Consider the Natural Resources Aspects of the Preliminary Plat for Brookside Terrace (Project No. 25-113); Case of Brookside Construction Inc.

The City has received an application from Brookside Construction Inc. (the "Applicant") for a proposed six (6) lot single-family residential subdivision of the property generally known as 15156 Nowthen Boulevard (the "Subject Property").

Project Overview
The Subject Property is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Nowthen Boulevard and 151st Lane.  There is presently a single family home on the Subject Property. However, the Applicant intends to demolish and remove the home and detached accessory building, along with abandoning the well.  The Subject Property is zoned R-1A Single Family Residential, which requires lots to have a minimum width of 80 feet, a minimum lot depth of 100 feet, and a minimum lot area of 10,000 square feet.  The Subject Property is guided as Low Density Residential in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) and Minnesota Land Cover Classification System Information (MLCCS)
The City's NRI does not identify any native plant communities on the Subject Property.  A portion of an Altered / Non-Native Plant Community (deciduous woodland) does extend down into the northwest corner of the Subject Property.  Based on the natural topography of the area, all drainage flows toward the northwest portion of the Subject Property.  Thus, the Applicant's intent is to work with the natural topography as much as possible, meaning that the stormwater basin will be positioned in the northwest corner, and will result in some tree loss.  

The MLCCS indicates two different land cover types, including 'Urban with Vegetative Cover' and 'Altered Non-Native Deciduous Woodland'.

Finally, there are no wetlands or floodplains within the Subject Property.

Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan
The submittal did include a Tree Inventory and Preservation.  The site consists primarily of red cedar and mixed oaks, with some scattered willows, maples, pines, and ash.  There are a total of 2,800 DBH inches of significant trees on site and the inventory indicates that 1,006 DBH inches will be removed (equivalent to removing approximately 36% of the significant tree DBH inches).  The percentage is actually lower though, as the trees being removed for the stormwater basin are exempt from the removal threshold.  As proposed, this project will be in full compliance with the City's tree preservation standards.  Staff did add a review comment to the Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan noting that, depending on the timing of tree removal, precautionary steps may be needed to protect against the introduction of Oak Wilt. 

Landscape Plan
The submittal is missing a Landscape Plan.  Typically, in the R-1A Single Family Residential District, the required landscaping would consist of two (2) front yard trees, four (4) inches of topsoil over all areas disturbed that are not going to be finished with impervious surfacing (e.g. house, driveway, walkways, etc.), and turf establishment.  Existing trees preserved on site can offset planting requirements, assuming they are located in the front yard.  However, while the site is certainly exceeding the minimum threshold of DBH inches retained on site, none of the preserved trees will be in the front yard.  Staff will continue to work with the Applicant on the Landscape Plan.
 

All costs associated with this request are the Applicant's responsibilty.

Staff recommends approving the natural resources aspects of this project, contingent upon receipt of a Landscape Plan compliant with City Code Section 106-470 (Residential Landscaping Standards).

Motion to recommend approval of the natural resources aspects of the project, contingent upon receipt of a Landscape Plan compliant with City Code Section 106-470 (Residential Landscaping Standards).