03-11-10 Planning Comm. Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

part upon advisory suggestions received from the City of Maplewood Planning Staff. Since that time however, it has been suggested that the lot layout and outlot configurations as illustrated on the submitted final plat are preferable. Tree Preservation. The entire site currently contains dense tree cover. According to the Subdivision Ordinance, the proposed development must be designed to retain a minimum of 30 percent of the existing tree crown cover. This requirement has been satisfied as 34 percent of the caliper inches of existing trees are to be retained. Landscaping. As part of the preliminary plat review, it was recommended that the landscape plan be updated to include landscaping around the pond contained within Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 2. Such condition remains applicable to the final plat. Development Agreement. The proposed subdivision is unique in that it overlays two jurisdictions. As a result, it will be necessary to coordinate issues related to plat approval, pond maintenance, code enforcement, utility service, taxes etc. with the City of Maplewood. These issues should be addressed within the Development Agreement. City approval of the final plat should be conditioned upon the execution of a formal agreement with the City of Maplewood and possibly Ramsey County on these and any other related matters. This issue should be subject to further comment and recommendation by the City Attorney. RECOMMENDATION The final plat is consistent with the approved preliminary plat in terms of street and lot layout. Of particular issue with the proposed subdivision are details related to the proposed conveyance of land to the adjacent County Park in return for County drainage and easements (to accommodate the proposed ponding area encroachment). The proposed final plat configuration has been found to be acceptable by the Ramsey County Parks Department, the City of Maplewood and City Staff. As a result, Staff recommends approval of the Gervais Woods final plat subject to the following conditions: 1. Issues related to grading, drainage and utilities (including ponding) be subject to comment and recommendation by the City Engineer. 2. The landscape plan (submitted as part of the preliminary plat application) be modified to include landscaping around the pond located within Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 2. 3. The applicant enter into a development agreement with the City and post all the necessary securities required by it. The agreement shall address City of Little Canada, City of Maplewood and Ramsey County responsibilities related 3