Attachment A <br />buffer could also potentially be more flexible, the proposed location along the setback line is <br />clear and simple, and has a direct relationship to the intended protection of scenic values and <br />vegetative fringe along the river consistent with Goal 15. <br />Staff has also presented information in prior meetings about the justification for the proposed <br />10-foot buffer width as compared to other similar buffering standards in the code, and the <br />differences between the existing "L-2" and "L-3" landscape standards which provide for <br />different planting requirements that could affect visibility between proposed development and <br />the river. Staff reiterated that the proposed reliance on the "L-2" standard would still allow for <br />filtered views to and from the river by having a lower shrub height between 30-42 inches versus <br />the "L-3" standard, with a shrub height at least 6 feet high. Both standards also include the <br />same requirements for vegetative ground cover and one canopy tree every 30 feet, and <br />normally only require a 7-foot width such as for required parking lot landscaping. Nothing in <br />Goal 15 explicitly requires that landscaping entirely block views between proposed <br />development and the river, and staff does not believe that additional width of the landscape <br />buffer is necessary to support the growth of required landscape plantings to maturity. That <br />said, staff would seek direction and input if the Commission wishes to revisit this topic and <br />consider additional required width or revise the draft code to require the "L-3" standard <br />instead, for the required native landscape buffering. <br />Information has also been provided about the City's adopted native plants list which identifies <br />appropriate species for planting in areas along the Willamette River (as well as prohibited non- <br />native, invasive species) and will apply to required native landscape buffering and any <br />mitigation trees to be replanted within the Greenway setback near the river. As with other <br />aspects of the proposed code amendments, reliance on existing code provisions and the <br />existing adopted plant list provides the advantage of consistency and simplicity in <br />administration, as a familiar aspect of existing code requirements near protected natural <br />resources. The native trees and shrubs allowed in the Greenway setback and required native <br />landscape buffer are specifically identified as species that are appropriate adjacent to a riparian <br />resource below 500 feet in elevation. For this reason, other native species may be allowed and <br />appropriate further from the river (i.e. outside of the Greenway setback and required landscape <br />buffer). <br />For ease of reference, an annotated version of the adopted native plants list (with notes <br />explaining the relationship to the proposed draft code) is available on the project website and <br />included as Attachment B to the agenda packet materials for the Planning Commission's <br />January 24, 2023 meeting. <br />Pedestrian Access Standards & Mapping Updates <br />As presented at the public hearing and in recent meeting materials, the methodology for <br />determining proximity to public access points is being updated to clarify which properties will <br />be subject to the public accessway requirements in the clear and objective track (i.e. those <br />specific properties located more than 500 feet of a defined public access point). The updates <br />include mapping refinements based on walking distance to/from existing public access points. <br />Staff expects to make the updated mapping available to the public, along with the online maps <br />Page 11 of 43 <br />