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� <br /> ��� <br /> �Bonestroo <br /> o Rosene <br /> ��O �Anderlik& <br /> Associates <br /> � Engineen 6 Architects <br /> Project Name: Glendale Cove Client:City of Orono <br /> To: Mike Gaffron, Planning Director File No:Zoning File #05-31,.31. BRA: 139-05-000 <br /> L:;'-' i`,• �.,, <br /> From:John Smyth, Senior Scientist Date: 10/21 �;,,, , �� �` <br /> � , �, <br /> Re: Re uest for Set-back variance to 10 -feet �"�"-��.:� ' �"f"�' <br /> C� _ r� <br /> Lots 7 and 8 ` '� <br /> � , f <br /> ��� � <br /> Wetland Boundary <br /> Following the review of the wetland boundary in the field it should be noted that the wetland boundary <br /> along Willow Drive has not been delineated. It would appear to be important to have this wetland <br /> delineated and surveyed to more accurately reflect that the wetland does not extend to the edge of the <br /> road as it currently appears on the development plans. This will be important if the City is considering a <br /> trail along Willow Drive in the future. In addition a portion of the wetland along Willow Drive may not be <br /> natural and could have inadvertently formed due to grading for drainage along the road. This is currently <br /> be investigated by the developers wetland consultant. <br /> Wetland and Buffer Avoidance <br /> I would recommend not allowing a variance to the setbacks for Lots 7 and 8. With the position of the <br /> wetland being in the backyards of the proposed lots I do not think it is reasonable to assume that people <br /> that ultimately live in these homes will be satisfied with a 10-foot backyard. The City created the 20-foot <br /> setback in order to insure that people have adequate backyard space prior to the buffer and wetland to <br /> eliminate (or a least minimize) encroachment into the buffer. <br /> The applicant has shown a plan, with a slightly smaller house pad, that works for Lot 7 and thus I am not <br /> sure why the variance is requested for this lot. With the submitted layout and the existing conditions that <br /> includes a wetland, buffer and setback, Lot 8 appears to be unbuildable, however the applicant may want <br /> to explore other lot layouts to maintain the number of lots. Lot 10 is extremely wide and if narrowed Lots 9 <br /> and 8 could be shifted to the northwest and potentially minimize or eliminate wetland impacts from Lot 8 <br /> and allow for the buffer and setback. If Lot 10 size is the limiting factar the storm pond could be elongated <br /> and thus create greater depth for Lot 10. <br /> Following the field review it appears that a portion of the wetland located on Lot 10 may have been <br /> artificially connected to the main wetland by excavation for drainage. This will be reviewed and determined <br /> by the watershed. If the small wetland on Lot 10 was connected to the main wetland artificially the City <br /> could consider having a different classification for the wetland on Lot 10. This wetland is predominately <br /> reed canary grass (invasive species) and the location next to the road offers little wildlife habitat value. If <br /> the classification was lowered the buffer would be less which could allow the houses and lot lines shift <br /> closer to Willow Drive and potentially help protect the Wetland on Lot 8 which is a higher quality basin. <br /> Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associafes, Inc. <br /> 2335 West Highway 36+ St. Paul, MN 55113 + Phone: 651-636-4600+ Fax: 651-636-1311 <br />