Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/10/2006

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Preliminary Plat: Skyline Pointe June 30, 2006 Page 4 of 8 required, but there needs to be a greater emphasis on evergreen trees, such as firs or spruces, that will provide year-round buffeting. Please submit a revised landscaping plan not only includes a greater number of evergreens in the transitionlng areas but that also specifies those trees used for transitionlng purposes and those used for general landscaping enhancements. Also, it will be necessary to indicate individual tree numbers on the plan, which correspond to the preservation table, so that Staff can review the suitability of the existing trees in the transition areas. Depending on the species, condition, and size of existing trees in these areas, additional plantings may be necessary. Also, as part of density transitioning requirements, a reduction of density will be required on the south side of the plat, to conform to the low-density residential land use designation. Up to 12 units are permitted within the existing Haubrich Addition (4 units per acre). Tree Preservation: A tree inventory and preservation plan,' dated June 23, 2006, has been' submitted. The predominant species on this site include aspen; red cedar, and several species of pine, but there are also smaller numbers of bur oak, black walnut, and white and blue spruces. Approximately sixty percent (60%) of the trees will be preserved throughout the construction process. The tree preservation plan is generally acceptable with the following comments: · While the tree save fencing is noted in the comments, it should be shown on the Iandscapin~preservation plan and must be in place prior to any construction activity on the site. · As noted in the comments, when determining the final locale of the trail, the location of existing trees shall be taken into consideration and shall not conflict with the preservation plan. Wetlands: The site does include wetlands that are categorized as Manage 1, which require a wetland buffer that averages a width of twenty-five (25) feet (minimum width of 20 feet and maximum of 30 feet). Retention of acceptable natural vegetation is preferred within the buffer areas. Acceptable natural vegetation may include a continuous, dense layer of perermial grasses, an overstory of trees and shrubs with at least eighty percent (80%) canopy closer, or some combination thereof, and have been undisturbed for at least ten (I0) consecutive years. Areas without acceptable natural vegetation must be replanted in accordance with the seed mixture tabulations found in Chapter 3 of MNDOT's Guidelines for Restoring & Managing Native Wetland Vegetation regarding standards for establishing a buffer. Establishment and Initial maintenance of these areas shall be_ the responsibility of the developer for the first two (2) years. During that timeframe, any vegetation that does not survive must be replanted by the developer. The buffer area is required to be marked with appropriate monumentation (signs are available from the City) and cannot be graded or mowed. Monumentation shall be installed with a maximum spacing of 200 feet. At the time of final plat recording, the developer must record a notice of the wetland buffer requirement and prohibited activities against the title of each impacted lot with the office of the Anoka County Recorder. A complete list of prokibited activities is available from the Community Development department. Ground Cover/Irrigation: City Code requires all areas other~vise not improved to be established with sod. Staff is assuming that the development will comply with this requirement. 85