Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 05/15/2017

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Environmental Policy Board (EPB) 5. 3. Meeting Date: 05/15/2017 By: Chris Anderson, Community Development Information Title: Consider Tree Preservation Plan related to Sketch Plan for Estates of Silver Oaks 2nd Addition Purpose/Background: The City has received a Sketch Plan for a proposed eight (8) lot subdivision to be known as Estates of Silver Oaks 2nd Addition. The site is located east of TH 47 and north of 162nd Lane. Normally a Sketch Plan includes a simple layout of lot configuration for initial review and feedback from the Planning Commission; however, this submittal was more detailed in nature and did include a Tree Preservation Plan. The site is currently zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) and thus, as proposed, a Zoning Amendment and Comprehensive Plan amendment would also be needed. Observations/Alternatives: The City's Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) identifies the majority of this site as a moderate quality oak forest. Additionally, it is part of a larger, contiguous natural area/corridor. Development of this site should be done with conservation principles or strategies in mind to avoid, at least to the extent feasible, fragmenting this natural corridor. Furthermore, since this is a fairly dense canopy dominator by oak, an oak wilt management plan should be developed to minimize the chances of introduction or spread of the oak wilt fungus. The Tree Preservation Plan is lacking certain information to make a determination as to whether it complies with City Code or not. Again, this is more detailed information than normally submitted for Sketch Plan, but nonetheless, it is information that will ultimately be needed. The plan submittal is also deficient with regard to a Landscape Plan. Once again, not a requirement for Sketch Plan, which is why we are continuing with review of the application, but will be needed for the next step in the review process (Preliminary Plat). More information is required on the Tree Preservation Plan before Staff can make a formal recommendation. Again, the developer is ahead of the game in terms of the level of detail with the plan submittal for Sketch Plan, so while some detail is lacking, they have made a concerted effort provide greater detail than typical at this stage. Funding Source: All costs associated with this request are the responsibility of the Applicant. Action: No formal action is being sought at this stage. Attachments Site Location Map Sketch Plan NRI Image Tree Preservation Plan