Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 09/15/2025

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Staff had correspondence with the MN DNR prior to this application being officially submitted to the City. At that time, the DNR noted that they would encourage the use of appropriate stormwater infiltration practices, such as riparian vegetation, permeable pavement, bioretention, etc. The Applicant is proposing to utilize riparian seed mixes for the infiltration basins ('Wet Ditch' and 'Emergent Wetland' seed mixes). Additionally, the majority of the tree species are native to Minnesota, and the project must comply with both the City's and the LRRWMO's stormwater management standards. Staff has forwarded the Site Plan and Landscape Plan to the DNR for official comment. Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan A tree inventory and preservation plan is required, but has not yet been submitted. However, if not for the need for a variance to the impervious surfacing coverage, this project would have been reviewed as an Administrative Site Plan. The same information that is required for a standard Site Plan is required for an Administrative Site Plan. The difference is that with an Administrative Site Plan, the civil plans (grading, utilities, landscaping, etc.) are reviewed as part of the Building Permit submittal. Thus, a tree inventory and preservation plan is still required, but will be reviewed when the Applicant applies for a building permit. Landscape Plan A Landscape Plan has been submitted. The required landscaping is based on the Canopy Cover Formula. As proposed, the Landscape Plan does meet the minimum square footage of canopy cover required. As already noted, the majority of the tree species are native. Ground cover will consist of turf sod and a couple variations of riparian seed mixes (for the two infiltration basins). There are some minor corrections necessary, as noted on the various plan sheets, but overall, the proposed landscaping is acceptable. Funding Source: All costs associated with this request are the Applicant's responsibility. Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the variance for impervious surface coverage and the Landscape Plan, contingent upon compliance with the review comments. Outcome/Action: Motion to recommend approval of Resolution #25-215 granting a variance to impervious surface coverage within the Shoreland Overlay District for Zero Zone. Site Location Map Applicant Narrative Site Plan Landscape Plan with Staff Review Comments Resolution #25-215 Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Brian Hagen Kalia Lor 09/11/2025 02:41 PM Form Started By: Chris Anderson Started On: 08/25/2025 01:29 PM Final Approval Date: 09/11/2025