Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutcclc.ag.06181997 COMMERCIAL CORE & LODGING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING SISTER CITY ROOM ' CITY HALL June 18, 1997 8:30 I. Roll Call and Commissioner comments 8:35 II. Compactors walk with Engineering, BFI and Pack'm Planet Hollywood alley and the Elks alley 9:15 III. Deaf camp picnic-King Woodward ~ 9:15 V. Streetscape guidelines 9:45 IV. Adjourn . PACKETS ARE IN YOUR MAIL BOXES ORDINANCE NO. (Series of 1990) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ASPEN AMENDING CHAPTER 19 ARTICLE V. SECTION 19-121 (a) and (d), 19'i22, 19'~3, ~9~2~ ;%ND ARTICLE VI OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE SO AS TO CREATE STREETsCAPE GUIDELINES IN THE COMMERCIAL CORE AREA BOUNDED BY ~ND INCLUDING MAIN STREET, DuRANT AVENUE, ORIGINAL STREET AND ASPEN STREET. WHEREAS, the Commercial Core and Lodging Commission, in conjunction with the Parks Department, Engineering, Planning and other qualified consultants have reviewed the landscape materials and designs utilized in Aspen's commercial core area; and WHEREAS, the Commission has determined that streetscape guidelines are needed to provide direction for the installation of landscape and sidewalk improvements in the public right-of-way in order to increase public safety and to create a more harmonious urban streetscape attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and certain amendments to Article V. Sec. 19~121 of the Municipal Code proposed by this Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the City Council, having considered the recommendations of the Commercial Core and Lodging Commission pertaining to adoption of streetscape guidelines, desires to amend the title of Article V, VI, of the Municipal Code and Sections 19-121, 19-122, 19-123, 19-126 of the Municipal Code. NOW, THEREFORE,' BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADo: SECTION 1 That (Section 19-121) subsection (a),(b) of the Municipal Code of (d) Elevated planting areas are prohibited in the commercial core area except by special review of the Commercial Core and Lodging Commission. Minimum requirements for special review shall be that a setback of three (3) feet is maintained from the curbline, an eight (8) foot minimum sidewalk width is maintained and an encroachment license is obtained from the City Council. (e) Gravel, crushed stone, washed rock and similar material~ shall not be allowed at grade in the sidewalk or public right-of-way. Such materials shall not be allowed in lieu of living landscape materials unless approved as part of an overall streetscape plan. No artificial landscaping of any type is permissible within the public right-of-way. (f) Paved areas shall not be placed within eighteen (18) inches of the base of any existing tree. Tree grates may be substituted for open, unpaved areas at ~'the~' discretion of the Engineering Department of the city of Aspen, Colorado. SECTION 4 That subsection (g) (h) (i) of Section 19-123 be added to the- Municipal Code of the city of Aspen, Colorado, to read as follows: (g) a permanent source of irrigation other than a hose bib on an adjacent building shall be provided for all street trees and landscaping in the public right-of- way. (h) During construction or redevelopment of any sidewalk area in the commercial core, APPROVED tree grates shall be installed around existing trees. (i) Projections into the City's right-of-way from adjacent structures shall be self-supporting and shall be designed to prevent the dropping of water, snow or ice onto sidewalk areas. SECTION ~ That Section 19-126 of the Municipal Code of'the City of Aspen, Colorado be amended to read as follows: Landscaping and planting areas provided in accordance 3 racks. In addition tO whatever regulations the City Engineering Department may from time to time promulgate in connection with such racks, all ski and bicycle storage racks shall: (a) Be of sound structural design and Shall be approved by the City Engineering Department and the Commercial Core and Lodging Commission. (b) Be so designed and constructed as to harmonize as closely as possible with the buildings to which they may be attached, or with the approved area they may be located upon. (c) Wall-mounted ski racks shall allow a minimum clearance for purposes of snow removal and ordinary sidewalk traffic of at least six (6) unobstructed feet between the nearest curb and the protrusion of the rack/and or its contents. (d) A Sticker or Other form of identification listing the name, address and phone number of the applicant-operator of the rack shall be affixed to the rack. Said identification area shall not exceed three and One-half (3-1/2) inches by five (5)inches. (e) All racks shall be maintained in an oPerable and attractive condition at all times. (f) Free standing Ski racks shall be allowed only during ski season. Sec. 19-143. Fee; expiration of permit. The fee for the permit required by this article will be the sum of Five Dollars ($5.00) annually, which fee shall be paid to the director of finance on or before February 1 of each and every year. The permit required