23.3.D Alternative Compliance

1.  The landscape standards contained in this Article are intended to encourage development that is environmentally functional, economically viable, and aesthetically pleasing. The following standards are not intended to inhibit creative development. Project conditions associated with individual sites may justify approval of alternative methods of compliance when landscape is part of an integrated water management strategy. It is acknowledged that conditions may arise where normal compliance is impractical or impossible, a design proposal offers superior results, or maximum achievement of the City’s objectives can only be obtained through alternative compliance.

2.  Requests for alternative compliance will be accepted for any permit application to which the requirements of this Article apply, when one (1) or more of the following conditions are met:

a. Topography, soil, vegetation, drainage, or other site conditions are such that full compliance is impractical.

b. Improved environmental quality would result from the alternative compliance of the provisions of this Article.

c. Spatial limitations, unusually shaped pieces of land, unusual servitude requirements, or prevailing practices in the surrounding area may justify alternative compliance for infill sites.

3.  A request for alternative compliance shall be submitted at the time the landscape plan is submitted. In no case shall the landscape requirements be reduced by more than twenty-five percent (25%). Request for alternative compliance shall be accompanied by a written explanation of such alternatives to allow appropriate valuation and decision by the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission.

Ord. 27,683 MCS, §6, March 6, 2018, Zoning Docket 086-17; Technical Correction #10, 12-17-18