02-27-08 Additions - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

t1rnitiG 4 4ICSO(I•ATLS TnV nonru Memo TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Lee Elfering, City Engineer DATE: February 26, 2008 RE: R -1 District Tree Preservation To provide additional information to the City Council on the impacts of the proposed R -1 District changes we have reviewed the new Tree Preservation language and requirements proposed. Below is a summary of our findings and recommendations on the issue. To determine the adequacy of the 30% tree crown cover requirement we reviewed the last three proposed developments and then three properties that it is anticipated will be developed in the future. The latest proposed developments that were reviewed included the Richie Place, Canadian Woods, and Evergreen Hills. Of the three it appears that Richie Place and Canadian Woods would have met the 30% tree cover retainage requirement. The Evergreen Hills development would have been under the 30 %. However, it appears that Evergreen Hills would have met or been very close to meeting the limit if the cul -de -sac length was kept at its original shorter length. In looking at implementation of the requirement into the future, three other sites were reviewed based on some general development assumptions. Those properties are owned by Himmelbach, Battista, and Sculley. Based on our rough site layouts and anticipated grading all three sites would be able to meet the 30% tree canopy coverage retainage requirement. That is assuming that the entire parcel tree coverage area, including that within the wetland setbacks and on isolated corners of the property, is counted. While the location of the saved trees will be based mainly on the grading completed on the site and will typically be to the outside edges and more isolated areas of the development, the transplanting of trees would be done after grading was completed and the City could influence the location of these new trees. It is our opinion that the City should therefore require a guarantee or warranty for any trees that are transplanted. Transplanting of a 6" caliper tree is on the high end of the size range and as the size increases so does the tendency for the tree to die after transplanting. Most tree transplanting occurs with trees of the 2" to 4" caliper size due to the smaller root ball needed and therefore less stress to the tree. The Planner's intent with requiring 6" trees is to provide more of an initial impact on the screening and tree coverage and make protection of trees more financially beneficial to the developer. However, without a warranty or guarantee the results may fall short of expectations. If you have any questions please call me at (763) 780 -0450 extension 13. 10062 Flanders Court NE — Blaine, MN 55449 — Ph: (763) 780 -0450 Fax (763) 780 -0452 Memo - 022608 -CC (Tree Preservation)