human waste, and waste materials (All household garbage shall be stored as specified in Section 10-3I-4); b. Accumulations of litter, glass, scrap materials (such as wood, metal, paper, and plastics), junk, combustible materials, stagnant water, or trash; c. Accumulations of dead organic matter and yard debris, with the exception of small accumulations of such material in a maintained compost area on the property and only if such material does not result in a nuisance, such as creating vermin harborage, as otherwise defined in this article; and d. Accumulations of clothing and any other items not designed for outdoor storage. 8. Storage of non-trash items. Remove, and keep removed, unless specifically authorized by ordinance to do otherwise: a. Accumulations of wood pallets. b. All firewood that is not stacked and useable. "Useable" firewood has more wood than rot and is cut to lengths that will fit an approved fireplace or wood stove on the property. c. Accumulations of vehicle parts or tires, unless the parts or tires are enclosed within a legally permitted structure. d. All construction materials, except those that are stored in a manner to protect their utility and prevent deterioration and are reasonably expected to be used at the site. e. All appliances or appliance parts except for storage of appliances that are reasonably expected to be used at the site and are stored in a manner to protect their utility and prevent deterioration. f. All indoor furniture except that which is stored in a manner to protect its utility and prevent deterioration and is reasonably expected to be used at the property. g. All recycling materials except for reasonable accumulations (amounts consistent with a policy of regular removal) that are stored in a well- maintained manner. 9. Junk vehicles. No junk vehicles, as such term is defined in RCW 46.55.010, shall be stored on any property within the City for a period exceeding 30 days, unless the same is stored on private property within an enclosed, legally permitted structure or is covered by a vehicle cover intended for such purpose. A junk vehicle does not include a motor vehicle which is in the process of being repaired as evidenced by the good faith efforts of the vehicle owner, as defined in City Ordinance No. 109. Removal and abatement of such junk Page | 11  vehicles shall be in accordance with the provisions of ORDINANCE NO. 109, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LIBERTY LAKE, WASHINGTON RELATING TO JUNK VEHICLES INCLUDING PROCEDURES FOR THE ABATEMENT AND REMOVAL AS PUBLIC NUISANCES. 10. Obstructions to sidewalks, streets, and other rights of way. Keep the adjacent rights of way free of anything that obstructs or interferes with the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, unless specifically authorized by ordinance to do otherwise. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to, removal of earth, rock, and other debris, as well as projecting or overhanging bushes and limbs that may obstruct or render unsafe the passage of persons or vehicles. This responsibility also includes, but is not limited to, the obligation to maintain all rights of way referenced in this subsection to meet the minimum clearances as detailed in paragraphs 11, 12, and 13 of this subsection. 11. Sidewalks. When any street is improved with a sidewalk along either or both sides thereof, the duty to clean and maintain the same shall be upon the abutting property owner. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of property abutting upon a public sidewalk to maintain the sidewalk at all times in a safe condition, by removing snow and ice, or any accumulation of debris, materials or objects. All sidewalks must be clear of obstructions by from edge to edge to an elevation of seven feet six inches (7’ 6” )above sidewalk level. For example, bushes that encroach on or over any part of a sidewalk area must be cut back or removed and tree limbs that project over the sidewalk area at an elevation of less than seven feet six inches (7’ 6”) above the sidewalk level must be removed. Sidewalk damage from heaving or cracks with a vertical separation of greater than ¼ inch must be repaired, as it creates a trip hazard. 12. Improved streets. All improved streets must be clear of obstructions to vehicle movement and parking from edge to edge and to an elevation of thirteen feet six inches (13' 6") above street level. For example, bushes that encroach on or over any part of a street must be cut back or removed; tree limbs that project over a street at an elevation of less than thirteen feet six inches (13' 6") above street level must be removed; and no wires or other items shall be maintained over the street level at any elevation less than thirteen feet six inches (13' 6"). Adjacent property owners shall prune tree branches so that the branches do not obstruct the view of any street intersection or traffic control devices. 13. Alleys and unimproved rights of way. All alleys, unimproved streets, and other public rights of way must be clear of obstructions that may hinder the normal flow of traffic or render the right of way unsafe for its current and necessary use. Page | 12  14. Tree maintenance. a. No street trees shall be removed without the prior authorization of the City. b. The City shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees, plants and shrubs adjacent to all streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, squares and public grounds, as may be necessary to ensure public safety or to preserve or enhance the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds. c. The City may remove or cause by order to be removed, any tree or part thereof which is in unsafe condition or which by reason of its nature is injurious to sewers, electric power lines, gas lines, water lines or other public improvements.or is affected with any injurious fungus, insect or other pest. d. Tree topping is not permitted as a normal practice for street trees, or other trees on public property. "Topping" is defined as the severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than three inches (3") in diameter within the tree's crown to such a degree as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or certain trees under utility wires or other obstructions, where other pruning practices are impractical, may be exempted from this section at the determination of the city. e. Owners shall remove all dead, diseased, dangerous, broken or decayed limbs which threaten the safety