Consider Interim Topsoil Specification for 2015 Construction Season

The City has a topsoil requirement that is triggered whenever a Building Permit is issued for the construction of a new principal building (residential or commercial).  City Code requires four (4) inches of topsoil applied to all disturbed areas not otherwise improved with impervious surfacing (rooftop, driveway, walkway, etc.).  The current definition of topsoil references a MnDOT specification, Premium Topsoil Borrow.  However, in 2014, MnDOT issued a new Specifications Book (Standard Specifications for Construction), which no longer includes the specification for Premium Topsoil Borrow.  Thus, the definition of topsoil in City Code is referencing a specification that no longer exists.  The purpose of this case is to consider an interim solution for the topsoil requirement.

This matter was presented to the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) and they reviewed three (3) topsoil specifications from MnDOT's 2014 Spec Book, which were most similar to the City's current requirement (see attached).  Ultimately, the EPB recommended that the City accept topsoil material that meets the Common Topsoil Borrow specification.  The allowable ranges of sand and organic matter within this specification most closely resemble that of the City's current requirement.  These two components were the primary focus of the City Council when the topsoil requirement was considered in 2009.

The EPB also recommended that the City review and consider additional water conservation strategies that could be implemented rather then relying solely on topsoil.  If alternative options are found to be viable, this would create some flexibility within City Code and allow property owners to choose between between multiple options.  Staff will be working with the EPB on this matter and anticipate bringing forth an Ordinance Amendment in some fashion in the near future.  However, in the meantime, City Staff is looking for consensus of the City Council to accept topsoil material meeting the standards of Table 3877-1 (Common Topsoil Borrow) for the 2015 construction season.

This case is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

The EPB recommends utilizing the Common Topsoil Borrow specification found in MnDOT's 2014 edition of Standard Specifications for Construction.

Motion to approve Standard Operating Policy #001-15 allowing the use of the Common Topsoil Borrow specification from MnDOT's 2014 Standard Specifications for Construction.