HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes - 2000-08-21OREGON
I. CALL TO ORDER
CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES
August 21, 2000
Chair Douglas Cushing called the Development Review Commission meeting of August 21,
2000, to order at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall, at 380 "A" Avenue, Lake
Oswego, Oregon.
II. ROLL CALL
Commission members present included Chair Cushing, Vice Chair Nan Binkley, and
Commissioners Bruce Miller and Dave Powers. Commissioners Julie Morales, Douglas
Kiersey and Sheila Ostly were excused.
Staff present were Hamid Pishvaie, Development Review Manager; Elizabeth Jacob,
Associate Planner; Sandy Ingalls, Planning Technician; Evan Boone, Deputy City
Attorney and Janice Bader, Senior Secretary.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None.
IV. OTHER BUSINESS - Findings, Conclusions and Order
None.
V. Public Hearing
LU 00-0043, an application by Beacon Homes, LLC, for approval of a development
review permit to construct a 23,000 square -foot commercial center. The proposal
consists of two buildings measuring approximately 15,500 square feet and 7,500 square
feet in size, and parking spaces for 96 vehicles. The applicant is also requesting approval
to remove six trees along the southerly property line of the abutting property to the north
(Tax Lot 2300) in order to develop the site. The trees range from 5" to 8" in diameter at
breast height (dbh). The site is located at: the SE Corner of Jean Way & Boones Ferry
Road, Tax Lot 2400 of Tax Map 21E 18131). Staff coordinator is Elizabeth Jacob,
Associate Planner. Continued from August 7, 2000.
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Mr. Pishvaie recalled the Commission had limited the hearing to written testimony. Mr.
Cushing recalled that no one had testified in opposition to the application at the previous
hearing. He asked if anyone present desired to testify in opposition of the application.
There were no responses. He noted the staff had provided additional information in
writing and he asked if they desired to add anything to it.
Elizabeth Jacob, Associate Planner, recalled the Commissioners had requested that the
staff address several issues related to the application, including the design of the rear
walls, monument signs and brick color and texture. She related that the applicant had
presented revised illustrations of the rear walls, the monument signs and entry monument.
She noted they now proposed entry monuments of reduced height that featured small
caps. She pointed out new samples of brick the applicant proposed to use.
Ms. Binkley wondered if the two proposed recessed lights over the sign band would
provide adequate lighting in the wider bays. She also asked how far the brick was to be
set back from the glass on the upper story, and she indicated that she preferred it to be set
back 18 inches and she would not desire it to be flush with the glass. She also suggested
that the storefront windows be required to feature a non -glass base so they would not
resemble strip mall storefronts. Mr. Cushing observed the applicant's drawings showed
two lights over each sign and an additional light for the general bay. Ms. Binkley noted
that the recommended conditions did not limit the design to two lights per sign.
Evan Boone, Deputy City Attorney, advised that if the Commissioners desired further
clarification from the applicant, they should re -open the hearing.
Chair Cushing opened the public hearing and explained the procedures and time limits to
be followed. Mr. Cushing noted that Mr. Miller had listened to the tapes of the previous
hearing and all other Commissioners present had also been present at the last hearing. He
asked Commission members to report any ex parte contacts, site visits, biases or conflicts
of interest. None were reported. Mr. Cushing asked if any person in attendance desired
to challenge any Commissioner's right to hear the application. No one presented such a
challenge.
Applicant
David A. Bissett, 322 NW 5th Avenue, #301, Portland, OR 97209, stated he was the
project architect. He clarified that the brick was to be offset at least 18 inches from the
glass on the upper story. He explained the applicant had selected a color combination
that would complement the wood and other elements found on the nearby Natures Store
and Alpha Computer projects. He also opined that the proposed medium -colored brick
would provide a nice contrast to other building elements, such as the green -tinted (solex
green) glass, black window frames, darker base brick and lighter accent band brick. He
explained that the copper roof would be the dominant design element. He held that the
originally proposed medium -toned brick was still the most appropriate for the
development. He also presented a lighter -colored brick sample that he said the applicant
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would prefer not to use and he said the brick the staff favored was a darker -toned brick
with heavier surface texture that the applicant believed would not sufficiently
complement the accent element materials.
