Agenda Packets - 2003/12/08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Longview Estates Council Report December 8, 2003 Page 4 Vegetation: The seven acre site is heavily wooded and acts as a significant wind break and buffer to the homes on the east side of Longview Drive. The current proposal w ould require the removal of virtually every tree outside of the wetlands, as well as many of the trees within the wetlands. While the City does not have a tree preservation ordinance or tree replacement policy that would protect or preserve some of the trees, the City can require that grading activity be prohibited within its right of way to every extent possible. Only grading for the installation of driveways should be permitted in the City’s right of way. To ensure that trees are not inappropriately removed, the Council may require as a condition of preliminary plat approval that the applicant submit a tree inventory of significant trees (the City Forester will make the determination as to what constitutes a “significant” tree) prior to final plat approval. Trailways: The City’s policy is to require the project’s developer to install any necessary sidewalks and trailways in conjunction with the project construction. While the Comprehensive Plan indicates that a trailway is needed on Silver Lake Road, the City Council will need to determine whether a trailway should be included as a condition of preliminary plat approval. Given that there are no sidewalks or trails on Silver Lake Road in this area, such an installation would be beneficial and would allow the new residents on Silver Lake Road to walk safely north to County Road H2 or south to the trails in Woodcrest Park and beyond to County Road H. Hydrology: Approximately fifty percent of the Longview Estates site is delineated wetland, so hydrology concerns are paramount and will need to be thoroughly reviewed before development can be approved. One such opportunity for review is addressed in Section 1010 of the City Code which requires a wetland alteration permit if any work is proposed within a wetland. (The standards for alteration permit review are attached for the Council’s reference.) The developer shall apply for a city wetland alteration permit as a condition of preliminary plat approval and shall receive approval of said permit before the final plat can be considered. In addition, because of the size of the site and the presence of the wetlands, Rice Creek Watershed District will need to review the proposed subdivision. The developer, as a condition of preliminary plat approval, shall also apply for a receive approval of a Watershed permit before the final plat can be reviewed. The final plat shall reflect all changes required by the watershed district. Soils: Much public discussion has been focused on the soil composition of the site and its suitability for residential development. The applicant has stated that there would be a need to excavate the organic soil and replace it with a more suitable material. It is uncertain how much earth will need to be excavated to create buildable pads which is why soil borings will need to be performed (at least one boring per lot.) The soil boring data will need to be submitted in concert with the wetland alteration permit application for review by the City’s engineer.