07-16-2018 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

(6) Justification and mitigation of any negative impact to ecological communities. "Negative impact" includes any modification to a lower level of ecological community quality, as described by the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (M -34X Modifiers); (7) Maintenance of ecological connections through site design, as shown on the Orono Natural Resource Inventory; (8) Maintenance and protection of existing positive views, and mitigation of any existing or proposed negative views using appropriate measures such as site layout, screening, building design and coloration, etc.; and (9) Preservation or reinterpretation of existing landmarks. The planning commission and city council shall evaluate the Conservation Design Master Plan to determine whether the proposed development: (1) Preserves existing drainage patterns and enhances stormwater collection and conveyance by applying an ecologically -based multi -cell stormwater management system that improves ecosystems by reducing reliance on manmade infrastructure, reducing downstream runoff of contaminants, and enhancing ecological connections; (2) Includes a program for the removal of invasive species and diseased trees; protects significant tree stands and woodlands that support scenic and/or ecological goals; and includes mitigation of any such stands that will be impacted by development activities; (3) Protects existing wetlands by implementing new buffers or augmenting existing buffers; mitigates identified wetland impacts; and enhances degraded wetland systems; (4) Results in no negative impact to ecological communities of Ecological Management Categories 1 and 2; results in no negative modification of any ecological communities as described by the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System; and establishes, maintains and improves native ecological communities including natural and semi -natural areas to provide wildlife habitat and support natural ecological functions (i.e. drainage, filtering, buffering, etc.); (5) Establishes or maintains ecological connections through site design, as shown on the Orono Natural Resource Inventory that will enhance stormwater collection and conveyance, promote ecological and wildlife corridors, and provide recreational opportunities for residents; (6) Preserves and where appropriate augments or improves roadway corridor enclosure to promote community aesthetics associated with the city's rural character; preserves open rural views and other aesthetic elements of the landscape; and mitigates the negative visual impacts of development; (7) Preserves, maintains, or reinterprets existing landmarks and unique points of local character, and preserves distinct cultural features that will maintain a familiar sense of place in the community. (Ord. No. 67 3rd series, § 1, 1-11-2010) DIVISION 3. - DENSITY BONUS STANDARDS Sec. 78-1636. - Density bonuses for urban density development. For residential development in Orono's defined urban area (zoning districts allowing densities in excess of one unit per two acres, and including properties identified in the Orono Community Management Plan for conversion to urban density) within the ranges of the guided density a density bonus may be allowed if the city council finds that the performance bonus requirements of this division have been met. The city council shall determine the extent of density bonus awarded for such properties. Example: Properties guided in the Community Management Plan for a density range of two—four units per acre have a base density of two units per acre; while the high end of the density range is not