by this article shall automatically expire on February 1 of any year for which the permit fee has not been paid for the next year as above required. Sec. 19-144. Termination of permit; removal of racks. The occurrence of any of the following events shall cause the automatic revocation and termination of a permit issued under the provisions of this article and the ski or bicycle storage rack installed under such permit shalI be completely removed by the permit holder within ten (10) days following the termination thereof, to wit: (a) Termination of the permit holder's right to occupy the building space described in the permit application or the permanent removal of the permit holder's business from such space. (b) The failUre of the Permit holder to remedy any 5 provision and shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof. SECTION 9 The City reserves the right to have a rack removed if it hinders snow removal or effects health and safety. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to affect any right, duty or liability under any ordinances in effect prior to the effective date of this ordinance and the same shall be continued and concluded under such prior ordinances. SECTION 10 A public hearing on the ordinance shall be held on the day of , 1990 in the City Council Chambers, Aspen city Hall, Aspen, Colorado. INTRODUCED, READ AND ORDERED PUBLISHED as provided by law by 'the City Council of the City of Aspen on the day of 1990. William L. Stirling, Mayor ATTEST: Kathryn S. Koch, city Clerk FINALLY adopted, passed and approved this. day of 1990. William L. Stirling, Mayor ATTEST: Kathryn S. Koch, city Clerk 7 CITY OF ASPEN STREETS'CAPE GUIDELINES EXHIBIT A City of Aspen Streetscape Guidelines Exhibit A PLANT MATERIALS Although the choice of plant materials in Aspen is limited by altitude, climate and length of season, there are many attractive and functional trees, shrubs and ground covers which flourish in the oft times harsh environment. The following plant material palette has been selected for hardiness, growth pattern, ultimate size and degree of drought tolerance. The coordination of patterns of plant types, spacing and use will provide a sense of cohesiveness and unity for the downtown area and will enhance the experience of those who frequent the Commercial Core. Plant materials provide not only aesthetic aspects to the streetscape but also subtle engineering and climatological functions as well. The shape, texture and color of plants add interest, excitement and dynamism to the streetscape. Aesthetics are only one rationale for using plant materials in the City. Many engineering problems can be wholly or partially solved by the use of plants. Trees, shrubs, ground covers and grass can be used to control soil erosion, noise and air pollution and excessive glare and reflection as well as direct and control pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Plant materials can be very effective climatological modifiers as well. Deciduous plant materials provide shade and intercept reflected glare from man made surfaces. Thickly foliated plan=s obviously intercept more radiation than those with loose open foliage. In summer, a cooler microclimate is created beneath the tree while in winter, the leafless branches allow solar radiation to warm the surface below. It should be noted that densely branched trees such as the Norway Maple may interfere with the requirements of solar collectors in winter. A loosely branched tree provides comfortable shade in summer and maximum solar access in winter. Plants guide, deflect and filter the wind. Although they reduce wind speed by increasing resistance to the wind flow, the amount of resistance is dependent on the species, placement and grouping of the materials. In general, deciduous trees allow wind filtration whereas evergreen trees block and redirect air flows. Clusters of evergreens which branch to the ground are considered to be the most effective year round wind barriers. They reduce wind velocity by 50% for s distance downwind equal to 20 times the height of the tree. Windbreaks are, however, generally unnecessary in the Commercial Core area and adjacent lodge and residential areas. 2 City of Aspen Streetscape Guidelines Exhibit A adjacent buildings. Deciduous trees provide a sense of scale and definition to the landscape and to the streetscape and provide seasonal change and interests. They are used to soften expanses of street paving, screen and shade parking areas and enhance existing architecture. In addition, trees help ameliorate some of the effects of urban pollution by reducing dust, glare, noise and most importantly by consuming carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Although common themes are desirable, constant repetition of the same street tree should be .discouraged since an entire species Could be lost to disease or unusual climate conditions. To prevent sun scalding, the trunks of all deciduous trees, particularly smooth-barked species, should be wrapped at planting with a commercial tree wrap. The wrap should extend up to the first or second main branch and should remain