04/25/2001 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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YAH. SITE LANDSCAPING TO PROVIDE AN OVERALL ATTRACTIVE VISUAL IMAGE The landscape plans submitted with the site plan :application combine natural and formal planting styles within the parking lot area. The objectives of the landscape plans will be to provide visual screening to of the parking lot and loading dock area, and provide shade and ornament to the parking lot area. Per the direction of the City, the plant pallet consists largely of plant materials that are unique to Minnesota and more native to Lino Lakes. In addition, plant materials were selected on their ability to survive the conditions of this development. The City Ordinance defines a significant tree as any hardwood deciduous tree 6" caliper or greater, any softwood deciduous tree of 8" caliper or greater, and any coniferous tree of 12' height or greater. See Exhibit D, Significant Tree Survey. The tree survey logged 752 trees however 566 are "significant trees" as defined by ordinance. The proposed grading activities will require the removal of 474 significant trees. In addition, the City has requested that all Aspen and Cottonwood be removed from the site. An additional twenty-one (21) "significant" Aspen and Cottonwood will be removed that would have been preserved during the grading process. The total tree removal count is then at 495 significant trees. Refer to Exhibit C — Tree Removal for more specifics on the common name of trees on site and those removed. The City does not have a tree mitigation /replacement guideline. In lieu of this requirement, the APPLICANT believes that the proposed landscaping plan meets the goals and objectives of the City's landscaping requirements. The site grading activities will result in the removal of 21 Tamarack trees from the property. Specific to this action, sixty-seven (67) Tamarack trees will be planted in the northwest and east areas of the site, surrounding and in the bio- retention basins. The City Zoning Ordinance requires the use of planting strips at property lines. Per the request of the City, berms have not been incorporated into the planting strips to allow the treatment of storm runoff in bio - swales. The APPLICANT will be proposing to meet and exceed all landscaping requirements. The perimeter of the property is landscaped with a combination of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. Landscaping will be incorporated throughout the site. Planted islands will also be incorporated into the parking lots and along drive aisles to provide for parking lot 'definition. A variety of landscaping materials the plant pallet consists largely of plant materials that are unique to Minnesota and more native to Lino Lakes to improve the aesthetics of the parking and drive areas. Minimum sizes for plant materials are as follows: Potted /Bare Root B &B Shade Trees: 2" dia. 2" dia Half Trees: 6 -7' ht. 1 1/2" dia. Evergreen Trees: 3 -4' ht. Tall Shrubs: 3 -4' ht. 3 -4' ht. Low Shrubs: 18 -24" ht. 18 -24" ht. PARSONS TRANSPORTATION GROUP Barton- Aschman • De Lew. Cather, • Steinman Town Center Narrative Page - 14 - 04/09/01