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CO RMVNrrY PeqMe's G INSTITUTE -� NEW BUSINESS-HWY S71 SCREENING Agenda Item: 7(a) Background Information: The existing screening requirements of the "Highway 371 Corridor Overlay District" and the commercial zone require a significant amount of "natural buffer"area between Commercial properties and the public right-of-way. Generally, this "natural buffer" consists of tall grasses and scraggily shrubs. Staff has received numerous inquiries from the public asking why these properties are "not maintained" when, in fact, they are not only in compliance with the code, in some instances they are required to have this type of buffer. The intent of the ordinance is to, "promote safe and reasonable access to Highway 371 from abutting properties and also maintain and require a buffer zone of trees and shrubs to preserve the northwoods atmosphere of this area." Staff would like to review the screening requirements of the ordinance, specifically regarding the Highway 371 corridor. Applicable Regulations: Section 17-6.2 HIGHWAY 371 CORRIDOR OVERLAY DISTRICT (HWY) 1. Purpose and Intent. The Highway 371 Corridor (HI) Overlay District is intended to promote safe and reasonable access to Highway 371 from abutting properties and also maintain and require a buffer zone of trees and shrubs to preserve the northwoods atmosphere of this area. The intent is to promote safety in the highway corridor and maintain the aesthetics of the existing forest and woodlands in the region while allowing a variety of uses along the corridor district in harmony with existing vegetation. 2. Tree Removal. Tree removal permits are required for the removal of more than ten (10) trees over two inches (2") in diameter (as measured at four (4) feet from the base of the tree) from corridor property. 3. Buffer Zone Ve etation. Buffer zones require provision of both physical separation and landscape elements to meet the intent of this district. Existing vegetation shall be used wherever possible. Vegetation to be saved shall be identified on site plans along with protection measures for existing trees. Plantings shall consist of the following: A. Large, indigenous trees with a minimum size of 1.5 caliper at planting are required. Large trees are those with a mature height of thirty (30) feet or greater and a mature spread of thirty (30) feet or greater. Of these, twenty-five percent (25%) must be evergreen trees which are described as trees having green foliage throughout all seasons of the year in the Pequot Lakes region. Pequot Lakes Staff Report 7(a)-1 October 17,2013