Review Natural Resources Aspects of Hampton Townhomes Preliminary Plat

The City has received an application for Preliminary Plat review for Hampton Homes, a twenty-six (26) unit, attached townhome project located over three existing parcels, 14600, 14544, and 14520 Nowthen Blvd NW (together referred to as the "Subject Property").  The Subject Property is located in the R-2 Residential District and allows for a density between four (4) and seven (7) units per acre.  

Notification is not required for this step.

Existing Features
The City's Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) does not identify any existing native plant communities on the Subject Property.  The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) classifies the Subject Property as 'urban with vegetative cover'.  There is some tree cover, especially along the western boundary, adjacent to an existing single family neighborhood, and the southern 1/3 or so of the Subject Property.  There do not appear to be any wetlands or floodplains on the Subject Property.

Tree Preservation
As noted, there are significant trees on the Subject Property and the submittal does include a Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan.  The project appears to be attempting to protect and preserve much of the existing tree cover along the western boundary of the Subject Property.  This not only helps address concerns previously raised by the adjacent, existing single family neighborhood, but also counts toward the density transitioning requirements (addressed later).  Overall, it appears that the Tree Preservation Plan does comply with the requirement to retain forty percent (40%) of the significant tree inches on site (after factoring out removal of invasive species, removals for required ponding, etc.).  Staff has requested some clarification regarding what each color represents and to have a summary table included to specify what each color is, how many Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) inches are included per color, and how many DBH inches will be save and removed per color as well.  Furthermore, it appears that some invasive species (e.g. Siberian Elm) are not being removed; Staff is seeking clarification as to whether those inches were included or excluded from the tree preservation calculation.

Landscape Plan
Between the proposed plantings and the existing trees retained on site, the Landscape Plan appears to meet or exceed the minimum planting requirements.  The species are generally acceptable; however, Staff has recommended that some more shade tolerant species be considered along the western boundary where they will be interspersed amongst existing tree cover.  Staff has also recommended relocating several trees as they appear to be right over a proposed storm sewer pipe running between two buildings.

Density Transitioning
Due to existing single family neighborhoods to the west and north of the Subject Property, density transitioning is required along those two boundaries.  For every 100 feet of common boundary, two (2) each of ornamental, evergreen, and overstory trees are required.  Density transitioning plantings are intended to create a 'buffer' between existing and new developments of differing densities.  These plantings are above and beyond the base landscaping requirements for a project.  Along the western boundary, existing tree cover, with some supplemental plantings, satisfy this requirement.  It appears a few additional plantings are needed along the northern boundary.

All costs associated with this project are the Applicant's responsibility.

Motion to recommend approval of the Landscape and Tree Inventory and Preservation Plans contingent upon compliance with Staff's review letter.