5.3 PCSR 08-23-2016 114 ...,
City o1 f � Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Planning Commission 5.3
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Public Hearings August 23,2016 Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner
Item Description Reviewed by
City of Elk River Zack Carlton,Planning Manager
• Ordinance Amendment relating to Tree Reviewed by
Ordinance, Case No. OA 16-11
Action Requested
Recommend,by motion, approval of the Ordinance Amendment as proposed.
Background/Discussion
The City Council directed staff to evaluate the current tree planting requirements, specifically as they
relate to developed sites.
The ordinance currently requires one tree per 40 lineal feet of site perimeter plus three more. At this time,
staff is not recommending reducing the number of trees required,but is looking to expand the credits
given to existing trees. Currently, credit for existing vegetation is provided at 1 credit for each trees
between 4" and 8"in diameter,and 2 credits for each tree greater than 8"in diameter.
Staff is proposing to amend Section 30-934 (b)(3)(e) as follows:
e. Credits.
2. For existing trees. The total number of required new trees may be offset by the retention of
existing trees on the lot provided that such trees satisfy the requirements of this section as to
size and species. The Existing Tree Credit Chart shall be used to determine the
amount of credit f o r existing trees. - ..-:.-: . --- ;--.. --- '- - -- '.- =:2 -- - - : -: -
than eight inches in diameter will receive credit for one tree. Existing trccs eight inches in
diameter or greater will receive credit for two trees. Existing trees closer than 15 feet together
shall be considered one tree and the largest diameter tree will be utilized to calculate the tree
credit. The diameter of and distance between trees shall be measured six inches above the
ground.
Existing Tree Credit Chart
Deciduous Tree Diameter Deciduous Tree Credit
2" to < 4 1/2" One (1)
4 1/2" to < 8" Two (2)
8" or more Three (3)
Coniferous Tree Height Coniferous Tree Credit
6' to < 10' One (1)
10' to c 15' Two (2)
15' or more Three (3)
[NAT AR E 1 E 1 URE
Subsection 30-934(d)(3) pertaining to species shall apply to the types of trees allowed to
receive credit.
3. For native grasses and plant communities. The total number of required trees may be offset by the
provision of native grasses and wildflowers. Planting or preservation of native planting
communities will receive credit for one tree per 500 square feet of native grass area. Credits
may not exceed 50 percent of the total requirements. A native grass and plant community
maintenance plan shall be submitted to the city every year by March 1.
Financial Impact
None
Council Meeting
If acted on, this item will go to the September 19, 2016, City Council meeting.
Attachments
• Ordinance
N:\Departments\Community Development\Planning\Case Files\OA\OA 16-11 Tree Ordinance\4-Planning Commission\OA 16-11 sr PC 8-23-
16.docx
to be removed
Underlines to be added
11416
City of
Elk �1
luver
Ordinance 16 -
An Ordinance Amending Section, 30-934, Landscaping of the City of Elk River,
Minnesota, City Code
The City Council of the City of Elk River does hereby ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. That § 30-934,Landscaping, of the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances shall read
as follows:
e. Credits.
2. For existing trees. The total number of required new trees may be offset by the retention of
existing trees on the lot provided that such trees satisfy the requirements of this section as to
size and species.A sliding scaleThe Existing Tree Credit Chart shall be used to determine the
amount of credit for existing trees. - :-i.- = . --- ;--•• --- :.. - -- ::; -- - - ; - : ---
diamctcr or grcatcr will rcccivc crcdit for two trccs. Existing trees closer than 15 feet together
shall be considered one tree and the largest diameter tree will be utilized to calculate the tree
credit. The diameter of and distance between trees shall be measured six inches above the
ground.
Existing Tree Credit Chart
Deciduous Tree Diameter Deciduous Tree Credit
2"to<4 1/2" One(1)
4 1/2"to<8" Two(2)
8"or more Three(3)
Coniferous Tree Height Coniferous Tree Credit
6'to< 10' One(1)
10'to< 15' Two(2)
15' or more Three(3)
Subsection 30-934(d)(3) pertaining to species shall apply to the types of trees allowed to
receive credit.
3. For native grasses and plant communities. The total number of required trees may be offset by the
provision of native grasses and wildflowers. Planting or preservation of native planting
communities will receive credit for one tree per 500 square feet of native grass area. Credits
may not exceed 50 percent of the total requirements. A native grass and plant community
maintenance plan shall be submitted to the city every year by March 1.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance shall take effect upon adoption and be published as provided by
law.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this 19th day of September, 2016.
Iiiiiiii er
NATURE
Last Updated March 2014
Strikethretters to be removed
Underlines to be added
John J. Dietz, Mayor
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk
Fi1Rh1
e r
NATURE
Last Updated March 2014