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Landscaping per Disturbed Acre: Staff recommends that the City deny the variance request from the total <br />number of trees, this would result in an added 45 trees in the development to meet the 5 trees per disturbed <br />acre requirement. The variance denial could be based on the following findings: <br />(1) Practical difficulties. <br />The request by the developer to reduce the overall number of tees is not based on site specific criteria. The <br />property is being used in a reasonable manner, however, the site has sufficient area to allow for a <br />development to meet the City’s landscaping requirements. <br />(2) Unique circumstances. <br />Circumstances are not present on this site that would otherwise limit the planting of new trees. Proposed <br />rural lots have sufficient area for the location of the required tree plantings. <br />(3) Character of locality. <br />Approval of the proposed variance will result in a development with fewer trees per disturbed area than other <br />new developments in Lake Elmo. In this way, the development will alter the character of the locality. <br />(4) Adjacent properties and traffic. <br />The proposed variance will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to property adjacent to the property <br />in question or substantially increase the congestion of the public streets. The number of trees planted will not <br />reflect other new developments and could have an adverse impact on surrounding properties or their value. <br /> <br />Sidewalk on one side of street: Variances to the provisions of the Subdivision Ordinance must meet the criteria <br />listed in LEC 103.00.110 (c). Staff recommend approval of this request based on the following findings: <br />(1) The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner. The design of the development is <br />consistent with the other provisions of this ordinance. <br />(2) The proposed development is a rural development with large lots. Sidewalks are not a common element in <br />rural developments. <br />(3) The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. There are no sidewalks located in <br />the adjacent Lake Elmo developments. <br /> <br />Preliminary Plat. Staff recommends approval of the Preliminary Plat based on the following findings: <br />1. The preliminary plat is consistent with the intent of the 2040 Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan and the <br />2040 Land Use Map for this area. <br />2. The preliminary plat generally complies with the City’s Subdivision regulations and does not meet the <br />criteria for denial in Section 103.00.090 (d)(2). <br />3. The preliminary plat generally complies with the City’s Zoning Code with the exceptions provided for in <br />requested variances. <br />4. The preliminary plat generally complies with the City’s design standards. <br /> <br />RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: <br />Staff recommends approval of the Preliminary Plat with the following conditions: <br />1. Prior to the City finding any application for a final plat complete, the applicant shall fully address all <br />comments in the following review memos to the satisfaction of the City: <br />a. City Engineer’s memo dated 3/24/2026 <br />b. City Landscape Architect’s memo dated 3/31/2026