Minutes - 2006/09/25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council September 25, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 14 Director Ericson stated there have been many wetland alterations that have never been reflected on the City's official zoning maps. He said the City would take a comprehensive look at the wetlands, which would allow the City the opportunity to post the maps online and give the City a format to update the maps accordingly. Director Ericson noted several issues that may warrant discussion, such as whether a drainage ditch will require a setback and similar issues. Mayor Marty said Mounds View's current regulations are more protective of wetlands. He stated that regulations, which may apply to certain activities, are enforced by Mounds View only, and there is extensive latitude that may be given in the buffer areas. He stated he would like the word "extensive" changed to "some" or "limited." He also noted that he was under the impression that all buffer zoned permits need to come before the Planning Commission and Council. Director Ericson stated that many requests, such as fences or garages, are approved administratively, but anything beyond 1248 square feet must come back to the City for review. He stated there are a number of criteria in the code that must be satisfied for approval. He stated there must not be a negative impact to the wetland in order for such a request to be approved. Director Ericson gave the example that if a driveway is approved, it may be required to be graded in an opposite direction. He stated small projects that will not extensively impact the wetland do • not go through the review process. He stated he does not want to make the code sound too restrictive. He stated he would re-write the notice so there is not such extensive latitude. Mayor Marty asked about when structures or fill are brought in around a wetland and cause soil compaction, which in turn causes wetlands to recede. He stated Mounds View wants to preserve and protect wetlands, and it appears Mounds View is heading in the direction of developers and the tone of the ordinance sounds contrary to wetland protections. Mayor Marty stated he does not want to alarm residents who have homes in areas that are previous wetland designations. He stated that in the past, the Council had to review several buildings in the wetland buffer. He said he was under the impression that all proposed wetland buffer structures would come before the City. Director Ericson stated no changes are being made to the ordinances, but the wetland maps are just being update. He stated no changes would impact residents, that the maps are utilizing more modern technologies to come up with maps that are more realistic and representative. He stated that it might be a good time to review the ordinance and City requirement. Mayor Marty asked if the proposed maps are current and up-to-date. Director Ericson replied that they are the most current. MOTION/SECOND: MARTY/STIGNEY. To Set a Public Hearing for October 9, 2006 at 7:25 pm to Consider the Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 780, an Ordinance Approving Modifications to the City's Official Wetland Zoning District Maps.