09-12-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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• MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION TREE PRESERVATION WORK SESSION HELD SEPTEMBER 12,1997 7. City Forester Tree Species List Hawn suggested a list be kept at the City offices rather than listing the good/bad trees in an ordinance. Stoddard did not think it was a bad idea to include a listing in the ordinance as a forester would agree with such a list. Van Zomeren continued with discussion of "An Ordinance Amending Minnetonka City Code Chapter 300 Regarding Tree Protection and Density Ranges" as it would relate to Orono's situation. In Section 1, the definition of a Significant Tree would parallel the lakeshore ordinance. In Section 2, a tree inventory would not be required at the sketch plan review but would be discussed. The performance standards regulating tree removal in Section 3 are all good. Urban development can be omitted. Reference to septic systems should be added. Gaffron suggested adding "other facilities" which would include accessory buildings, pools and tennis courts. Van Zomeren suggested there may be a need for public education on tree preservation unless the • ordinance is just adopted into the Subdivision Code. Stoddard noted that most developers are also builders. Although the developer would not be allowed to cut down trees, there would be nothing to stop the individual homeowner from cutting trees down to build an accessory structure once he buys a lot. He added that other ordinances regulate accessory structures in their size and placement which will affect trees on the property. Gaffron asked if members had discussed whether they should be preserving individual trees or woodlands. He suggested that preserving "significant trees" would allow many smaller trees to be cut down and could change the habitat and character of an area. Lindquist asked for further definition of a woodland. Gaffron felt it would include habitat, understory and the character of an area. The size would be difficult to define. Lindquist felt a woodland would comprise at least 1/2 acre in area. Members discussed the Whitehead property which is mainly woodlands. They questioned how the woodlands could be replaced. Hawn did not think the City should get involved in supervising what individual owners do with trees on their property. Smith stated that it seemed the ordinance would penalize developers but allow individuals to do what they want. Stoddard felt this may be the best the City could do. There would be protection from a • 4