Agenda - Council - 08/08/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-288— Preliminary Plat: Skyline Pointe June 30, 2006 Revised August 4, 2006 Page4of8 Density Transitioning: The preliminary plat proposes to construct townhomes adjacent to single - family homes, and requires density transitioning. City Code allows for a variety of measures to satisfy the density transitioning requirements. If landscaping is used to fulfill this standard, then Level 1 transitioning is required. A minimum of six (6) trees for every 100 feet of adjacent property, including two each of evergreens, overstory trees, and ornamental trees, are required along portions of the western and southern boundaries of the parcel. The areas subject to the transitioning requirements span approximately 500 feet and thus would require a minimum of thirty (30) trees. A combination of existing trees and new plantings are proposed for transitioning purposes. This combination appears to satisfy the minimum number of trees required, but there needs to be a greater emphasis on evergreen trees, such as firs or spruces, that will provide year -round buffering. Please submit a revised landscaping plan not only includes a greater number of evergreens in the transitioning areas but that also specifies those trees used for transitioning 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). It appears that the plat and Landscape Plan has been revised to accommodate these requirements. 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 landscaping /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 perennial 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 (10) 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