for a full growing season. Some smooth-barked trees and all trees over 5" caliper should be wrapped for two winters and removed each spring, with the exception of aspen trees and birch trees. Although water requirements differ from one type of tree to another, generally long soakings are highly preferable to frequent surface watering because soaking promotes deep, healthy root growth. A tree well watering system is required by the Streetscape Ordinance. EVERGREEN TREES Evergreen trees are generally discouraged as street trees because they offer little relief from summer sun if allowed to grow naturally and their conical shape often interferes with pedestrian and vehicular access and visibility. However, they make excellent visual and wind screens. In general, less water is required for evergreens than for deciduous trees; consequently, care must be taken so that over- watering does not occur. Like deciduous trees, evergreens need staking and special care for the first year. (See evergreen planting detail). FRUIT TREES A variety of fruit trees are available for planting in Aspen. Due to widely varying soils, exposure and soil conditions a nursery or landscape specialist should be consulted for specific properties. In general dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties of fruit trees are not advisable int he Aspen area. Full size fruit trees provide the homeowner the best chance of success. Fruit trees p~ovide variations in color, fragrance and texture in home plantings. Due to the unpredictable nature of Aspen's growing 4 city Of:Aspen ~ Streetscape Guidelines Exhibit A or hit by car bumpers or car doors. (F.) Avoid planting under the driplines of roofs where the ice will fall in winter. (G.) Provide simple guying systems for trees for a minimum of two years. (H.) EstabliSh a system whereby weeding, pruning and general cleanup will be guaranteed. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES One of the principal purposes behind the creation of the landscape and sidewalk guidelines for the Aspen Downtown District is to stimulate the actual improvement of both the function, safety and attractiveness Of the area. These goals can only be accomplished through the cooperation and participation of both the public and private .sectors. The City has adopted these guidelines and the administrative procedUres discussed below. All improvements to be constructed in the public right-of-way require permits and those within the CC and CC'I zoning district must be reviewed as part of the criteria established in the Streetscape Guidelines, whether the aPPlication is being made for expansion or for the new construction of a building(s) located on the private property. All impr0v~ments to buildings located in the CC or CC-1 zone which require Growth Management Plan approval also require that the public right-of-way including sidewalks and landscape areas be brought into the established guidelines. All reconstruction of existing buildings wherein the value of said reconstruction exceeds 50% of the value of the existing building requires that all sidewalk and landscaping improvements in the public right-Of,way be brought into compliance with the established guidelines. Normal maintenance and the repair of existing sidewalks and landscaping in the public right-of-way are exempted from the review process. APPLICATION Any individual or business that wishes to install improvements on public property within the Commercial Core of the City of Aspen shall follow the procedures described below: a) Contact the Aspen Engineering Department to discuss the proposal and review acceptable alternatives, if appropriate. Complete an aPPlication form and submit it to formallY commence the review process. 6 City of Aspen Streetscape Guidelines Exhibit A altitude environments are unsuitable for Aspen. While we are limited to the variety of plant materials available to the home or business owner in Aspen, careful selection of plant materials and their location on a particular site can accomplish a pleasing landscape design that will be harmonious with the indigenous environment. PLANT LIST CODE: RA Residential application, (general): This code indicates a plant with broad general application for the City's residential areas however, each plant is subject to question, which might limit application. RS Residential streetscape: Trees in this category, while potentially suitable for use as street trees in Aspen's residential areas, may have additional use as lawn trees on larger residential lots. CCA Commercial core application: Trees and landscape materials in this category are suitable for use subject to comment in Aspen's commercial core. Specific designs must be submitted to the Commercial Core and Lodging Commission and the Engineering Department of the City of Aspen. CCS Commercial Core Streetscape: Trees in this category represent the only trees approved for use by the Aspen Parks Department in Aspen's commercial core area. Physical restrictions and safety considerations require careful coordination with the Parks Department and the CCLC to assure a successful planting and functional design and appropriate choice of trees for specific locations. Trees on this list are subject to deletion and new trees may he added; therefore, owners and designers should consult the Parks Department prior to conceptual landscape design of any site in the commercial core. NOTE: Some areas in the east and west portion of the commercial core are mixed or transitional in nature and may be acceptable for a mixture of RA, RS, CCA and CCS species. Trees or shrubs marked with an asterisk (*) have specific limitations on use. Refer to specific comments for each plant. 