of the public. f. The city may prune any tree or shrub on private property when it interferes with the visibility of any traffic control device or sign or causes a threat to public safety. g. The city shall have the right to cause the removal of any dead or diseased trees on private property within the city, when such trees constitute a hazard to life or property, or harbor insects or disease which constitutes a potential threat to other trees within the city. The city will notify, in writing, the owner of such trees. Upon order of the city, removal shall be done at the owner's own expense within twenty (20) days after the date of service of notice. In the event of failure of the owner to comply with such provisions, the city shall have the authority to remove such trees and charge the cost of removal to the owner's property tax. h. All stumps of street trees shall be removed below the surface of the ground so that the top of the stump shall not project above the surface of the ground. Page | 13 TITLE 8 PUBLIC WAYS AND PROPERTY Article 8-6, Trees: City Code Article 8, Chapter 6: Trees is hereby repealed, and replaced with the regulations detailed in City Code Article 10-3 Design and Maintenance Standards, §10-3C-4 (Street Trees), and §10-3I-3 (General Outdoor Maintenance Requirements). CITY OF LIBERTY LAKE ENGINEERING DESIGN STANDARDS (as adopted by Ordinance 241) Section 3.3 Curbs, Gutters, Pedestrian Buffer Strips, Driveways and Sidewalks Section 3.3(I-K): I. Roadside Planting 1. Any roadside planting shall conform to the City's clearances/clear zone standards as discussed in Section 3.5. Planting, removal, or pruning of any street tree shall be in accordance with Liberty Lake Development Code, Article 10-3, Design & Maintenance Standards. All projects requiring landscaping within or affecting the public right-of-way shall submit a landscaping plan for review the City. J. Existing Street Trees 1. When development occurs on sites with existing street trees, the following items must be addressed as part of the project: a. Existing, healthy street trees shall be preserved and protected during construction, where feasible and practical. b. Street trees that are in conflict with proposed site improvements shall be relocated or replaced elsewhere on site, where feasible, and shall require authorization by the City prior to removal and relocation. c. All dead or diseased trees must be removed and replaced with the prior approval of the City. d. Trees that are missing shall be replaced by the adjacent property owner at the discretion of the City. Page | 14  e. Broken or missing irrigation systems shall be repaired or replaced. f. Broken or missing tree grates shall be repaired or replaced. g. All concrete tree grates shall be replaced with metal grates meeting ADA requirements. h When structural sidewalk is removed and backfilled, concrete planter vaults shall be removed and replaced with metal culverts 6’ in diameter by 3’ depth as approved by the City i. Gaps between the tree grate and the soil surface exceeding 2 inches shall be filled in with a material approved the City. j. Tree grates that are not flush with the surrounding sidewalk shall be raised or lowered as necessary to prevent a tripping hazard. k No new utility pole location shall be established closer than 15 feet to an existing tree. K. New Street Trees 1. Tree selection shall be coordinated through City Staff. Approval shall be obtained from the City prior to planting tree(s) in the City right of way. 2. When locating street trees, the following specific criteria shall apply: a. Street tree installations shall meet all City of Liberty Lake visibility requirements. b. Street trees installed in tree pits or sidewalk cutouts shall be located so as to not interfere with street signs, lighting poles, utility wires bus stops or pads and to accommodate ADA pedestrian requirements. c. Minimum horizontal distances from the centerline of a tree to other structures or improvements in the planting strip shall be as follows: 1) 15 feet to edge of driveway; 2) 25 feet to street light luminaire (15 feet may be allowed where lighting pattern is not affected); 3) 35 feet from any street corner, crosswalk, or intersection; 4) 5 feet to underground duct or pipe; 5) 10 feet from curb cut for drainage; 6) 10 feet from drywell; Page | 15  7) 15 feet to hydrants and utility poles; and, 8) 10 feet from any overhead utility lines. d. Trees that are suitable for wet areas shall be selected for planting within grass percolation areas. Trees that are planted within grass percolation areas shall not interfere with, obstruct, or retard the flow of water within the swale. e. Spacing of street trees will be determined by City, as per City Code 10-3C-4(F). f. If trees are to be planted in an area with no planting strip, the following criteria shall apply: 1) A permanent, hard walking surface at least four feet wide shall be provided between the tree well or planting area and any structure or obstruction. 2) Sidewalk cuts in concrete for tree planting shall be at least 44" x 44" to allow air and water to the root area and shall comply with planting requirements detailed in City Code Section 10-3C-D(2). 3) In cases where the existing walk cannot meet the four foot width requirement after tree planting, additional sidewalk width must be added within street right of way or easement, or the tree position must be modified. g. Irrigation systems shall be required for all areas where street trees are planted. h. Deviation from these Standards will be considered via the Design Variance process. Page | 16  Draft Planning Commission Work Program 2018 2019 2020 Project Name Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Street Tree Code Amendments Landscaping Code Amendments 2019 Comprehensive Plan & Code Amendments Comprehensive Plan Map Update FEMA/Flood Plain Ordinance Trailhead Master Plan Procedural Code Clean Up1 2020 Comprehensive Plan & Code Amendments 1 Including the following, to be prioritized: •         Notice procedures •         Subdivision procedures o   Construction Plan Review Requirements o   Infrastructure Inspection Requirements o   Recording Procedures •         SEPA thresholds •         Special Event Permits •         Home Occupation Permits •         Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit Procedures o   Applicability o   Application Review & Conditions o   Post construction Inspection o   Warranty Bonding  2021 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4