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5.01: Consider Natural Resources Elements of Homestead Road Subdivision <br />City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He reported that the City has received an <br />application for a three -lot subdivision known as Homestead Road. He stated that the application <br />includes review of a Preliminary Plat and a Variance to lot depth. He noted that no new roads are <br />proposed with the development and the site already has municipal utilities stubbed in as a result <br />of a previous road improvement project. He stated that the development site is located at 7131 <br />166th Avenue NW and noted that a significant portion of the subject property is encumbered with <br />wetland and floodway. He recommended approval of the Tree Preservation Plan and the Variance <br />request contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter. <br />Chairperson Stodola commented that the staff report was well thought out and informative. <br />City Councilmember LeTourneau asked if rain gardens are used widely throughout the City in this <br />purpose. <br />City Planner Anderson stated that the City is not commonly using them throughout the City. He <br />stated that a few of the multi -family townhome developments have used rain gardens as part of <br />their stormwater management but he was not aware of a single-family home development that <br />currently uses that method. He provided additional details on rain gardens. He stated that rain <br />gardens are becoming more popular throughout the metro area and noted that there are other <br />opportunities in the City where rain gardens could be used. <br />Board Member Valentine stated that rain gardens are becoming more popular in single family <br />home settings. He stated that he created three rain gardens on one of his properties which work <br />very well and are very efficient. He was confident that the rain gardens would be a good fit but <br />noted that the long-term maintenance would need to be identified to ensure peak performance. <br />City Councilmember LeTourneau stated that he does love the idea but just wanted to learn more <br />information on the topic to ensure that it would be a good fit. <br />Board Member Valentine noted that the rain garden would need to be designed to the right size to <br />ensure it would work correctly. <br />City Planner Anderson stated that the engineering staff will review the plans to ensure the rates <br />and volumes are met. He stated that education is a part of the long-term maintenance to ensure <br />those conducting the maintenance know which items remain and which need to be removed. He <br />explained that water is intended to filter through the rain garden and not hold water for long periods <br />of time. <br />Motion by Board Member Valentine and seconded by Chairperson Stodola to recommend <br />approval of the Tree Preservation Plan and the Variance request contingent upon compliance with <br />the Staff Review Letter. <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Stodola, Board Member Valentine, Anderson, Bernard, <br />Covart, and Trossen. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Member Hiatt. <br />Environmental Policy Board / March 20, 2017 <br />Page 2 of 5 <br />