6.9. SR 01-20-1998'-"'y of
River
MEMORANDUM
Item # 6.9.
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council
Scott Harlicker, Planning Assistan~
January 20, 1998
Request by City of Elk River for
Ordinance Amendment Regarding
Boulevard and Front Yard Trees,
Public Hearing Case No. OA 97-17
Request
Consider a City initiated request to amend the subdivision regulations to
require one boulevard tree and one front yard tree per lot in residential
subdivisions.
Overview
At the November Planning Commission workshop, the Commission discussed
the current requirement in residential subdivisions of one front yard tree
every 60 feet of street frontage planted outside the right-of-way. It was
pointed out that this requirement sometimes creates a situation where one
lot would get one tree and another lot might get two trees. As a more
equitable method of allocating front yard trees throughout a subdivision and
in order to help reestablish trees after grading, it was suggested that each lot
get one yard tree. This tree would be planted in the front yard and corner lots
would get 2 yard trees, one along each street.
In addition to front yard trees the Commission also discussed the need to
establish a requirement for planting boulevard trees in residential
subdivisions. In order to create a pleasing streetscape and have the desired
aesthetic impact, the Commission felt it was appropriate to apply the same
requirement to boulevard trees as what is proposed for front yard trees.
Require one boulevard tree for every lot and corner lots would get two, one
along each street.
Because of the placement of underground utilities within the right-of-way,
the boulevard trees should be setback at least 6 feet but less than 12 feet
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
Memo to Mayor and City Council/OA 97-17
January 20, 1998
Page 2
from the edge of the road. This would allow room for utilities and still provide
the aesthetic effect of a tree lined street.
Planting the both the front yard trees and the boulevard trees would be the
responsibility of the developer and maintenance would be the responsibility
of the homeowner. The trees would have a minimum trunk diameter of not
less than two inches measured at 12 inches above the ground.
Planning Commission Meeting
This item was discussed at the December 23rd Planning Commission
meeting; no one spoke at the public hearing.
Recommendation
Planning Commission and staff recommend the City Council approve the
attached Ordinance No. 98- amending the subdivision regulations to
require one boulevard tree and one yard tree per lot in subdivisions.
\\elkriver\sys\shrdoc\planning\scott\oa9717cc.doc
ORDINANCE 98 -
CITY OF ELK RIVER
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER AMENDING
SECTION1008.14 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES
CASE NO. OA 97-17
The City Council of the City of Elk River does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. Section 1008.14(7)(c) of the City of Elk River Code of
Ordinances shall be amended to read as follows:
Following construction, vegetation suitable to the site shall be planted. The
type of species of tree planted shall be approved by the city. Trees with root
structures that are less likely to interfere with utility lines or sidewalks, or
cause other nuisance damage are preferable. Trees shall have a trunk
diameter (measured twelve (12) inches above ground level) of not less than
two (2) inches, and shall be planted in not less than one (1) cubic yard of good
growing soil with a suitable amount of fertilizer. Approved multiple varieties
shall be used alternately.
Plantings shall include boulevard trees and front yard tress. Boulevard trees
shall be planted at intervals of at least one tree per lot at a distance of at
least six (6) feet but less than twelve (12) feet from behind the curb. Corner
lots shall require two (2) boulevard trees, one per street frontage. Yard trees
shall also be planted at intervals of one tree per lot and located between the
edge of the right-of-way and the front of the house. Corner lots shall require
two (2) yard trees, one per street frontage. Planting of the trees shall be the
responsibility of the developer and maintenance shall be the responsibility of
the homeowner.
Section 2. That this ordinance shall take effect upon publication as
provided by law.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this __
., 1998.
day of
Henry A. Duitsman
Mayor
Sandra A. Thackeray
City Clerk
s: \document\ordinanc\oa97-17.doc