Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/06/2003

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78 A traffic impact analysis was prepared for this subdivision by Benshoof & Associates. A copy of the report will be provided at the Planning Commission meeting. The subdivision will generate 1,168 trips in a 24-hour period (584 entering and 584 exiting) vehicle trips daily. The majority of these trips will be handled by Sunwood Drive going eastbound and westbound. The two connections to local streets (Tungsten Way and 146th Ave.) will see little traffic impact. The preliminary plat shows the connection of Tungsten Way from the Chestnut Hill subdivision. The submitted grading and drainage plan is generally acceptable subject to corrections as noted in the Staff.Review Letter. In regards to density transition requirements, the Developer is showing the use of landscape buffering to fulfilI density transition requirements. As mentioned in the Staff Review Letter; the applicant will need to add some additional plantings to meet the required planting schedule. A tree preservation plan has been included as part of the preliminary plat submittal. Tree preservation areas are indicated on the plan and shows approximately 2.5 acres of trees being preserved or about 30% ofthe existing tree cover. Above and beyond the trees that are slated for preservation, there is tremendous potentia[ to preserve a number of young red and white oaks by relocating them with a tree spade. Staff recommends on site inspections with the applicant to identify possible candidates for relocation. Tom Hovey of the DNR has reviewed the development plan and has indicated that the. plan is generally acceptable. The DNR has indicated that the density of units Contained within: the Shoreland Overlay District is a little more than they would typically like to see, but given the amount of open space presereed as part of the development and the fact that there will be less stormwater runoff into Sunfish Lake than currently occurs, the DNR finds the plan acceptable. Since a portion of the development property is within the Shoreland Overlay District, City Ordinances require additional environmental review be undertaken. The majority of the review criteria regards grading and filling within the Shoreland area. These issues are reviewed as part of the Lower Rum River Water Management permit process. The other main component of the required environmental-review deals with the .protection of trees. The City Mil, as in previous developments, require best management practices be used during grading around trees. Also, the submitted tree preservation plan complies with the required review regarding tree removal. Recommendation: Given the unknown outcome of what portions of the PUD request will be allowed, Staff is unable to make a recommendation at this time. However, if the issues are resolved and the Planning Commission wants to consider recommending approval of the plan, Staff has-attached a resolution for consideration. Commission Action: Will be based on your discussion.