06-17-2024 Planning Commission Packet

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FILE #LA24-000030 17 June 2024 Page 4 of 5 Landscaping + Tree Preservation A landscape plan has been provided. City Code Section 82-225(b) stipulates deciduous trees (“boulevard trees”) are to be planted within five feet of the right-of-way of the roads within and abutting the subdivision. One tree shall be planted for every 40 feet of frontage along each road. The proposed landscape plan reflects 31 deciduous trees (including golden weeping willow, honey locust, spring snow crab, and Swedish columnar aspen), and four Eastern white pine in addition to various grasses, perennials, and shrubs – both evergreen and deciduous. The landscape plan is attached as Exhibit K. There are approximately 1,920 linear feet of road frontage requiring 48 trees. According to the schedule, 13 more trees should be provided to conform. The Developer is proposing to create tree preservation areas (Exhibit L). Tree preservation is proposed at the entrance corners and along the first 15-20 feet of the CSAH 6 frontage of Lots 1 and 6, and on the first 10 to 18 feet of the private property abutting the private road on Lots 1, 2, 5, and 6. A 35-foot by 155-foot tree preservation area is proposed on the east side of Lot 5 to protect trees planted by the owners of 3405 Sixth Avenue North by an informal agreement with the previous property owners. The tree preservation language is included in the Developer’s draft HOA Declaration (Exhibit O). Stormwater Drainage Trunk Fee + Stormwater Drainage Improvements Stormwater facilities will be required. The Developer has completed a stormwater and grading plan which is currently under review by the City Engineer and the MCWD. Their plan reflects grading and stormwater basins to address stormwater resulting from the new hardcover of the development. The plan has not been finalized but it is not likely that amendments to the plan will require adjustments to the proposed property boundaries or orientations. The final, approved stormwater and grading plan will be required as part of the final plat application submittals. Park/Trail Easement + Park Fees or Dedication The Parks, Open Space, and Trail Plan chapter of the Orono Comprehensive Plan does not specify the need for a neighborhood park at this location. Three River’s Baker Park is a regional park located to the north of the property. The City of Orono has Lurton Dog Park to the south abutting the proposed development. As there is no defined need for park land at this location, it would appear that the dedication of actual land for park purposes is not required. Absent the need for park land dedication, a Park Dedication Fee instead of land would be appropriate according to the City Ordinance. Park Dedication: The proposed application is anticipated to pay a park dedication fee in lieu of providing land for the newly created lots. The Park Dedication Fee is determined by the fair market value of the land being subdivided. The Hennepin County Assessor will be consulted to determine the market value of the land to establish the amount of the fee. Issues for Discussion 1. Does the Planning Commission agree with the Developer’s findings in the Conservation Design Master Plan? If not, what is lacking? 2. Does the Commission find the proposed plan preserves the existing rural “Open Enclosure” character along the CSAH 6 corridor? 3. The City’s landscaping requirements call for 13 additional boulevard trees. The Commission should ask for addition testimony from the application regarding the tree and landscaping plan. Are existing trees to remain accounted for in the plan? Does the Developer’s plan provide the desired natural aesthetic? Staff Recommendation Staff recommends approval for the proposed 6-lot subdivision with the following conditions before consideration by the City Council: