Laserfiche WebLink
r <br />MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION <br />TREE PRESERVATION WORK SESSION HELD SEPTEMBER 12,1997 <br />statement. Gappa noted that if the goal was to protect trees, it would not make any difference <br />if a subdivision occurred. Lindquist agreed that the private property owner could do what <br />he wants. Stoddard asked if members were addressing developers or private property <br />owners. Lindquist felt the ordinance was to be designed more for development rather than <br />monitor ing individual private properties. Other members ^reed. Gappa added that it would <br />be difficult to go back 2 years to monitor when trees had been cut down. Smith felt they <br />were spending time on an unenforceable ordinance. Lindquist suggested leaving the 2 year <br />limit in section 4(C) and reviewing at a later time. <br />4. Replacing Significant Trees <br />This section sets limits, i.e. no more than 25 trees can be raised per acre. Stoddard noted that <br />25 trees could be on a very small portion of the property. Van Zomeren felt this section fell <br />short as it did not define what kind of trees, their size or where they were located. Berg <br />commented that 1/3 acre lots are standard in Minnetonka whereas Orono has many 2-5 acre <br />parcels which are quite different. Van Zomeren agreed that Minnetonka saw 25 trees as the <br />appropriate number for many of their lots, and the lots would seem densely planted with <br />trees. Lindquist compared 5 acres having 250 trees as being densely planted in Orono. Van <br />Zomeren questioned the time it would take to count trees on a larger parcel. Stoddard asked <br />who would do the counting - the homeowner? Berg noted that the Planning Commission <br />asked for a tree inventory of the Wolf property and Council didn ’t think it was necessary. <br />Van Zomeren commented that she was uncomfortable defining a number for required trees. <br />Hawn suggested replacing tree-for-tree e.xcept where impossible. Van Zomeren added that <br />there could be a debate over the value of deciduous vs. coniferous trees. Lindquist suggested <br />leaving 25-50 trees per acre in the ordinance at this time. <br />J