Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 12/16/2019

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CITY OF RAMSEY LAND USE APPLICATION TECHNICAL REVIEW FILE DATE PROJECT. TITLE ESCROW # DEPARTMENT: TECHNICAL REVIEWER: DECEMBER 11, 2019 PROJECT ADDRESS DC TOWNHOMES (GARDEN VIEW VILLAS) 117177 TBD Planning Division (Landscape Plan & Environmental Resources) Name: Chris Anderson Phone: 763-433-9817 Email: candersonn,citvoframsev.com We offer the following comments regarding the civil engineering plans, prepared by Landform and dated December 2, 2019: Sheet Ll • Based on the Canopy Cover Formula, 80,986 square feet of canopy cover is required. The proposed landscaping equates to 75,230 square feet of canopy cover. Additional plantings must be incorporated to comply with the minimum planting requirements. • Greater diversity of species should be incorporated into the Plant Schedule. At least one other genus (preferably two or more) shall be incorporated to protect against threats such as Oak Wilt. • There is an existing boulevard along 147t' Lane that is sufficiently wide enough to accommodate shade trees. There are one or two existing trees along this stretch of boulevard and from an aesthetic perspective, adding some boulevard plantings would enhance the 'curb appeal' of this project. • Under Landscape Requirements, adjust text so that the quantities are properly aligned and add note to specify that separate plantings are required for Density Transitioning. • Density Transitioning is required along the northern boundary of the project, spanning from the western boundary to the wetland. The Planning Commission was supportive of a reduced buffer width, but plantings, separate from the base landscaping requirements determined by the Canopy Cover Formula, are required. Plantings shall consist of eight (8) overstory trees, eight (8) evergreen trees, and eight (8) understory trees per 100 feet of common boundary line (approximately 550 feet in length). • Revise Plant Schedule to specify that shrub size at installation shall be at least 24 inches in height. • Sod is required within all boulevard areas (at least the first ten [10] feet back from street). • Four (4) inches of topsoil, with no more than 35% sand content, is required across all disturbed areas not otherwise improved with impervious surfacing. • Specify if an in -ground irrigation system will be installed. If so, a permit is required and the system must be equipped with both a rain sensor and some form of water efficient technology, such as a smart controller, soil moisture sensor, etc. • At least forty percent (40%) of existing, significant tree inches must be preserved onsite. If removals exceed this threshold, reforestation at a rate of 1.25 inches for every 1 inch removed over the threshold, or $125 per 1 inch removed over the threshold, or some combination thereof, shall be provided. • Tree Preservation data must be updated. Please add tallies for: o Total Significant Tree inches on site; o Proposed Significant Tree inches to be preserved;