Ms. Binkley recalled the originally proposed brick had been too monotone. She asked if
the applicant could find smooth brick in all the sizes necessary that would provide more
color variation. Mr. Bissett confirmed that he could. He explained the brick vendor had
pointed out that when the proposed brick was installed it would show more color
variation than the single brick sample showed. He provided other samples of brick that
featured more texture and he said the applicant could work with the brick manufacturer to
obtain wire -cut brick that would feature more surface texture and color variation. He
suggested that the bull -nosed brick and soldier courses would be of smoother brick and
the body brick would be wire cut to create textural variation. He confirmed that the
applicants had looked at brick samples from two large manufacturers. He asked for a
condition that was flexible enough to allow the applicants to choose among brick
manufacturers. He explained the building would feature a black brick base under a
course of gray brick that would be topped by a course of red brick. He also clarified that
the bottom of the windows would reach the ground in order to provide large glassed areas
for retail tenants. Ms. Binkley opined that design would make the windows resemble
those of a strip mall. Mr. Bissett then acknowledged that the applicant could agree to
install an 18 -inch high window base panel of either brick or CMU. He also clarified the
height of the mullion was to be 30 — 36 inches and to line up with the bull nose brick at
approximately 30 inches. Mr. Bissett worried that a condition requiring the applicant to
fill in the base of the windows would limit the applicant's flexibility to relocate door
openings for retail tenants. He clarified that the applicant intended to locate the doors as
indicated on the plan until a tenant desired them to be moved. He also clarified for Mr.
Miller that the second floor featured a fixed ceiling for the lower level and canned
lighting. He pointed out the bike racks were to be located under the entry canopy but
would not block the walkway.
Peter Kusyk, Beacon Homes, 9500 SW 125th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97209, referred
to recommended Condition A(2)(d)(v) and requested that the minimum shrub size be
changed from the three gallon specification to the sizes the applicant's plan proposed. He
worried that the applicant would have to upgrade smaller plants to a three -gallon size.
Ms. Jacob explained that the staff typically required smaller shrubs to be a minimum of
three -gallon size. Mr. Pishvaie explained the landscape should not appear to be of too
small a scale for the development. Mr. Powers advised that some smaller plant species
were typically accommodated by two or three gallon containers. Mr. Pishvaie
recommended that minimum plant sizes be imposed (whether the plants were sized by the
gallon or by their height) because the appearance of the landscape at the time of
completion of the project was important. Mr. Powers agreed that a three—gallon
minimum shrub size was appropriate for an area that was to serve as the gateway to the
City.
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Mr. Kusyk asked for further clarification of recommended Condition A(2)(e)(3). He
asked at what point in the construction process the fire hydrant was required to be
installed. Staff explained that the Fire Marshall was to determine if an onsite hydrant was
required and, if so, the hydrant would most likely need to be installed prior to building
construction.
Mr. Kusyk asked for clarification as to whether a loan on the project would be considered
an encumbrance in recommended Condition C(2). Mr. Boone confirmed it would be and
he explained that the City wanted to ensure that the right-of-way could not be lost in the
event of a foreclosure. He noted that typically a mortgage company would agree not to
foreclose a dedicated right-of-way.
Mr. Kusyk referred to recommended Condition D(2). He explained the only specific sign
the applicant was currently proposing was the project sign to be located on the corner of
Jean Way and Boones Ferry Road. He observed that the applicant would provide a
background for tenant signs that was complementary to the building and tenant signage
would be reviewed when each tenant applied for a sign permit. He asked that no
additional restrictions on sign colors indirect lighting and lettering be imposed.
