Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/02/2006

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Shade Tree Creek Preliminary Plat Review January 26, 2006 2of$ Existing Structures: Any structures proposed to remain must conform to the general building orientation and driveway direction as the newly created lots. It appears the Lot 12, Block 1 is proposed to be oriented differently than the new houses. Facades improvements or other methods to reorient the existing house will be required as part of final plat. Landscaping Plan: The following comments are offered regarding the landscaping plan, dated December 23, 2005: City Code requires that every single family lot receive two (2) overstory trees, consisting of a mixture of coniferous and deciduous species (not less than 25% of either type). The proposed plantings are acceptable; however, less than one percent (1%) of the existing vegetation consists of evergreens. Therefore, to remain consistent with the cun-ent natural landscape, a combination of oaks, disease resistant American elms,- and basswoods would be acceptable in lieu of the evergreen plantings. If there are changes to the planting schedule, a revised plan should be submitted. Tree Preservation Plan: The tree preservation plan is generally acceptable with one concern. There appears to be an opportunity to preserve a number of trees on the western side of Lots I-6 Block 2. Staff is requesting that an effort be made to preserve some of these trees or provide reasoning as to why they cannot be saved. Wetlands: A portion of the property is wetland. The City has adopted a wetland buffer ordinance that applies to your plat. The wetland is determined to be categorized as "Preserve" and requires a minimum buffer of 25 feet, and an average buffer of 30 feet. Lot 9, Block 1 must be checked to verify that a structure built on this lot can conform to this setback, with an additional building setback of 15 feet from the edge of the buffer. The required wetland buffer area must be shown as part of the landscaping plan. Existing vegetation, specifically a dense layer of perennial grasses and/or trees and shrubs with at lea?t 80% canopy closure, which have been uncultivated for at least ten (10) years, may satisfy this requirement. Documentation must be supplied to verify that e,,dsfing conditions fulfill this standard. If these conditions do not exist, please refer to the seed mixture tabulations found in Chapter 3 of MNDOT's Guidelines for Restoring & Managing Native Wetland Vegetation regarding standards for establishing the buffer areas. Additionally, all wetland buffers must be marked with appropriate monumentation and cannot be graded or mowed. Roadways are not required to be buffered when they will require fill to be constructed. It appears that the plat will require wetland filling. A Lower Rum River Water Management Organization Permit (LLRWMO) is required for this plat. Final plat approval will be contingent on receipt of this permit. 19