09-13-07 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 13, 2007 related to wetland issues. Soby reported that a final wetland delineation has been done for this property, which has been confirmed by the Ramsey- Washington Metro Watershed District. This delineation has been used in developing the Preliminary Plat. The second issue was with future road connections and the best location for these connections given the existing wetlands. Soby reported that the Preliminary Plat provides for road connections to adjacent properties. He also noted the submittals showing potential development scenarios for the adjacent properties. A third issue raised in the concept review stage was with storm water and ponding. Soby reported that based on the City Engineer's comments they have made some changes to the Preliminary Plat, and he highlighted those changes for the Commission. The City Planner noted that the changes result in the same number of lots, just a shifting of lot lines. Knudsen asked about the impact on existing trees. Soby replied that the plat will comply with the City's tree replacement ordinance which requires 30 caliper inches per acre of property. Soby estimated that 6 acres of property will be disturbed, and that 80 to 90 trees will meet the minimum replacement requirement. As lots are developed, those trees will be replaced and there may be potential to exceed the minimum replacement requirement. The City Planner noted that a specific landscape plan has not been submitted. His office has asked for a plan as the project proceeds through the approval process given that a good share of replacement will occur as lots are developed and the developer works with individual buyers. The Planner indicated that a common area landscape plan will be needed for the ponding areas. The Planner reviewed the City Engineer's report and indicated that the City Engineer is working with the applicant to design a drainage system that will respect the adjacent wetlands and manage storm water while complying with both the City's and the Watershed's requirements. The Planner noted that the City Engineer has indicated that water flows off site to the west will be reduced as a result of the storm water design for this project. The project will impact existing vegetation, but will improve run-off. Socha asked about Outlot 2. Soby noted that Outlot 2 has been eliminated as the property lines for the three lots in Maplewood have been extended to incorporate Outlot 2 into those three lots. The City Planner indicated that Maplewood City Staff has agreed with Little Canada's recommendation for the elimination of Outlot 2. Duray asked about the length of the cul-de-sac. Soby reported that the cul- de-sac length is the same as was proposed during concept review. He noted that there have been discussions that the cul-de-sac needs to be the length it -6-