10-20-1997 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION TREE PRESERVATION WORK SESSION HELD SEPTEMBER 12,1997 Lindquist suggested looking closer at Maple Grove's ordinance. He asked if a policy statement rather than an ordinance would solve some of the tree issues. Hawn felt an ordinance would be better for developer since better guidelines and quantification could be provided. Hawn referred to the Whitehead subdivision application. It would be impossible to develop three lots and still maintain the woodland character and habitat of the property, if that was the goal. Berg thought a developer v/ould want to be able to build and have some lawn. She asked what percentage of trees to preserve would be appropriate. On 2 acre lots, Hawn felt they couldn't leally preserve a woodland. Therefore they should stop looking at such an ordinance unless they look at zones. Van Zomeren added that a septic system, building pad and driveway must also be considered. Lindquist added that it would be difficult to place a house and two septic site on two acre lots. Gaffron noted that PUDs are not really used in the 2 acre zone. Lindquist felt preservation of woodlands was a great idea but impractical in some cases. Hawn asked if the policy statement could include reference to preserving woodlands wherever possible. Gaffron thought the tree preservation discussions were a direct result of the Spring Hill Golf Course, since there was not an ordinance in place to protect the Big Woods. Because of the acreage involved in Spring Hill, the golf course could possibly still have been developed. There are no ordinances to prevent development of that area into two acre lots. If the City wants to preserve large wooded areas, incentives need to be offered to developers. Clustering is a possibility but this w'ould require sewer. Council has not been in favor of clustering. Lindquist thought that if they go beyond the policy statement, an ordinance would either be directed at woodland preservation or the 25-50 trees per acre standard, and he was unsure if either was appropriate. Hawn questioned how a developer might perceive a policy statement. Van Zomeren responded that 8