Agenda - Planning Commission - 08/05/2010

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Transformations House Site Plan Review June 29, 2010 Page 6 of 7 determined by the canopy cover formula, the plan must include the total area of the site, total impervious area and total pervious area. • No less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the trees used to fulfill landscaping requirements shall be coniferous. Incorporation of some evergreen trees is needed. Minimum size at time of planting shall be at least five (5) feet in height. • A note should be added to the landscaping plan that specifically states all areas will be sodded unless otherwise noted (ie the wildflower/native grass area). Any alternative to sod, again such as the wildflower/native grass area, requires approval by the City Council. • Seed mix and/or species of wildflowers and native grasses must be identified on the plan as well as installation specifications. Identify how area will be established and maintained, initially to prevent erosion and long-term to prevent establishment or invasion of weeds. • Trees should not be installed within the wildflower/native grass area as these types of plants do not grow well in shade. • All disturbed areas not otherwise improved with structures, pavement and/or concrete shall have a minimum of six (6) inches of topsoil, meeting MnDOT Specification 3877C (Premium Topsoil Borrow), installed. This must be indicated on the plan. Load tickets and certification verifying material meets this specification will be required at time of inspection. • Tree Planting & Staking Detail must specify that first set of primary roots shall be at finished grade when installed. Trees planted too deeply will not be accepted. Please submit a revised landscaping plan that addresses these concerns. Density Transitioning: Density transitioning is required along a portion of the northern property line to provide a buffer between the proposed development and the existing single family homes. A combination of existing trees and new plantings may be used to satisfy the transitioning requirements. A transition from R-3 to R-1 requires a thirty-five (35) foot wide strip of land in common ownership with four (4) over story trees, four (4) evergreen trees, and four (4) under story trees per 100 feet of common boundary. The planting requirement can be reduced by half if a berm is used in addition to the plantings, which would also reduce the required minimum width of land held in common ownership to twenty-five (25) feet. There is approximately 276 feet of transition zone between the two districts along 142nd Avenue. If new plantings are installed to satisfy this requirement, minimum plant sizes are as follows: • Overstory deciduous trees: two and a half (2.5) inch caliper • Coniferous trees: six (6) feet in height • Understory (ornamental) trees: one and a half (1.5) inch caliper The plantings must be shown on the landscaping plan and included in a separate planting schedule, which shall include at a minimum: tree name (common and scientific), size, 39