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wildlife habitat (birds, small mammals, and other wildlife use dead trees for nests, nurseries, <br /> storage areas, foraging, roosting, and perching). <br /> Tree No. 15, a 30-inch diameter valley oak, is located adjacent to the proposed driveway on <br /> Lot 1. A portion of the proposed driveway would be located within the dripline. The arborist <br /> report recommends modifying the grading plan so that a 35-foot distance would be provided <br /> between the tree trunk and the nearest grading area in order to minimize impact to the tree. <br /> Staff has included conditions requiring the applicant to adhere to the tree protection measures <br /> specified in the arborist report and post a tree protection bond. <br /> Landscaping <br /> The proposed preliminary landscape plans include a variety of planting materials. The plan <br /> includes a tree plant palette of native and non-native species that are mostly drought tolerant, <br /> as well as some hardscape features, including a concrete paver driveway to complement the <br /> stone veneer of the proposed home on Lot 2. The proposed landscape plan for Lot 1 includes <br /> a total of 15 new trees and the plan for Lot 2 includes a total of 14 trees. All trees are 24-inch <br /> box size, and they would be planted on both sides of the driveway of the new homes. The <br /> preliminary landscape plans do not include planting details for shrubs and groundcover. Staff <br /> has including a condition recommending that final landscape plans include planting details. <br /> Staff believes that the combination of plant materials and hardscape will add interest to the site <br /> and the existing trees and the proposed shrubs along the retaining walls will provide adequate <br /> screening of the site from the rear yard of the homes on Gray Fox Court. Additionally, with the <br /> recommended condition requiring the project to meet the Model Water Efficient Landscape <br /> Ordinance (WELO), the proposed landscaping will minimize the need for portable water. <br /> Fencing <br /> Open fencing, consisting of six-foot high wire mesh with wood posts, is proposed. Staff finds <br /> that the open style fencing is appropriate for the hillside area. <br /> Fire Management and Open Space Plans <br /> Proper management of open space areas is necessary to maintain the quality of the existing <br /> natural environment as well as to reduce fire hazards. Therefore, VACSP requires that site- <br /> specific Open-Space Management and Wildland Fire Protection Plans be prepared and <br /> submitted by each developer of lots which contain open space land as a part of the PUD <br /> development plan application. The plans are required to address agricultural operations, open <br /> space maintenance, wildlife and vegetation protection, and measures to reduce fire <br /> intensity/fire exposure. An Open-Space Management and Wildland Fire Protection Plan was <br /> included in the original PUD-05 approval; however, a site-specific Open-Space Management <br /> and Wildland Fire Protection Plan has not been provided for this development. A condition of <br /> approval requires that the plan be submitted for City Council approval as part of its review of <br /> the PUD development plan and that the final plan be reviewed and approved by the Director of <br /> Community Development and LPFD prior to the approval of the Parcel Map. <br /> Case.No. PUD-116, 88 Silver Oaks Court Planning Commission <br /> Page 12 of 16 <br />