Agenda - Planning Commission - 12/04/2014

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Review File: Fire Station No. 2 (5650 Alpine Dr NW) Site Plan Review: Landscaping November 26, 2014 Page 2 of 3 • Add a note to the Landscape Plan stating that all disturbed areas not otherwise improved with impervious surfacing shall be covered with four (4) inches of topsoil meeting MnDOT's specification for Premium Topsoil Borrow (3877.3). • Shrub size at time of installation shall be at least twenty-four (24) inches. • The four (4) Fall Fiesta Sugar Maples should be replaced with an alternative species, as they don't tolerate urban conditions well (heat, compacted soils, deicing salts, etc.). • Three (3) Imperial Honeylocusts and four (4) Thornless Hawthorns along the reconstructed trail are shown within a transmission line easement. Written acknowledgement/acceptance of the proposed plantings from the easement holder should be obtained prior to installation of the trees. As an alternative, plantings should be relocated outside this easement to avoid conflict (future removal) with the purpose of the easement. • Planting plan and schedule conflict regarding the prairie dropseed and little bluestem numbers. This should be reconciled. • Trees/shrubs shall be warrantied for a minimum of two (2) years. • Boulevard area along Helium Street shall be finished with topsoil and sod (if it is not already). This note should be added to sheet L100. • The two (2) Princeton Elms south of the trail should be shifted to the east to ensure a clear site line for both pedestrians and motorist at the trail crossing. Tree Preservation: At least thirty percent (30%) of the inches of existing significant tree DBH must be preserved on the overall site. Significant trees are defined as all evergreens and oaks that have a DBH of four (4) inches or greater and all other deciduous trees with a DBH of eight (8) inches or greater. If less than thirty percent (30%) of the inches of existing significant tree DBH are retained, restitution will be necessary. This could be either 1.25 inches (diameter) of newly planted trees for each one (1) inch removed in excess of the threshold or a payment of $125.00 for each one (1) inch removed in excess of the threshold, or some combination thereof. Note that required landscaping does count toward satisfy the replanting requirement. A tree inventory must be submitted for all significant trees on the site. The inventory shall include the following: • Species, size (DBH), and condition. • Note whether a tree is being removed or saved (if it is being removed for installation of trail or stormwater pond, that should be noted as that does not count toward total removals). • A tally of total DBH inches for the site and a tally of DBH inches of trees being removed. • Prior to any removals occurring, the City shall have the opportunity to review and relocate any desirable trees. Topsoil: The project is subject to the City's topsoil requirement, which states that all disturbed areas not otherwise improved with walkways, driveway, home and other impervious surfacing, shall receive four (4) inches of topsoil meeting the City's topsoil specification. A topsoil inspection is required prior to landscaping being installed and copies of the load tickets are required as well. This is reviewed at time of Building Permit Application and request for Certificate of Occupancy. Bufferyard: Due to the residential lots adjacent to the project site in the southeast corner, a bufferyard shall be required. Within the bufferyard area, an additional twenty-five percent (25%) of the required plantings shall be installed. This requirement appears to be satisfied with the proposed plantings, which consist of a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees as well as shrubs. Best Management Practices (BMPs): The project provides an opportunity for the City to implement various BMPs as a demonstration available for other potential projects to observe and replicate. Staff will be discussing these ideas with the