Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/09/2006

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Shade Tree Cree,~ Preliminary Pint Review January 25, 2006 2of5 Existing Structures: Any structures propnsed to remain must conform to the genera[ building orientation and driveway direction as the newly created lots. k appears the Let 12, Block I[s proposed to be ct/eared differently than the new houses. Facades improvements or other methods to reorient the existing house wili be required as part of finai plat. Landscaping Plan: The following comments are offered regarding the landscaping plan, dated December 2.~, 200~. City Code requires that every single ~.~mily let receive twvo (2) overstory trees, consisting of a mixture of coniferous and deciduous species (not [ess than 25% of either type). The proposed plantings are acceptable; however, less than one percent (I %) of the existing vegetation consists cf evergreens. Taerefore, to remain consistent with the current natural landscape, a combination of oaks, disease resistant American elms,- and basswoods would be acceptable [n lieu of the evergreen plantings. If there are changes to the planting schedule, a revised plan should be submitted. Tree Preservat/oa Plan: The tree preservation plan [s generally acceptable with one concern. There appears to be an opportunity to preserve a amber of trees on the western side of Lots 1-6 Block 2. Staff is requesting that an effor~ be made to preserve some of these tx'ecs or provide reasoning as to why they cannot be saved. Wetlands: A portion of the property is wetland. The C[~ 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 I mast be checked to verify that a structure built on this lot can conform to t~is setback, with an additional building setback of 15 feet from the edge cf the buffer. The required wetland buffer area must be shown as part of the landscaping plan. Ex/sting vegetation, specifically a dense [ayer of perennial ~aases and/or trees and s~-ubs with at least 80% canopy closure, which have been uncultivated for at [east ten (10) years, may satisfy fffis requirement. Documentation must be supplied to verify that existing conditions fulfill th/s standard. If these conditions do net exist, p{ease 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 Additionally, all wetland buffers must be marked with appropriate monumentatlon and carmot be ~aded or mowed. Roadways are not required to be buffered when they will require filI to be ~onstructed. It appears that the plat will require wetland filling. A Lower Rum River Water Management Organization Permit (LLRWMO) is required for tkis plat. Final plat approval will be contingent on receipt of this permit. 19