#08 - At Home Apartments Premin Plat & PUD

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At Home Apartments – Preliminary PUD Plan Review – 1/10/24 2 Tree Preservation: 105. 12. 470 • A tree preservation plan has already been submitted that meets all requirements, which means that the updated tree preservation plan will also suffice. However, it should be noted that removals of some of trees along the northeast lot line may impact trees now intended to be preserved. If possible, fell the trees without removing the root system, as excavation could impact the critical root zone (CRZ) of trees intended to be preserved. o 105.12.470 (c) (13) b. says that “If an applicant damages or removes a significant tree that is intended to be preserved to the point that City staff believes the tree will not survive, the applicant must remit to the City a cash mitigation, calculated per diameter inch of the removed or damaged tree in the amount set forth in the City fee schedule.“ Landscape Requirements: 105. 12. 480 The landscape plan does not satisfy the screening requirements. • Elevations and cross-sections showing the screening approach along the northern edge of the property between this development and the existing single-family homes will be required to illustrate proposed mitigation of impacts of the development on less intense adjacent land uses. See examples of the screening graphics required in 105.12.480 (f)(1-2) of the code. Notes on screening approach: • Along the north edge of the western parcel, efforts appear to have been made to achieve the 90% opacity required by code through vegetative means, rather than by installing a fence that would potentially impact existing tree roots and their overall health. Elevations/cross- sections will be required to confirm the efficacy of this strategy. • Now that the applicant intends to preserve some existing trees along the northern edge of the eastern parcel, screening here can be achieved by a mixture of vegetative means (additional planting) where trees remain, and installation of a fence and planting of trees (as code advises) where many trees are being removed. Currently the planting plan does not appear to provide adequate year-round screening, as the applicant is proposing deciduous trees. Screening should be amended to include fencing, or additional evergreen plantings. Again, elevations and cross-sections will be required. Recommendation: • Make the noted adjustments to the landscape plan and resubmit for review. Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. Sarah Evenson, PLA (MN)