06-17-2019 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

(a) Removal of wetlands from a wetland overlay district (i.e. by filling, etc.) requires a zoning amendment and an amendment of the official city wetland map. The amendments must be made pursuant to the provisions of section 78-43 of this chapter and WCA replacement rules. These amendments must be consistent with the purpose of this article, the city's surface water management plan and the goals and policies of the community management plan. In determining the appropriateness of a rezoning request, the city council will consider the size of the wetland overlay district, the magnitude of the area proposed for removal, hydrological and ecological effects and the type and function of wetlands involved in order to provide the maximum feasible protection. (b) Wetlands within an overlay district may only be removed according to WCA rules and if at least an equal area of wetland replacement is created to compensate for the wetland being filled. Unless otherwise approved by the city council, compensatory wetland area must be provided within Orono and within the same subwatershed (Painter's Creek, Long Lake Creek, Classen Creek, Lake Minnetonka) as the wetland being altered, if available. (c) In addition to application requirements, the city may require submission and approval of the following information: (1) A copy of the wetland replacement plan application submitted to the MCWD; (2) A concept plan showing the ultimate use of the property; (3) A grading plan, in hard copy format and a CAD or GIS format in Hennepin County coordinates, with appropriate drainage calculations and erosion controls prepared by a registered engineer; (4) A landscaping or revegetation plan; (5) Such other information as may be necessary or convenient to evaluate the proposed permit; and (6) A MnRAM assessment approved by the MCWD. (Ord.No. 28 3rd series, § 1, 8-22-2005) Sec. 78-1610. -Alteration of wetlands. (a) No alteration of land within a wetland overlay district or an existing established wetland buffer is allowed without a wetlands alteration permit, subject to recommendation by the planning commission and approval of the city council. The planning commission must hold a public hearing per section 78- 48. Activities that constitute an alteration regulated by this section include changes to the size, depth or contour of the wetlands or its existing established buffer, dredging, or alterations of wetlands or buffer vegetation. Alterations do not include wetland planting or the selective clearing or pruning of trees or vegetation that are dead, diseased, noxious weeds or similar hazards. A wetland alteration permit is not required when a wetland district is rezoned to another zoning classification. (b) Alteration of land within a wetland overlay district will only be allowed if water storage is provided in an amount compensatory to that removed. Unless otherwise approved by the city council, compensatory wetland area must be provided within the same subwatershed district as the wetland being altered. In determining the appropriateness of an alteration request, the city council will consider the size of the total wetland district, the magnitude of the area proposed for alteration, the aesthetic, hydrological and ecological effect, the type and function of wetlands involved, and such other factors as may be appropriate in order to provide the maximum feasible protection to the wetlands. Application for a wetlands alteration permit must be accompanied by such information as required by the city, including: (1) A copy of the wetland replacement plan application submitted to the MCWD; (2) A concept plan showing the ultimate use of the property; (3) A grading plan, in hard copy format and a CAD or GIS format in Hennepin County coordinates, with appropriate drainage calculations and erosion controls prepared by a registered engineer;