2026.07.06 ORD 2026-549 Replace Zoning and Land Use Ordinance

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Created: 2025-05-22 16:40:53 [EST] (Supp. No. 36) Page 132 of 198 (d) Wherever feasible, shade trees with a trunk diameter of six inches or more, and evergreen trees over 25 feet in height, shall be preserved as part of land development activities. If not feasible, then a replacement agreement must be met with the city. (e) No vegetation, fence, berm, or other visual obstruction over two feet tall shall be placed, or allowed to develop, within the site triangle areas as defined in Section 90-49(a)(7). Trees that overhang the setback requirement shall have their branches trimmed to provide unobstructed visibility to a point ten feet above the centerline gradient of the abutting streets. Public utility poles, street lights, and regulatory signs constructed may be located in the site triangle area with approval of the city engineer. (f) No tree, shrub, or other organic matter, except low-growing ground covers, shall be planted or allowed to grow in public road rights-of-way without approval by the city council. (g) No tree shall be planted under or near an overhead power line that may grow to interfere with power transmission. Large mature-height trees, may not be planted under or within 30 feet of overhead power lines. Care shall be taken not to cause damage to underground utilities and services when planting. Excavations over 18 inches deep require prior notification of utility companies and the locating of underground facilities through the state's Gopher State One-Call system. (h) No person shall cut, remove, trim, or in any way damage any tree on any property owned by the city, or shall create any condition hazardous to any tree on city property without approval of the city's public works director. (i) Intensive clearing of vegetation in shoreland areas is not allowed. Limited clearing of trees, shrub cutting, and pruning of trees is allowed to provide view to the water from the principal dwelling site and to accommodate placement of stairways, landings, picnic areas, access paths, livestock watering areas, beach and watercraft access areas, and permitted water-oriented accessory structures and facilities provided that: (1) Clearing of vegetation shall be limited as much as possible. No vegetation shall be removed which would lead to erosion, bank slumping or change to the topography of shoreland or public waters. (2) The screening of structures, vehicles, or other facilities, as viewed from the water, assuming summer leaf on conditions, is not substantially reduced. (3) Existing shading of water surfaces is preserved along lakes, rivers and streams. (j) For regulations on bluffs, see section 90-169. (k) Wetland areas shall be left undisturbed and allowed to retain their natural vegetative cover. Where wetlands are restored or replaced, vegetative cover shall be planted or allowed to grow in accordance with the wetland type desired. (l) Buffer strips of natural upland vegetation, free of noxious weeds and materials, up to 50 feet wide are encouraged along wetlands, lakes, rivers, and streams. (m) Safe and attractive screening shall completely block from view the activities or uses requiring the screening from all public right-of-way and adjacent properties. (n) Parking and loading areas. (1) The perimeter area of all parking and loading areas shall be landscaped. Landscaping performed in parking and loading areas shall apply towards meeting the other landscaping requirements of its zoning district. This perimeter area shall be a minimum of ten feet wide where it abuts a public street and residentially zoned property and five feet wide where it abuts other areas. The perimeter area shall be measured from the street right-of-way or lot line to back of curb. Sidewalks shall not be included when determining the landscaping requirement for the perimeter area. The perimeter area shall be covered with approved ground cover, as herein defined, and include an average of at least one evergreen or