6.5. ERMUSR 04-05-2007Elk River ^-~
Municipal Utilities
13069 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
Apri12, 2007
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
Jerry Takle
Jerry Gumphrey
Jim Tralle
From: Bryan Adams
Subject: Proposed Black Dirt Ordinance
phone: 763.441.2020
c' I~ax:763.441.8099
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With summer approaching, water consumption will increase due to lawn sprinkling.
Please refer to the graphs in the financial section for actual values. The northwest area of
the Twin Cities including Elk River, have very sandy soil making moisture retention for
lawns very difficult. Many cities at the urging of the DNR are requiring 4" of black dirt
under lawns as a strategy to increase moisture retention and thereby conserving water.
We have surveyed the cities listed below and have received the following information.
Otsego -developers must use 6" of black dirt where the ground is sandy.
Rogers - no policy yet. Much of Rogers is heavy clay. They will be annexing
additional areas with sandy soils but will encourage developers to use
6" of black dirt.
St. Michael/Albertville - is under consideration but no policy. DNR is
encouraging them to adopt a policy.
Big Lake -requires 4" of black dirt for seeded lawns and 2"of black dirt under
sodded areas.
Becker -requires 3" of black dirt by homeowner, not developer.
Ramsey - no requirement.
Monticello -requires 4" of black dirt.
Andover -requires 4" of black dirt. Winter construction developer puts money
in escrow.
Zimmerman -requires 4" of black dirt.
Brooklyn Park -requires 4" of black dirt.
The downside of requiring black dirt under lawn areas in new developments is as follow.
1) Increase initial cost of development or construction.
2) May be somewhat difficult to enforce.
3) Because of added cost if homeowner pays directly, lawns may not be
installed. This has been an issue in some communities.
On the upside, the cities that have an ordinance indicate an approximate 10% saving in
water usage.
A proposed city ordinance would be...
Topsoil
Prior to seeding or sodding, all single-family, townhouses, condominium lots must have a
minimum of 4-inches of black dirt as topsoil, covering all areas that are to be sodded,
seeded or areas that will be landscaped beds. Black soils retain water better and reduces
the need for excessive irrigation.
Staff is asking for guidance, do you desire to pursue such an ordinance? If so it will need
to go through the planning commission and City Council. Staff recommends such an
ordinance.
Many of the above referenced cities also have a landscaping ordinance specifying number
and size of trees and shrubs for residential lots. These types of landscaping ordinance fits
well with our AC-Tree program and Energy City concept.