Staff Report - Laserfiche WebLink

South: To the south, across Green Lane, are commercial uses (i.e., a car wash) and single-family residences that exist within a mix of C-2, R-2 Medium-Density Residential, and GO General Office zoning. Green Lane provides a 60-foot separation between these uses and the proposed development. In terms of screening, the applicant's landscape plan (Sheet L500) features L-2 Low Screen Landscaping between the transit station and the southern property line. This type of landscaping requires the establishment of a 30-inch tall continuous vegetative screen within three years of planting. The plans also propose 11 canopy trees within the landscape buffers, which will provide additional screening between the transit center, including the Park-and-Ride lot, and properties across Green Lane to the south. To ensure tree plantings are consistent with Sheet L500, which provide additional screening, the following condition is recommended: • The Final Site Plans shall include the following note: "A minimum of 11 canopy trees shall be planted in the L-2 landscape area and the landscape area between the LTD transit station, including the Park-and-Ride, and the southern property line." West: To the west is River Road, a major throughway that supports extensive commercial development. The frontage on River Road will be improved and a new dedicated entrance to the transit center provided off River Road, adjacent to the separately owned small commercial building on the corner of River Road and Green Lane. The new entrance will be landscaped with trees, hedges, and ground cover which will benefit the site's aesthetic quality. The three street trees that are proposed to be removed for the improvements will be replaced in kind with three new street trees. North: To the north of the proposed project site is the remainder of the subject property, which is zoned C-2 and not proposed for development at this time. Across Hunsaker Lane is primarily single-family residences. To minimize visual impacts, the applicant's landscape plans (Sheet L500) proposes 12 trees, planter beds, and ground cover landscaping to screen the transit center. The transit center is also proposing a six-foot, vinyl-coated chain-linked fence for security purposes. There is no pedestrian access proposed from the north half of the lot but with future development other pedestrian access points will be determined. Based on the above findings and proposed condition, this criterion is met. EC 9.8320(4): The PUD is designed and sited to minimize impacts to the natural environment by addressing the following: (a) Protection of Natural Features. 1. For areas not included on the City's acknowledged Goal 5 inventory, the preservation of significant natural features to the greatest degree attainable or feasible, including: a. Significant on-site vegetation, including rare plants (those that are proposed for listing or are listed under State or Federal law), and native plant communities. b. All documented habitat for all rare animal species (those that are proposed for listing or are listed under State or Federal law). C. Prominent topographic features, such as ridgelines and rock outcrops. d. Wetlands, intermittent and perennial stream corridors, and riparian areas. e. Natural resource areas designated in the Metro Plan diagram as "Natural Resource" and areas identified in any city-adopted natural resource inventory. 2. For areas included on the City's acknowledged Goal 5 inventory: a. The proposed development's general design and character, including but not limited to anticipated building locations, bulk and height, location and distribution of recreation space, parking, roads, access and other uses, will: (1) Avoid unnecessary disruption or removal of attractive natural June 2019 Staff Report: Santa Clara Transit Station - PDT 19-1/ARA 19-1 Page 6 of 23