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Comprehensive Landscaping Application Narrative 3-3-14COMPREHENSIVE LANDSCAPING APPLICATION MCDONALDS RESTAURANT 2871 GULF TO BAY BOULEVARD, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33759 HPE PROJECT: 12- 015 -MDC DATE: MARCH 3, 2014 DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST To allow the following landscape variations: - The landscape buffer along the west property boundary (Cross Boulevard) from 10 feet to a minimum of 8 feet. - The landscape buffer along the east property boundary from 10 feet to a minimum of 2.5 feet. - Eliminate the required foundation planter along the north building fagade with frontage on Gulf to Bay Boulevard. - Eliminate the required foundation planter along the west building fagade with frontage on Cross Boulevard. INTRODUCTION: The project site is located on the southeast corner of Gulf to Bay Boulevard (S.R. 60) and Cross Boulevard in Section 17, Township 29 South, Range 16 East within the incorporated area of the City of Clearwater. The property is comprised of one parcel identified by Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Office with parcel identification number: 17/29/16/03546/000 /0010. The total site area is approximately 1.28 acres (55,751 sf) and is bounded by Gulf to Bay Boulevard (S.R. 60) to the North, Cross Boulevard to the West, Rogers Street (vacated) to the South and Thrift Store to the East. The existing development includes a vacant sit -down restaurant (formerly known as Village Inn) of 5,441 sf total gross floor area and 75 surface parking spaces. The proposed McDonald's — Clearwater Mall will include one 1 -story building of 5,206 sf, a side -by -side drive -thru lane, 47 surface parking spaces, one double dumpster enclosure for solid waste management, a stormwater management system including a detention pond, utilities services including potable water, fire protection service and sanitary sewer, and attractive Florida native drought tolerant landscape. A new multi- family complex (i.e. Bayview Gardens) located adjacent to the property was recently approved by City of Clearwater and is currently under construction. The setbacks, drainage, parking and landscaping are designed to support the proposed redevelopment of the property. 1. ARCHITECTURAL THEME a. The landscaping in a comprehensive landscape program shall be designed as a part of the architectural theme of the principal buildings proposed or developed on the parcel proposed for development N/A b. The design, character, location and /or materials of the landscape treatment proposed in the comprehensive landscape program shall be demonstrably more attractive than landscaping otherwise permitted on the parcel proposed for development under the minimum landscape standards • A balanced design for the landscape buffers along Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Cross Boulevard that mix accent flowering trees, shrubs, and small plants / ground cover. In addition, existing Duke Energy overhead power wires are running along Cross Boulevard preventing the use of shade trees within the buffer. • A balanced design for the landscape buffers along west and south property boundaries that mix shade trees and palms, shrubs, and small plants / ground cover. Furthermore, the buffer along the south property line includes a 240 linear feet and eight (8) feet in height CMU wall with brick finish providing screening for the adjacent property zoned Medium Density Residential (MDR). In addition, existing Duke Energy overhead power wires are running over the east property line preventing the use of shade trees within the buffer. • A balanced design for the interior landscape islands that mixes shade flowering trees, shrubs, and small plants / ground cover. o The project will use Florida Grade #1 plant materials in the proposed landscape treatment including 14 `Little Gem' Southern Magnolia, 11 Southern Red Cedar, 10 Crape Myrtle, 10 Silver Buttonwood, 15 Cabbage Palm, 291 Maui Ixora, 255 Sandankwa Viburnum, 28 Sand Cord Grass, 14 Yew Pine, 153 Variegated Flax Lilly, 172 Super Green Giant Liriope, 386 Gold Mound Duranta, 279 Dallas Red Lantana, 118 Juniper, and 1,892 sf of St. Augustine sod and 7,290 sf of Bahia sod. 2. LIGHTING Any lighting proposed as a part of a comprehensive landscape program is automatically controlled so that the lighting is turned off when the business is closed Proposed parking lot lighting will meet the City of Clearwater Community Development Code. Refer to attached Photometric Plan sheet PH -1. 3. COMMUNITY CHARACTER The landscape treatment proposed in the comprehensive landscape program will enhance the community character of the City of Clearwater The proposed planting materials will drastically improve the look of the property and surrounding properties. 2 4. PROPERTY VALUES The landscape treatment proposed in the comprehensive landscape program will have a beneficial impact on the value of property in the immediate vicinity of the parcel proposed for development The number, size, quality of the proposed planting materials and the balanced design for the buffers and interior islands will offer upgraded and positive value to the adjacent properties. 5. SPECIAL AREA OR SCENIC CORRIDOR PLAN The landscape treatment proposed in the comprehensive landscape program is consistent with any special area or scenic corridor plan which the City of Clearwater has prepared and adopted for the area in which the parcel proposed for development is located The proposed `Little Gem' Southern Magnolias will create a positive visual effect on pedestrians and vehicles driving along Gulf to Bay Boulevard.