Agenda Packets - 1997/02/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item No. 10 - 7:020 p rn. Staff Report No.q7-1977 C.... Meeting Date: 2/245/97 110 Type of Business: PH WK Work Session;PH:Public Hearing; CA:Consent Agenda;CB:Council Business City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Mayor and City Council From: James Ericson, Planning Associate Item Title/Subject: Public Hearing and Introduction for First Reading of Ordinance No. 594, An Ordinance Amending Chapters 606, 607 and 1005 of the Mounds View Municipal Code Related to the Requirement to Mow Tall Grasses and Creating an Exemption for Wetland and Native Vegetation; Planning Case No. SP-012-97 Date of Report: February 20, 1997 Summary: This Code amendment was prompted by a situation that developed last year when the City asked Keith King, property owner of 8380 Greenwood Drive, to mow an area in his rear yard that had 110 been left to grow natural. Staff learned that this area is boggy, and at times, wet, resulting in wetland type vegetation to grow if left undisturbed. Our Code, however, makes no exception for such land uses or landscape treatments. Analysis: The Mounds View Nuisance Code enumerates as a nuisance All noxious weeds, "tall grasses" defined as anything over 8 inches (8'9 in height, and other rank growths. Property owners are responsible for the mowing and/or removal of such noxious weeds and tall grasses. The area in the rear yard of 8380 Greenwood exceeded the eight-inch height limitation. Staff had the opportunity to inspect Mr. King's backyard to view the area unmown and did not find it objectionable. Mr. King keeps the natural area well-managed and separate from any adjacent property lines. This Code amendment would allow for the following areas and types of vegetation to be exempted from this provision if managed in a manner so as not to become infested with noxious weeds or to create a stagnant, foul smelling condition: • Native wetland vegetation found in floodplains, drainage ponds or ditches which store and convey stormwater. • Native vegetation found in natural areas which are part of public open space, parks and nature centers.