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As stated in the arborist report, the health of the trees on site is generally "good" or "excellent". There are trees on the parcel native to the area (white alder, valley oak, western sycamore), but they do not appear to be indigenous to the site. After evaluating the site plan, the arborist recommends the removal of 12 trees including one heritage- sized silk tree. The applicant has provided a landscape plan which shows both the trees to be preserved and the proposed plants. The applicant is proposing to install new landscaping adjacent to the structure and around the periphery of the site. A ten foot-wide planter is generally located beriveen the new parking lot and the adjacent park. Staff feels that the proposed landscape plan, which includes a wide range of plant types, contains a sufficient amount of landscaped area. The applicant's proposed plant palette includes, but is not limited to, cedar, olive, oak, sycamore, almond, oak, pine, juniper, and rosemary. Some exotic plants such as fan palm, apricot, and pomegranate are also proposed. The church is providing an adequate amount of landscaping adjacent to the buildings and at the perimeter of the site. However, staff believes that the landscape plan should be modified in two areas: (1) at least one of the oak trees to be planted near Hopyard Road should be a 24 inch box specimen-sized tree given the removal of one heritage tree, and (2) the trash enclosure should be slightly moved to allow for the planting of shrubs on both sides of the structure. The applicant has agreed to make these changes, and a condition of approval has been added which requires the applicant to submit a revised landscape plan with the above-noted changes to the Planning Director for review and approval prior to issuance of building permits. A condition has also been included requiring that the applicant implement tree protection measures recommended by the arborist. Surrounding Property Owners Residential uses are located in close proximity to the church's property. Notices for the Planning Commission hearings was sent to neighbors within a 1,000 ft. radius of the church property. Staff notes that the church held a neighborhood meeting prior to the scheduling of the Planning Commission hearing. Staff was contacted by Pat Merrigan who resides at 5077 Golden Road which is directly opposite the existing driveway entry. Mr. Merrigan express concern about the existing traffic generated by the preschool and evening activities. Bea Robinson (1405 Calle Enrique) and Stephanie Taylor (1546 Calle Santiago) expressed concern about the amount of traffic on Hopyard Road. These concerns have been address in the Traffic section of this report. Case No. Z-99-?12/UP-99--10 Planning Commission Page 1 D