HomeMy WebLinkAbout3516 S MASON MEDICAL AND RETAIL MARIJUANA STORE - BDR200011 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 2 - RESPONSE TO STAFF REVIEW COMMENTS (2)APPLICANT’S SUPPLEMENTAL RESPONSES TO COMMENTS FROM ENVIRONMENTAL
PLANNING
Please note the observations and analysis provided in the ECS, as follows.
Section 3.4.1 of the LUC calls for buffers of various widths around natural habitats and special features.
However, the study area currently provides little to no ecological function because about 90 percent of
the area consists of buildings and impervious surfaces. Within the study area, the canal consists of
nearly vertical banks with a narrow fringe of wetlands dominated by reed canarygrass along the toe of
slope and uplands containing Canada thistle. Because of the steep banks, isolated pockets of woody
vegetation, and dominance of nonnative species, the portion of the canal in the study area has low-
quality habitat and is likely only used occasionally by wildlife. Furthermore, there is no suitable habitat
for federally threatened or endangered species or locally sensitive species in the study area. The canal
and adjacent wetlands may be under the jurisdiction of the Corps; however, 3516 South Mason Street
LLC is not proposing any activities along the canal that would trigger the need for a Section 404 permit.
ECS, pp 5-6
RE the restoration/enhancement of the area between the canal and the building (the
restoration area), the ECS states:
As part of purchasing the property, 3516 South Mason Street LLC is proposing to convert 0.03 acre of
the existing 0.041-acre gravel pad into a native upland grassland (Figure 3) and to implement a noxious
weed treatment plan [a]long the canal. Because of the likelihood that the water running off from the
adjacent parking lots would have high nutrients and salts and because of the proximity to the canal, ERO
recommends using the City Natural Areas alkaline seed mix. A few native upland tree and shrub species
would also be planted along the top of the bank of the canal. Converting the gravel area to a native
upland would increase the ecological functions in the study area by improving water infiltration,
reducing nutrient-rich runoff from entering the canal, and creating habitat for small wildlife and
pollinators.
ECS, p 6
Please note however that as per the site visit with representatives of Larimer County
Canal Number Two Irrigating Company (the ditch company) and the City Staff the
ditch company requested there be restrictions on planting new vegetation in the
restoration area. Therefore, the applicant will not be planting any trees or shrubs in
the restoration area. Please see updated landscape plan that has been revised in
response to comments from City staff and the ditch company. Also note that based
on discussions between ERO and City staff, the recommended seed mix has been
changed to NHBZ Buffer Zone Utility Seed Mix.