8 City of Aspen Streetscape Guidelines Exhibit A The crabapple is a beautiful and generally hardy tree and is a good addition to most Aspen landscapes when used appropriately. Although the crabapple was until fairly recently used as a street tree in the commercial core, its low branching pattern makes it a hazard to pedestrians and the fruit inevitably gets crushed underfoot. It is no longer allowed except in unusual circumstances where there is adequate horizontal separation between pedestrians and vehicles. The Dolgo crab, a white flowered variety is exceptionally hardy and produces a beautiful red fruit in the fall. The red varieties such as Hopa are hard to match for spectacular spring beauty, although they are somewhat less hardy. An additional benefit of the crabapple is that they provide a winter food source for many wild birds. Shubert Chokecherry - RA, CCS, CCA (S) This chokecherry is an exceptionally hardy and attractive small tree Which can be trained as a single or multiple trunked landscape specimen. It is generally better as a single-trunked specimen due to its attractive shape. The plant's glossy leaves change color from green to purple and are attractive in the fall. The medium sized dark purple fruit is ornamental but will stain fabric and are somewhat messy. The chokecherry varieties including the natives, should be used in more landscape plantings. Their one major drawback is their habit of sending up new trunks or suckers from underground roots. Siberian Elm RA* (L) The siberian elm is a fast growing, weak branched tree with the typical problems associated with those growth habits. Despite its name the siberian elm is particularly susceptible to freezing of its summer growth during early snows and to severe branch shearing from heavy, wet snowfalls. While the siberian elm could be used for quick effeCt, it is generally not recommended for us in Aspen. Suqar Maple - R* (L) The sugar maple is unlikelY to do well in Aspen, since there are no known examples. It should be considered on an experimental basis due to its beautiful shape and foliage. Areas which provide a micro climate sheltered from wind, winter sun and dry soil conditions should be most favorable. Silver Maple - RA* (L) The silver maple suffers from problems similar to the siberian elm, but it is more attractive. It has been used extensively in Aspen, including street tree applications where it must be tended CarefullY bY a home or business owner Who is available to knock the accumulating snow off leaves and branches. Due to limb 10 city of Aspen Streetscape Guidelines Exhibit A specimens when crowded can grow very tall. Despite its limitations the aspen is a beautiful four season tree and should be considered for many landscape applications where adequate topsoil (9 inches or more) is available. Narrowleaf Cottonwood RA* RS* (L) The Narrowleaf Cottonwood is the largest native deciduous tree and is found throughout Aspen. The narrowleaf cottonwood is the street tree historically used for Main Street and should be used on Main Street in the future. There are very large specimens throughout Aspen's residential area. In fact the aspen, narrowleaf cottonwood and Colorado Blue Spruce form the backbone of Aspen's landscape. The narrowleaf cottonwood achieves a very large size and can represent a hazard since its limbs and trunk are often damaged by early or late snows. Like all cottonwoods, particularly when young, the narrowleaf demands much more water than most deciduous trees; so it is wise to avoid areas where heavy watering would be a nuisance or could damage the foundations of adjacent structures. In most years, the fall color of the narrowleaf cottonwood is spectacular. Only the cottonless ~(male) variety should be considered for planting. Balsam Poplar RA, RS*, CCA* (L) The balsam poplar is a hardy and handsome native tree that could be used more often. It is ultimately a large tree and is, therefore, somewhat limited in application. More use of Balsam Poplar in residential streetscapes would be desirable to avoid the problems associated with monoculture plantings of narrowleaf cottonwood. The balsam poplar makes a very good shade tree for large lawns (needs moist soil). White Poplar - RA, RS*, CCA* (L) Similar to the balsam poplar and a generally desirable tree with unusual bark characteristics, this tree also requires moist soils. Thin leaf alder RA (S) This small native tree can be used as a specimen planting in areas where the soil is moist. While the tree has no particular distinguishing characteristics, it is a hardy and fairly attractive