06-17-2019 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

Project Name and/or Number: North Shore Meadows, LLC Attachment C Avoidance and Minimization Project Purpose,Need,and Requirements.Clearly state the purpose of your project and need for your project. Also include a description of any specific requirements of the project as they relate to project location, project footprint,water management, and any other applicable requirements.Attach an overhead plan sheet showing all relevant features of the project(buildings, roads,etc.),aquatic resource features(impact areas noted)and construction details(grading plans,storm water management plans,etc.), referencing these as necessary: The purpose of this project is to create a level 120-foot by 60-foot building pad in order to construct a recreational sport court area and/or a cold storage outbuilding in the future.The cold storage building is needed by the landowner to store property maintenance equipment such as lawn mowers,trailers,and recreational vehicles.The 69-acre property has limited outbuildings for secured and protected storage from the elements.The landowner has a full time staff to maintain the property's landscape and natural resources.Additional storage may be needed if new equipment is purchased for the maintenance of the property. In addition to constructing a storage building,a pervious mulch driveway would be installed to access the outbuilding from the driveway located to the east of the pad.The driveway is proposed to be approximately 20-feet by 40-feet. Along with the cold storage shed,a recreational sport court maybe proposed to encompass a portion of the 120-foot by 60- foot pad.The court would be used for recreational purposes and activities.The sport court would offer an amenity to the house for the landowner and his family,as well as add resale value to the property.The project area offers a setting that is in close proximity to the house for normal usage,while reducing the number of mature tree removals. The project area is located in close proximity to the house and adjacent to the driveway for vehicle access.This area of the property has a limited number of trees compared to the surrounding property,and will limit the amount of tree removal needed if the building pad was placed elsewhere.The area currently consists of a slightly depressional wetland within a flat area that has no trees. In order for a level building pad to be developed,the 0.022 acre wetland will need to be filled and leveled. Proposed construction plans(attached Sheet 2)depict where the pad would be placed in comparison to the wetland. The current layout of the proposed pad and stormwater drainage reduces the amount grading needed to the surrounding slopes, removal of mature trees,and existing driveway. The attached construction plans show the amount of fill and cut earthwork that will be needed in order to establish a construction pad with the correct leveling and proper hydrologic drainage. Avoidance. Both the CWA and the WCA require that impacts to aquatic resources be avoided if practicable alternatives exist. Clearly describe all on-site measures considered to avoid impacts to aquatic resources and discuss at least two project alternatives that avoid all impacts to aquatic resources on the site.These alternatives may include alternative site plans,alternate sites,and/or not doing the project.Alternatives should be feasible and prudent(see MN Rules 8420.0520 Subp.2 C).Applicants are encouraged to attach drawings and plans to support their analysis: Project Alternatives: 1. No Build:The no build alternative is not feasible,as it will not accommodate the projects purpose as stated prior for providing adequate storage for outdoor equipment,and/or providing recreational opportunities for the landowner with the addition of a sport court. 2. Alternative Sites on Property:Other areas were examined throughout the 69 acre site to construct a 120-foot by 60-foot level building pad.The property(as a whole)is unique in that it is surrounded by Lake Minnetonka on 3 sides,it's dominated by a mature maple-basswood forest,contains rolling topography, has several wetlands,and has an approximate 8.5 acre restored native prairie area.Space that does not impact natural resources and that is in close proximity to the existing driveway and house is limited. Three site alternatives for the building pad were investigated, but eventually determined not to be feasible due to a number of reasons stated below.The areas that were examined focused on level terrain to minimize the amount of fill and grading needed to establish the building pad.Site alternatives can be viewed on the attached Figure 3.