Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 08/19/2024

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Senior Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the City has received an application from Ramsey at COR LLC for Preliminary Plat review of a proposed townhome development located on the block bordered by Rhinestone Street, Traprock Street, 146t1i Avenue, and Ramsey Parkway. The purpose of this case is to review the Landscape Plan and other natural resources aspects of the project. Environmental Policy Board (EPB) members may recall this project from early in 2023. Parkside Townhomes actually received Preliminary Plat approval, however, the applicant withdrew the application for Final Plat consideration to work through some items with his builder. Preliminary Plat approval is only valid for one year, and by the time the applicant was ready to move forward, the approval had expired. Acting Chairperson Moore asked the anticipated timing between phases. Senior Planner Anderson replied that there is not a specific timeline, as that often depends on how quickly units sell in the first phase. He stated that the third phase, which is not part of the application, is geared more for the future once this entire block is constructed. Motion by Board Member Bernard and seconded by Board Member Salami to recommend approval of the Landscape Plan, contingent upon compliance with staff's review comments. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Chairperson Moore, Board Member Bernard, Salami, Burgess, Hagerty, and Houts. Voting No: None. Absent: Chairperson Fetterley. 5.02: Discuss Potential Development of Performance Standards for Managed Natural Landscapes Senior Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that in 2007, the City of Ramsey amended Chapter 30 (Nuisances) of City Code to exempt natural landscape plant materials from the eight -inch height restriction for grass and weeds. In 2023, the State of Minnesota enacted State Statute 412.925 (Native Landscapes), which specifies that statutory and home rule charter cities must allow private property owners to install and maintain managed natural landscapes on private property. In 2024, Ramsey amended Chapter 30 (Nuisances) again, reiterating that natural landscapes are exempt from the vegetative height restrictions but also specifying that an approved management plan is required. However, there are no other standards in place regarding these managed natural landscapes. He reviewed potential standards that could be considered. Acting Chairperson Moore appreciated that there is growing interest in this, noting that she is doing several native plantings in her yard currently. She stated that she would support having a discussion related to boulevard type regulations. Senior Planner Anderson provided details on the road right-of-way, noting that while ideally the road would be centered within that right-of-way, it is not always. He stated that on average there could be 15 feet of right-of-way on each side, but that is not always the case. Acting Chairperson Moore commented that people should be able to do as they want with their own yard and therefore would only want to consider regulations in the boulevard, near the road. She stated that perhaps the management plan is a suggestion, as requiring that element may detract some people from wanting to pursue that endeavor. She commented that sometimes when you Environmental Policy Board / August 19, 2024 Page 2 of 5