Consider Landscape and Tree Preservation Plan for Covenant Meadows; Case Brookview Estates, LLC

The City has received an application for Preliminary Plat and Rezoning for a proposed twelve (12) lot subdivision on the property legally described as Outlot A, Meadowbrook (the "Subject Property").  The request includes rezoning the Subject Property from R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) to Planned Unit Development (PUD).  A PUD allows for some negotiation regarding bulk standards (e.g. lot size, setbacks, etc.) if there is a definitive public benefit as an outcome of the project.  In this instance, the Developer is proposing to deed to the City approximately fifteen (15) acres of land that straddles Trott Brook.

The Subject Property includes lands on both the north and south sides of Trott Brook.  Adjacent to the Brook is, per the City's NRI, moderate quality forest floodplain and oak woodlands.  Essentially all of these natural areas are part of the land that would be deeded to the City.  Additionally, there is also a small cluster of high quality oak woodland on the Subject Property, located on the proposed Lot 4, Block 1.  It appears that the bulk of this woodland will be protected during the development of the site (however, a future landowner would not be prohibited from tree removal).  The land that is proposed to be deeded to the City also has some steep slopes.  This action will provide greater protection for the steep slopes than if they were on privately owned lands.

Per the Tree Plan, approximately fifteen percent (15%) of the significant tree inches will be removed (this excludes those removed for stormwater ponds as allowed by City Code).  This complies with the Tree Preservation standards outlined in City Code.  The Tree Plan will need to be revised to specify that tree clearing activities shall not occur between April 15 and July 15 due to the presence of larger stands of oak trees.

The Landscape Plan provides two (2) trees per lot and includes a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees.  The proposed species are acceptable.

Staff is seeking recommendations from the Board on the Landscape Plan and the Tree Preservation Plan.

All costs associated with this request are the responsibility of the Applicant.

Motion to recommend approval of the Landscape Plan and Tree Preservation Plan, contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter.