City of Sunnyvale
Agenda Item
21-0076 Agenda Date: 2/25/2021
2021 COUNCIL STUDY ISSUE
NUMBER
CDD 20-02
TITLE Develop Landscape Design Standards for Development Projects
BACKGROUND
Lead Department: Community Development Department
Support Departments: Office of the City Manager
Office of the City Attorney
Department of Public Works
Sponsor(s): Planning Commission
History: 1 year ago: Deferred by City Council
2 years ago: N/A
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
What precipitated this Study?
The City has general landscaping design standards in the Council adopted Citywide Design Guidelines and zoning requirements for water efficient landscaping. However, these guidelines and regulations do not currently have detailed design standards relating to various landscaping/tree types and sizes. Species and size requirements have been added by the Planning Commission on a case by case basis for development projects during the public hearing. In lieu of continuing this practice (and to ensure the added requirements are Council policies based on objective standards), it would be ideal to update City policy on landscape requirements through a Design Standards document.
Updated landscaping design standards would provide decision-makers, applicants, and staff with the necessary information to ensure ad hoc decisions on landscaping requirements do not occur and all decisions are based on Council-adopted policies.
What are the key elements of the Study?
This Study may include:
· Consideration of various types and sizes of landscaping and what is most appropriate for different sized development projects or areas of a development (e.g. parking lot, walkways, setbacks, etc.):
o Including study on larger properties and appropriate sizing of trees vs. smaller properties;
· Definitions of terms for landscaping requirements, such as “genetic estate-sized” trees; · Preparation of a list of preferred trees, with emphasis on long-lived, drought tolerant and, to the extent practical, native species;
· Consideration of what areas of the City are best suited for specific types and sizes of trees; · Creation of “Best Practices” for designing landscaping plans;
Attachment 6
21-0076 Agenda Date: 2/25/2021
· Surveying other cities to compare standards; and
· Working with a consultant to consider, and potentially develop, standards or criteria for landscaping.
Estimated years to complete study: 1 year
FISCAL IMPACT
Cost to Conduct Study
Level of staff effort required (opportunity cost): Moderate Funding Required for Non-Budgeted Costs: $50,000
Funding Source: SB2 grant
Funding would be utilized to hire a landscape design specialist, likely a planning firm with that specialty, to develop landscape design standards for development projects. Consultant costs would also include formatting the final document to incorporate in the City’s Consolidated Design Guidelines. An application for SB 2 grants to prepare objective zoning and design standards including landscaping has been approved and this Study Issue is included as part of the objective standards task.
Cost to Implement Study Results
Minimal or no cost expected to implement.
EXPECTED CITY COUNCIL, BOARD OR COMMISSION PARTICIPATION Council-Approved Work Plan: No
Council Study Session: No
Reviewed by Boards/Commissions: Planning Commission
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Drop. This policy issue does not merit discussion at a future Study Issues Workshop.
Staff agrees that creation of landscape design standards is beneficial because it would create clear and consistent criteria for applicants and decision-makers to avoid ad hoc decisions relating to landscape design at public hearings; this work will be completed as part of grant funding the City has received. Staff will complete the request for proposals process to hire a consultant for the work prior to the Study Issue Workshop and is scheduled to complete the effort by June 2022.
Prepared by: Amber Blizinski, Principal Planner
Reviewed by: Trudi Ryan, Director, Community Development Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
Attachment 6