Ms. Binkley held the Commission should establish consistency of signage. Mr. Pishvaie
advised the Sign Code provided that sign bands in the GC Zone were to be limited to a
maximum height of two feet and a maximum length of 75% of the building or business
frontage. He advised the Commission to establish sign restrictions to be applied to the
development during the approval process in order to avoid confusion later on when
tenants applied to the City for sign permits. He clarified the Code allowed the City to
review signage proposals to ensure they were complementary to the design of the
building and the surrounding area. He noted the City had established precedents during
the Texaco and Block 136 development approvals that signage was an important part of
the overall development design. He stressed that the Zoning Ordinance had specified that
the site was to serve as a gateway to the City. He clarified for Ms. Binkley that windows
signs were regulated separately from sign bands, and that any unused portion of the
applicant's maximum allowance for a sign band would not transfer to other tenants for
their use. The applicant's representatives expressed their disappointment that the City
would limit the applicant's choice of sign colors. They acknowledged that a height
limitation of 18 inches was reasonable and agreed that a third canned lighting fixture
should be added to the widest bays. They also clarified that the applicant planned to use
ground mounted lights to illuminate the monument signs (and would not light them
internally) and that they were proposing Alternate 1 lettering style for the sign.
Opponents
None.
Neither for nor Against
None.
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Rebuttal
The applicant waived their right to additional time in which to submit a final written
argument. Mr. Cushing closed the public hearing and opened deliberations.
DPlihPratinnc
Ms. Binkley observed that the new brick samples presented did not feature additional
color variation, but did feature additional texture. She also indicated that she favored the
proposed combination of smooth and textured brick. She clarified for Mr. Cushing that
she could agree to the applicant's original choice of brick color if it was cut to create
more texture and if the applicant attempted to introduce more color variation. She
suggested that Condition A(2)(b)(vii) be added to provide that the brick should be wire
cut "Canyon" with enhanced color variation, and to require an 18 -inch minimum setback
of the brick pier from the second story window bay.
Mr. Cushing suggested the Sign Code should be modified in order to specify signage
styles in the gateway area. Mr. Boone advised the Commission could address the
gateway standards through their conditions regarding the appearance of the signs. Mr.
Cushing indicated that he did not understand why individual lettering and specific colors
on the sign band should be mandated when tenants might desire to use their own
customized logos with established lettering and colors. He also worried that window
signs might be more offensive. Mr. Pishvaie recalled the City had controlled signage at
other developments. He stressed that signage was an important component of the design.
He advised that color variation could be allowed within the same tonality, and he
recommended restrictions that would prevent the use of pink, purple and orange colors.
He noted that tenants could place their distinctive logos in their windows. Mr. Boone
observed that a distinction could be made between the sign band, which would be highly
visible from the street, and signage that would become more visible to pedestrians on site.
Ms. Binkley indicated she could agree to the applicant's use of their proposed color range
and to restricting tenant's logo signs to their windows. Ms. Jacob clarified for Ms.
Binkley that the background area behind the signs was to be sand -colored stucco that
would be complementary to the building's brick.
Ms. Binkley stressed the site was special to the City and although there were no specific
signage design guidelines to apply there, the Commission should acknowledge the area
was to be unique and impose sign restrictions. She advised that signs were a significant
part of overall design and that individual letters should also be controlled. She also
opined the area at the base of the windows should be filled in to a height of at least 18
inches. Mr. Pishvaie recommended that the 18" base requirement be included as
Condition A(2)(b)(ix).
Mr. Boone explained for the Commissioners that recommended Condition D(5) was to
become a standard condition in all approvals and permits in the City. He said it was
intended to make the developer aware that approval of the development should not be
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construed to authorize a violation of federal and state laws, including any environmental
law, such as the Endangered Species Act.
Ms. Binkley moved for approval of LU 00-0043, subject to the conditions in the
August 18, 2000 staff report, with the following modifications:
A(2)(b)(vi — ix) as discussed
Mr. Miller seconded the motion and it passed with Mr. Cushing, Ms. Binkley, Mr.
