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2020 04-28 Alternative Compliance Narrative April 27, 2020 Page 1 of 1 Baer Design Group, LLC Landscape Architecture | Irrigation Design and Consulting p. 208.867.5983 | e. josh@baerdg.com Planning Department City of Meridian Community Development Department 33 E. Broadway Ave., Ste 102 Meridian, Idaho 83642 RE: ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE APPLICATION AT CENTRAL VALLEY PLAZA – FLEX 1 BUILDING Dear Plan Reviewer, In an effort to maximize parking for the city police station we are requesting alternative compliance . We are submitting alternative compliance for two interior parking islands at the NW corner and West side of Flex 1 and what will be a City of Meridian police station. The requirements we are proposing to modify include code section 11-3B-8: Parking Lot Landscaping but specifically section C. Standards , subsection 2a. We are proposing an additional 8 trees adjacent to the parking lot at the NW corner. We are proposing an additional 16 trees adjacent to the parking lot at the West edge of the site. In addition the police station will be installing a 6' tall wall/security fencing along the perimeter of these parking banks as a part of their improvements. The security improvements will be done by others. This proposed alternative means of compliance provides an equal or superior means of meeting the intent and purpose of the regulation. The code states: "The purpose of perimeter and internal parking lot landscaping is to soften and mitigate the visual effect of a large expanse of asphalt parking lots. Landscaping can also reduce summer heat gain in parking areas and define pedestrianways." With spacing per every 12 stalls, the parking lot would require 5 trees within 5 islands. Our proposed alternative would provide 3 islands and 4 trees and the 24 additional trees mentioned above (see below in red). This solution adds additional trees than what is required per code. The additional trees will further soften and mitigate the visual effect of the parking lot and reduce summer heat. In addition the security wall improvements will further screen the visual effect of the parking lot. We are requesting that the additional trees, and future security features be approved as an alternative to traditional parking islands and landscaping as our proposed changes provide an equal or superior method of code compliance. Please contact me should you have any questions with the proposed landscape plans of the parking lot and building pads. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Josh Rennaker, PLA