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Memo Assoclatci twiwgwi A VCWMIM Proii^etNmif: Glendale Cove Client: City of Orono To: Mike Gaffron. Planning Director File No: Zoning File #05-313.1 BRA: 139-05-000 ' (.7 From: John Smyth, Senior Scientist Oato: 10/21 //aiz f Re: Request for Set-back variance to 10 - feet Lots 7 and 8 or,)• %5 or Oi: Wetland Boundary Following the review of the wetland boundary in the field it should be noted that the wetland boundary along Willow Drive has not been delineated. It would appear to be important to have this wetland delineated and surveyed to more accurately reflect that the wetland does not extend to the edge of the road as It currently appears on the development plans. This will be important if the City is considering a trail along Willow Drive in the future. In addition a portion of the wetland along Willow Drive may not be natural and could have inadvertently formed due to grading for drainage along the road. This is currently be investigated by the developers wetland consultant. Wetland and Buffer Avoidance I would recommend not allowing a variance to the setbacks for Lots 7 and 8. With the position of the wetland being in the backyards of the proposed lots I do not think it is reasonable to assume that people that ultimately live in these homes will be satisfied with a 10-foot backyard. The City created the 20-foot setback in order to insure that people have adequate backyard space prior to the buffer and wetland to eliminate (or a least minimize) encroachment into the buffer. The applicant has shown a plan 'vith a slightly smaller house pad, that works for Lot 7 &.nd thus I am not sure why the variance is requested for this lot. With the submitted layout and the existing conditions that includes a wetland, buffer and setback. Lot 8 appears to be unbuildable, however the applicant may want to explore other lot layouts to maintain the number of lots. Lot 10 is extremely wide and if narrowed Lots 9 and 8 could be shifted to the northwest and potentially minimize or eliminate wetland impacts from Lot 8 and allow for the buffer and setback. If Lot 10 size is *he limiting factor the storm pond could be elongated and thus create greater depth for Lot 10. Following the field review it appears that a portion of the wetland located on Lot 10 may have been artificially connected to the main wetland by excavation for drainage. This will be reviewed and determined by the watershed. If the small wetland on Lot 10 was connected to the main wetland artificially the City could consider having a different classification for tht wetland on Lot 10. This wet'and is predominately reed canary grass (invasive species) and the location next to the road offers little wildlife habitat value. If trie classification was lowered the buffer would be less which could allow the houses and lot lines shift closer to Willow Drive and potentially help protect the Wetland on Lot 8 which is a higher quality basin. BiMissfima Reeene, Anderttk end Aaeecla^. /wc. 2335 West Highway 36 St Paul. MN 55113 -f Phone: 651-636-4600 + Fax: 651-636-1311 j