09-22-2004 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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site, or if wetlands are present, work with the City and Watershed District on avoidance and /or mitigation efforts. This proposed plat was on the agenda of the Parks Commission at its May 6th meeting. The applicants should be prepared to comply with recommendation of the Parks Commission with regard to park or trail dedication, or fees if appropriate. The grading of the site will eliminate virtually all of the natural vegetation on the site. The City's zoning ordinance requires that the loss of significant trees to development requires a 1:1 replacement, up to a maximum of 30 caliper inches per acre. A survey of trees should has been provided. The applicants have stated that apart from the identified trees, the primary vegetation on the site is scrub. According to the survey data, a total of 550 caliper inches of trees will be affected by the grading. At 5.5 acres, a tree replacement requirement of 165 caliper inches is required. A landscaping plan should be prepared identifying compliance with this requirement. Planning staff would recommend that the plan focus on areas adjacent to the proposed ponds and common areas where natural areas could be reestablished. Summary and Recommendation The Gervais Hills Preliminary Plat appears to meet or exceed all of the city's R -1 zoning requirements. Unresolved issues include the following: Potential wetland impacts along the drainage swale in the east half of the parcel. 2. Park dedication requirements per Parks Commission recommendation. 3. Tree replacement and landscaping as noted in this report. 4. Engineering issues noted in the report from the City Engineer. With the condition that these issues are resolved prior to presentation of the Preliminary Plat to the City Council, planning staff recommends approval of the plat as presented. pc: Kathy Glanzer Steve Westerhaus Lee Elfering Greg Schroeder Jon Wesley Investments, 275 3`d Street South, Stillwater, MN 55082