Miller and Mr. Powers voting yes. Ms. Morales, Mr. Kiersey and Ms. Ostly were not
present. There were no votes against. Mr. Cushing announced that the final order was to
be voted upon on September 6, 2000.
LU 00-0061, an application by BC Kim Olympic Tae Kwon Do, for approval of a
conditional use permit to establish a martial arts school for the purpose of teaching Tae
Kwon Do. The applicant intends to occupy a 1,429 square foot tenant space in the
Oswego Towne Square Shopping Center. The site is located at: 3 Monroe Parkway, Tax
Lots 101 and 200 of Clackamas County Tax Map 21E 5AA and Tax Lot 6600 of
Multnomah County Tax Map 1 S 1 E 32DD. Staff Coordinator is Elizabeth Jacob,
Associate Planner.
Chair Cushing opened the public hearing and explained the procedures and time limits to
be followed. He asked Commission members to report any ex parte contacts, site visits,
biases or conflicts of interest. All Commissioners present reported they were familiar
with the site. Mr. Cushing asked if any person in attendance desired to challenge any
Commissioner's right to hear the application. No one presented such a challenge.
Elizabeth Jacob, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. She said the site was in
Oswego Town Center in the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zone, which required the
application to be reviewed as a conditional use permit. She recalled the Center had been
initially approved in the early 1980s and revised in 1988, prior to actual construction, to
allow multi use (office, service and retail) commercial. She advised it was an existing
development and Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan issues, access, public services
and lighting had been addressed at the time of the original approval. She said the
proposed usage could be classified either as a school or amusement use, which were
conditional uses in the NC Zone.
She said the applicants proposed to use approximately 1,700 square foot of tenant space
as a marshal arts academy for approximately 20 students. She said the proposed use fit
the other uses in the complex and would not create any different impacts than any other
retail use. She advised the applicants were required to show that onsite parking was
adequate for their use. She advised that the applicant's use would require 16 parking
spaces. She said the applicant had submitted a parking study of uses on the site (Exhibit
5) that showed 402 parking spaces were required and 475 spaces were available, resulting
in an excess of 73 spaces for use by this proposed business. She said the application
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showed times of operation that were compatible with the other existing uses in the center,
and there should be no excessive noise or other impacts to the surrounding residential
neighborhood. She recommended approval of the application for up to 20 students.
Applicant
Tim Tuninga, 4110 SW 109th Avenue, Aloha, OR 97007, stated he represented BC
Kim, the applicant. He explained that Oswego Town Center representatives had helped
the applicant with the parking analysis and agreed with its conclusions. He said he
personally participated in Tae Kwon Do classes conducted by Mr. Kim. He testified the
school was a family oriented business and its students were not rowdy and their activities
would enhance the center and the neighborhood. He clarified the school's hours of
operation would be Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM (and
potentially Saturday classes, depending upon demand). He also clarified that the
applicant understood the number of students was to be limited. He indicated that classes
were typically one hour in length, and competitions would be held in other locations,
because the size of the school would not accommodate the typical number of contestants.
He stated that students typically tested every three months in order to show increased
skills.
Opponents
None.
Neither for nor Against
None.
Rebuttal
None.
No one requested that the record be held open in order to submit written testimony or
evidence. The applicant waived his right to additional time in which to submit a written
argument. Mr. Cushing closed the public hearing and opened deliberations.
Deliberation
Mr. Powers moved for approval of LU 00-0061, subject to the conditions in the staff
report. Ms. Binkley seconded the motion and it passed with Mr. Cushing, Ms.
Binkley, Mr. Miller and Mr. Powers voting yes. Ms. Morales, Mr. Kiersey and Ms. Ostly
were not present. There were no votes against. Mr. Cushing announced that the vote on
the findings, conclusions and order was to be on September 5, 2000.
The Commissioners took a five-minute break in the meeting and then reconvened.
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LU 00-0070 [AP 00-121, an application by Richard Feinberg, for approval of a tree
removal permit to remove one 12.9 inch Big Leaf Maple tree located in the front yard.
