01-14-10 Planning Comm. Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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markers that meet the requirements of the Watershed District. Since this area is currently within the Maplewood boundary, these suggestions are advisory at this time. Two smaller open space areas are also proposed within the City of Little Canada: Outlot A to the southwest of the intersection of Labore Road and Cherry Hill Lane, and Outlot B along the west side of Cherry Hill Lane. Outlot A is 0.12 acres and proposed to contain a landscaping berm, and Outlot B is 0.59 acres and proposed to contain a rain garden on the south end. The owners and maintenance details of the Outlots are not known at this time. This should be clarified in the Development Contract. Tree Preservation. The Existing Condition Sheet shows that the entire site currently contains dense tree cover. According to the R-1 Zoning District, development must be designed to retain a minimum of 30% of the existing tree crown cover. The plan notes state that the applicants have met this requirement. Staff is verifying compliance with this requirement. In support of the design, the plan notes state that 34% of the caliper inches of existing trees are remaining on the site under the proposed grading plan. In addition, the applicant is required to replace up to 30 caliper inches per acre of trees removed which are not necessary for streets, buildings or drainage. The applicant has designed the plat to minimize tree removal, and appears to have met this condition. Landscape Plan. Along with 34 trees, the Landscape Plan also proposes 36 shrubs and 590 perennials. The Subdivision Ordinance requires that the soil erosion and sediment control plan include landscaping of the erosion and sediment control system. Landscaping treatment is proposed for the rain gardens on the Landscape Plan, but no landscaping treatment is proposed surrounding the pond on Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 2. The Landscape Plan shall be updated to include landscaping treatment surrounding the pond. A retaining wall is proposed between the homes and Rain Garden #2 and the pond. Landscaping and an ornamental aluminum fence are also proposed at the entrance of the subdivision on Lot 1, Block 1 and Outlot A. An entry sign is also proposed to the southeast of the intersection of Labore Road and Cherry Hill Lane on Lot 1. The Comprehensive Plan states that the attractiveness of the East Portion of Little Canada shall be enhanced through a continuing program of civic beautification, including tree plantings and other measures that will promote an aesthetically pleasing environment. In this regard, staff recommends that every effort should be made to preserve as many trees as possible. RECOMMENDATION The proposed project is located in an area designated for low density residential land uses. The proposed density is consistent with low density residential development. The proposed use appears to be consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan, which designates this site for low density residential land uses. 4