native. Red Birch - RA, CCA (S) The native red birch is most commonly found adjacent to water courses. It can be trained as a shrub or multi-clumped specimen tree. The bitch's red bark, glossy leaves and general growth habits (with the exception of suckering) are attractive. Fall color is excellent and the birch is exceptionally hardy when 12 City of Aspen Streetscape Guidelines Exhibit A .space allowed. The sticky resin which exudes from the branches is a negative when children are present, otherwise the tree has no undesirable characteristics. Ponderosa Pine - RA, (Western Yellow Pine) (L) The Ponderosa Pine is a beautiful evergreen with cinnamon colored bark which is native to the Aspen area. This tree prefers open exposed (dry) slopes although if over watering is avoided, it can be an asset to large lawn and provide a significant vertical element and winter color. The ponderosa is somewhat difficult to transplant and requires a large area to prosper. Concolor Fir - RA, (M) The Concolor Fir is a somewhat risky choice for Aspen since it does not tolerate changes in soil moisture. A beautiful tree, the Concolor Fir should be considered only when soil moisture content is predictable and controllable, as in an irrigated setting. Austrian Pine - RA, CCA (M) The Austrian pine as not the best evergreen choice for Aspen due to its intolerance of drying winds and susceptibility to wildlife damage. Its uniform growth characteristics and dark green needles make it an attractive tree worthy of use in sheltered locations where plenty of room is available to allow for its horizontal growth habit. Lodqe~ole Pine RA, CCA (L) The native lodgepole pine can be used in dry locations as either a specimen or group planting. A narrowly upright tree, the lodgepole can be used in fairly small areas. Somewhat difficult to transplant, the lodgepole has suffered from attacks by fungus- carrying beetles in areas near Aspen so it would not be wise to use the lodgepole as a theme planting. Pinon Pine - RA, CCA (S) Like the lodgepole the pinon can be used in small dry spaces and in fact, does better there when adjacent to a south or west facing wall. The pinon is intolerant of wet conditions and varies widely in its growth habits due to genetic variations. The pinon can be a very attractive small specimen tree but it can be messy underfoot when the pinon nut crop is good. Native Juniper (Utah One-Seed Juniper) (S) RA This native juniper is generally found on dry south or east facing hillsides. It is tolerant of a wide variety of soil and moisture conditions and is extremely hardy. The tree has an irregular growth habit which makes it attractive for rock gardens 14 city of Aspen Streetscape Guidelines Exhibit A Aspen some varieties need winter watering and/or protection from winter sun. ~priaht Junipers (M-L) The green, rather than blue varieties do better in Aspen. These plants provide excellent year round screening and they can be used for accent planting. Many varieties require protection from winter wind and sun and need supplemental water during dry winters. Alpine currant (S-M) An excellent, hardy small to medium sized shrub best used in group plantings or as an accent in natural landscape. Shrub honeysuckle (M-L) Widely used in Aspen the honeysuckle has fragrant and attractive blossoms. Subject to severe attacks by aphids and with limited tolerance of dry winters, the honeysuckle should be used sparingly. Serviceberr~ (L) Named due to the wide spread and varied use of its fruit during pioneer days this relative of the huckleberry is an extremely hardy native shrub with attractive spring flowers and an open · growth habit. The Serviceberry is most effective in natural landscapes or as an- individual specimen planting. The fruit is attractive to birds. Dwarf muqho pine (S) This low growing pine is very hardy and attractive. It is very effective when used in rock gardens, at entryways or for winter color. It should not be considered for use where deer are present since they will browse on it. Barberry (S-M) An effective barrier planting due to its thick and thorny branches. The green leaf varieties generally do better in Aspen. Shrub rose (M-L) The shrub roses such as Austrian copper can grow quite large. They have beautiful blossoms and are very hardy. Their aggressive thorns protect them from damage by animals and make them a highly effective barrier plant. The shrub roses are part of Aspen's historic planting base and should be used where large areas are available to accommodate their spreading growth habit. Reference Book: The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Trees (Western Region) Alfred A. Knopf - New York 16 EVERGREEN TREE PLANTING & STAKING DETAIL Canvas attachment straps or approved equal · Guy wire (remove after 1 Tapir backfill growing season) beyond edge of ~/..xplanting pit~ 30" metal stake - drive in ground at angle in ~ soil ~ Plant root ball 2" above ~ existing grade / Specified '.~' Remove all tine around trunk and top 2/3 of wire basket around ball Undisturbed soil Cut vertical slices in burlap after tree is properly seated in hole and is in a vertical position.