WCOM NEWS

4-21-04

Miramar landscaping plan gets initial OK

MIRAMAR--Miramar commissioners tentatively approved an ordinance to improve landscaping and make the related land development code easier to understand.

The second reading is scheduled for 7 p.m. today, when the commission meets at City Hall, 6700 Miramar Parkway.

Landscaping requirements would be changed to require one tree for every 30 lineal feet for entrances to commercial projects and land immediately in front of commercial buildings. Previously, one shade and one small or ornamental tree were needed every 40 feet.

"This is to ensure there will be more landscaping immediately in front of commercial [buildings] for anyone who will redo or for new buildings. What we want is landscaping closer physically to the buildings," said Donald Waldron, community development director.

But the most significant aspect of the resolution, he said, would be the revision of the landscaping section. Because it features text considered confusing to the general public, the city wants to replace it with user-friendly charts.

"This portion of the code was last updated in 1996. I felt the need for clarity and usability to make [the documentation] more user-friendly," Waldron said. "We're happy we finally had the time to take a look at this."

Waldron had been working with the development community and landscape architects on this project, he said, since he began with the city in 1999.

They also hope to simplify landscaping requirements for the Miramar Parkway "scenic corridor," which requires berms. West of Interstate 75, the berm must be between 4 feet and 7 feet high; and berms east of I-75 must be between 21/2 feet and 5 feet high, senior planner Fred Hagy said.

The city also would require that the architect verify, with a signature, that trees are being installed in accordance with the approved plan, in addition to the inspection already required by the city.

The revisions represent continuing efforts to upgrade the city for business as well as residents, said Wazir Ishmael, assistant city manager.

"We're trying to not be too overzealous in terms of our requirements, but at the same time to protect our quality of life," he said.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Laura Burdick-Sherman) 4-21-04