Agenda - Planning Commission - 05/28/2026

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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Date: 05/28/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: 6. 1. Information Title: PUBLIC HEARING: Consider an Ordinance Amendment to City Code Section 106-354 (Private Trees in New Development Areas) Purpose/Background: Recently, the City Council approved a variance for a development project authorizing the use of a different methodology to complete the required tree inventory. When the City Council approved this variance, they also directed Staff to prepare an ordinance amending City Code that would allow Staff to review and approve alternative methodologies rather than requiring a project to seek a variance. The purpose of this case is to consider a draft Ordinance amending the tree preservation standards. Notification: A public hearing notice was placed in the Legal section of the Anoka Union Herald newspaper. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: Language has been added specifying that alternative methods for collecting significant tree data can be approved by the Zoning Administrator (defined in City Code as the Community Development Department) with sufficient documentation/information that supports and justifies such a request. Additionally, clarification was added regarding what trees may be exempted from the removal threshold calculation (exempting trees infested with Emerald Ash Borer [EAB] or infected with Oak Wilt or Dutch Elm Disease). The Environmental Policy Board (EPB) reviewed the draft Ordinance Amendment at their May 11, 2026, meeting. There was brief discussion regarding whether any diseased tree should be exempted from the removal calculation or limit it to those maladies that are generally considered to be lethal without treatments. Ultimately, the EPB unanimously supported and recommended approval of the draft Ordinance Amendment as written. The City Attorney has also reviewed the draft Ordinance Amendment and had no concerns with it. Funding Source: This case is being handled as part of Staffs regular duties. Recommendation: The Environmental Policy Board recommends adopting Ordinance #26-09, amending the tree preservation standards to authorize Staff to approve alternative methodologies used for collecting tree data and clarifying that certain diseased or insect infested trees are exempt from the removal threshold calculation. Outcome/Action: Motion to recommend City Council adopt Ordinance #26-09 amending City Code Section 106-354 granting Staff the ability to approve alternative methodologies for collecting tree data and clarifying that certain diseased or insect infested trees are exempt from the removal threshold calculation.