Consider Request from Lennar Homes to Stockpile Topsoil Supply On Site

The City has received a request from Lennar Homes to stockpile topsoil to meet the City's topsoil requirement on the site of Woodlands instead of importing from off site for each individual home site. Lennar Homes has access to topsoil from a project Lennar is constructing in Medina, MN. Importing topsoil and correcting on site is contemplated in the City's topsoil ordinance.  Lennar shall be responsible for having the final product tested to confirm that it meets the City's topsoil requirements prior to use of the material and a copy of those test results shall be provided to the City.

Staff acknowledges the opportunity to better re-use soil in a manner that reduces costs of development of Woodlands. Staff does acknowledge concerns raised by residents of the previous phase of this development (known as Sweetbay Ridge). Individual builders began stockpiling excess soil on a vacant lot along 161st Avenue. Neighbors in close proximity submitted complaints to the City about the appearance of this stockpile becoming a nuisance.

All costs with processing the request are the responsibility of the Applicant/Developer.

Staff does not object to the request, but does seek Council authorization, as this was not included in the original grading plan. Staff will utilize appropriate tools and nuisance code provisions to address any future issues. The City will retain sufficient dollars in surety to allow the City to correct any future issues if they do so arise.

Motion to allow Lennar Homes to stockpile topsoil on the site of Woodlands (formerly Country Club Hills) as indicated in the attached plans.