The site is located at: 701 G Avenue, Tax Lot 20 of Tax Map 21E 3AC. Staff
Coordinator is Sandy Ingalls, Planning Technician.
Chair Cushing opened the public hearing and explained the procedures and time limits to
be followed. He asked Commission members to report any ex parte contacts, site visits,
biases or conflicts of interest. Mr. Powers and Mr. Miller reported they had visited the
site and Mr. Cushing and Ms. Binkley reported they had not visited the site.
Sandy Ingalls, Planning Technician, presented the staff report dated July 28, 2000. She
related that the applicant was requesting a permit to remove a 12.9 -inch maple tree along
his east property line. He had submitted a report by a certified arborist that concluded the
tree should be removed because it was dying. The report had pointed out the tree was
decayed and split and leaned sufficiently to crack the surrounding soil. Ms. Ingalls
observed the tree was lopsided, and its foliage grew mainly one the side over utility
wires and over a neighboring property belonging to Mr. and Ms. Randall. She related
that the applicant and the Randalls had been permitted to remove 19 trees in the 1970s,
and most of those trees had been located along their joint property line near the Randall's
garage. She said the Randalls opposed the current application to remove the subject
maple tree because they believed that damage to their garage that had been occurring
since removal of the 19 trees would be exacerbated by the removal of the subject tree.
Ms. Ingalls and Mr. Boone advised that the matter was not an appeal from a staff decision
and the staff would be prepared to recommend action by the DRC after all of the
evidence had been heard.
Applicant
Richard Feinberg, 701 G Avenue, Lake Oswego, 97034, testified that the tree was a
hazard. He noted that its foliage grew on only one side, it leaned toward the Randall's
child's bedroom, and it featured a large crack in the trunk that was widening over time
(Exhibit 6). He pointed out that Morton Tree and Landscape Maintenance had
recommended the tree was a hazard and should be removed. He explained that although
the Randalls believed that the earlier removal of trees had created erosion and cracked
their garage floor, there was no relationship between the cracking and the cutting of trees.
He recalled seeing cracks in the floor before any trees had been removed. He said a
concrete contractor had examined the garage floor and had determined that since the
foundation was level and the cracks were in the center, they were caused by settling of
the building. He explained that the garage had been constructed atop landfill. He noted
the City's Plans Examiner had also concluded the cracking was due to ground settling
and not soil erosion. He wondered why the Randalls were worried about the impact of
removal of the tree when they had removed four other trees within six feet of the subject
tree since the 1997 removal of trees. He said he had observed no indication of soil
erosion on his property since removal of the trees in 1997. He contended that the subject
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tree was an immediate hazard to personal safety and property, and he requested
immediate approval to cut down the tree.
Mr. Feinberg confirmed for Mr. Cushing that the photograph on page 16 of the staff
report had been taken from his driveway and he explained that he intended to remove the
telephone and power lines there to accommodate tree removal. Mr. Cushing observed
that the tree was in the center of a bed of perennial plants.
Nina Johnstone, 701 G Avenue, Lake Oswego, 97034, stated she was co- owner of the
property at 701 G Avenue. She requested that the applicant be allowed a permit to
remove the subject maple tree because it met the City's definition of a hazard tree: it was
cracked, split, leaning and physically damaged. She said the tree's condition and location
presented a danger to the Randall's house and a certified arborist had determined the
danger could not be reasonably alleviated by treatment or pruning of the tree. She
recalled the Randalls had participated in the 1997 application to remove trees on their
common property line. She clarified that after those trees were cut the applicant had not
had two of the large stumps ground out, and they were currently covered with ivy. She
said other stumps had been ground to only one foot down and still featured extensive root
systems. She said the applicants had replanted the area near the Randall property, and
had planted some evergreens, as well as the perennials. She stated that although the
Randalls contended they were not worried about whether the tree was safe and they
intended to rely on insurance to take care of any future damage, the applicants were
concerned about potential property damage and the safety of people who could be hurt or
killed if the tree fell. She requested the applicant be allowed to cut down the tree.
