Planning commission approves Bridge Park Medical landscape plan with conditions to protect utilities

The Peachtree City Planning Commission approved, on July 22, the landscape plan for Bridge Park Medical at 2035 Commerce Drive with a condition that the applicant be mindful of tree placement adjacent to water and sanitary lines.

Planning staff presented the plan and explained the site's impervious area triggers for canopy- and understory-tree caliper-inch requirements. Staff noted a conceptual condition from the original site approval that the perimeter of the stormwater pond be planted with evergreen landscaping; the submitted plan proposes a mix of canopy and evergreen species to meet that requirement. The applicant asked to use tree-fund alternative compliance for a portion of the canopy requirement, which staff said is permitted when all reasonable on-site plantings have been provided.

Warren Ella, representing the owner, said the development team tried to plant as many overstory and understory trees on site as practicable instead of donating to the tree fund. Commissioners raised minor plan clarifications: one commissioner asked whether a table on the landscape sheet misreported the number of trees to be donated; staff confirmed the report table is the authoritative source and that the map label would be corrected. Councilmembers also asked that proposed trees be relocated off of utility easements; the applicant agreed the contractor would account for utilities during installation and make field adjustments as needed.

Commissioner Chris moved to approve the plan with the condition that the applicant be considerate of tree placement adjacent to water lines. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff will require an as-built planting plan and minor in-field adjustment to avoid conflicts with water and sewer easements.