2020 04-06 TMX Office 5 - Alternative Compliance Narrative12
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March 30, 2020 o
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Planning Department
City of Meridian
Community Development Department
33 E. Broadway Ave., Ste 102
Meridian, Idaho 83642
RE: ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE APPLICATION AT TEN MILE CROSSING — BUILDING 5
Dear Plan Reviewer,
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We are submitting for an alternative compliance for the interior parking islands at Building 5. The requirements we are
proposing to modify include code section 11-313-8: Parking Lot Landscaping but specifically section C. Standards ,
subsection 2a. We are proposing using diamond islands in lieu of traditional parking lot islands located northeast and
East of the building, in the parking lot. We are proposing 8 diamond islands as depicted in the graphic below. 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 traditional islands and spacing per every 12 stalls, the parking lot would
require 8 trees within 4 islands. Our proposed alternative would provide 8 diamond islands and 8 trees. This solution
provides an equal amount of trees as traditional islands. The proposed shade trees and plantings will further soften and
mitigate the visual effect of the parking lot and reduce summer heat. In addition
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the larger cap islands (as depicted above in blue) are oversized and will provide additional landscape than what is
required. We are requesting that the diamond islands, shade trees, and landscaping 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, ! p
Josh Rennaker, PLA
Baer Design Group, LLC
Landscape Architecture / Irrigation Design and Consulting
p. 208.867.5983 / e.josh@boerdg.com