ASHLAND TREE COMMISSION

MINUTES

May 8, 2008

CALL TO ORDER –Chair Laurie Sager called the Ashland Tree Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on May 8, 2008 in the Siskiyou Room in the Community Development and Engineering Services Building located at 51 Winburn Way, Ashland, OR.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

November 8, 2007 Tree Commission Minutes - Rinaldi/Jones m/s to approve the minutes of November 8, 2007. Voice vote:  all AYES, Motion passed.  The minutes of November 8, 2007 were approved as presented. 

PUBLIC FORUM

None present

TYPE I REVIEW

PLANNING ACTION:                        2008-00597

SUBJECT PROPERTY:                     1338 Seena Lane

APPLICANT:                                       Melanie Mindlin

DESCRIPTION:  Request for a Lot Line Adjustment and a Conditional Use Permit to allow the structural alteration and intensification of use of an existing non-conforming structure for the properties located at 1338 Seena Lane.  An existing shed is located approximately three feet from the east property line of Tax Lot 400.  With the proposed Lot Line Adjustment, the shed and an attached studio are to be converted to the primary residence on Tax Lot 408, and as part of a primary residence the shed’s existing three-foot setback becomes non-conforming.  The required side yard setback for a primary residence is six feet. The shed portion of the building is to remain as unheated space, and is not proposed to be remodeled.  An 80-square foot bathroom and kitchen addition will be made to the existing 528-square foot studio; the existing studio and the proposed addition comply with required setbacks.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Single-Family Residential; ZONING: R-1-5-P; ASSESSOR’S MAP #: 39 1E 10 BB:  TAX LOTS: 400 and 408

Recommendations: 

1)     Avoid driplines of all trees along East property line. If areas within the driplines of the trees will be impacted, all recommendations of the project Arborist shall be implemented.

2)     That the electric and phone lines shall be routed to avoid any of the existing trees.

3)     That tree protection plans in accordance with 18.61.200 shall be submitted with the building permit submittals for new single-family residence construction.  The tree protection plans shall be installed and inspected prior to site disturbance.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

PLANNING ACTION:                        2008-00598

SUBJECT PROPERTY:                     489 Russell Street

OWNER/APPLICANT:                     Donna L. Andrews

DESCRIPTION:  Request for Site Review approval for a two-story, mixed use building located at 489 Russell St., comprised of office space on the ground floor and two residential units on the second floor.  The proposed building is approximately 5,579 square feet in size.  The property is located in the Detail Site Review Zone.  COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION:  Employment; ZONING: E-1; ASSESSOR’S MAP #: 39 1E 09 AA; TAX LOT: 2804

Recommendations: 

1)     Where possible consider a larger stature street tree more suited for the urban environment.

2)     That a hardy tree species, which can withstand the trash/recycle, fire hydrant cabinets, etc. shall be planted in the parking lot island.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Arterial Setback Ordinance modifications: Tree Commission memo to Planning Manager, Maria Harris re. concerns about adopting specific language requiring Structural Soil as part of the street standards for public sidewalk installation in commercial zones.

Hersey Street trees: Commission would like to be included in discussions about proposed removals, and re-install choices. Maintain as many healthy trees as possible.

Backpage Articles: Rinaldi writing article about Bird of Paradise tree at Railroad Park on A Street.

Tree Walks: Anne Rich planning a Tree Walk for June date TBD             

Budget: Purchase canopy tent preferably with sides to protect from weather & ISA Handouts

Current Balance - $303.24

ADJOURNMENT - Commissioner Sager adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Amy Anderson, Assistant Planner