Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 06/28/2021

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stated that a third option would be to state that this method does not meet the Code and the typical process would need to be followed. Chair Covart commented that she likes efficiency and understands the request from the developer but would prefer to follow City Code. Board Member Fetterley asked if a sample of accuracy could be provided. She commented that she does not feel that she has enough information to say an exception could be granted. Board Member Hiatt stated that it might be helpful to know what the developer is looking at in terms of cost savings and energy savings. He stated that if the potential to be reasonably accurate is there and it would cost five times as much to complete the review required by Code, he would see that as a reasonable request. He stated that he wants to work with developers when it makes sense. He noted that City Planner Anderson stated that this method could be fairly accurate, and the statement could be made that this is being allowed because it is unique in that it was a planted area. He believed that the developer should provide that additional information to support their request. He stated that two examples were given of where this method is used, but neither seems really comparable to this situation. Board Member Valentine commented that it is not that complex to determine whether or not this would be a similar method for calculation and characterization of the area. He stated that it does not appear there is full support for this approach as of yet. Chair Covart asked that staff bring this back at the next meeting with additional information provided and an invitation for the developer to attend. City Planner Anderson stated that he agrees from a forestry standpoint this would be accurate, but the question would be related to the deviation from policy. He stated that if this method is found to be acceptable, he would prefer direction to amend the Code to allow an alternative method such as this when certain conditions are met. Board Member Moore commented that she is unsure that she would feel comfortable changing Code requirements for this type of development. She noted that from the aerial map there are two properties that could fall under the same characterization, along with other areas in Ramsey. She stated that she would not be comfortable changing the requirements for the tree count and vegetation count for this type of development. She stated that the role of the EPB is not to make it easier for developers. Chair Covart commented that perhaps the developer would not need to attend the July meeting and the information desired could simply be provided by staff. Board Member Little stated that he would be curious as to the cost of doing the calculation under Code as well as the cost to use the method proposed by the developer. He stated that he would find that information helpful in making a determination on whether it would be appropriate to consider amending the Code. 6. BOARD / STAFF INPUT Environmental Policy Board / June 28, 2021 Page 8 of 9