Opponents
Jerry A. Randall, 695 G Avenue, Lake Oswego, 97034, testified that during a
discussion that day with Jim Byerly, the City's Plans Examiner, they had determined the
foundation and wall of the garage could be repaired. He presented photographs of the
area. He explained he was concerned that removal of the tree would result in further
damage to his garage. He also explained that he had previously agreed to removal of
trees because they were on the neighbor's property and he believed the owners should be
able to do anything they wanted on their land. He recalled that at that time he had
expressed his concern that the action might cause erosion or settling on the west side of
his garage. He explained that he had constructed the garage 17 years ago, and he had
first observed cracking of the slab and foundation walls after the trees had been removed.
He added that the cracks had widened since he first observed them. He pointed to the
locations of two foundation wall cracks. He noted that repair of the cracking would be
expensive and he desired to protect his investment and prevent any further damage to the
foundation.
Mr. Randall clarified for the Commissioners that the subject tree was approximately 20-
25 feet from the garage, and its branches were close to the surface and reached close to
the garage. He clarified for Mr. Cushing that vehicles in the photographs belonged to Mr.
Feinberg. He pointed out the area where he was concerned about erosion problems and
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he explained that he was worried that as the roots of removed trees decayed the soil
would move. He linked his problems with his garage to the previous tree removal.
Mr. Miller asked about the condition of the structure's footings. Mr. Boone advised the
Commissioners to determine whether or not the tree was a hazard. He explained that if it
was deemed to be a hazard and the property owner was allowed to remove it, the owner
had a civil obligation to address issues such as erosion control.
Mr. Randall opined that if the foundation walls were cracked, the footings of the structure
must also be cracked.
Mr. Cushing asked what Mr. Randall believed should be done if the tree simply fell over
and did no damage, and if Mr. Randall believed the tree might stand another 15 years.
Mr. Randall recalled that a couple of trees on his property that had been deemed to be
hazardous 15 years ago were still standing. He also clarified that although Mr. Feinberg
contended that the Randalls had removed six trees prior to 1997 (prior to the date the
Feinbergs had moved to the area), the Randalls had only cut down one dead 6 -inch tree.
Joanne Randall, 695 G Avenue, Lake Oswego, 97034, testified that the applicant had
proceeded with the application in spite of the fact the Randalls had requested that he wait
for them to consult a soils engineer. She said the Randalls had been residents of the area
for 22 years. She said the applicant had only resided in the area for three months when
he had requested that trees be removed. She acknowledged that her 1935 home may have
been constructed over an area of fill; however, the area of fill was most likely not under
the garage. She said the Randalls had not experienced any problems with the garage
structure until the trees had been removed. She explained she had supported the
neighbor's previous tree removal application because she believed they had a right to do
anything on their own property that would not adversely impact some else's property.
She explained the Randalls would not have supported the application if they had known
the problems that were to arise. She related that she had not been at home the day of the
tree cutting, and she had discovered that more trees had been removed than had been
identified on the permit, and the area had been entirely cleared of trees, laurel and shrubs.
She noted that although the applicant's tree consultant had concluded the subject tree was
a potential hazard, he could not determine how soon it would fall. She recalled other
trees in her front yard had been deemed to be hazardous 15 years ago, but were still
standing. She said that a tree on another neighbor's property (near the Randall's property
line) had been dead for at least seven years and the Randalls would let that owner decide
if and when to remove it. She related that her son did not desire to see the subject tree
removed. She indicated that the Randall property and house had suffered from a lack of
shade after the previous removal of trees. She acknowledged that she did not want the
tree to fall on her property; however, she did not believe it was as dangerous as the
applicant contended. She related that concrete professionals had examined the structure
several weeks prior and had observed settling and she had also observed protruding
screws in the garage. She said the Randalls had noticed an acceleration of movement of
elements of the garage after the tree stumps had been ground. She clarified that her letter
should have referred to "settlement," or "movement," rather than "erosion."
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None.
Neither for nor Against
Rebuttal
Mr. Feinberg pointed out the staff findings questioned whether the uplifting of the
Randall's garage floor and cracks in the wall were caused by the removal of trees in 1997
(see page 3 of the staff report). He noted that the Plans Examiner had indicated that the
type of cracks he observed in the garage floor were indicative of settling, and not the type
of cracks that would result from tree removal. Mr. Feinberg added that his construction
consultant supported that conclusion. He contended that there was no relationship
between the cracks and the previous tree removal. He said the subject tree was a danger,
since it was cracked on one side, and the crack had been widening as the tree leaned
further to one side (see Exhibit 6). He worried the tree could fall over in a windstorm and
could fall into the Randall's child's bedroom. He stated that he could provide
photographs showing that the Randall's had previously removed four small trees. He
indicated that he was concerned about safety and liability issues.
Mr. Cushing clarified that the issue to be determined was whether the subject tree was a
hazard. He closed the public hearing. Mr. Boone related that because staff had heard all
of the evidence, they were ready to provide their recommendation to the Commission.
Staff Recommendation
Sandy Ingalls, stated that the staff recommended approval of the tree -cutting permit.
Mr. Cushing asked for clarification of the staff recommendation that the removed tree
was to be replaced by only one 2 -inch tree. Mr. Pishvaie and Mr. Boone explained that
the City had historically required mitigation to be one-for-one; however, the City Council
had suspended the mitigation requirement for hazard and dead trees when it adopted
changed to the Tree Code on August 1, 2000. They noted that the application had been
submitted prior to that change in Code, and it was not clear whether the ordinance change
was to be applied to pending applications. Mr. Boone advised it would be up to the
applicant to decide whether or not to appeal the mitigation requirement.
Deliberations
Mr. Powers observed the extensive crack in the bark showed the tree was under a great
deal of stress, and its leaning indicated that it had grown up within a grove of trees. He
also observed that the surrounding clay soils would crack as a result of lack of moisture.
He advised that the subject tree's major roots would be within 10 to 15 feet of its trunk
and the tree was distant enough from the garage that its roots would not be the source of
erosion or subsoil problems there. He also advised that the roots from removed trees
would completely decay over 20-25 years. He recommended that the applicant be
allowed to remove the tree and be required to mitigate that action by planting two or three
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new trees. He said he had seen no erosion on the bank where it had been contended that
previous trees had been removed and he noted that the perennial plantings in that area
were helping to hold the soil. He observed soil movement in the general area had also
cracked the applicant's driveway.
Mr. Boone advised that the Code's mitigation requirement was that an applicant was to
plant either a minimum 2 -inch caliper deciduous tree or a 6- to 8 -foot tall evergreen tree
for each tree removed.
Mr. Powers moved for approval of LU 00-0070, subject to the conditions in the staff
report, and an additional condition requiring mitigation by the replanting of one
tree. Mr. Miller seconded the motion and it passed with Ms. Binkley, Mr. Cushing, Mr.
Powers, and Mr. Miller voting yes. Ms. Morales, Mr. Kiersey and Ms. Ostly were not
present. There were no votes against. Mr. Cushing announced the vote on the findings,
conclusions and order was to be held on October 6, 2000.
Mr. Boone advised that any future disagreement between the parties regarding an issue of
damage caused by removal of the tree was to be resolved in a civil procedure.
VI. GENERAL PLANNING
DRC Meeting location change
Mr. Pishvaie announced the Commission would hold its second meeting in September at
Marylhurst University.
PC/Council Joint work session
Mr. Pishvaie related that the Planning Commission and City Council were to hold a joint
work session on September 5, 2000.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Development Review Commission, Chair
Morales adjourned the meeting at 9:59 PM.
Respectfully submitted.
Janice Bader
Senior Secretary
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City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission Page 12 of 12
Minutes of August 21, 2000